Annual PSA - from Latte, in Spirit

Five years ago tonight marks the evening I came home from a week long trip to find Latte VERY, VERY sick. Five years ago tomorrow marks the day she was diagnosed with acute renal failure due to metacam. On Valentines Day 2007 it is written in her chart, “Grave Prognosis. Will contact owner to discuss euthanasia options”. Latte lived another 3.5yrs (GA 7/17/2010), despite multiple health issues that arose after the ARF. She did not leave this world specifically because of the kidney failure. She left because she was ready to move on.

Each year at this time I have always made a point to share her story with others in hopes to prevent the kind of situation we went through. Even though she is no longer with us in a physical form, it is a no brainer that in her honor I continue sharing our story.

A few years ago we had a party of Latte in LL ISG to celebrate surviving such an ordeal. You can read more about our experience with metacam and her illness here: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5866&hilit=Latte Metacam In short, I took Latte to the vet because she had a few out of the normal aggressive moments with me. Aside from her shots as a kitten, and a round of medicine for ringworm, she had not been to the vet for 14yrs. She was always healthy. After labs revealing nothing (this included normal kidney values), and x-rays showing mild arthritis the vet thought she might be constipated which was making her grouchy. It was thought if she took some pain medicine she would have an easier time going to the bathroom. Made sense to me. I was given a few choices and told metacam was the greatest new drug. Of course the vet knew best. That was their job, right? I didn't research it. I just gave it. Fast forward a few weeks later and I was about to lose Latte.

I was beside myself, that I gave my cat a medicine without even looking up information on it. I would NEVER do that for myself. I was horrified with what I read, in the aftermath. Not just about metacam, but many other drugs that are given recklessly (no warnings, little regard for dose, etc). So, I spent the last four years trying to educate cat owners on metacam, and pushing the fda to investigate the need for a black box warning, along with warnings about dosage. Its was quite an uphill battle, politically. Two months from the day Latte left, the black box warning was issues.

This post is not meant to specifically target metacam, though due to my experience it is used as an example. I want mine and Latte’s message to be about educating all pet owners. Take the time to ask your vet questions. Take the time to research the tx options they are offering you. Certainly every option/medication is going to have a risk. Weigh the pro’s and con’s. Make an informed decision. Be the driver of your pet’s health. Vets are not ALL bad. But most vets are into general practice. They cannot know everything about everything. Form a good relationship with them and your input will be invaluable.

One request from anyone reading this… I would ask that you click on the link in my signature (http://www.metacamkills.com). Please Read one or two (or more) accounts of other cat's who had similar situations to Latte. Notice a theme...owners not being being informed of what to look for if an adverse reaction is happening OR even that an adverse reaction can happen, AND overdosing.

With that information please, in honor of Latte...
1. Always ask your vet for information on any new medication they want to give your cat. If they dont/wont (get a new vet, LOL), look it up online and ask others. BE AWARE OF POTENTIAL ADVERSE REACTIONS SO YOU CAN GET IMMEDIATE HELP IF YOU SEE ANY! (sorry for the caps, but so important). Just like you would not give your cat insulin w/o testing, why would you want to give your cat a medicine w/o checking. Ask your vet for choices/alternatives of any medicine.
2. Always check the dose your vet is giving you to what is recommended (easy to find this online).
3. Spread the word to your friends and families with animals....to keep themselves informed.

I will ask that this post not become a battle ground over metacam. Nor that it necessarily be a 'memorial' for Latte (as I might end up crying too much). Rather it just be a story, and a message to educate owners and save our furbabies from unnecessary harm. Thank you for letting us share!

****The link to the party video in the LL condo didnt seem to work the other day when I tried. So I got it hooked up with you tube! its kind of long...and some of the video is sad (in her sick days with the ARF). But some of it is kind of fun. ANd well, she was my girl. Gotta show her off! ;-) All of it is during or post arf. Watch some or all if you like. She was the princess warrior! :mrgreen:
[youtube]rdeWFqRteOo[/youtube]

 

Many hugs to you Carolyn - we all remember Latte and what happened to her and you. That is the main reason I question EVERYTHING about Mittsi and Dude - and Dr. Dan agrees with most of what I relate to him from this Board. In fact, at this point, he always says "check with the board and get back to me with what they think."

This is an important post for newbies (and to remind all of us) what can happen - Latte's spirit moves in helping others - passing it forward.

Sending you many many hugs on this bittersweet anniversary for you.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)

 

Latte was beautiful! Thanks for sharing her experience and the info, as well as the great pictures/video. I know some folks don't like it when you question authority, but as you said, vets can't know everything about everything.

There are plenty of treatments that are recommended because it's standard operating procedure [SOP]. We need to step up for our babies and know what we're giving them and why. As I've said before, I don't go to my GP when I've got an eye problem; so why should my pet? Some of us are fortunate to have vet schools and specialty vets close enough that we can take advantage of them. Sometimes it makes all the difference in the world. But you've gotta ask - and be sure to let your vet know you're willing to go that extra mile for them - otherwise you get SOP.

Lu-Ann

 

Thanks for sharing, Carolyn! Latte is very much loved in spirit as she was in the fur! I know I will never forget her nor the love and care that you gave her. (((((Carolyn & Latte))))

 

I loved watching her video, Carolyn. I think the first time I watched it, I was bawling. She is much loved, and missed.

 

I remember Latte and her struggles. My kittens were sent home with Metcam after they were spayed and neutered, it went right into the trash. You are right about questions vets, I learned that the hard way with my first diabetic kitty Stubby (GA).

Sandy - Dottie, Jeter & Tilly

 

Thank you for the warning, info and sharing Latte and her story, Carolyn. She was beautiful. I am one of those lucky enough yo have a cat specialist for a vet and just the other day asked for a pain killer for my Racci and if there was something safe. She told me no, only narcotics, others were bad for the kidneys. Now I know just how bad they can be!

Melanie & Racci

 

How could we forget? Thanks to YOU and Latte I question EVERY medication prescribed.
May love and peace follow you always,
jeanne