3/11 Billie PMPS 327 US tomorrow - question about Spec fPL

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Deanna & Billie

Deanna & Billie

Member Since 2014
Hello!

Yesterday: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/3-10-billie-pmps-259.134413/

Despite the stinky pink, Billie has been doing really well today. Her appy was wayyyyy better. Phew. Her numbers haven't been great for the past week or so, but I didn't want to dosecrease while her appy was off. I'll see how she does tomorrow appywise but will probably go up to 1.25u. She was pretty flat but I see her trending up now - not sure why. Maybe from eating better? I don't know.

Anyway, Billie's ultrasound/IM vet appointment is tomorrow morning. No food after midnight - sorry Billie (and Brooklyn!) I feel bad that she has to go through the ultrasound, belly shave, and longer car ride, but it sounds like it's the necessary next step based on the appy issues and weight loss, even if her appy picked up today. I am just nervous.

Question: I am wondering about chronic pancreatitis as a possibility. If she does have it, would the Spec fPL only show accurate results if she is in the middle of a flare up? For example, if she was having a flare up this past week but is doing better now (my judgment based on her appetite improving a lot today), would the test still give some insight, or is it only useful in the middle of a flare up? I think she should be tested. I'm just trying to understand how the test works.

I also want to ask the vet about IBD, scarier things that shall not be named, and also constipation...Billie had a poo last night and half of it felt pretty normal, but the other half felt quite hard. (I poked at it with the litter scooper) And, after that poo, she ran out of the litter box like something was chasing her, and she did a mad dash around the apartment. I don't know if that was a nice Happy Crap Dash, or if she was uncomfortable/freaked out? She also did that maybe 2 days ago after going in the litter box without peeing or pooing. And, the appy issues started alongside poo issues with the scooting incidents. Hmmm.

I will post an update tomorrow. Thank you so much for your help and vines!!
 
The Spef fPL will only register if having a flare up. Even if chronic many cats will have normal readings when things are okay. It doesn't always show up in an US either but IBD will. Good luck tomorrow. Will you get the results when you pick her up I hope? Vines and prayers heading your way.
 
Thank you Elise! Pancreatitis sounds so tricky to figure out. The ultrasound should be done shortly after the exam, so I will get the results right away (as far as I know).
 
Deanna & Billie said:
Thank you Elise! Pancreatitis sounds so tricky to figure out. The ultrasound should be done shortly after the exam, so I will get the results right away (as far as I know).
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It is. The fPL gets it right about 70-80% of the time and usually only misses if very mild. Some always test abnormal if chronic. If any symptoms are still there it should pick it up.
 
Thanks. Of course, now that Billie has her ultrasound tomorrow and has to fast, her appy is great. So I'm not sure if it would pick anything up even if it is pancreatitis. At the moment, she is acting normal and doesn't have any symptoms. I think it's still worth testing though.
 
Sending tons of vines for boring U/S results tomorrow! :bighug: It's great news that Billie is eating better. :)
 
Deanna & Billie said:
Thanks. Of course, now that Billie has her ultrasound tomorrow and has to fast, her appy is great. So I'm not sure if it would pick anything up even if it is pancreatitis. At the moment, she is acting normal and doesn't have any symptoms. I think it's still worth testing though.
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Sometimes pancreatitis will last for a very short amount of time and they return to normal and never have another episode. I'm hoping that is what Billie has in mind.
 
I personally have found that the spec fPLI numbers don't necessarily correspond to how remi is acting (chronic pancreatitis). I am not sure if there is a slight lag in the increase /decreases or whether I might have found a good combination that keeps his symptoms under control but sometimes you think you will get low test result only to still get a high number.

The combination of physical exam, ultrasound and blood test is a good way to go.
 
phlika29 said:
I personally have found that the spec fPLI numbers don't necessarily correspond to how remi is acting (chronic pancreatitis). I am not sure if there is a slight lag in the increase /decreases or whether I might have found a good combination that keeps his symptoms under control but sometimes you think you will get low test result only to still get a high number.

The combination of physical exam, ultrasound and blood test is a good way to go.
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I agree with you. Max has had a score of 50 in the past and not appeared as sick as when his score was 26. We don't even run it any more. Billie has not been diagnosed with pancreatitis. Sine his symptoms have subsided I don't know if the test is worth doing. It will be interesting to see what the vet says.
 
Sending vines for the ultra sound. And you know you have to post a pic of the shaved belly right ;) those shaved bellies are way cute!
 
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