New Member: Recently diagnosed diabetic cat not eating

Discussion in 'Feline Health - (Welcome & Main Forum)' started by Hollie, Oct 18, 2020.

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  1. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Hi All,

    I apologize in advance for the length of this, but I want to give the important details.

    I have a 12 year old cat named Abby that was recently diagnosed with diabetes (I brought her in for a bladder infection). The doctor started her on 2 units of Vetsulin, however, because Abby is a “grazer” when it comes to eating, she lowered it to 1 unit. I had her back last week for a glucose check and she was at 385 about 4.5 hours after, so the doctor wanted her at 1.5 units twice a day.

    The vet also suggested switching her dry food the Purina D/M, as well as giving her canned D/M before her injection. Abby is an extremely picky eater and doesn’t tolerate change well. She did eat the dry DM, but it seems to have upset her stomach. Her stools became very loose. I thought perhaps I didn’t switch her over slowly enough (although my other cat tolerated it fine). I backed off the D/M and continued to leave our her normal mix of Science Diet Healthy Weight and N&D Chicken and Pomegranate. Before her insulin injection, I give her either the Fancy Feast Appetizer or Wellness Core Shreds. She will not eat anything pate and she doesn’t eat the D/M chunks in gravy. She does eat most of the wet without issue and then I give her the insulin. I thought we were moving in the right direction.

    Friday night, Abby was terribly lethargic and literally did not move for over 7 hours. I actually picked her up and made her walk just so I knew she could move. At about 5am yesterday, she had terrible explosive diarrhea. It was like water (sorry, I know that’s gross). I called the vet and she was able to see her. When I brought Abby in, her fasted blood glucose was 466. She gave her something for nausea, fluids and sent me home with a probiotic and Mirataz (an appetite stimulant). She told me to keep her on a bland diet until the diarrhea resolves. She also gave me Science Diet I/D for digestive issues to see if she’ll eat that. She instructed me to give her the 1 unit of insulin regardless of whether or not she ate because her number was high. I did. As the day progressed, Abby still wouldn’t really eat anything. I tried boiled chicken breast, baby food, her normal food, the I/D The one thing she did eat was the Inaba Churu Lickable Purée cat treat. It was something at least.

    As of this morning, she still is refusing food and she still has bad diarrhea. I did give her 1 unit of insulin this morning. She got the probiotic (I mixed with water and put in a syringe) I gave her the appetite stimulant and waited 2 hours. I brought down some of her food. She ate a few bites. I didn’t want to keep pushing it on her because of her stomach upset. She did drink a little water this morning, so that’s good.

    I’m worried about her not eating. I am uncertain of the cause of the diarrhea. The vet seemed to suggest it could be the effects of changing her food, but it’s been over a week since I stopped giving it to her and it went from loose stool to water. She was also eating her other food without issue. She’s gotten worse.

    I guess if there is a question in all this, short term, I’m not sure how to handle tonight. She is due for her insulin at 7pm, but if she continues to not eat, I don’t want to keep giving it to her.

    Also, as much as it scares me, I am resigning myself to the fact that I need to get a home glucose monitor to keep an eye on her. She is very testy and I know it will be difficult for me to test her. I have read up on the different options but still could use some guidance. I would like one that uses a small amount of blood - what are the best test strips for that? Also, I would probably freehand the stick. Which lancet would you recommend? I don’t want to hurt her and use a super thick needle but with starting out, I don’t know if the baby needles would be ideal either.

    I apologize again for being long winded. I’m kinda at a loss. I’m very overwhelmed and this has completely stressed me out. The fact that she is sick on top of the diabetes has me beyond worried. I find myself losing sleep and being sick to my stomach nervous . I work full time and worry about her being home alone all day tomorrow. What is she doesn’t start eating? How long should I wait to call the vet if her diarrhea doesn’t stop?
     
  2. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    WELCOME TO FDMB Hollie and Abby I think its a VERY good thing you found us. You WILL find help here.
    I am not familiar with the issues your poor Abby has so I'm going to tag some more experienced people to come help.
    @Panic
    @JanetNJ
    @Diane Tyler's Mom

    While you are waiting please read this and learn just how this board works. It will serve you to do so.

    I wish I was saying this without this situation but
    WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY:bighug:

    Hollie you have landed in a safe place for Abby. We are ALL dedicated to helping any and all that find this forum. One of the most important thing I have learned here is
    DONT FORGET TO BERATHE
    We WILL get this sorted.
    jeanne
     
    Panic likes this.
  3. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you so much Jeanne. I’m on information overload right now but I’m very glad to have found this site. Thank you for tagging people who may be able to help. Abby is my heart and I just want to help her, but it’s so frustrating. In the last 3 weeks, I’ve been at the ER and 3 vet visits. I can’t afford to keep spending hundreds and hundreds every week either.
     
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  4. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2019
    Welcome Hollie and Abby. :bighug:

    Question, did they check for ketones or pancreatitis? With high numbers such as hers and the diarrhea, lethargy, etc that would be my biggest concern. You can check ketones yourself by going to Walmart or any pharmacy and picking up ketone sticks and "catching" some pee under her onto the strip to read. Anything above trace needs veterinary attention and fluids to flush them out. Is she receiving fluids at all right now?

    Abby will need better food than the Purina DM, most cats do not like it, but right now with how she is feeling, I would let her have anything that she's willing to eat. Baby food (chicken variety without garlic/onions) if she wants it, lots of cats end up eating that. If she prefers her old food right now let her have that. Let's get over the hump of her not feeling well before we tackle food changes.

    Here is a shopping list for you for home testing. Info on how to home test is included.

    Hometesting Kit:

    Hometesting Tips and Tricks
    ReliOn Prime glucometer - $9
    ReliOn Prime test strips - $18 for 100
    ReliOn Lancets 26 G (or 28 if unavailable) - $1-2 for 100
    ReliOn Lancing Device (optional) - $5
    Travel-size Vaseline - $1
    Neosporin Ointment + Pain Relief (ointment only, NOT cream) - $6
    Cotton Pads (optional) - $2
    Rice Sock or Pill bottle w/ warm water (optional) - homemade

    You can use any kind of human meter, however the one listed above is Walmart brand and has the cheapest strips available. Same goes for lancets. You do not need a lancing device if you prefer to poke freehand, it's just personal preference. Vaseline is for helping the ear to bead up, neosporin is for helping the ear to heal/prevent bruising after the poke. Just a little dab of each. Cotton pads are optional, some people like to use them as backing so not to poke themselves, then to hold the ear a moment after to prevent bruising and stop bleeding. You can use a paper towel or your fingers if you prefer. Rice socks can be used in the microwave a few seconds to heat up and rub on the ear to draw the blood to the ear; it can also be used as backing when poking the ear. A pill bottle with warm water in it is another alternative to warm the ear, whichever thing you prefer to use.

    Hypo Kit Supplies:

    Hypo Kit Toolbox
    Karo Syrup - $3
    Ketone Test Strips (Ketostix) - $6
    A few cans of Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers Marinated Morsels/Sliced in Gravy/Grilled in Gravy varieties - $0.60 each (these are your medium-carb cans)
    A few cans of Fancy Feast Gravy Lovers/Medleys Tuscany/Medleys Gravy in Sauce varieties - $0.60 each (these are your high-carb cans)

    Medium Carb is 11-15%
    High Carb is 16%+

    You can also search through the catinfo chart while you're at the store to check which cans available are the ones you need. They don't HAVE to be Fancy Feast but they're fairly easy to find.

    Another thing if your vet has not already told you - Vetsulin must have food on board BEFORE giving insulin. Feed, wait 30 minutes, THEN give insulin. Vetsulin is not a good choice for cats, but right now we need to focus on getting her feeling better, okay?
     
  5. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Thanks Elizabeth

    Hollie all these things listed by Elizabeth are necessary tools, that very well could limit vet visits. If your vet wants you to buy their expensive stuff. Just politely decline using money as your main concern. We have treated thousands of cats with these simple tools.
    This whole site is based on human meters and strips that are WAY more economical than what ANY vet will sell.

    We can teach you how to use them effectively and efficiently. Of course the decision is all yours. We dont like telling people not to listen to their vet. Heck it would make our goal much easier if we didnt have to. We will honor ANY decision you make and STILL help you!
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2020
  6. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    I noticed you said you are looking for a meter that takes a small amount of blood. This one does Here is a link for the Alpha Trak 2 pet meter kit, which only includes 50 test strips. The strips are very very expensive 50 .00 for only 50 strips and you will be going thru a lot of test strips and will have to buy them on line


    ihttps://www.adwdiabetes.com/product/2752/alphatrak-pet-glucose-meter-kit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjwz6_8BRBkEiwA3p02VUMlSaXHZibDUtCmB1dcOy5X49zxNBv9tBIrGjGVaDwxpcw9Lm6R3hoCKJgQAvD_BwE
     
  7. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
  8. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    I second what @Panic (Elizabeth) suggested the Relion Prime human meter.
    I used to use the pet meter but it got too expensive.
    The Relion does take a little bit more blood but I had no problem what so ever.
    Most of us use a human meter anyway
     
  9. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    link:http://catinfo.org/docs/CatFoodProteinFatCarbPhosphorusChart.pdfpdf

    Since you said Abby doesn't like pate you could check out the Fancy Feast Naturals
    or any other food on the food chart.
    We like to stay under 10% carbs

    But you should also have on hand some medium and high carb foods like Elizabeth mentioned, in case Abby drops too low and you need to bring her BG up

    I'm sorry she isn't feeling well
    We can help you with testing, but you really should no matter what insulin she is on, but especially Vetsulin, it's a harsh insulin and can drop their BG fast.
    You need to keep her safe,
    You mentioned she was lethargic for 7 hours, don't know if it could have been the Vetsulin
    or if something else is going on
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2020
  10. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you so much for the detailed info. The doctor did a urinalysis yesterday because she had previously had a bladder infection. I’m assuming that would show ketones? She said the urinalysis was ok and she didn’t see a need to culture further. She is not on fluids. They gave her fluids under the skin yesterday. I have a fountain and I saw her drinking from it yesterday and she did today as well (a little bit). Interestingly enough, when she was just over a year old, she had a “mystery illness” they resulted in a 5 day hospital stay and battery of tests. At the end of the day, she was diagnosed with pancreatitis. Since then, she never had any further issues, until now.

    Is the N&D Chicken and Pomegranate ok as a long term dry food? I believe it is 98% protein. I had it mixed with the Science Diet Weight Control because I noticed when she ate just that, it made her stool a little tarry. Mixing it seemed to help. She ate the Purina D/M and she seemed to like it (I mixed it with the other stuff) but it made her stool really loose (not as bad as she is now though). I just wasn’t 100% confident in the doctors assessment that she is sick like she is now because of the change in food... but I’m not a doctor.

    I had reverted to feeding her her old food and giving her the insulin. She was giving me a difficult time eating before the insulin. Our pre-diagnosis routine was to give the 1oz Fancy Feast Appetizer or a packet of Wellness Core Shreds in the morning and leave dry food out. After she was diagnosed, I was still giving her the Fancy Feast Appetizer in the morning so she would eat before her injection. (She doesn’t always eat the whole ounce, so there were a few missed morning doses because I couldn’t get her to eat.) I had to start feeding her another one in the evening so I could give her evening injection. I still leave the dry food out so she can graze during the day.
    Assuming she gets better and starts eating normally again, I’m not sure what to give her before her insulin. She is so picky. She likes the baby food but only a few licks and then she’s done. It’s nothing substantial. (I fear her bottoming out). I keep trying ton get her to eat it though. The doctor did tell me that the Vetsulin needs to be given with food. She said it wouldn’t be a problem to give it to her right after her meal, so that’s what I’ve been doing it. Maybe I’ll trying waiting 20-30 mins.

    I will make a trip to Walmart for the necessary supplies. I have such anxiety and fear with testing her. Right now especially, she is over being messed with. In the last 3 weeks, she’s been to the ER and vet 3 times. She’s also been poked and prodded and had antibiotics shoved down her throat for her bladder infection and now she isn’t eating and has diarrhea . She has not been a happy cat.

    Given the bad diarrhea started in the middle if the night Friday, how long should I wait to call the vet if she doesn’t start eating or her diarrhea doesn’t resolve?
     
  11. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Sorry, also, I’m not sure what to do about tonight’s insulin. If I can’t get her to eat or she only eats a bite or two, I’m not sure if I should give it to her. I may not be able to get the meter today or if I do, I may not be able to actually get a reading because I’m not confident in my ability yet.
     
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  12. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Sep 21, 2018
    @Panic Elizabeth I have no idea what to suggest for Abby
     
    Last edited: Oct 18, 2020
  13. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

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    Apr 10, 2019
    If Abby is sick and not eating, you do not want to skip giving insulin. No food + illness + not enough insulin = DKA. This is a very expensive ER visit. I would really like to see if you can get a ketone test today.
     
  14. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Last edited: Oct 20, 2020
  15. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Hi Hollie,

    I'm sorry to hear that Abby's so poorly at the moment. (((Abby)))

    Did the vet not prescribe any anti-nausea meds for home use (because everything you're describing on the food side of things smacks of kitty nausea)?

    Nausea and Inappetence - Symptoms and Treatments

    Any food she can eat agreeably will help right now.

    I also ask whether the vet ran either a Snap fPL or Spec fPL test for pancreatitis. (The Snap test can be done on the spot, bit like a pregnancy test.) If not, I'd suggest contacting the vet to ask:

    1. for the pancreatitis test, to rule it out - OR - so that she'll be able to prescribe pain meds. If pain meds are indicated that should also help Abby to start eating properly again.

    2. for anti-nausea meds - Cerenia or ondansetron - to administer at home. An appetite stimulant alone isn't likely to work properly. (Note: There are claims that mirtazapine provides anti-nausea support as well as appetite stimulation, but if it does it's not in the same league as the above two meds in terms of benefit conveyed.)

    I also echo Elizabeth's comments about determining ketone status. With food and insulin being hit and miss I recommend you grab test strips ASAP (anywhere that does diabetes supplies) and start daily monitoring of Abby's urine at home. More info:

    Ketones and DKA

    Tips for Collecting Urine Samples


    Mogs
    .
     
  16. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Agree with Elizabeth (Panic) DKA can run into the thousands of dollars. Do you have the ketone strips?
     
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  17. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    You can buy the ketone test strips at any human pharmacy. And I’d try baby food. Gerber all meat ones like chicken, turkey, or ham. No onions.
     
  18. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

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    Poor Baby :(
     
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  19. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Good idea Ale. Now why didnt I think of that? :oops:
     
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  20. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you. I have the baby food and tried it. She takes a few licks and then is done. I even tried putting shredded chicken in it. It’s so frustrating.
     
  21. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    (((((((Hollie & Abby)))))))
     
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  22. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    If she’s nauseated, it’s hard to get her to eat. You really do need an anti nausea med. its the only thing that kept Minnie eating through her IBD flare ups
     
  23. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    After reading all your wonderful feedback and Abby’s
    I was actually going to ask about that. I was thinking of blending up some chicken and a little broth and syringe feed her.
     
  24. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    Have you considered syringe feeding her?
     
  25. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you. You know, after reading all the wonderful feedback and doing some reading, it wouldn’t surprise me if she is having a bout of pancreatitis. She had it at about a year old. It took her 5 days in the hospital to figure it out. I did tell my current vet that, but I’m not sure that she gave it any consideration. I’m going to reach out tomorrow to talk to her about it. This sickness of hers came on suddenly and I wasn’t completely sold in it being residual due to a change in food. Most of the symptoms seem to fit.

    Her lethargy seems to be the tiniest bit better today. She is still very slow moving and refusing food, but she’s been in the litter box a few times and has drank a little bit of water.

    I was thinking about syringe feeding her later. I have a feeling she will eat the puréed cat treat though.
     
  26. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    Does Abby sit in a tense meatloaf position? Also, does she ever seek out cooler surfaces like a tiled floor to lie on (tummy to the floor)?

    Here's an extremely helpful resource:

    IDEXX Pancreatitis Treatment Guidelines


    Mogs
    .
     
  27. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    I just mentioned to my husband that she had been laying very curled up the last few days. When she’s awake she does lay kinda meatloaf-ish. She’s been laying on the couch or in the basement on the couch.
     
  28. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

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    Apr 10, 2019
    It would not surprise me, it is not unusual for a cat with a history of pancreatitis to get it again.

    I would not skip insulin tonight. Be sure to contact your vet and say you want a pancreatitis test. Anti-nausea, appetite stimulant, high calorie food, fluids. Is she taking any meds right now? If you/someone you know has ondansetron or zofran, you can give 2mg every 12 hours.
     
  29. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

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    Jun 16, 2014
    There are some helpful pictures here of comfy vs. uncomfortable meatloafing.

    If it's an uncomfortable meatloaf, the 'elbows' tend to stick up and the facial expression may have a sort of 'pinched' quality.


    Mogs
    .
     
  30. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Dec 28, 2009
    This Primer on Pancreatitis may also be helpful. If your vet could do a Snap fPLI in the office, you would know right away if this is pancreatitis.
     
  31. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    The apetite stimulant won’t work if she’s nauseated. Cerenia can be used in conjunction with ondansetron and she may need both right now to get over the hump. If you can get your hands on ondansetron as Panic suggested, I’d give it to her. Minnie is on 4mgs, which is one pill, x2 a day Cerenia did nothing for her, but ondansetron is a life saver
     
  32. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    I actually sent an email to the vets office just a minute ago and asked her thoughts on if she could have pancreatitis. I gave her a report on how she is currently. When I talk to her tomorrow, I will tell her I want her tested.
    She is currently on 1.5 units of insulin. (I’ve been giving her 1 because she hasn’t been eating). She has the Mirataz for the appetite stimulant, she has a probiotic (Proviable). She did get an injection of Cerenia when she was at the vet yesterday. She also got fluids yesterday too. She has been drinking a little. I have .15ml Buprenorphine syringes from back in June when she injured her leg. I’m not sure if that is safe for her to take with everything else she’s on.

    do you suggest trying to syringe feed her? Maybe blend up some chicken and baby food?
     
  33. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    I think syringe feeding is a good idea but tagging @Panic and @Sienne and Gabby (GA) @Critter Mom here to make sure since I’m not super experienced with how pancreatitis works. The pain med seems like a good idea to me as well but let’s see what they say
     
  34. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    I did syringe feed Minnie during a few of her worse IBD flare ups and the vet did instruct me to give her bupre for pain as well
     
  35. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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  36. Little Bit’s Mom

    Little Bit’s Mom Member

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    Feb 9, 2020
    When Little Bit wouldn’t eat, I used the puréed treats over the top of wet food. I also put temptations treats on the food to get him to eat.
     
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  37. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

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    Feb 28, 2012
    The Primer on Pancreatitis that Sienne linked is a good one. You want to make she is hydrated, has anti nausea meds on board, as well as pain relief (buprenorphine). Those can all be given at the same time. My girl Neko was on those and a lot more.

    @tiffmaxee had to deal with more pancreatitis than I did, though I did have to deal with it a bit.
     
  38. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

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    Feb 28, 2012
  39. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 21, 2019
    Thank you Wendy!!
     
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  40. Panic

    Panic Well-Known Member

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    Apr 10, 2019
    I did not have a good experience treating pancreatitis so it's not something I am comfortable with helping on.
    Fingers crossed Abby gets to feeling better. :bighug:
     
  41. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    She actually ate a puréed treat on its own. She would touch it if it was mixed with anything else. She is so picky, which makes this so much harder.
     
  42. Little Bit’s Mom

    Little Bit’s Mom Member

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    Feb 9, 2020
    Well I’m glad you found something she will eat! Progress.
     
  43. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

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    Nov 15, 2013
    Hi. Max had chronic pancreatitis for a couple years before becoming diabetic and then off and on for a total of 8 years. What you are experiencing really does sound like it. He was a lethargic, looked uncomfortable, and was inappetent every time. You need either cerenia or ondansetron for nausea before trying to stimulate the appetite. I preferred ondansetron unless there was vomiting which rarely happened with Max. Nowadays vets give mirtazapine as an appetite stimulant but I prefer cyproheptadine, a human drug. I found there weren’t the side effects but I understand the transdermal which is new is better. You will need sub-q fluids if you can’t get her eating enough. It can be quite painful and buprenorphine is a good pain medication that you just drizzle on the gums.

    I just read she ate on her own. Great! Offer her small amounts each hour. My vet explained to me that if they eat too much at one time they feel yucky and then stop eating again.
     
  44. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

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    Nov 15, 2013
    Another thing I learned was if she doesn’t vomit that doesn’t mean she’s not nauseous. I didn’t think Max was nauseous because he would go to his plate and drink the liquid. I thought he was picky.
     
  45. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you so much. Yeah, she’s back to being very lethargic and clearly not feeling well. She hasn’t had any water in quite a few hours (except she’s licked some off my finger a few times) and but she ate that puréed treat, which had a high moisture content. She has turned away from any more food though. She still had diarrhea but it’s less, which I assume is because she hasn’t been eating.
    Is it ok to give her the buprenorphine? She’s had insulin, the probiotic, and the Mirataz. I was hesitant to give it to her because I didn’t know if it would react with anything or make her more sick.

    Did you ever blend up food and syringe feed? I’m thinking about doing that if she doesn’t eat enough tomorrow.
     
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  46. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

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    Nov 15, 2013
    You are missing a key medication, cerenia or ondansetron. They gave you nothing for nausea. The buprenorphine is fir pain and is fine to give. I don’t understand why you were not given nausea medication.

    Yes, I did syringe feed if finger feeding didn’t work. I found he would often eat Gerbers baby food if I finger fed it. It’s also easy to syringe. For tonight blending her regular food is fine. But cats can develop food aversions if they are fed while nauseous. So you need the nausea medication tomorrow. Will your vet give it to you without having to haul her in?
     
  47. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

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    Oct 18, 2020
    The vet gave her an injection of anti nausea medication yesterday, but she didn’t send me home with any. I would prefer not to drag her in again, but I want her to do a test to see if she for sure has pancreatitis. I have an email waiting for the vet. If I don’t hear from her by mid-morning, I will call. I will also ask her for the anti-nausea meds. Did the stuff you had come in a liquid form? This cat is impossible to pill.

    The buprenorphine I have is .15ml. It was from when she had an issue with her leg. That dose would be ok for her? I want to give it to her because she seems very uncomfortable but I’m so weary of making her worse.
     
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  48. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    The injection was probably cerenia. It doesn’t come as a liquid but it’s a sub-q injection so you could give it. It lasts 24 hours. The only problem is it stings. You might be able to get it compounded. If the bupe was for her and that dose was given it should be fine. How long have you had it? It needs to be stored in a dark place I was told so it might not be full strength but it won’t hurt her. I know because I asked my vet. Pancreatitis is often painful.
     
  49. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    I had a cat with a flare of pancreatitis. The treatment was cerenia for nausea, daily sub q's at home and bupe for pain. Within a few hours he started eating and within a week was his normal self.
     
  50. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you. Question, how do you give sub q’s at home?
     
  51. JanetNJ

    JanetNJ Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    This is my favorite sub q video. I did it a few times a week for a couple years for my cat Zimmy who ckd ( and he was the one with the pancreatitis flare) and anticipate my CC will need it eventually.
     
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  52. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    For future reference, you can add me to your pancreatitis tag list, Ale.


    Mogs
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  53. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you. You all are giving me hope and comfort. You’re also helping me to make sure the vet does the right thing. It’s a relatively new doctor for me and I’m still not sure how I feel about her. The Bupre is from June, so I imagine it’s still fine. She has lost some significant weight since then, so I want to make sure the dosage is ok. I held off on giving it last night. After I talk to the doctor, I’ll give it to her if the dosage is ok. Hopefully I can get her in today to confirm a pancreatitis diagnosis and get her some anti nausea medication.
     
  54. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    Even if not pancreatitis you need to find out why she is nauseous and need medication for it. If your vet runs tge in house test it only gives a positive or negative for pancreatitis so if in tge gray area won’t give you an answer. For tgat reason it’s better to ask for the SpecFpl test which gets sent to a lab and gives a score. He high it is doesn’t correlate with how sick they feel but anything over the normal range along with her symptoms lets you know she has it.
     
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  55. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Slight variation on Elise's suggestion: the Snap fPL is good to ask for because, if positive, it provides immediate evidence to the vet that pain meds are needed. The vet could then send out a sample for the Spec fPL to get a read on the severity of the inflammation. Same goes if the Snap result is in the grey area. However, rather than wait for the result of the Spec test the case could be argued for the vet to treat on an 'as if' basis and prescribe pain meds while waiting for the lab report.


    Mogs
    .
     
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  56. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you both. I’m waiting to hear from the vet.
     
  57. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    You can definitely get ondansetron in a liquid preparation in the UK so I assume similar should be available in the US. If your vet can't source it, with a written prescription from them you should be able to ask a local pharmacy to order it in for you. Maybe ring around your local pharmacies to see who would be able to help with this so you've got the info to give the vet later?


    Mogs
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  58. tiffmaxee

    tiffmaxee Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2013
    I have found vets here do not stock ondansetron andI need to get an RX and buy at a pharmacy.
     
  59. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Similar craic here. Our vet can get Zofran from their wholesalers (for megabucks) but not the far cheaper generic. Therefore I also need to get mine from a human pharmacy with a written Rx.


    Mogs
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  60. THH & Snowcrash (GA)

    THH & Snowcrash (GA) Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2020
    If the buprenorphine was pre-loaded into a syringe, it may have evaporated since June. Please double-check before you give it.

    Mods, if you'd like to add me to the pancreatitis tag list, I've had 3 cats of my own with it, plus I have autoimmune pancreatitis.
     
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  61. Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA)

    Ale & Bobo & Minnie (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 21, 2019
    It may be very bitter though
     
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  62. Critter Mom

    Critter Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Possibly, but if one's administering it with a syringe then the cat doesn't get to choose whether or not to take it (as it might if one was trying to mix it with food to get it down)

    Saoirse did OK with it. When I got it for her she was recovering from eye surgery and there was no way to administer any meds in pill form. She took it fairly OK, no drooling. Pretty much reacted in a similar fashion to when I gave her sublingual bupe.

    A short period of bitter-tasting meds wins hands-down over no cat.


    Mogs
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  63. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Hi all,

    Wanted to update on Abby- she is currently staying overnight at the hospital. She’s been there all day today and will figure out tomorrow is she needs to stay longer. She was, in fact, diagnosed with pancreatitis. They are giving her medication and fluids and helping to get her more stabilized. As of this morning, she still had terrible diarrhea, but she did actually eat food today. I’m hoping she’s only gone a night, but I’m glad that she is getting the care she needs to come home a little healthier.
    Now... mastering how to prick her ear for testing. I tried twice. The first time she bled a lot and it was everywhere but the strip. Then I tried the next day and didn’t get anything. 3rd times the charm?

    Thank you all. This has been a wonderful resource and has helped to give me guidance and offer a little reassurance. Hoping that she comes home tomorrow. I miss my girl already.
     
  64. Diane Tyler's Mom

    Diane Tyler's Mom Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2018
    Sending prayers for Abby :bighug:
     
  65. jt and trouble (GA)

    jt and trouble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Awww sending my prayers as well :bighug:
     
  66. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank
    Thank you so much.
     
  67. Hollie

    Hollie New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 18, 2020
    Thank you so much!
    Thank you!
     
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