12/9 Sootie am104 pm97 biopsy results

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HWright

HWright

Member Since 2016
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/12-8-sootie-am115-pm124.169317/#post-1837727

Good morning
Sun shining and Sootie's am 104.:cool: Ate a little (photo attached of Sootie with Bella waiting patiently for fud decisions to be made.

Early morning check on Azalea found her curled up in her carrier again. She had eaten the rest of her supper, glory be, and I managed to get one more drop in her eye by opening the carrier's zipper top.

Azalea's Friday recheck (from m Tuesday's not so great vetty check) is this morning. If vetty still thinks her eye amuck, I'm bringing her to OV.

Have smooth sailing day, waxing up the surfboards and resting up for...it's here again already??? ....the Weekend!

Hugs and vines and hearts,
Sina
 

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I love the picture. I'm glad Sootie is eating. I hope Azalea's vetty visit goes well and you get good news on her eye. Sending prayers. :bighug::bighug:
 
Lookin' good, Sootie. My, that breakfast bowl looks delicious. No wonder Bella looks like she wants it all.

Sending good vetty vines for Azalea's appointment. I hope you get a good report.
 
Sootie headed into front bedroom soon after photo (and I hadn't yet elevated dish). Let Bella have her share. Then brought dish to Sootie who'd settled in her by-the-radiator, under-window bedding. Elevated dish, and she ate on own without distractions.

Then to Azalea, she ate but had to pick her up out of carrier. Then realized that her right hind leg is vexing her, stiff and painful to walk on, and wobbly getting about. Wonder if she tumbled from bed (isn't always keen about using stepstools I'd set up for her). And sniffles. So it might be an azalea-not-too-happy-cuz-it-hurts exam morning. Hope she didn't pull a muscle or ligament or break a bone).
 
HWright said:
Sootie headed into front bedroom soon after photo (and I hadn't yet elevated dish). Let Bella have her share. Then brought dish to Sootie who'd settled in her by-the-radiator, under-window bedding. Elevated dish, and she ate on own without distractions.

Then to Azalea, she ate but had to pick her up out of carrier. Then realized that her right hind leg is vexing her, stiff and painful to walk on, and wobbly getting about. Wonder if she tumbled from bed (isn't always keen about using stepstools I'd set up for her). And sniffles. So it might be an azalea-not-too-happy-cuz-it-hurts exam morning. Hope she didn't pull a muscle or ligament or break a bone).
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Did Azalea have BW drawn on Tuesday? The reason I asked was not too long ago when I took Forrest into the Vet because he wasn't feeling well, they took blood from his leg and a few days later, he couldn't walk right. Called the office and that was one of the questions the receptionist asked me, if they drew blood when he was there a few days prior. I guess sometimes it can make them sore for a bit. Glad she is going back again so you can have that check out.
 
Bobbie, never would have thought of that, thanks! Wish I could say she had b/w on Tuesday but she didn't. Last b/w was a couple weeks ago at the Eye Specialist. She was not cooperative..fractious is more like it...and when they couldn't draw from legs, they restrained her to draw from her neck. I shoulda been in the room they took her to. They didn't say anything til they brought her back. First time I'd ever not been present during b/w. However, she seemed ok afterwards. Could there be a delayed effect to her tussles there?

My hunch is that she might have tumbled or misjudged leapiness bc of one eyed vision and maybe some resuming effect from the eye drops (one includes beta blocker for glaucoma but maybe she's getting dizzy again from them even though OV reduced dose from 3 to 2 x daily?

Heading out soon with Azalea to vetty...bbl with update. Thanks and hugs from us all
 
On way to Eye specialist with azalea. Local vet thinks Eye needs to been seen right away. OV's earliest opening today is 1pm(ET). Reg vet Thinks hind leg problem muscle related. For sniffles gave penicillin inj, for inflammation gave depomedrol Inj.
Car and I running on empty. AT truck stop for "petrol" and truck stop coffee to go as my "petrol"....
Bbl
 
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We're home....Azalea just ate and now back in her carrier...good thing she thinks of it as a snuggly cave when she feels the need.

Attaching photo of OV's evaluation of a azalea's eye. Despite vetty's sense of urgency, OV thought eye pretty much same as a week ago, with eye pressure somewhat less than a week ago (today 22, last week 27, 2-3 wks ago 37, and initial visit, pre-drops, over 60). He thinks the cornea may likely never fully heal bc of the detached lens. When he asked for my assessment of her progress and comfort level--my response being that it fluctuates day-to-day - one day would look almost normal, the next day bulging; one day great about drops, another as if in agony. When I also mentioned her leg problem of today, and vetty's quick DX of both some muscular atrophy and, oh I forget precisely what he called it...like muscular exhaustion...this was when OV revisited the "we really don't know" if there is cancer in or behind the eye that might or might not be affecting the eye and or other neurological functions.

He continued to indicate that if the drops made her comfortable and helped with healing (as rechecks indicate in varying degree) we return to the initial choices: risks of surgery to remove eye or continue with drops until such time that she clearly is uncomfortable and in pain more often than not (leaving eye in also includes risks of feline intraocular cancer).

I asked him about board certified anesthesiologists: he said that his group (apparently it's a franchise?) does not have one to be available on-site, but the practice has one who is counsel to surgeons regarding any and all situations. She was the one he re-conferred with a few weeks ago about special protocols for renal cats. He was up front saying that if a complication arose requiring immediate hospital-type response, he was not a hospital.

He said he'd do the surgery but also said that in Azalea's case, she might be better served by an evaluation at Tufts (teaching vety hospital) or Angell Memorial (private full hospital facility) both near Boston. and if proceed with surgery, either place has the immediate emergency resources and personnel at-hand. He said happy to send all records and confer by phone with either or both.

Also both have specialties in dental and just about everything else. So, as in "one stop shopping" makes sense to have her mouth situation evaluated while there too and same day.

So goes today's azalea chapter of the day....

Sootie snoozing when got home.
 

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Thank goodness the OV could fit you in today - unusual for specialists, although my OV was pretty good about it. I'm glad that was mainly a false alarm.

The thing I loved about taking my cats to UCD was that if the Oncologist thought a neurologist should look at the cat, she called Neurology and arranged to take the cat up there for a quick exam - right away. No calling for appointments and schlepping the cat somewhere else - as you say, one stop shopping! I know you dread the drive to Tufts, but could be just what Azalea needs.

I'm glad she's eating well. One less concern, although she had to go and add a new one with the leg! :rolleyes: Sending healing vines for that.

I'm so glad Sootie is eating, too. How relieved that must make you feel, every time it happens! I know the feeling well. :bighug:
 
:bighug::bighug:Thank you .Tricia ❤️❤️ Time to soak it all in, make some phone calls...and gosh would be nice to take a little nap before starting the supper routines...everyone else is catching their catnap zzzz's...why not join in on the snooze-a-thon!!!!:bighug:;):bighug:
 
HWright said:
Bobbie, never would have thought of that, thanks! Wish I could say she had b/w on Tuesday but she didn't. Last b/w was a couple weeks ago at the Eye Specialist. She was not cooperative..fractious is more like it...and when they couldn't draw from legs, they restrained her to draw from her neck. I shoulda been in the room they took her to. They didn't say anything til they brought her back. First time I'd ever not been present during b/w. However, she seemed ok afterwards. Could there be a delayed effect to her tussles there?

My hunch is that she might have tumbled or misjudged leapiness bc of one eyed vision and maybe some resuming effect from the eye drops (one includes beta blocker for glaucoma but maybe she's getting dizzy again from them even though OV reduced dose from 3 to 2 x daily?

Heading out soon with Azalea to vetty...bbl with update. Thanks and hugs from us all
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Hi Sina,
I just want to add to @Bobbie And Bubba and the blood draw leg limp:(
When my boys had dentals Rico could not even put his leg down for a few days-I know he is difficult but seriously ??
It has been since May and his leg is still stiff. He is a senior (17.5) but he is active and playful and is good shape.
The night of the dental I was feeling around because I know exactly where they draw from the inside of the rear leg and there was a knot-I tried to rub it out but traumeel and zeel (oral-I crushed them and put in gel caps) seemed to help quite a bit.
Sending more prayers:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Good evening all,
Left message for Sootie's gi/diabetes doc to see if biopsy results in. Did a little homework about the two hospitals OV suggested for Azalea, then could not keep eyes open one more second.

Awoke in time to start felines' supper routines. Gi doc returned call.

Good news is that Sootie's stomach mass biopsy is benign. Not so good news is that it's in an area very difficult to remove surgically and dr g concerned about surgery given Sootie's age etc.

Iffy news is about the small intestine tissue sample. Results were 'inconclusive' indicating possibility of small cell lymphoma, with further test (genetic markers) recommended. Dr g had taken enough of sample during endoscopy for them to proceed with test just in case. I gave ok to proceed.

Given that Sootie is responding well to the cerenia, she is suggesting stay on it for time being. At first suggested switching to ondansetron twice daily for long term use but belayed that given that Sootie's responded well and actually eats her dose from my hand (with a few crumbles of Orijen fd soft original treats).

The omeprazole she wants Sootie to stay on (the compounded liquid Sootie got wise to, doesn't like it being syringed and won't eat it if in fud). I dunno what it tastes like but its smoked salmon smell is pretty intense and lingers....I feel like I've been dipped in a bottle of liquid smoke when any of the dose gets on me!

Dr g also said bc Sootie can't do steroids (diabetes) she suggested leukaran as a treatment of choice re intestinal, but felt was ok to wait til the conclusive results are in (about 2 weeks).

There is an integrative dvm in that facility, my next step is,by email, to ask dr g more about that 'arm' and see about integrating the integrative vet into the mix PDQ.

And.......Sootie's pmbg was 97:D, eating happily in front bedroom away from the fray of Bella and Dancer going nuts over the residue smell of smoked salmon and suppertime Fud fud fud....

So there we are at the moment, Sootie's chapter for today....

Vines and hugs and heart all around and with our muchos muchos gracias 'es!❤️❤️❤️❤️
 
I know you have lots to think about ---FWIW Rico gets ondansvetron in the morning and in the evening he gets cerenia and ondansetron-
If he were young I would probably try other options but QOL is my goal for him--he is also on budesondie as a alternative to pred-
:bighug::bighug:
 
You've gotten lots of mixed news today, Sina, but I see lots of good stuff in there!

I just wanted to comment on the vetty's comment about Sootie not being able to take steroids because of her diabetes. While steroids are not ideal, sometimes they are necessary. We've had a number of kitties here take steroids because they've absolutely needed them (asthma, lymphoma, etc). So while it's not the perfect scenario, if steroids will help Sootie, the "good" thing about diabetes is that her insulin can be adjusted around that need. It's just something to keep in mind....I know you are juggling a lot! I don't have first hand steroid experience, but hopefully others who do will chime in...
 
I'm glad the stomach mass was benign. I hope the other test result comes back good. I hope the meds can continue to help Sootie feel better and eat. Sending prayers.
 
You've got a lot on your plate Sina.:bighug: Many vines on their way for both your kits.
HWright said:
Dr g also said bc Sootie can't do steroids (diabetes) she suggested leukaran as a treatment of choice re intestinal, but felt was ok to wait til the conclusive results are in (about 2 weeks).
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As Amy said above, Sootie can do steroids. The choices are either pred or budesonide. Neko went on budesonide because of her heart condition (which really precludes pred). Some kitties here go on pred for other conditions that are otherwise life threatening. You just have to increase the dose to compensate. If kitty needs pred, so be it. But in this case, I would try budesonide first. It's a good choice for IBD and can also help in cases of small cell lymphoma where pred cannot be given. Neko was also on Leukeran - pulsed dosing every two weeks is the newer protocol that is easier on kitties. And I agree with the vet on getting a diagnosis (if you can) before you proceed on that one.
 
Hi Sina.

I'm glad you got some answers, but unfortunately, more questions, too.

Harvey was on Pred for treatment of small cell intestinal lymphoma. That's what caused his diabetes, in fact. He continued to be on it the rest of his life, although they lowered the dose after his FD diagnosis. I did not see any increase in symptoms when they did that, but his BGs came down. He was also on Leukeran, although not the pulse dosing method Wendy used. Those treatments bought him another year in which he was pretty much symptom free. In the end, it wasn't the lymphoma or the diabetes that took him from me - it was CKD - so who know how much longer he could have gone on, with those treatments? So Pred is an option. Our oncologist told me that Budesonide is not as effective as Pred against lymphoma (it's a better choice for IBD), but it's better than nothing. So, as Wendy said, that's an option to try, too.

I also like that the vet didn't jump into treatment but is waiting for the results of the other tests.

Can you have the Omeprazole compounded with a different flavor, like chicken?

Sending vines for good results from the rest of the tests.
 
:bighug:Sina :bighug: Wow, you have sooo much going on. You are doing an amazing job taking care of your fur babies. Sending lots of love and vines.
 
Sina, sending lots and lots of vines your way with all that you are going through. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: Sigh, it's a lot of decisions to make and good thing you do your homework . Not having any experience with Sootie's condition, I am not sure how I would proceed but, I like Wendy's suggestion to try the bup first.
 
FWIW, my sister used Dr. Brum (as did another member who no longer posts) at Angell Memorial. My sister and Cyn (the member here) loved Dr. B. He is skilled and incredibly compassionate. The facilities at Angell are also top notch.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
FWIW, my sister used Dr. Brum (as did another member who no longer posts) at Angell Memorial. My sister and Cyn (the member here) loved Dr. B. He is skilled and incredibly compassionate. The facilities at Angell are also top notch.
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Thank you, Sienne! I will reach out to him first. The website info for Tufts and Angell helpful but...remote.
Interestingly, when I brought Sootie to her fist gi/FD specialist appt at Pieper on Monday, two Tufts vet'y students sat in with dr g.
During conversation when dr g stepped out to check on an emergency, the students and I chatted a bit. I asked them about Tufts hospital..both said was good but always super long wait when there bc of the teaching hospital aspect.
 
The long wait times are pretty standard at a teaching hospital. I'm on faculty at Ohio State and their vet school is one of the top ranked in the country. My neighbors said the same thing -- they are good, especially for complicated issues, but the appointments take forever. FWIW, Angell does have a residency program so they train vets in specialty services.

Angell also has other locations. I'm not familiar enough with the Boston area to know where things are, though.
 
Thanks Sienne, just like human teaching hospitals....DH was admitted to Yale hospital some years ago for suspected cardiac problem (turned out the local hospital had misread the nuclear stress test they'd done). while we understood the why's of multiple groups of students coming in constantly asking the same questions, it was exhausting!

I did read online that Angell has a teaching/residency component to it. I'm not averse to that. We all gotta learn by doing....but don't hurt my cats!!!!

ETA: yes I think Angell has two (maybe three?) sites: Boston, Waltham and I'll recheck if a third.
 
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Hi Sina,
I'm not good with medical conditions and/or meds, but just want to say that you are handling all of this so well. I hope that whatever decisions you make about vet hospitals, tests, meds, etc. will work out well.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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