? Prayers Please: Saoirse Not Well at All | UPDATE Wed 6th: Recovering from Severe Pancreatitis Flare

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Critter Mom said:
Very up and down, Marlena. Saoirse's fine one minute and then she's not so good. She's eating well but I can't find a way to make her comfortable all the time. Her BG has gone haywire over the last week. I tried increasing the dose in line with TRP but the higher dose made her very lethargic so I had to reduce it again. I'm in bits again. And heartsore - feels like fists clenched around my heart, throat, and gut. She needs pain meds all the time now.


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Oh my darling, really sorry to hear that.
If only I could help with anything ...
Sending lots of healing vines for you and Saoirse.
Marlena & Rocky
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Mogs, you know we are all here thinking about you. I really wish I could be there next to you to help you out with all this! Since I can't, know that I am sending healing vines for you BOTH. Many hugs to you and chin scritches to Saoirse!
 
Critter Mom said:
Gut feel. She's well-hydrated, btw.

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If you feel that the pancreatitis is having a major affect on Saoirse's QOL , one option...that definitely messes with the glucose levels is to have prednisolone (steroids) added in. I would have done the same with my Tuxie with his chronic pancreatitis, except with the diagnosis of early Cushing's the treatment is worse than the disease.

Senidng lots of prayer and hugs for you both :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
@Tuxedo Mom - Would the prednisolone also be any help with the arthritis, Mary Ann? I've been thinking about steroids myself today. I had no joy trying to get the vets to prescribe prednisolone before when she had the hot spot problem. :(

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Critter Mom said:
@Tuxedo Mom - Would the prednisolone also be any help with the arthritis, Mary Ann? I've been thinking about steroids myself today. I had no joy trying to get the vets to prescribe prednisolone before when she had the hot spot problem. :(

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From what I know..which may not be all the information...the steroids are not intended to help with arthritis, but it may help marginally. The only problem with steroids is that they are not intended for long term use..without causing other problems. I had tendonitis and was given 3 separate shots of steroids over a 3 month period into the affected joint. I was told that that was all they would give since more would start to deteriorate the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Luckily with me the shots gave a good improvement.
 
Mogs, my Emme had came to us with feline herpes. My vet suggested L-Lysine to boost her immune system. I would buy the pure powder from Amazon (NOW brand). I would sprinkle the powder on her food twice a day. The container suggests a serving size of 1/4 level teaspoon, and it contains 435 mg of L-Lysine. You can also get capsules, but I have arthritis in my hands and had trouble opening them. Plus the power was cheaper. There is l-lysine marketed specifically for cats, but it was also more expensive. I've never heard of any side effects, but to be sure, maybe start with a half dose and see how she does.
 
Critter Mom said:
Thanks for that info, Mary Ann.
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Steroids from my experiences are intended to help with tissues inflammation, such as pancreatitis , etc, It may actually hep with arthritis if there is tissue inflammation as well as joint inflammation. Whether this could be used long term, I can't advise you on.
 
I have some pure lysine powder, Debby. Thanks for the tips on dose and administration. I have a little jeweller's balance so I'll be able to work out the dose measurement with that.

:bighug:
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Even with non-inflammtory types of arthritis there is often some associated inflammation so I think steroids will help the pain as they are strongly anti-inflammatory. They do mess with the blood glucose but you know how to handle that. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Alexi said:
Even with non-inflammtory types of arthritis there is often some associated inflammation so I think steroids will help the pain as they are strongly anti-inflammatory. They do mess with the blood glucose but you know how to handle that. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Thanks for this info, Alexi. :bighug:

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@Sue and Oliver (GA) -

Hi Sue,

If you're around could you help me with something? Saoirse's not responding to her Lantus at the moment and my attempts to raise the dose in line with TRP didn't work; she got really dopey and lethargic. Her numbers aren't much worse for the dose reduction but her clinical signs have been better on the lower dose (currently on fat 0.25 BID). She's running in the low teens (Alphatrak). I am thinking of asking the vet whether Prozinc might help her (especially as it can be used on a sliding scale). Do you know of any cats that did better after switching from Lantus to Prozinc?


Mogs
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Mogs, I'm so sorry to hear that things are still rocky. Know that I am thinking of you and Saoirse daily and sending heaps of hugs and healing vines to you both.

On the subject of steroids, they are commonly used in human arthritic treatment so I see no reason why they wouldn't be helpful for Saoirse too.
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MsBliss said:
One more thing, Cerenia can sting when injected. The pills are usually given if there is no vomiting and kitty can take oral meds. Usual dose is 1/4 of a 24mg pill. If an injection is necessary, I'm giving it every day now by injection, technique helps: keep the Cerenia chilled, and chill the syringe for ten minutes after it is filled, to bring down the temperature. I inject it into the subq fluid bubble or put it in the subq port on the fluid bag and they don't feel it at all.

Adequan is really good stuff, as well. One vet told me to inject it IM, but a second vet told me it can be injected subq. You would do the loading dose once a week for several weeks, then expand to once a month. There is a manufacturers' shortage right now. I have not been able to get any and I think that will continue through August. But I think there is some available with a short date of October 2016. But, a two vial box can last for two years because the dose is so small, so I am holding out, hoping to get some when they release the new batch.

I'm trying to think of safe remedies that address global inflammation. The first thing that comes to mind is Omega 3 oils. In that category, the safest and purest one designed for cats is Nordic Naturals (version for small dogs and cats on the label). You can buy it on Amazon for about $20. Oils are subject to rancidity, and you have to buy ones titrated for a small animal so that they do not get a case of the poops. People strength capsules are generally too strong. Mercola also has a good oil in an airless pump, but their stuff is more pricey. Start with just 4 drops of the Nordic version per meal and increase slowly to the dose on the bottle, or keep the dose low and see if that helps at all. Keep it in the fridge after it is opened.

If I can think of any other remedies, I'll post the info.

All my best,
Bliss
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I just wanted to add that you may be able to get the equine adequan which is what we use and we also inject SQ 1x a week-I know we can go up to 4 weeks but my boys are seniors and doing so well I hate to mess with progress. The only difference with the equine is there are no preservatives which is better in my opinion--they go thru it faster so no need for them. We also go thru it fast (I think you have a year regardless)--maybe your vet can order the equine one? I get 3 at a time.:bighug:
 
(((((Mogs))))) I'm so sorry to hear things aren't great. I think of you often and wonder how you and Saiorse are doing. Stay strong - Saiorse is a little fighter and she will respond to all your efforts as best she can. It may be that this warmer spell of weather isn't helping much at the moment... Sounds daft I know but it's possible.
Sending lots of hugs and positive get better thoughts to both of you..
Diana
 
Critter Mom said:
I have some pure lysine powder, Debby. Thanks for the tips on dose and administration. I have a little jeweller's balance so I'll be able to work out the dose measurement with that.
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jayla-n-Drevon said:
I just wanted to add that you may be able to get the equine adequan which is what we use and we also inject SQ 1x a week
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Just use the 1/2 teaspoon ato give 425 mg. The power likely has some inert additives so the weight of the power may be greater than the weight of L-Lysine
I was just looking for Adequan for my civi Moxie. All I could ind in the 5 ml multi-dose vials were ones that expired in Oct of this year. You can find 5 ml single-dose Equine Adequan but that does not have a preservative so stuff can grow in it after initial puncture. The multiple dose vials have a preservative. You can get multi-dose Equine Adequan but that only comes in 50 ml vial that cost about $300-400
 
Critter Mom said:
Thanks, @DreMeister. I hope that Snickers is doing a bit better today, too.

Upped Saoirse's Lantus again today; got a little bit of a budge on PM+2 tonight. She was a bit more comfortable this evening (anti-jinx).


Mogs
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Thanx for thinking of Snicky. She seems to be better, anyways. Hope it stays that way. Only thing is she's hiding now when it's shot time and is becoming a wild animal when trying to inject her. Hope yours keeps getting better!
 
DreMeister said:
Only thing is she's hiding now when it's shot time and is becoming a wild animal when trying to inject her.
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Be sure to post this information on Snickers' own thread; it might be an insulin dose issue causing her problems with digestion (or possibly taking her low mid-cycle/high & flat - impossible to tell without BG test data or even 2ndry monitoring data). If more members see this info they might be able to advise you better.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Be sure to post this information on Snickers' own thread; it might be an insulin dose issue causing her problems with digestion (or possibly taking her low mid-cycle/high & flat - impossible to tell without BG test data or even 2ndry monitoring data). If more members see this info they might be able to advise you better.


Mogs
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I have mentioned her aversion to shots lately but haven't gotten a response yet.
 
I haven't been on here very much for awhile but, Mogs, I am sending strength, good wishes and prayers for both of you! :bighug::bighug::bighug:

Her demeanour may be due to pain/discomfort. I agree with Mr.WorfMensMom on the pain meds as a possibility.
 
Thank you, Louellen and Donnalea. :bighug:

Managed to get a urine test done today and it was positive for blood. Got vet to do a housecall to give Saoirse an antibiotic for a UTI. I'm quite frustrated that the vet I spoke to on Saturday didn't offer this because I told him that her BG levels were completely abnormal and that I suspected she might have some form of inflammation or infection. I've also started her on Nutracys (glucosamine, quercitin and l-tryptophan).

Her appetite is good but I don't think she's digesting her food properly; her abdomen was distended and tender when the vet examined her today - and she seems to be producing too much poop (stools OK in colour, yielding to firm, healthy odour). Yet again her tum is very gassy and I think this may be causing much of her discomfort at the moment as she seems much, much comfier and happier after she has a poop. The vets haven't once offered any suggestions for how to treat this problem despite it being an issue on and off for quite some time now (although not as bad as it is at the moment). @tiffmaxee - Has Max ever had problems with bloating? If yes, could you recommend anything that might help Saoirse? For info, I give her pumpkin in her food and I've reduced that over the last few days. Also one of the vets at the practice gave her a Convenia injection just over 2 weeks ago (despite it being on her records that she is not to be treated with Convenia ... :mad:). She had a 3-day amoxycillin dose today. She gets ondansetron twice a day as standard and she has been getting a small dose of bupe 2-3 times a day for the last few weeks.

This is so frustrating; so much of the time she's grand ... I'm desperate to help her.


Mogs
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Hi. I've been consumed with my mom's health, Max's high BP and I just had a root canal this afternoon so I'm just reading this now. With her stool normal I'd be surprised if she wasn't absorbing her food. The bloating could be from pancreatitis. The blood in the urine sounds like a UTI and that might very well be the problem. She's eating which is a very good time so I don't think she is any where near ready to give up. I think you need to see if the antibiotic shot helps her to feel better. It should work within 72 hours. How much pumpkin were you giving? I never have given more than a teaspoon twice a day.
 
@tiffmaxee -

Hi Elise,

I'm sorry to hear about all that is going on with you. :bighug: I doubly appreciate your taking time to respond to my tag. I feel for you over Max's high BP problems; Saoirse also has BP issues but she can't tolerate the meds (and the benazapril seems to be at the root of this, her worst ever pancreatitis flare). Like you, I don't think she's anywhere near wanting to give up but it is wrecking my head and tearing at my heart that I can't get things in place to keep her more comfortable. I'm thinking of trialling her on pancreatic enzymes; they're supposed to be a help with bloating and associated discomfort. Have you ever tried similar with Max?

Re pumpkin I had been giving her a maximum of 2tsps canned pumpkin spread across all of her meals for the day (approx 1/4 tsp per meal). I've reduced that amount down to about half of that or less.

Sending positive vibes for you and your loved ones. :bighug:


Mogs
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I've never used digestive enzymes because Max doesn't have EPI. did the labs show that Saoirse has it? I'd wait a few days to see if this latest issue is due to a UTI.
 
She doesn't have EPI per the tests, but this trapped gas has been an issue for her for quite some time. It has got a lot worse over the last few weeks since the benazepril triggered the flare.
 
tiffmaxee said:
Is she getting amlodipine for the BP?
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I can't give Saoirse anything to lower her BP, Elise; amlodipine made her very, very sick and the benazapril caused the inflammation that triggered this pancreatitis flare. :( She's running at about 170-175 systolic. The vets think the pain/digestive discomfort may be what is elevating her BP values. It's so hard knowing that there are treatments available but that she can't tolerate them. :( :(


Mogs
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Mogs

You could look into using Coenzyme Q10 for Saoirse's high blood pressure. I have been using it for Tuxie's heart murmur which they were calling grade 2+. The last check they said they could not hear a heart murmur. Here is some information on it, but I am sure you will do more research before making a decision

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/coenzyme-q-10/261

From Tanya's site:

http://www.felinecrf.org/treatments_waste_products_regulation.htm#coq10
 
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How long did she get amlodipine? It bothered Max at first but he got used to it. Of course now he's on it and his BP is a little higher than Saoirse's. But he's been on it for a few years.

How is she now?
 
Critter Mom said:
Managed to get a urine test done today and it was positive for blood.
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Was that determined by use a urine dipstick similar that used for measuring ketones and glucose in urine?
I ask since for cats the dipstick give a false positive 99% of the time for white blood cells in the urine.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Was that determined by use a urine dipstick similar that used for measuring ketones and glucose in urine?
I ask since for cats the dipstick give a false positive 99% of the time for white blood cells in the urine.
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Larry

My vet uses the Chemstrips for urinalysis. If there is any blood showing then they will centrifuge the sample and view under a microcope to look for WB cells. I use the Chemstrip 10 at home and have never had a positive, with having done about 15 tests in the last few months. Some of the other readings on the Chemstrip 10 are not reliable such as the Leukocytes.


ETA http://vetbook.org/wiki/cat/index.php?title=Urine_dip-stick_analysis
 
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