Was controlled diabetic cat now diagnosed pancreatites

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Vegjeta

Member Since 2015
We came back from the vet after 2hour there $500, 2 x rays and blood work. The vet said little brother has an enlarge heart and chronic pancreatites. Although his teeth need work he does not have an abcess . She thinks that he is not diabetic but just has the pancreatites. His blood work show he was very anemic with high bun,amyl,lipa and low k. She gave can cat food to add very little amount to his regular meal which is 1/2 tablespoon of can cat food and 1/2tablespoon of broiled chicken. So i gave him the dose of the anti inflamatory med which he has for 3 days,and he also has antibotics for 7 days.
He ate the mixture of food,took the anti inflamatory and went to bed at around 6pm which is normal for him. I took his level it was high for him,he usally peeks at 90-92 well it was 101 I thought ok maybe the stress of the day plus medicine. Then at 7 pm he came back out and ate some more which is normal for him.Now it 8pm he has vomited phelem,wont eat or drink but is sitting in front of bowls and his sugar level is now 130. UGGGG.I told this doctor that I had no lantus at home to give him if something goes wrong,she said dont worry nothing probably would go wrong if i only give him a littte of the new can cat food. now by 9 pm his level is 141,by 10:30 its 171. at 11:30 he nibbled at warm broiled chicken. The vet doesn't open til 8 am i have no more money to take him to the emergency vet at another location who would do all the bloodwork and test over again. Im like look My cat needs insulin but with no money they wont see him. I just dont know what to do
 
Don't panic, it's not an emergency to get lantus. It may still be unnecessary too, could be just the illness and some stress spiking the BG and it may go back to normal by itself :bighug:
 
I Pray you are right,it just he was doing so well BG wise always between 70 n 90 at his peek time of day .this way for 3 years and now to have this happen when I told the vet I didn't have lantus on hand in case of high reading I know he is 19 years old and 15 pounds but he still has ump in him so it hard to see him so misearble just sitting in front of his food and water wanting to eat and drink but not.
 
I agree you don't have to get the lantus tonight. Tomorrow speak to your normal vet and talk through getting him the supportive meds discussed in this document

https://www.idexx.com/files/small-a...pec-fpl-treatment-for-feline-pancreatitis.pdf

With the weekend coming I would make sure you have supplies of anti vomiting medication such as cerenia (tablets of injection). It sounds like he might be in some pain just sat near his food and water and so would also think about getting some pain relief. Sub q's if you can maybe. Oral syringes for assist feeding.

What food was he on and what did she want to try him on?

In the meantime you could try carefully and slowly syringing water into his mouth. Aim from side to side not down the throat, also add water to his food.

It could have been the stress from the vets that made him flair. If you could get some insulin on standby I guess that would be helpful in case numbers stay high.
 
Hi he ate his normal meal somewhere between 2am and 8 am which is 1/2 tablespoon of friskies chicken dinner and 1/2 tablespoon of broiled chicken.and not the vets brand of vet cat food which had carbs. His bg is 129 way high for him he is normally abot 70 bg now so is he still high. he has the one dose of anti inflamatory meds and one dose of the antibotic. again he is sitting by food and water bowl not eating his breakfeast

ok its 8:30 just off the phone with vet office doc not in and they think that a cat whose sugar is normally at 70 and is at 129 and is sitting by food and water not eating is ok.The vet has sugeries all morning and will not see me i have to make an appointment for 1 week from now they feel a cat whose sugar is under 160 is ok and no need for meds
 
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Can you ask to speak to her over the phone or see another vet at the practice?

I think the lack of eating and the drinking would be my major concern. If he is struggling with pancreatitis you need to give him supportive medication to help him get over it. That usually includes pain relief, anti nausea medication or anti vomiting, additional fluid and if necessary insulin.

I think the 120 is still considered just about normal bug obviously higher than he is used to.

So is he a lot worse since coming back from the vets? Was he eating and drinking okay beforehand? If he is worse it could be either stress from the trip or the change in food??
 
Can you ask to speak to her over the phone or see another vet at the practice?

I think the lack of eating and the drinking would be my major concern. If he is struggling with pancreatitis you need to give him supportive medication to help him get over it. That usually includes pain relief, anti nausea medication or anti vomiting, additional fluid and if necessary insulin.

I think the 120 is still considered just about normal bug obviously higher than he is used to.

So is he a lot worse since coming back from the vets? Was he eating and drinking okay beforehand? If he is worse it could be either stress from the trip or the change in food??



He ate normal on wed and thur morn he ate normal portion of his am meal the vet was at 2:20pm thur. when we came back he finished off his am meal to which i added the pinch of the food from the vet. which is Hills i/d gastronintestinal chicken and veg dinner,i was so reluctant to try this new food cause of the carrots,wheat gluten,cornstartch and rice.the vet insisted my cat isnt diabetic but has pancreatites. so after this is when his bg started up and up til 192 in the early am which is soooo not his bg levels he is usally in the 70 by 9pm He vomited twice phelem . I spoke with the vet this am she will not give me any anti vomit or anti nausea med til after 1 week and will not see me or discuss pumpkin til the one week is up which is when his antibotic is over the anti inflamatory she only gave me 3 doses and he had one dose last night.
 
So just to confirm though your cat has been on insulin in the past (you monitor his blood glucose?) and is now a diet controlled diabetic?

You treat pancreatitis by treating the symptoms and so if he was eating and drinking normally I don't see why she swapped his food unless she thought he had IBD as well and this might help calm it all down. I agree if your cat is a diet controlled diabetic then I would be wary of a food that contained wheat, and rice.

Ofcourse the other possible cause of the sudden turn is the antibiotic. My cat threw up when he was on his last course as I gave it on an empty tummy. I would look online to check how it should be given.

I must say that I don't understand why your vet is acting that way. If a cat isn't eating or drinking it needs help. Do you usually like this vet? Would it be worth getting a second opinion. In the meantime can you assist feed at all and give water via syringe. You do not want to let your cat go too long without eating anything.

I feel you should join the feline pancreatitis yahoo group for more help.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline_Pancreatitis_Support/info
 
So just to confirm though your cat has been on insulin in the past (you monitor his blood glucose?) and is now a diet controlled diabetic?

You treat pancreatitis by treating the symptoms and so if he was eating and drinking normally I don't see why she swapped his food unless she thought he had IBD as well and this might help calm it all down. I agree if your cat is a diet controlled diabetic then I would be wary of a food that contained wheat, and rice.

Ofcourse the other possible cause of the sudden turn is the antibiotic. My cat threw up when he was on his last course as I gave it on an empty tummy. I would look online to check how it should be given.

I must say that I don't understand why your vet is acting that way. If a cat isn't eating or drinking it needs help. Do you usually like this vet? Would it be worth getting a second opinion. In the meantime can you assist feed at all and give water via syringe. You do not want to let your cat go too long without eating anything.

I feel you should join the feline pancreatitis yahoo group for more help.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline_Pancreatitis_Support/info


Hi yes he diagnose by a vet from where we use to live back in dec 2011. He was on lantus from 12/15 2011 -3/7/12 then was control with diet the vet switch the food because she said he was anemic ( i have a copy of his blood work) he drank water around noon so i just tried to give him the antibotic thru a syringe it was tuff he didnt want it and began to get all phelemy i would go to another vet but i just spent $500. on this vet for the 2 x rays and bloodwork with meds oh the vet told me i was stressing out the cat by taking his levels i said no i wasnt he get tested twice a day
 
If he used to be a diabetic then yes it is very important that you keep to a food that is low carb wet food as I am sure you are aware. I would go back to his normal food for now. Is he eating anything. You need to get him to eat and drink. Give little and often. Is the antibiotic one you give orally? I would try to get him to eat now.

Post up the blood test results (take a photo and upload? )

I think you should amend the title of your original post to be more specific about advice needed ie past diabetic needs pancreatitis help, etc.

Ideally you would go to a different vet and show him the results and tall him what has happened and ask for the treatment that been mentioned but I know how much money it all costs.
 
all this started cause wed am I woke up to find blood on his face,down his chest and on his paw and in his bed.While cleaning him up i notice blood in his mouth and thought he had an abcess tooth. The vet never answered about the blood and why and where it came from only to say that his blood work showed he was low RBC was 4.95 HCT was 23.4% and HGB was 8.6 So iam thinking in my mind well dah i cam here because of the blood that was on him and in his bed
 
this is his bloodwork i would go to another vet but that 500 wiped me out yes the antibotic was orally i will go warm up him his broil chicken thigh I did go to the yahoo site i am waiting the reply to join UGGG I KEEP GETTING ERROR MESSAGE TRYING TO UPLOAD THE PIC OF THE BLOOD WORK i dont know why it wont upload file which is a jpg picture
 
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What error message? You may have the shrink the size in pixels since this forum limits the number of pixels. How yo do it depends upon the photo app you use
 
It should let you upload up to a 600 x 800 pixel file with a max byte size of 9.8mb.
Can you remember exactly what the error message said?
 
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I finally have the images to go thru guess it was my laptop I use the cell phone to upload the pics
 
Sorry the images double they are only w pages in the report
 

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There is some good news Little Brother did ask for his dinner 20 mins ago and ate about half I was able to get some of the crushed antibiotic in him thru a syringe in the early afternoon and his anti inflammatory about 10mins ago.He did sleep most of the day I'm going to take his BG at 8pm. I just can not in good conscience stop taking his BG because this vet says it stressing him out and that she insist he is not diabetic
 
Hi

That is a good news:) I wouldn't worry about taking the blood glucose at all, it won't stress him out if he is used to it and even if it does it will just be for a second or too. You don't want to amend your routine at all.

I am hoping that you will soon be able to post on the yahoo group. I would post up the results there too (I think you have to get someone else to do it) and explain exactly what has happened over the last few days making sure you mention that little brother is a diet controlled diabetic.

With regards the results there is actually a pancreatitis test called a spec fPL test that has to be done at an IDEXX lab but that is not on your list and so the vet must have decided on pancreatitis based on the a physical exam and perhaps ruling out other issues with the results. I think you said an X-Ray was done as well. I see that BUN is raised and potassium (K) is marginally low. BUN can raise due to feeding a diet high in protein as has happened with my cat (but the vet said not to worry about it due as the other kidney values are fine) but also because of kidney problems. The slightly low potassium could display as low of strength but really it is nearly normal so I doubt you notice much but in the long term you might discuss a potassium supplement with your vet.

I am not the best at interpreting test results @BJM might be able to provide more insight. The obvious things to address sooner rather than later is the low red blood cells, hemacrit, etc. this is associated with anaemia and must be addressed. I have linked to am excellent article on Tayna's chronic kidney disease website that explains what the tests mean, the possible causes and treatment. To me this should be the focus of treatment. It mentions that anaemia can cause lethargy and loss of interest in food. One if the possible causes is from gastro intestinal bleeding and following on from your description of blood from the mouth the other day it made me wonder. Ofcourse I am not a vet but it might be an avenue worth exploring some more

http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm#pcv

I would keep offering the food regularly, little and often and try adding water to it or gently syringing water in his mouth.
 
Hi

That is a good news:) I wouldn't worry about taking the blood glucose at all, it won't stress him out if he is used to it and even if it does it will just be for a second or too. You don't want to amend your routine at all.

I am hoping that you will soon be able to post on the yahoo group. I would post up the results there too (I think you have to get someone else to do it) and explain exactly what has happened over the last few days making sure you mention that little brother is a diet controlled diabetic.

With regards the results there is actually a pancreatitis test called a spec fPL test that has to be done at an IDEXX lab but that is not on your list and so the vet must have decided on pancreatitis based on the a physical exam and perhaps ruling out other issues with the results. I think you said an X-Ray was done as well. I see that BUN is raised and potassium (K) is marginally low. BUN can raise due to feeding a diet high in protein as has happened with my cat (but the vet said not to worry about it due as the other kidney values are fine) but also because of kidney problems. The slightly low potassium could display as low of strength but really it is nearly normal so I doubt you notice much but in the long term you might discuss a potassium supplement with your vet.

I am not the best at interpreting test results @BJM might be able to provide more insight. The obvious things to address sooner rather than later is the low red blood cells, hemacrit, etc. this is associated with anaemia and must be addressed. I have linked to am excellent article on Tayna's chronic kidney disease website that explains what the tests mean, the possible causes and treatment. To me this should be the focus of treatment. It mentions that anaemia can cause lethargy and loss of interest in food. One if the possible causes is from gastro intestinal bleeding and following on from your description of blood from the mouth the other day it made me wonder. Ofcourse I am not a vet but it might be an avenue worth exploring some more

http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm#pcv

I would keep offering the food regularly, little and often and try adding water to it or gently syringing water in his mouth.[/QUOTE.

I think he show up anemic because the morning before he lost that blood it seem to me to be a lot for a cat. It hasn't happened since so I'm clueless there The vet did 2 x rays and I did see the pancreas was cloudy This vet said his kidneys look fine Oh! I wanted to test him at 8pm but he just finished off the rest of his pm meal so now I'll wait til 8:30to see his BG
I did a post in the Yahoo group.and I'm waiting. Maybe I can cut down on the amount of broiled chicken I mix to the van cat food to help with that BUN.
 
Just to clarify I would continue to take his blood glucose readings. I would also want to follow up on the anaemia (or get a second opinion). Every cat is different but Your test results are not like remi's and he has pancreatitis. Remi's show markers of inflammation and liver involvement. I am not saying that little brother doesn't have pancreatitis but I would explore the anemia issues further.
 
I was reading that link about the anemia,when you look at his levels he is just below the low markers and considering just 24 hours earlier he lost all that blood from the mouth.I did get a response from the Yahoo group and just posted the updated info
 
Thank you so much for your help and info.I am calling it a night I am depressed and weary Oh by the way not giving him that can cat food the vet insisted on his pm reading was slightly high for him BG 100 he is usually low 90's so I will see if tomorrow am reading is normal.goodnight with prayers for all the feeling blah kitties and their humans
 
Hi Little brother did not eat am meal just sitting at the food bowl so I gave him his food liquid through a syringe he did sip water I did have ondansetron I was able to get one pill in him around noon WHEW!! He gobble up some broiled chicken 10 mins ago His BG is back to his normal so that's a relief He did have the second dose of metcam which the yahoo pancreatitis group inform me does little to nothing for pancreatic inflammation. I'm going to let him rest after the chicken then later this afternoon give him the antibiotic Honestly I don't see much improvement and the question still remains about all that blood on him and in his bed wed am,, which this vet was uninterested in finding out why
 
I agree you don't treat pancreatitis with metacam. With regards the odansetron you probably only need to give 1/4 of a 4 mg tablet twice a day. I would keep giving that and keep up giving water and food if he won't eat by himself.

I saw your post over on the yahoo group. Did you manage to post the blood test results over there?

I think that I would go to another vet next week and ask for a second opinion and tell them you can't afford more tests but show them what you have.
 
I agree you don't treat pancreatitis with metacam. With regards the odansetron you probably only need to give 1/4 of a 4 mg tablet twice a day. I would keep giving that and keep up giving water and food if he won't eat by himself.

I saw your post over on the yahoo group. Did you manage to post the blood test results over there?

I think that I would go to another vet next week and ask for a second opinion and tell them you can't afford more tests but show them what you have.

I did send the blood work over to the group owner and then they post it.He did eat very little on his own for dinner and only a few sips of water. However I have been given him water thru the syringe and His food thru the syringe Thank God his BG are back to normal range he still didn't poop but did pee,yet how much poop can he have if isn' t eating normally.I really want to get inside his mouth and check out what going on I wonder if he re-absorbed a tooth?? Going anywhere near his mouth freaks him out and he clamps down like a pitt bull with a bone!!! and I'm not sure I want to stress him out.? About the ondansetron odt 4mg I gave him a whole pill (yikes) but he not showing any side effects. I never thought I would thank god for the vertigo I suffer with til now About going to another vet I am completely broke 10.00 bill in my wallet til next month I am annoy at getting paid once a month uggg. Honestly I have really lost my trust in vets after what this vet did she purposely insisted I give him that food know that he was a diabetic cat. What recourse do we pet caregivers have with such neglectful and "I'm God" minded vets???
 
Has anyone every given marrow from chicken bones to their cats. Since he lost that blood on wed. I was wondering if it would help get his iron up or would it be too rich for the pancreatitis I would mix it with his normal meal.
 
The only recourse I am afraid is to take your business elsewhere. At least you were monitoring him and could see his blood glucose go up. I think there are occasions where sometimes higher carb food is essential to make an ill cat well and the blood glucose is a secondary concern but I don't thin that this is the case here. If he is happy with his normal food then stick to that. You do give him a complete wet food (with all the added vitamins) don't you and not just chicken breast?

Re the ondansetron he will be fine on the whole tablet but you should only need to give 1 mg twice a day so a quarter of a 4 mg tablet twice a day. I would keep going with this as it is the best thing to get him to eat.

I can't help you with the bone marrow. If it is high in fat then no I wouldn't risk it. What did that CKD site link advise for possible anemia? Will quickly check back and see.

I really think that you will get some help on the panc board once those results have been posted. Ask them there advise on the low blood counts.
 
Okay if you click on the link I posted yesterday and scroll down the page you will see that for anaemia you give iron supplements under the guidance of the vet (it gives suggestions on which oral supplements to give). Perhaps check with the panc board as to whether on the blood tests you have posted they might suggest supplementation is necessary. I really don't know and am just guessing so please seek other advice.

http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm#iron_supplements

I do understand where you are coming from re the money. I have been there on so many occasions. For now if he is happy enough once you give him the ondansetron to eat and drink then I would just keep doing what you are doing.

Re the mouth issue, remi is terrible once he knows I want to look in his mouth. I have found the best method is to apply gentle pressure with your thumb into the corner of the mouth and it should pop open.

Sorry it is late here in the UK and I should go to bed. I am sorry your last vet didn't help.
 
The only recourse I am afraid is to take your business elsewhere. At least you were monitoring him and could see his blood glucose go up. I think there are occasions where sometimes higher carb food is essential to make an ill cat well and the blood glucose is a secondary concern but I don't thin that this is the case here. If he is happy with his normal food then stick to that. You do give him a complete wet food (with all the added vitamins) don't you and not just chicken breast?

Re the ondansetron he will be fine on the whole tablet but you should only need to give 1 mg twice a day so a quarter of a 4 mg tablet twice a day. I would keep going with this as it is the best thing to get him to eat.

I can't help you with the bone marrow. If it is high in fat then no I wouldn't risk it. What did that CKD site link advise for possible anemia? Will quickly check back and see.

I really think that you will get some help on the panc board once those results have been posted. Ask them there advise on the low blood counts.

HI yes his diet which has kept him diabetic controlled is: 1/2 tablespoon of Friskies chicken dinner can cat food mixed with 1/2 tablespoon of broiled (de-fatted) chicken thigh and I add 1 teaspoon of water to make it soupy to avoid constipation since he has a big colon. He gets this as a meal twice a day which he takes 2 trips to the food bowl to finish. I give him the same mix but a teaspoon amount for a snack. I broil 4 chicken thighs every week for him, and it has kept him stable BG wise til thur when the vet said to give him that other food with all those carbs
 
Okay if you click on the link I posted yesterday and scroll down the page you will see that for anaemia you give iron supplements under the guidance of the vet (it gives suggestions on which oral supplements to give). Perhaps check with the panc board as to whether on the blood tests you have posted they might suggest supplementation is necessary. I really don't know and am just guessing so please seek other advice.

http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm#iron_supplements

I do understand where you are coming from re the money. I have been there on so many occasions. For now if he is happy enough once you give him the ondansetron to eat and drink then I would just keep doing what you are doing.

Re the mouth issue, remi is terrible once he knows I want to look in his mouth. I have found the best method is to apply gentle pressure with your thumb into the corner of the mouth and it should pop open.

Sorry it is late here in the UK and I should go to bed. I am sorry your last vet didn't help.

Ok Great I will try the thumb trick. I really think he showed up anemic on the blood reports is from the blood loss the previous am. Which was the only reason we went to the vet!!! and still it is a mystery what happen to make him bleed like that. Ok have a blessed sleep and thank you
 
You may wish to set up a You Caring fund raiser site. With permission, you may post a link to it here. Or, if you have Facebook, see if some of your friends might be willing to chip in a bit.
 
Little brother finish his doses of metacam still has antibiotics and I have ondansetron for him. He has responded well to the ondansetron, he is not lip smacking all day now YEA!!! he only seems to get nausea after eating and the antibiotic. He finish off sat pm meal all by himself with no prompting from me and he ate all his am meal with no prompting from me so it seems his appetite is getting back to normal His BG are remaining in the normal range. YEA!! I am still giving him water through the day thru the syringe, since he is a terrible water drinker. I am going to give him one more day of eating by himself without me prompting him before I get inside that mouth. Thank You to everyone for all your input, I really do appreciate this
 
I'm sooooo glad that ondansetron is working for Little Brother! :) (It has made a world of difference to my little one. Don't think she'd be doing anything like as well without it.)
 
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