Can't get Edgar to eat

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vexedgirl

Member Since 2015
Hi all,
He's recently diagnosed (a few weeks ago) and unlike most kitties I've read of, he dropped the poundage and has never been a fat cat. But with a lifetime of kidney problems....

Anyway. First off, he flat out refuses to eat any wet food. Ever. I've worked hard in the past to transition him and I'm working hard now, but he would rather starve than eat anything with moisture. Including tuna. Including fresh cooked chicken. Including even a little water dribbled on the dry food.

He's never been a big eater but now I can hardly get him to eat at all. Saturday took him to the vet (again!). He got fluids, a shot for nausea, and an appetite stimulant. None have worked. He barely ate a few bites of kibble this morning and now it's evening and I've gotten him to eat maybe three pieces.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. Am I losing him?
 
I've been having a similar problem all day and mostly yesterday. My cat's had IBD for a long time, and long ago his life was saved by giving him Viyo Recuperation (like Ensure meal replacement for animals recovering from surgery) 30mg/day, 3X/day (separated in 3 large syringes). I'd gotten it from my vet originally and have been keeping it in my house ever since, as we've had occasional need for it with our past 14 months of IBD - and I've been giving it to Eegie quite a bit this week, just to make sure he gets full nutrition. It actually tastes great, and he'll eat it without syringe, except when he's feeling like this. I've bought mine on Amazon (I use Prime, but you may want to do overnight).

To keep him eating, I'd suggest syringing baby food into him, until you can get the Viyo. I'm as frantic as you are, btw - been working VERY hard all day at trying to get Eegie to eat anything. At least this can keep him from hepatic lipidosis while you can find some way to get him eating.

Will he eat kibble with a little canned in it? I'm sure you tried that, but thought I'd ask.

The link for the Viyo I buy is:
http://www.amazon.com/VIYO-Recuperation-Cat-Viyo-Cats/dp/B00DCYAJ8E/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

But there're several other places you can get it - maybe even your vet has some?
 
He won't eat kibble that's even waved "hello" to canned.

I resorted to bringing out his old kibble and sprinkling catnip on it. Even that just got him to eat only just a few bites.

He did go to the litterbox and squeeze out one single rock-hard poop. He's had trouble with constipation in the past and his x-ray a few weeks ago showed constipation. I wonder if that's at play. I used to give him a probiotic. Maybe I should start again.

I've been texing w/ my vet who suggested an enema for the constipation. I'll ask him about the Viyo. I don't want to bother him so much on his off hours, though. I might have to wait until tomorrow.

It doesn't help that PMS is here, too. I just spent the last 1/2 hour sobbing.
 
I've always had diarrhea issues, instead of constipation, but I have to imagine that would affect his appetite (not his preference for dry - that, like Eegie, is just a product of being a cat!) BTW - Eegie - when he wouldn't eat ANYTHING - and I'd tried every single solitary kind of canned food I could buy - we had STACKS! I bought some Stella and Chewy's frozen raw chicken. Now... I will admit, he did eat some canned, some time - so I was a bit ahead of the game here - but he went for raw SO fast, and never looked back. I know raw sounds scary - I was terrified to try it on an elderly cat - but until this last bout and the diabetes (from steroids), he was THRIVING on raw and enjoying it. I'm hoping once we can get his IBD back under control, he can enjoy it again. I make my own, nowadays, 'cause the pre-packaged stuff is expensive. One great thing was that the place where I could buy the frozen raw (there are many brands, but my favorites are Stella and Chewy, and RadCat) would take it back if he didn't like it - so... no financial risk.

For me, enema would be the very last resort - unless it's REALLY jammed in there. I find that stress messes up all of Eegie's systems worse than anything else... Lots of people use Slippery Elm Bark or Marshmallow Root (the rare times Eegie's been constipated, SEB worked well) - and I'm a GIANT proponent of probiotics. My IBD cat would have been gone a year ago without them - also digestive enzymes (prebiotics)...

Do ask about the Viyo - I really am a fan, and have confirmed with the company that it's overall mixture won't affect his glucose with any significance.

I'm so sorry you're so stressed.... I know the feeling! Don't give up!!!!! Even Eegie and I have come out of worse!!! (knocking wood!)
 
Edgar needs to eat, if you have to syringe feed then do it. High blood glucose and not eating is most of the recipe for diabetic ketoacidosis which can be deadly. Are you testing for ketones? You can get strips from the human pharmacy quite cheaply and check his pee.

:bighug: Hang in there
 
thanks for the constipation website. I'm in a class right now and trying to peruse it when I can avoid the professor's gaze.
Was sobbing this morning because still couldn't get him to eat. And now his front legs are seeming weaker too.
He has history of seizures so I don't know if this is neurological and unrelated? I put in a call to the neurology department where he was seen last. Also emailed the neurologist. Have called my vet 20 times and am basically a WRECK and out in Long Island right now while Edgar is in Manhattan and I can do nothing about it until late tonight.
I'm so afraid I'm seeing him rapidly decline and he's on the way out. I can't keep it together.
 
Sgans said:
I'm watching for updates. I'm so sorry you're going through this. My thoughts are with you.
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thank you so much. I was also reading FAQs and saw the info on Zobaline (I think that's how to spell it) for neuropathy. IT's so hard to know if it's ok to put edgar on it, since he's also on Keppra and only has 25% kidney functioning already.
I know his sugar isn't regulated yet. He's dipped down to 95 once but even this AM prior to eating he was up around 350 or so.
I'm afraid to hospitalize him, too, because I'm afraid it will just continue to stress him out and actually make recovery harder.
God i'm so lost. and I have ZERO family here. i know my friends care and are concerned, but I can't bug them all night or all the time or even a fraction of the time. Plus so many responsibilities and obligations. Even my therapist is out of town. And *I'M* a therapist, so 99% of the time I have to totally put this aside and just be there for my patients. (Plus still finishing school)
 
As a therapist, you have to be able to remove yourself - and you already know that you can't be of any help to yourself, therapy-wise. I'm sorry. It SUCKS!
Maybe just a call to your vet - if they mind, you have the wrong vet - to ask about the Zobaline. Eegie has good creatinine and lousy BUN, so part of his kidneys are bad, but we didn't analyze how much (he's got so many other issues). I had to TELL my vet I recognized diabetic neuropathy - he's not a diabetes expert - just a regular vet. Seems a lot of vets don't know about methylcobalamin. I even asked my oncologist, since some say methyl can help slow the growth of tumors, some say they speed it up. They didn't really know either - just gave me a "we haven't heard of any reports of it speeding it up".

I can tell you that Eegie's neuropathy was hind legs only at the point I realized what it was. I got regular methylcobalamin/folic acid at the nutrition store (didn't want to wait for Zobaline, but it's on it's way). Since April 30th, I've seen Eegie off his hocks - walking on his toes as he should - not fast - not too far, but way further than it was... It's really making a difference in him.

I wish I could answer for the Keppra/kidney question, but I can say this stuff really seems to help the neuropathy!
I totally get the worry about vet stress. We have to go in for a shot in 1/2 hour, and it's going to take me a day to get him over it. When they suggest overnight stays, I find ANY reason to do it at home, as much as I can.

The neurologist may be able to tell you more. I can't speak to the seizures, but if you're seeing the common signs of neuropathy and methylcobalamin can work with his current Keppra.... it's worth it.

I've been making decisions on what's impacting his life worse, and treating that. Today, we're probably getting a corticosteroid shot for his IBD - because that's making him miserable. It's going to screw with his diabetes... but there's always insulin play.

I know how this can just ride your mind, 24/7. Been living it, as I know many here have. I can't get anything else done - and I'm lucky in that I don't have to be sitting in class! I'm so sorry.... If there's any way to get the vet's answers - if there's any way to miss the class to deal with it, you'll find yourself having a moment to breathe. May not last long, but you and I know... any moment of deep breath is better than the cortisol building up in all of us!

I'm just as new to this as you. But Eegie's been sick with other stuff much longer..... We can learn together, maybe?
 
BTW, @vexedgirl , where in Long Island. I'm from that area and have LOTS of friends there - one of whom is deeply into cat rescue and may be able to lend an ear, if she can't necessarily support. I've known her since I was 10, so.... for a zillion years. After my vet appt, I'll call her and ask if she doesn't mind - if you're anywhere close to Woodmere...
 
Sgans said:
BTW, @vexedgirl , where in Long Island. I'm from that area and have LOTS of friends there - one of whom is deeply into cat rescue and may be able to lend an ear, if she can't necessarily support. I've known her since I was 10, so.... for a zillion years. After my vet appt, I'll call her and ask if she doesn't mind - if you're anywhere close to Woodmere...
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oh thank you so much, sgans. I'm finishing my doctoral program at Derner, which is in Garden City. But I live in Manhattan. And luckily, I actually have a car. It's just that today I'm stuck out here on LI and Edgar is back at home. I have a vet tech going to check on him at 4 (he goes to give him his seizure meds at 4). I may end up having to take him to emergency AMC. Got a message back from the neurologist saying that yeah he should have another evaluation, especially since it's been a long time and the weakness I'm noticing might not be related to the diabetes. Although it looks like neuropathy to me. I want to know if I can give the zobaline with the keppra.
god I wish he would EAT. ANYTHING. HE's not even interested in his OLD food right now, which the vet recommended I try just to try and get anything into him.
 
Better to make sure the neurologist can rule out any other, more urgent options. I wish I had a clue about Keppra!

I just got Eegie a bunch of shots to help the whole gestalt of his issues (except the diabetes, I'm afraid). Got him Depo-Medrol for his IBD symptoms, B12 complex (cyano not methylcobalamin) for appetite and general well-being, and cerenia for his dry heaves and nausea. I asked him if the Viyo is what I should continue if he's refusing to eat, and he said that I definitely should. The not eating has been an IBD symptom for a long time - mixed with bouts of gluttony due to undiagnosed diabetes. Eegie had gotten down to about 6 lbs when we first started this stuff, and wouldn't eat. The Viyo really did save his life at the time, and although I know we only have maybe months left together (lung tumor), the Viyo got him back to eating - and today's weight was 11.9 lbs. Too high now - but at least he doesn't look like a concentration camp victim.

I'm glad you get a vet tech in for the seizure meds- at least someone can keep an eye on him some time during the day!

Garden City - we used to shop there! It's not too far. I'll call my friend, and if she's agreeable to provide some (at least) emotional support, I'll try to find where I can message you from here.
 
Sgans said:
Better to make sure the neurologist can rule out any other, more urgent options. I wish I had a clue about Keppra!

I just got Eegie a bunch of shots to help the whole gestalt of his issues (except the diabetes, I'm afraid). Got him Depo-Medrol for his IBD symptoms, B12 complex (cyano not methylcobalamin) for appetite and general well-being, and cerenia for his dry heaves and nausea. I asked him if the Viyo is what I should continue if he's refusing to eat, and he said that I definitely should. The not eating has been an IBD symptom for a long time - mixed with bouts of gluttony due to undiagnosed diabetes. Eegie had gotten down to about 6 lbs when we first started this stuff, and wouldn't eat. The Viyo really did save his life at the time, and although I know we only have maybe months left together (lung tumor), the Viyo got him back to eating - and today's weight was 11.9 lbs. Too high now - but at least he doesn't look like a concentration camp victim.

I'm glad you get a vet tech in for the seizure meds- at least someone can keep an eye on him some time during the day!

Garden City - we used to shop there! It's not too far. I'll call my friend, and if she's agreeable to provide some (at least) emotional support, I'll try to find where I can message you from here.
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oh my god that's so sweet.
I wonder if I can get Viyo over the counter? There's a fantastic pet discount store right around the corner from school.
Also wonder what my vet would think about me adding those things to his regimen too. It's too much work to take him in all teh time for shots.
 
I haven't found any stores that have it. It's NON-prescription. Their place is in Belgium (according to their websites "about us" link. That's why I've bought on Amazon. You'd also need the 10cc syringes to give it, if he's not ready to eat it. It does taste great, but even when Eegie doesn't feel like eating, I have to syringe it. 30cc/day - I wrote that right - I do 10cc 3x/day. But it's worth it. Their website, btw, is viyorecuperation.com

I have a message in to my friend...
The shots are stressful. I did it because he was in bad IBD shape. My vet works well with me - listens to my suggestions as if I have a brain, and works with my ideas.
 
Methylcobalamin is a water soluble form of B-12 that helps in diabetic neuropathy. It is excreted through the kidneys, so it may or may not be an issue in renal disease.
Another common cause of difficulty standing and walking is low potassium. If it gets too low, it can be fatal, so a blood test for levels is a good idea.
 
I'm afraid my friend said that right now she's got too much on her plate. Really sorry that you won't be able to help you out and giving you an ear to talk to and an extra shoulder. But, as you can tell, people here are really helpful really supportive.

But if I find another cat friends in New York I'll be in touch.
 
I also know what it feels like to be so panicked. @vexedgirl .
I've had 2 diabetic cats (one over a decade ago and the other, right now). I've also had a kidney kitty. (He lived to over 18 years of age).

Copper (my kidney kitty) lost tons of weight and muscle through the kidney issue. He also walked on his hocks and wouldn't eat. It *might* be more his kidney issues causing this than the diabetes...but, of course, one works with the other, meaning one makes the other worse etc.. Vicious cycle to be in.

I know nothing of the med you are giving kitty for the seizures but, I'm thinking that it *may* also be a culprit in something???

If this is a kidney cause (saying only *IF*)...then, you're best off to find a low phosphorous food and working with that first (IMO and may be wrong but, this is a diabetes board so, others might have more knowledge and tend to disagree with me on this). There are low phosphorus prescription kibble like k/d that your kitty might eat. Copper was also extremely finicky and though wet food was supposed to be the best for a kidney kitty, he wouldn't look at it either. We did the best we could with the k/d kibble. You might also want to try the g/d and believe it or not, some dog foods are better than the cat kibbles. Seriously. :)

The other thing that I know worked for Copper was to give him warmed baby food beef/chicken (no onions or garlic added). I know kitty doesn't like wet food but if you can't get the supplement food, you can always mix up a bit of the baby food (also low potassium and low carb) and syringe feed.

And, yes...constipation is an issue that will cause appetite lowering. Our previous diabetic kitty got constipated and wouldn't eat either...therefore, we couldn't give him insulin either. So, that, we had to deal with first and used canned pumpkin (NOT the pie filling but, the canned actual pumpkin). He tended to love it. I know it's not great for diabetes but, in this case...him not eating anything is going to do more damage than the BG issue.

So, I know this is all so overwhelming but, it sounds as though you're trying to fight too many battles all at once and finding road blocks/walls that you're running into that are causing more angst.

Let me just say that *IF* you need to hospitalize kitty to get him/her well....the "fear factor" is not actually a "factor" because it's to save his/her life.
It might be best for you to allow them to put her/him in and do all that they need to do to bring him/her around again and for you to keep your sanity and health as well. You certainly need to keep yours to help kitty and your patients as well as schooling. There's nothing like having professionals do their job and knowing that you're doing all that you can to help this kitty. Fear can be managed in hospital with mild sedatives or something that won't upset the kidney issue.

Maybe, Kitty needs intravenous and med tweaking and let them get him/her back up again? Wouldn't that take some stress and pressure off of you?

Just think about this. If this were one of your patients...telling you the same story of this stress and worry...what would you tell them?
Whatever you'd tell them...is what you need to do for yourself.

Remember, kitty loves what is familiar BUT...when kitty is very ill like this...he/she will love you more for doing what is necessary to get him/her feeling better. :)

Just hugs!
 
Sgans said:
I'm afraid my friend said that right now she's got too much on her plate. Really sorry that you won't be able to help you out and giving you an ear to talk to and an extra shoulder. But, as you can tell, people here are really helpful really supportive.

But if I find another cat friends in New York I'll be in touch.
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thank you so much. But really, it's not necessary. Talked w/ my mom for quite some time tonight. (she lives in CA).

Update: Got him an appointment at the AMC tomorrow morning w/ a neurologist who's also an internist. He'll get a full neurological workups and we'll see if he needs IV fluids etc.
My regular vet called me tonight too. Very supportive. Also said he thinks I'm stressing myself out; that I should remember the recent bloodwork, urine, etc. was all in normal ranges and the xray and ultrasound didn't show anything too bad. He reassured me that we just need to get Edgar through this first crisis.
I'm going to bring up the Viyo and Z-line (can't remember the name now, but I DO remember it's B12....) w/ the vet tomorrow.
I'm so wiped.
Thanks all for everything. I'll update tomorrow.
 
Louellen said:
I also know what it feels like to be so panicked. @vexedgirl .
I've had 2 diabetic cats (one over a decade ago and the other, right now). I've also had a kidney kitty. (He lived to over 18 years of age).

Copper (my kidney kitty) lost tons of weight and muscle through the kidney issue. He also walked on his hocks and wouldn't eat. It *might* be more his kidney issues causing this than the diabetes...but, of course, one works with the other, meaning one makes the other worse etc.. Vicious cycle to be in.

I know nothing of the med you are giving kitty for the seizures but, I'm thinking that it *may* also be a culprit in something???

If this is a kidney cause (saying only *IF*)...then, you're best off to find a low phosphorous food and working with that first (IMO and may be wrong but, this is a diabetes board so, others might have more knowledge and tend to disagree with me on this). There are low phosphorus prescription kibble like k/d that your kitty might eat. Copper was also extremely finicky and though wet food was supposed to be the best for a kidney kitty, he wouldn't look at it either. We did the best we could with the k/d kibble. You might also want to try the g/d and believe it or not, some dog foods are better than the cat kibbles. Seriously. :)

The other thing that I know worked for Copper was to give him warmed baby food beef/chicken (no onions or garlic added). I know kitty doesn't like wet food but if you can't get the supplement food, you can always mix up a bit of the baby food (also low potassium and low carb) and syringe feed.

And, yes...constipation is an issue that will cause appetite lowering. Our previous diabetic kitty got constipated and wouldn't eat either...therefore, we couldn't give him insulin either. So, that, we had to deal with first and used canned pumpkin (NOT the pie filling but, the canned actual pumpkin). He tended to love it. I know it's not great for diabetes but, in this case...him not eating anything is going to do more damage than the BG issue.

So, I know this is all so overwhelming but, it sounds as though you're trying to fight too many battles all at once and finding road blocks/walls that you're running into that are causing more angst.

Let me just say that *IF* you need to hospitalize kitty to get him/her well....the "fear factor" is not actually a "factor" because it's to save his/her life.
It might be best for you to allow them to put her/him in and do all that they need to do to bring him/her around again and for you to keep your sanity and health as well. You certainly need to keep yours to help kitty and your patients as well as schooling. There's nothing like having professionals do their job and knowing that you're doing all that you can to help this kitty. Fear can be managed in hospital with mild sedatives or something that won't upset the kidney issue.

Maybe, Kitty needs intravenous and med tweaking and let them get him/her back up again? Wouldn't that take some stress and pressure off of you?

Just think about this. If this were one of your patients...telling you the same story of this stress and worry...what would you tell them?
Whatever you'd tell them...is what you need to do for yourself.

Remember, kitty loves what is familiar BUT...when kitty is very ill like this...he/she will love you more for doing what is necessary to get him/her feeling better. :)

Just hugs!
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Thanks, Louellen. Very soothing and supportive. And I agree, I'd rather have him hospitalized and on the mend than languishing here. I'm okay with him staying there (actually gives me peace of mind). It's more the constant visits of the last couple weeks that has been so stressful. Also because of my severe spinal issues, carting him back and forth to the vet has put my lower back in a constant spasm, exacerbated of course by the stress and tension. Not to mention my 4-year program is ending next week, I'm having to terminate with my patients whom I've been working with for years, and the birth mom of my 13-yr-old patient keeps trying to have him stashed away in a residential home (ostensibly for his diabetes management, if that ain't irony enough).

SO. Thank you everyone, I mean it.
 
Well, good luck Vexedgirl. We're all still here. Perhaps, you will take him in and they will say that they need to keep him in a couple of days for monitoring and get him eating again? It IS stressful to say the least. But, just remember that as humans, we only have so much that we can do. Then, the rest is up to Veterinarians and Nature. You're doing all that you can so, if need be...perhaps, just taking him in and telling them that you want them to do what they can to bring him back around again to the best of their ability (within reason for financial reasons, I'm sure).
Know that you're not alone. You do have friends here too. :)
 
@vexedgirl , I SO relate to your stresses. I relate to that lower back pain, I understand your stress at leaving patients who depend on you (that one mother... dang!). I'm so sorry you're going through all this.

I was checking in to see if there was an update subsequent to your vet appointment today. I'm also in CA, so with the time-difference, I thought you might've written in. I'm watching to see what you learn today.

Also, if you haven't already asked - that "Z medicine" is Zobaline (NOT Xobaline, which is for humans). Also - important to note - it's a SPECIFIC type of B12. The usual kind is cyanocobalamin and does nothing for diabetic neuropathy. This is METHYLcobalamin - and it's really helping! Just in case your doc needs that info....
 
Whew!
Ok, so just like a car that stops making that clattering sound the second you bring it to the dealer...
Edgar woke me up bright and early (before my alarm) this morning by meowing in my face and gently biting my cheekbone (his preferred spot). He was walking around, chatting back to me, and generally was better than I've seen him in weeks.

The AMC vet happened to be someone I'd met before - he was a resident back when Edgar was there for his original kidney failure! Kept telling me that he remembered Edgar and what a great cat he is, etc. etc. (proud mommy!)

Anyway, so the neurological eval went well. He said that he's not seeing anything bad or very obvious. He also commented that the subtle signs of weakness I reported may be something that I would see at home, but aren't "big" enough to be seen when he's at a strange place. That being said, he noted that he was already going to recommend B12 and folate and agreed that Edgar would do well with Zobaline.

He said that since Edgar refuses to eat anything but his dry S/O (for urinary and not the best for diabetes) that I should actually just continue giving him that for now. He said it's most important for him to actually EAT because if his blood sugar is high and he's not eating, his body isn't able to use the glucose for energy and that may be why I was seeing the lethargy and weakness. Right now, the idea is to keep him on this food for now, using insulin to regulate his sugars. THEN once he's well regulated, we can try and alter his food. But not everything at once. He said some kitties can be regulated w/ food and others just can't. He remembered Edgar and recognized that he's one finicky little feline, so....

In the end, there were no sub-Q fluids, no pain killers, no anti-nausea. He said just keep doing what I'm doing for now. Let's see if we can get him regulated on Lantus. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else. Don't worry about the food for now, just stay the course.

So, in all, good news.

THANK YOU
 
Oh, PHEW!!!! That's honestly GREAT news!!! Your vet seems to be very knowledgeable, and open to discussion! Wonderful!

The Zobaline doesn't ship too quickly, as I found out. What I got in the meantime, from the health vitamin store was by SuperiorSource B12 Methylcobalamin 1,000mcg, Folic Acid 400mcg. It was the lowest dosage (I give 3x/day until Zobaline gets here), and it's quite pure except it DOES have Lactose (Eegie's tolerant of it, but not all cats are). But from 4/30 to today, his neuropathy is SO improved. I just have no patience, and couldn't wait for the Zobaline, which won't even arrive until tomorrow at minimum. Just an idea...
I'm SO glad you don't have to stress the food - and there's nothing additional to do!

Now... maybe you can breathe!!! :cat::)
 
vexedgirl said:
Whew!
Ok, so just like a car that stops making that clattering sound the second you bring it to the dealer...
Edgar woke me up bright and early (before my alarm) this morning by meowing in my face and gently biting my cheekbone (his preferred spot). He was walking around, chatting back to me, and generally was better than I've seen him in weeks.

The AMC vet happened to be someone I'd met before - he was a resident back when Edgar was there for his original kidney failure! Kept telling me that he remembered Edgar and what a great cat he is, etc. etc. (proud mommy!)

Anyway, so the neurological eval went well. He said that he's not seeing anything bad or very obvious. He also commented that the subtle signs of weakness I reported may be something that I would see at home, but aren't "big" enough to be seen when he's at a strange place. That being said, he noted that he was already going to recommend B12 and folate and agreed that Edgar would do well with Zobaline.

He said that since Edgar refuses to eat anything but his dry S/O (for urinary and not the best for diabetes) that I should actually just continue giving him that for now. He said it's most important for him to actually EAT because if his blood sugar is high and he's not eating, his body isn't able to use the glucose for energy and that may be why I was seeing the lethargy and weakness. Right now, the idea is to keep him on this food for now, using insulin to regulate his sugars. THEN once he's well regulated, we can try and alter his food. But not everything at once. He said some kitties can be regulated w/ food and others just can't. He remembered Edgar and recognized that he's one finicky little feline, so....

In the end, there were no sub-Q fluids, no pain killers, no anti-nausea. He said just keep doing what I'm doing for now. Let's see if we can get him regulated on Lantus. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else. Don't worry about the food for now, just stay the course.

So, in all, good news.

THANK YOU
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I'm SO happy to hear this news for you and Edgar! :) I'm sure you're feeling still apprehensive but, more hopeful and raring to do what you're going to continue and start doing for him. Happy news. :)
 
I know usually in the blood work they draw electrolytes, but low potassium can cause the sudden onset of leg weakness (and generalized weakness) as well as poor appetite from decreased GI motility. It's common in diabetic and with kidney disease. Might be worth calling about and seeing if they did the lab.
 
Dunno. They just did labs a couple weeks ago and everything was within ok ranges. I've added a probiotic on his food and am waiting for the B12 to arrive. He wasn't very into eating today and is spending most of his time under the bed.
I'm going to try and start that spreadsheet thing, but not sure if I can keep it up. Too busy.
 
I'm wondering whether Edgar is hiding because he senses the shots coming? Morrigan has figured out that eating equates to getting a shot so, she'll eat small amounts then, go hide too. But, generally, cats (and dogs) who aren't feeling well, tend to go off in a corner or under things to "hide" and be quiet with no fuss. It may be that he's quite uptight about the shots and perhaps, testing (if you do it)???

Hoping that you get the meds soon and can get him onto them. The other thing that *might* work is to try an "appetite stimulant" (if that hasn't been tried already). I believe it comes in 2 forms....one is an antihistamine and the other is an antidepressant. Not sure if either are suitable, given Edgar's condition but, it might be worth a question to the vet via phone??? You've got to get him to eat something, somehow as that can be dangerous too. Don't let him go too long without eating much. That's worth a call to the vet if you can't get him to eat.

By the way, I found that the dog version of the FortiFlora (probiotic) seems to be better at enticing cats to eat. The cat version doesn't seem to do much. Don't know why though.

Best wishes!
 
I've always just given Edgar the regular human Culturelle in the past. He loves it sprinkled on his food. Is that not ok?

He was given an appetite stimulant a couple times in the past few weeks. Doesn't seem to work for him.

Re: his hiding pattern: he eats a little, hangs out in the corner, comes back and eats a little, lays on the bed, eats a little if I lay the food dish in front of him. Then goes to hide later on. My housekeeper is here right now (one of his favorite people in the world) and he still won't come out from under the bed. Sad. :(
 
I think as long as he tolerates the Culturelle, that's ok. Others may have a different opinion but, it seems that there's a high margin for error in probiotics so, it's likely not a worry.

Sorry that the appetite stimulant didn't work.

As for the hiding...well, could be that he's just "shoot shy". He likely recognizes differences in you as well as his patterns. It's sounding like he's worried that if he fully comes out and eats, he'll get poked? I could be wrong but this is coming from someone who had to spend nearly 20 minutes this morning, trying to find Morrigan to give her her insulin and test. She was hiding under a beside table. Little monkey had me frustrated beyond belief and 10 minutes late with her shot. :rolleyes:

But, if you notice him not eating enough (even if grazing so, keep track of how much he ate by measuring 1/8 can/cup/whatever) you might want to call your vet. The reason that I say that is because if they don't eat enough calories, their livers become an issue. I know it's worrisome and a headache to say the least but, I measure out Morrigan's kibble and canned foods so that I know how much she's eaten. She JUST gets enough calories...some days not but, if she's too low...there's no urine or bowel movements either. That becomes a worry/concern that needs to be dealt with. If you're not having success with one food, try another. Just keep him interested in food the best that you can. I have a mini pet food store in my kitchen pantry. :) Keep offering different varieties of foods that he will eat...even if they are higher carb than would be liked (as your vet has suggested). The other thing are to check on his meds. Could they be causing his lack of appetite? Are you reacting the same as you normally would with him? Anything might put a cat off of eating. Just keep experimenting but, call your vet if he's still not eating and is hiding more than out.
 
I really think it's digestion issues. He pooped a big poop and the next day was acting better. I started him on some cat-specific probiotic to aid digestion, and started the Zobaline yesterday too. (mine came FAST from Amazon...)
He was chipper this morning and had a good appetite. :) Yay!
 
Hey...that could be the issue! :) Let's hope...fingers crossed that he keeps up like this and gets better now. :)
 
Hi I wanted to give an update!
Edgar is doing better. His BG is still kinda all over the place, but his mood and personality have improved tremendously. He was my normal kitty this morning! He still lays down more than he used to, but it's hard to know what's diabetes and what's age. I've been giving him FortiFlora and he seems to be pooping easier.

On the other hand, my other cat is drinking water like she's living in a desert. She was diagnosed w/ hyperthyroidism about a month before Edgar's diabetes. She's on meds for it and the last time we were at the vet, her levels were looking good. But in the last few days, she just CANNOT get enough water. I actually tested her BG because I was thinking what are the odds that I've now got TWO diabetic cats! But hers was at 90 right before eating, so I'm purty sure it's not that. *sigh*. Another call to the vet........

If you have a sec, check out Edgar's chart and tell me your thoughts? I mean, obviously I want the vet to look too... but more eyes is better!
 
Ideally, you want to shoot both AM and PM and with Lantus, it is really important to shoot the same dose both times. How about sticking to 1.5 units every 12 hours for a minimum of 3 full days unless he drops below 50 mg/dL.

And please read over these 2 protocols for using Lantus to see which will work best for you.
Tight Regulation
Start Low, Go Slow

 
My changing amounts was directly advised by my vet based on where edgar's BG was at the time in conjunction w/ whether or how much he had eaten. And based on the fact that I had to leave the house and couldn't stick around to make sure his levels didn't drop too low. My schedule makes tight regulation impossible, and I have received advice from his regular vet and his neurologist that it's not a good idea.

BJM, I really appreciate your active attention on these boards and you seem incredibly knowledgable about all of this. But sometimes I feel like some of your replies to me feel a little dogmatic, and I feel like I'm being put on the defensive. I really do want your input, because like I said, you are so well versed with all aspects of this disease. Just please understand that I am doing my best. My work and lifestyle just literally don't allow for me to be home at exact times. And unfortunately over the next two years, it's just going to get worse. I'm actually an incredibly attentive pet parent, but there are always limits, as I'm sure you understand.

Thanks for your help; I hope my genuine appreciation still comes through in this note.
 
It would be helpful to put the scheduling issues in your signature and/or on the top of your spreadsheet, or you'll continue getting folks reminding you about it the minute they see your doses; they'll notice the changes.
Some folks have managed a steady 11/13, others have noticed that 1 hour changes may not make too much difference if not following TR, or even SLGS for that matter.
Another work around is using a small amount short acting insulin on those days when you need to tamp down the glucose a bit due to delayed shooting needs. You might discuss that with your vet. There are folks here who are familiar with using both Regular (very short acting) and NPH (somewhat short acting).
 
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