Oscar for Aus is a little better today

http://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=31668

Hi All,
Your prayers and good thoughts must have helped, Oscar does seem a bit better today, 24 hours ago I really thought he was going to die but this morning he seemed to be a little better and much better tonight. His breathing is still around 40 breaths/min but that is nowhere near as fast or difficult as it was last night. Stopping the Pred was definitely a step in the right direction.
I have managed to make contact with a cardiologist vet in Melbourne and he will look at Oscar's xray's as well (for no cost). The xrays have also gone to an Adelaide specialist to be looked at ($80 verbal or $200 if you want it written). I am still trying to get a copy of films to send to Melbourne and Jess but it will have to be picked up by DH on Thursday as they will only supply it on CD?
Also will get some Frusomide tomorrow to have on hand. Only wish I had some last night!
Thanks again,
Cheers Joan

 

sending good vibes!

 

relief to hear he is breathing easier. -- Glad stopping the pred helped.

Look forward to hear what the vets and vet specialists say about Oscar's case. -- Sounds like you have been making headway in getting help . Go Joan ! They do store the pics digitally. Perhaps they do not have the means to transmit it and can only pass it on via the CD ? guessing.

and you ( well we all will ;-) ) feel much better when you have the lasix on hand.

healing wishes continue to be sent for Oscar .

 

Oscar is way better today. Back to normal old self, still breathing faster than normal but as he was before the Pred. The Melbourne cardiologist has been great and emailed 3 times,I have organized for DH to get the Frusemide from our vets tomorrow. Our vets specialist has still not come back with an answer (and he has a copy of the xray) so lucky for the link with Melbourne - amazing!
I have received a copy of the Cd with xray, in the mail, and will Express Post to Melborne tomorrow, also will start Lasix tomorrow!

Jess I appreciate the offer about the rays but I am having trouble emailing them. However you diagnosis is exactly what the cardiologist is saying. You are all marvels!!!

I will be in touch Christmas Eve to let you all know how the Lasix is going.

After the Christmas break I have an appointment on the 10th January with the Adelaide specialist - but not sure about him as his delay in lookiong @ rays is a bit poor!

Talk soon,
Hugs, Joan

 

Joan,
You should be really proud of yourself for being so vigilant and diligent with Oscar's care. Congrats.

 

Thanks I do try, you can only do what you can I guess.

I have a question if Jess, Cheryl or anyone knows? Our vet has given me a supply of Frusemide and suggested more anti biotics which I have given Oscar (both) . However they have also sent home another medication called Fortekor ( benazepril hydrochloride) I am a little concerned if I start it as well, we may not know the outcome of the frusemide ? When our vet spoke to me earlier in the day she was debating about what to send home for him, obviously she decided to try it but after the Pred problem I am a little hesitant.

I have also sent Oscar's Xray off by snail mail to a cardiologist in Melbourne for a second opiniion to the Adelaide specialist!

We have scheduled a Ultra sound/ echo for the 10th of January that is the soonest we can get in.

Meanwhile he is doing OK!

Hugs, Joan

 

Frusemide is the generic drug furosemide and is a diuretic (reduces fluid volume in the body). It is used to treat various heart and circulatory conditions.
In humans, it may interfere with the effects of insulin. If this is true for cats, the insulin dose may need a slight increase. Please discuss this with your vet and test frequently after giving this drug.

Benazepril hydrochloride is an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor. It is used to reduce blood pressure. In humans, ACE inhibitors are preferred in patients with diabetes, heart failure, or renal disease; in humans again, it may result in lowered blood glucose. These may be true for cats too, but again, please discuss this with your vet.

Given this info, it appears these 2 drugs may work together to help your cat. They may have effects on the blood glucose, so be vigilant in monitoring your cat and once you start using these meds, test and test often until you know what they do in your cat. I'd start within the first 30 minutes after giving the medication and test at least hourly so you know what is happening.

 

Hi

Oscar will urinate a LOT once he starts furosemide, just as a heads up. What is the dose? Have you seen any improvement yet?

In patients with heart failure, benazepril is not used to lower blood pressure (it doesn't lower blood pressure well, as it does in humans) but rather as a supportive treatment. It's not vital to start it immediately, so you can ask the vet just to hold off for three days or so while you start the furosemide.

Has anyone given you any reason for the antibiotics? I don't know why your kitty is on antibiotics unless they suspect pneumonia.

I thought that the cardiologist had already seen the x-rays -- ?

 

this is such good news!

continuing to hold you and oscar in our thoughts and hearts, joan...

celi & binks

 

Jess & Earl wrote:

In patients with heart failure, benazepril is not used to lower blood pressure (it doesn't lower blood pressure well, as it does in humans) but rather as a supportive treatment.

speaking of blood pressure(unrelated to his being on meds)........ has Oscar ever had his checked? It is getting (thankfully) more and more routine -- at least in the states-- as a part of sr. cat screening.
I know Oscar is more *middle age* but that is really the time for sr. screenings in cats. ;-)
maybe you can get the specialist to check it in Jan. if it hasn't been done yet.

Has anyone given you any reason for the antibiotics? I don't know why your kitty is on antibiotics unless they suspect pneumonia.


curious about that as well.

I'm glad he is doing better off the pred. Has he started the lasix/ furosemide yet ?

The specialist in Melbourne sounds great. Much farther away than Adelaide ?
Keep the updates coming !

 

Hi Merry Christmas - from Aus!

Oscar is just ticking along on the diurectic, as he has only just started and everyone has just arrived for Christmas it's a bit hard to tell, but the cardiologist in Melbourne has been great - he is about 800 kms (450miles?) away so I don't think I can get Oscar to visit him but he can see the Adelaide specialist for the ultra sound and we can ask advice of the Melbounre chap, who I have mailed the xray copy to!

The Adelaide specialist said he couldsn't rule out infection as there is something in front of the lungs on the xray so that's why the antibiotics. I have held off on the other med as both you and the Melbourne specialist have suggested.

Talk soon,
Love and Merry wishes Joan & Oscar

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, JOAN!!

AND BEST WISHES FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IN THE NEW YEAR FOR YOU AND THE BOY FROM OZ!

celi & binks

 

Joan --

I hope you and Oscar had a nice holiday. Any update? How is he doing on the furosemide?

I'm glad that even though the Melbourne vet is too far to see, that he will consult on the phone. I hope the visit to the vet in Adelaide works out.

Hang in there Oscar !! You'll be at the specialists in no time.

 

HI All,
The Boy From Oz - I like that!
Oscar is doing quite well on the Frusemide, his respirations have decreased significantly. He is a bit 'OVER' visiting the litter tray - stepped out of it the other day and just laid there on the floor. I think he has lost some more weight but is eating well and breathing so much easier and not quite so clingy. We have visitors and he is happy to visit other laps beside mine which has not been the case lately.
I hope all his feline friends out there are doing well over the Christmas break and that you all are enjoying some kind of R & R!
Cheers Joan