Xander | PMPS 370 - Shoot early after a stalled AM shot? | AMPS 324 - Worried about DKA. :(

[Wendy&Neko]

Ondansetron can actually be give 3-4 times per day. You are lucky he ate it the first time in food, I've heard the cats don't like the taste. But I've been lucky in giving it buried inside a treat so far (antijinx).

Just wonder if he might be seeing some pancreatitis? A Primer On Pancreatitis. Fluids are important, try offering some flavoured water like plain chicken stock (no onions or garlic), I often just boiled some chicken. In the past I've also seen people suggest tuna water, again no spices or salt, just water from tuna packed in water.

I'm glad you sbot. As Angela said, he was high enough, and you do have a couple hours to get food into him after you shoot and before onset. When you get supplies, might want to get a feeding syringe too, as a just in case. Syringe/Assisted Feeding (Video and Tips). As long as I could get 2/3 of Neko's calories in her, I was OK with a full shot. At that time I was giving Levemir instead of Lantus, and had the luxury of time (5 hours) until onset.

And one more post of food that might give you ideas:Suggestions on How to Stimulate Kitty's Appetite

One last thing, could you update the subject line to show that you shot. Last thing I want to see is someone worried about DKA and not giving insulin.

Sending all sorts of feel better vines for Zander, and these for you.

As for shot tonight, you might be able to give it an hour early, depending on how high he is. But that's a one time only thing. Best to post and ask when you get closer to PMPS.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

I just thought that you gave his shot about 2 hours late, correct?
So you will want to walk back his shot times over the next few days to get back on schedule since you’re now off schedule.
So I’d think you could give his shot 15 minutes earlier each cycle starting tonight. And repeat that until back on schedule.

You don’t want to give his shot 2 hours early tonight.
Angela may want to double check what I’m saying here.

Yes, it was 2 hours late. I already made myself a little post-it with my schedule that puts us back on track on Wednesday morning (the half hour per day instead of 15 minutes per injection would be easier so I went with that option).

Thank you for this! Even if I already knew, it was definitely useful info if I hadn't.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Ondansetron can actually be give 3-4 times per day. You are lucky he ate it the first time in food, I've heard the cats don't like the taste. But I've been lucky in giving it buried inside a treat so far (antijinx).

I gave him 2 mg at that time - is that same dosage okay for the 3-4 times/day? Wondering if maybe I should give him some more.

Just wonder if he might be seeing some pancreatitis? A Primer On Pancreatitis. Fluids are important, try offering some flavoured water like plain chicken stock (no onions or garlic), I often just boiled some chicken. In the past I've also seen people suggest tuna water, again no spices or salt, just water from tuna packed in water.

Agh, I hope not. I am at least putting quite a bit of water in his food. It's usually pretty watery and he actually seems to like that. Last time he seemed this way was relatively early on after diagnosis and when we brought him to the vet with the same worries, he was cleared for pancreatitis. They weren't sure what had been wrong, he just started to feel better. If this keeps up longer than today I guess I'll contact the vet and see if we can get him in. We do have some tuna in water, so I can try that later too.

I'm glad you sbot. As Angela said, he was high enough, and you do have a couple hours to get food into him after you shoot and before onset. When you get supplies, might want to get a feeding syringe too, as a just in case. Syringe/Assisted Feeding (Video and Tips). As long as I could get 2/3 of Neko's calories in her, I was OK with a full shot. At that time I was giving Levemir instead of Lantus, and had the luxury of time (5 hours) until onset.

Yeah, wishing I'd given the full dose now, but I was out of time to shoot before losing my window and I genuinely wasn't sure I'd be able to get him to eat again. At least I know for next time.

One last thing, could you update the subject line to show that you shot. Last thing I want to see is someone worried about DKA and not giving insulin.

Done!

As for shot tonight, you might be able to give it an hour early, depending on how high he is. But that's a one time only thing. Best to post and ask when you get closer to PMPS.

Okay, I'll keep that in mind! I had just been planning to walk back the dose by the 30 minutes/day and be on track by Wednesday morning. Maybe I'll change my mind for tonight's dose. I'll come back approaching PMPS and see. Is there anyone I should tag then or just add a comment and hope someone's around?

Sending all sorts of feel better vines for Zander, and these for you.

Thank you, Wendy! I appreciate you! And thank you for all the links! I actually have most of these bookmarked, but I appreciate the reminder to get a refresher on them. It's easy to forget things when they're not the current reason you're reading the sticky!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Get a +10.5 test and post here, that'll give you time to wait for an answer and possibly shoot earlier.

Since you didn't skip, it's still an AMPS (preshot).

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Get a +10.5 test and post here, that'll give you time to wait for an answer and possibly shoot earlier.

Will do!

Since you didn't skip, it's still an AMPS (preshot).

Oh, right. Forgot that part. Fixing now!

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Just adding an update: I have been offering him small amounts of food (0.4 oz, roughly 2 tsp) every 35 minutes. He doesn't eat it every time. It took him until 3:30 to eat the snack I gave him at 1:45. Because of that he's had about a third of his usual intake by about 5 PM.

In order to get at least a similar caloric intake as usual and we're running toward the end of the day, would it be wise to maybe give him an entire can (spread out, not all at once) of something like his 12% since that would also likely be higher in calories, to make up for the volume of food he's not eating?

 

[Angela & Cleo]

Is the 12% higher in calories? Can you check how many calories it is?

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Is the 12% higher in calories? Can you check how many calories it is?

I'm so tired that I didn't even think of that and that's saying a lot.

Amazingly, it's not. Even the Gravy Lovers varieties are lower in calories than the Classic Pate. The Flaked varieties are a tiny bit higher and I do have some of that, but it's by like 6 calories across the whole can.

He apparently normally gets about 160 calories a day (unless my tired brain is not working) and so far he's had about 61. (Apparently this is low according to catinfo.org, but it's what our vet told us to give him, 3 cans. I could add another can or so per day, but he may not want it. He's also not losing weight, so there's that.)

 

[Angela & Cleo]

How long has it been since you gave the ondansetron?
How long before you're regular shot time?

 

[Brianna & Xander]

How long has it been since you gave the ondansetron?
How long before you're regular shot time?

It's been about 5.5 hours since the ondansetron, and my normal shot time would be in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

 

[Angela & Cleo]

The ondansetron might be wearing off. I'd try and give some more about 6 hours from the last time. I'd give it with whatever/however food you can hide it in.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

The ondansetron might be wearing off. I'd try and give some more about 6 hours from the last time. I'd give it with whatever/however food you can hide it in.

Okay, will do that. Thank you!

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Just checked and Kobe's prescription for Ondansetron is 4mg. I get behind Kobe on the couch and use my index finger on left hand to go in the side of his mouth and behind his teeth. If you try doing this to yourself, you'll feel your jaw kinda want to open. Then I use my right hand to place his pill as far back on his tongue as I can. I try to stay calm. I tell him what a good boy he is and how much better he is going to feel when his medicine kicks in. And I just accept that he is going to be mad at me anywhere from 20 minutes to half a day. Better mad and eating than the alternative. I watched YouTube video tutorials where they have two people to administer the pill and it goes down so smooth. Never really went like that for us, but we made it anyway. Don't get upset. He needs your confidence. Good luck!!!

Oh god, I really hope I don't have to resort to that lol But I really appreciate the description if I do have to! Fortunately he did take the first one crushed into a tiny amount of food, so as long as I can get him to eat 1.5 tsp he should be good.

 

[Angela & Cleo]

Have you tried boiling some chicken and offering him the broth and/or the chicken?

You can also try plain meat only baby food. The kind without anything added. Ham is usually a big hit but I've also picked up turkey and chicken.

I have a jar of Beechnut Turkey and Broth and a Beef and Broth on hand for picky days and giving meds.

FYI, I think it's great that he's eating even if his appetite isn't back fully yet.

 

[Kobe (Dean and Lesley) MO]

So sorry you are going through this, but you are doing great. We are keeping you and Xander in our thoughts and hearts.

-Lesley

 

[Kobe (Dean and Lesley) MO]

Oh god, I really hope I don't have to resort to that lol But I really appreciate the description if I do have to! Fortunately he did take the first one crushed into a tiny amount of food, so as long as I can get him to eat 1.5 tsp he should be good.

I realized right after posting this that you had already given the medicine some time ago! I was in a time warp. Glad it worked the other way!

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Have you tried boiling some chicken and offering him the broth and/or the chicken?

You can also try plain meat only baby food. The kind without anything added. Ham is usually a big hit but I've also picked up turkey and chicken.

I have a jar of Beechnut Turkey and Broth and a Beef and Broth on hand for picky days and giving meds.

FYI, I think it's great that he's eating even if his appetite isn't back fully yet.

We don't cook very much so I don't even have any chicken to boil. I do have some canned chicken that I believe is just in water.

I could also look for a can of meat only baby food!

He is eating a little! Is it dangerous if he ends up eating far less than he should today if it's at least something and it only lasts a day?

 

[Brianna & Xander]

So sorry you are going through this, but you are doing great. We are keeping you and Xander in our thoughts and hearts.

-Lesley

I realized right after posting this that you had already given the medicine some time ago! I was in a time warp. Glad it worked the other way!

Thank you so much, Lesley! I appreciate it.

And lol no problem! I still appreciate the advice on how to get it done if that's the way it needs to go.

 

[Kat & Trixie]

Brianna, I’m so sorry to read that Xander is not feeling well. Sending you both pawsitive vines

You’re doing an amazing job caring for him and hopefully he turns around quickly.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Don't worry if he's a little short on calories for one day, you just don't want this to do on for many days.

 

[Briana + Binx]

Just stopping by to say Binx and I are thinking of you and Xander
He's so lucky to have you on his side! Sorry that he's not feeling well and has been having difficulty eating - that's no fun issue to deal with. Glad you were able to give him some insulin this morning and I hope by PM time, he's had enough to eat to get another dose. Regardless, you're doing amazing and considering everything possible to help him

 

[Karolina & Nestle]

Hi Brianna
I'm sorry to learn Xander wasn't feeling well today. I hope he gets better during the night. It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job taking care of him. We're sending lots of PAWsitive and healing vines.

 

[Charlie'sMom22]

I’m so sorry Xander is feeling “cucky” today, as my mom would call it. Sending healing vines and hugs to you guys. You’re doing such a great job with him. I hope he’s on his way back to eating well again and you’re both able to get some rest tonight.

 

[Madeline528]

I am sorry Brianna that Xander isn't feeling well. I hope he starts feeling better tonight.
Butch and I are sending you lots hugs and healing vines

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Alright, it's +10.5 and I'm back to see if I should shoot an hour early as Wendy suggested. He's at 370 right now. He's still definitely behind on food but he's had small amounts here and there. He's been slowly working on a jar of Beechnut Chicken and Broth too.

(Also edited the title to reflect new question and hopefully draw attention. )

Oh, and a great update: he finally peed and I was able to test. Negative on ketones! So relieved.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

You can also try plain meat only baby food. The kind without anything added. Ham is usually a big hit but I've also picked up turkey and chicken.

Just wanted to thank you for this too, Angela! He's mostly going for the broth but he is at least having that out of the Chicken and Broth jar.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Just stopping by to say Binx and I are thinking of you and Xander
He's so lucky to have you on his side! Sorry that he's not feeling well and has been having difficulty eating - that's no fun issue to deal with. Glad you were able to give him some insulin this morning and I hope by PM time, he's had enough to eat to get another dose. Regardless, you're doing amazing and considering everything possible to help him

Brianna, I’m so sorry to read that Xander is not feeling well. Sending you both pawsitive vines

You’re doing an amazing job caring for him and hopefully he turns around quickly.

Hi Brianna
I'm sorry to learn Xander wasn't feeling well today. I hope he gets better during the night. It sounds like you're doing a wonderful job taking cars of him. We're sending lots of PAWsitive and healing vines.

I am sorry Brianna that Xander isn't feeling well. I hope he starts feeling better tonight.
Butch and I are sending you lots hugs and healing vines

Thank you all so much! We appreciate the thoughts, kind words and the healing vines!!

I’m so sorry Xander is feeling “cucky” today, as my mom would call it. Sending healing vines and hugs to you guys. You’re doing such a great job with him. I hope he’s on his way back to eating well again and you’re both able to get some rest tonight.

Thank you, Jess! Just wanted to throw in here specifically that my mom would also call it that! Or, closely, "cuckery," lol Just thought it was so funny that both of our moms would call it that.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Don't worry if he's a little short on calories for one day, you just don't want this to do on for many days.

Thank you, Wendy! I know it's worse for cats to not eat than for dogs or people, but I wasn't sure exactly how much was dangerous. I'm glad I at least don't have to worry unless this continues on.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Update: Gave him his full dose at 10:42 (which is actually a little late; had to corral him first. )

Will shift back 30 minutes tomorrow (and Monday and Tuesday, to be back on track probably Wednesday PM.)

 

[Helen + Noogi]

Brianana, you've worked so hard to take care of Xander today! What an excellent and attentive cat-mom you are. Very good job getting him to eat and administer medicine. Hope you get some decent rest overnight and that the little guy is feeling better tomorrow

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Update: Gave him his full dose at 10:42 (which is actually a little late; had to corral him first. )

Will shift back 30 minutes tomorrow (and Monday and Tuesday, to be back on track probably Wednesday PM.)

Just want to send you extra hugs, Brianna. I know it’s been a very rough day. You’re a great mom to Xander.
Hoping he feels much better overnight and tomorrow

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Brianana, you've worked so hard to take care of Xander today! What an excellent and attentive cat-mom you are. Very good job getting him to eat and administer medicine. Hope you get some decent rest overnight and that the little guy is feeling better tomorrow

Thank you, Helen! He's my best friend, so he's worth giving 200% of myself to!

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Just want to send you extra hugs, Brianna. I know it’s been a very rough day. You’re a great mom to Xander.
Hoping he feels much better overnight and tomorrow

Aww, thank you so much, Staci! It's been a rough day but he's worth it. Hopefully he's back to himself tomorrow. I can't imagine what you went through with Ivy! This was comparatively nothing and it was hard enough.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate all your help today! I'd be so lost without all of you.

 

[Angela & Cleo]

Alright, it's +10.5 and I'm back to see if I should shoot an hour early as Wendy suggested. He's at 370 right now. He's still definitely behind on food but he's had small amounts here and there. He's been slowly working on a jar of Beechnut Chicken and Broth too.

(Also edited the title to reflect new question and hopefully draw attention. )

Oh, and a great update: he finally peed and I was able to test. Negative on ketones! So relieved.

Great news on the eating and peeing! Sorry I didn't see this sooner as I was fast asleep. For future reference , that 340 was high enough to shoot an hour early so you can get back on schedule for one time.

 

[Brianna & Xander]

Great news on the eating and peeing! Sorry I didn't see this sooner as I was fast asleep. For future reference , that 340 was high enough to shoot an hour early so you can get back on schedule for one time.

No worries! I just didn't shoot early. I know for next time!