Briana + Binx
Active Member
Last post
Bare with me, as it feels like there's so many things to report!
A couple of changes from yesterday/today - I'm switching Binx to an entirely FF Classics diet (previously in combination with PVD DM). Thanks @Bandit's Mom for your insights and talking that through with me.
We've also gone ahead with an increase to 4 units - this is a big scary number to me, but I'm hoping it gets him down.
And lastly, we finally had our first visit with the new vet! Here's the initial post that sparked this change. I'll try to be brief, but the big things were: pancreatitis? - IBD? - bowel obstruction? - dental? - hyperthyroid? That's actually so many things, here's what we know:
- Pancreatitis: The vet confirmed that the spec fPL test really can't fully diagnose pancreatitis and they would need to confirm it via ultrasound. However, the vet himself has some prior training on ultrasounds (and while not a specialist) offered to take a look (at no cost). He doesn't suspect pancreatitis and also agreed that since Binx doesn't have symptoms, it would be difficult to manage symptoms (if they're not present).
- Bowel Obstruction: Not present in ultrasound and since he's not vomiting regularly or with any other symptoms, this has been ruled out.
- IBD: We are going to wait to confirm some other items before jumping to IBD. The vet has suggested holding on B12 right now, once everything else has been actioned.
- Dental: Very very likely needed. It's not the worst he's seen, but he thinks there are some rotten teeth... and as we know, this can impact BG. They work with a dental specialist and we'll be discussing options soon, pending the last item below.
- Hyperthyroid: This is the big question mark right now. Since Binx's total T4 was basically near hyperthyroid, the vet thinks it might make sense to start him on medication. However, in order to be overly cautious, he is going to review Binx's case with an internal medicine specialist he works with (at no cost). If they agree, we may do another test to see if his numbers have gone up (past the certain threshold) or we may start treatment. We'll then want to monitor Binx and his BG closely.
I showed the vet my spreadsheet and it took some time to understand, but he did ask for me to send it over so he can review further. I'm not surprised, but when he saw how much sleep gets interrupted, he did find it a bit obsessive... but I think we can all agree we are a bit obsessive with our little ones. The openness to understand was appreciated.
On top of all the above, a vet tech there has a diabetic cat (2 years now) and we chatted for almost 30 minutes about everything (outside appointment time). She is a FD nerd just like us! She was really excited to see the spreadsheet and the graph I'd put together. She offered her knowledge and advice and told me the days she works, so I can schedule visits when she's there. This was a truly unexpected added benefit.
I never thought I could leave feeling this positive about a vet experience. I do hope it continues - for now, I'm feeling very good about the decision to switch.
Thanks to all who made it through that novel. Hope everyone is having a nice day
Bare with me, as it feels like there's so many things to report!
A couple of changes from yesterday/today - I'm switching Binx to an entirely FF Classics diet (previously in combination with PVD DM). Thanks @Bandit's Mom for your insights and talking that through with me.
We've also gone ahead with an increase to 4 units - this is a big scary number to me, but I'm hoping it gets him down.
And lastly, we finally had our first visit with the new vet! Here's the initial post that sparked this change. I'll try to be brief, but the big things were: pancreatitis? - IBD? - bowel obstruction? - dental? - hyperthyroid? That's actually so many things, here's what we know:
- Pancreatitis: The vet confirmed that the spec fPL test really can't fully diagnose pancreatitis and they would need to confirm it via ultrasound. However, the vet himself has some prior training on ultrasounds (and while not a specialist) offered to take a look (at no cost). He doesn't suspect pancreatitis and also agreed that since Binx doesn't have symptoms, it would be difficult to manage symptoms (if they're not present).
- Bowel Obstruction: Not present in ultrasound and since he's not vomiting regularly or with any other symptoms, this has been ruled out.
- IBD: We are going to wait to confirm some other items before jumping to IBD. The vet has suggested holding on B12 right now, once everything else has been actioned.
- Dental: Very very likely needed. It's not the worst he's seen, but he thinks there are some rotten teeth... and as we know, this can impact BG. They work with a dental specialist and we'll be discussing options soon, pending the last item below.
- Hyperthyroid: This is the big question mark right now. Since Binx's total T4 was basically near hyperthyroid, the vet thinks it might make sense to start him on medication. However, in order to be overly cautious, he is going to review Binx's case with an internal medicine specialist he works with (at no cost). If they agree, we may do another test to see if his numbers have gone up (past the certain threshold) or we may start treatment. We'll then want to monitor Binx and his BG closely.
I showed the vet my spreadsheet and it took some time to understand, but he did ask for me to send it over so he can review further. I'm not surprised, but when he saw how much sleep gets interrupted, he did find it a bit obsessive... but I think we can all agree we are a bit obsessive with our little ones. The openness to understand was appreciated.
On top of all the above, a vet tech there has a diabetic cat (2 years now) and we chatted for almost 30 minutes about everything (outside appointment time). She is a FD nerd just like us! She was really excited to see the spreadsheet and the graph I'd put together. She offered her knowledge and advice and told me the days she works, so I can schedule visits when she's there. This was a truly unexpected added benefit.
I never thought I could leave feeling this positive about a vet experience. I do hope it continues - for now, I'm feeling very good about the decision to switch.
Thanks to all who made it through that novel. Hope everyone is having a nice day
