12/29 Gussie AMBG 93, not eating, fluids onboard. PMBG 73

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/12-28-gussie-am-vomit-ambg-112-pmbg-82.170360/
Morning all
Gus was really sweet this morning, snuggly then went and ate some cat grass and puked it back up. He refused everything I offered this morning in the way of food. He snarled his way thru fluids, I figure I was able to het 75 ml of baby bottle warm but not hot fluids into him.
He has both cerenia and Zofran onboard this morning, will add Bupe in a bit, and if he still won't eat we are calling the vet to come in, which I may do anyway. I can't do this try 12 cans every hour when I am back at work, I can't be here to do it. And he is now at day 21 and not getting any better but is getting worse despite meds.

@tiffmaxee thank you for offering the syringes, I did buy basic feeding syringes, I think tho they are too bulky, with him if I have to get anything into his mouth without gagging or aspirating being at risk as he struggles and snarls smaller is better.

Re your question about miraax, I thought first too that constipation might be the case, especially after finding constipation could be a side effect of the Zofran. I was giving a 1/4 t dose of Mirakax twice a day, up from the 1/8 usual dose. I stopped as I was having trouble getting enough fluids into him and the miralax works by drawing fluids from his system so I figured that was probably compounding the dehydration issue. He won't eat pumpkin, will look for some baby food squash as I recall some have successfully used it where their cats would not eat pumpkin.

I will ask the vet about the higher calorie foods, at this point I am willing to try anything. I can tell by picking him up he is losing weight. I will try to get him on the baby scale tho I know what I see will make me cry.

Thanks all,
Surf safely kitties, vines going out to all.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Mixed chicken baby food, some pumpkin and a light Slurry of EZ complete as I'm hoping it has the vitamins etc he needs for a balanced diet . So far Anti jinx he seems to be eating it. At least I know it worked for one meal..

ETA he really only ate a little, mostly licking off the fluid part.

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

 

[Photorecon]

d Bupe in a bit, and if he still won't eat we are calling the vet to come in, which I may do anyway.

I think this is a very sage decision. At home management could have made it but
after so much time the opinion of an expert is advisable. Hope your debit or credit
card won't melt down. Mines are very hot, can barely touch them

Good job, keep us up to date !
.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I hope you can get Gussie into the vet if you need to. Sending prayers.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

• 21 days is a long time and certainly warrents a vetty visit. I'm so sorry he's not feeling good. Sending lots of vines and prayers.

 

[Barbara & Uncle (GA)]

I woke up thinking about you and Gussie. I can't say for sure, but I might do the same thing re. calling the vet. Sending tons of love your way

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

21 hugs

 

[Kathy and TiTi]

I agree with everybody. It's time for a vet visit. Pancreatitis is a very tricky illness, as I am also discovering. If it weren't for TiTi's probable acro, she would not be eating either.

I wonder if Gussie is strong enough to endure the procedure for a feeding tube?

Hugs and prayers and purrs.

 

[LizzieInTexas]

Poor Gussie. I, too, think a vet visit is a good idea. Especially with a long holiday weekend coming up.

 

[Osha]

I hope you can get into the vet and get some ideas and help from them.

Sending lots of vines!!

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Les, I am so very sorry that Gussie still isn't better and eating for you .But glad you did get the baby food into him today Fingers and paws that it continues. Sounds like a vetty visit is in order to see if there is something else going on to make him not want to eat like teeth or something.

 

[tiffmaxee]

I agree. He needs to see the vet. Chicken gerbers is 100 calories a can. I would still give tfs miralax.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

I agree that a vetty visit is the best thing right now. You should discuss the possibility of using a feeding tube. Karrie, one of our FDMB members from quite a while ago, was an expert on assisted feeding. She always recommended the Yahoo Assisted Feeding Group. It saved her kitty's life: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/info

I have some of Karrie's advice posts, but will have to search for them. I'll get back to you. But in the meantime, we are sending Gussie the best healing vines we can find.

Hugs and scritches,

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I am SO sorry Gussie is still so unwell and not eating. I completely understand your frustration and despair. I am sure you are beyond exhaustion. And it is hard to think properly when you get like that
I agree a vet visit is warranted and I would also ask about a feeding tube and higher cal foods.
Pancreatitis is such a nasty disease and obviously makes them feel awful, but when they can't tell us what is the matter, we can only guess.
Sending a jumbo jet full of mega strong Aussie appy vines.

 

[Olive & Paula]

Oh Gussie, feel better and start eating. Agree with vetty since a long weekend is coming up.

There seems to an appy epidemic happening lately.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

(((HUGS)))


Come on Gus...we are all rooting for you!!

Many prayers being sent.

 

[tiffmaxee]

The yahoo assist feeding group is great.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi again, Les,
Here is a link to Karrie's tribute to her kitty, Maverick, detailing her experience when he almost died of Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Disease) because he could not/would not eat because of pancreatitis. It's a Google Doc.:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qkxaFCBp5f_wnR_ApOBmaGWKAmgi6RQNGuCjneDvz0E/preview

She credits the Yahoo Assisted Feeding Group for pulling Maverick through the crisis (I gave you the link to this above, but here it is again: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/info).
She also advised (in other posts) beans whose kitties had Pancreatitis to join the Yahoo Feline Pancreatitis Support Group:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline_Pancreatitis_Support/info

When you join the Yahoo Assisted Feeding Group you get links to several very valuable information articles.

I hope that Gussie will feel better very soon.

Sending hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

 

[tiffmaxee]

The pancreatitis group is excellent and where I learned all I know. It's also where I have gotten the articles I've posted. Maureen and Stacey are cat experts in lots of areas. Stacey posts on the assisted feeding group and Maureen on the CRF one as well as the FPS group. You need a yahoo account to join.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Thanks guys, did not get him to the vet yet. He had a bit better day, I think the fluids and the addition of the cerenia helped a lot. He was alert and about today, showed passing interest in food and is not meatloafing today. He cruised his favorite spots and spent time in each of them watching the world go by and soaking up the sun streaming in, and bathing. I did not have to give the Bupe. Perhaps dehydration was making him feel worse as you suggested.

I have a pre-booked vet slot on morning of the 31st. It is earmarked for Jett and Lola but I can switch and bring Gus. I am going to get more rotisserie unseasoned chicken from sprouts, he used to like that.

He had a good day today comfort wise so I let him enjoy it. I think that was important for him and for me too , that we have a good day together. I have an er vet nearby if I need to get him in sooner tomorrow or tonight. I am hoping we won't need it. I'd like to have him seen by my vet whose expertise and opinion I trust.

I will talk to them about if a feeding tube is advisable given his age and overall condition. He is at least 18-19 years + old now. I will also ask that we get enough cerenia to give both even tho my vet felt one or the other with cerenia vs Zofran. I have proof now it makes a difference and knowledge ( thank you guys) and the pancreatitis PDFs I will print out documenting they work on different receptors.
Will also ask about a rx for the hi cal food. I may go back to a smaller dose of the mirtazeprine because he devoured everything in sight on it. Didn't seem to matter much what I put in front of him. Last I spoke to the vet he said reaction was a bad trip do to reduce the dose further.

He also is on night three of his antibiotic Zenequin so will pick up more of that, at the vets, perhaps it's the helping factor.

I wondered too if his teeth were complicating things, I'm sure that could be playing into this too. He's never had any dental work of any kind.The good news is his breath has improved over the last few days so I'm thinking something in his gut must be feeling better in some way.

I wonder if you can do teeth and G-tube all at once so it's only one bout of sedation.?
He's been a strong old cat but there's only so much you can throw at any one being at once and have them stay standing.

Thank you all for all of the vines, the help, suggestions, knowledge and hope it def keeps me standing when it seems hard to do

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Having a good day is medicine itself sometimes.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi again, Les,
I am so glad to hear that Gussie had a better day today. Keep up the good work, Gus! Eat yer fuds!!

 

[Barbara & Uncle (GA)]

Glad to hear Gussie felt a bit better as the day went on today. Totally understand wanting to let him enjoy it. Hope he keeps it up and gets more of his hungry cat on! Don't know the answer re. G-tube and teeth cleaning. Will get out of the way so the sages can weigh in.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Glad to hear Gussie felt a bit as the day went on today. Totally understand wanting to let him enjoy it. Hope he keeps it up and gets more of his hungry cat on! Don't know the answer re. G-tube and teeth cleaning. Will get out of the way so the sages can weigh in.

No need to go away

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Headed out to sprouts..

 

[Photorecon]

Thanks guys, did not get him to the vet yet. He had a bit better day, I think the fluids and the addition of the cerenia helped a lot. He was alert and about today, showed passing interest in food and is not meatloafing today. He cruised his favorite spots and spent time in each of them watching the world go by and soaking up the sun streaming in, and bathing. I did not have to give the Bupe. Perhaps dehydration was making him feel worse as you suggested.

I have a pre-booked vet slot on morning of the 31st. It is earmarked for Jett and Lola but I can switch and bring Gus. I am going to get more rotisserie unseasoned chicken from sprouts, he used to like that.

He had a good day today comfort wise so I let him enjoy it. I think that was important for him and for me too , that we have a good day together. I have an er vet nearby if I need to get him in sooner tomorrow or tonight. I am hoping we won't need it. I'd like to have him seen by my vet whose expertise and opinion I trust.

I will talk to them about if a feeding tube is advisable given his age and overall condition. He is at least 18-19 years + old now. I will also ask that we get enough cerenia to give both even tho my vet felt one or the other with cerenia vs Zofran. I have proof now it makes a difference and knowledge ( thank you guys) and the pancreatitis PDFs I will print out documenting they work on different receptors.
Will also ask about a rx for the hi cal food. I may go back to a smaller dose of the mirtazeprine because he devoured everything in sight on it. Didn't seem to matter much what I put in front of him. Last I spoke to the vet he said reaction was a bad trip do to reduce the dose further.

He also is on night three of his antibiotic Zenequin so will pick up more of that, at the vets, perhaps it's the helping factor.

I wondered too if his teeth were complicating things, I'm sure that could be playing into this too. He's never had any dental work of any kind.The good news is his breath has improved over the last few days so I'm thinking something in his gut must be feeling better in some way.

I wonder if you can do teeth and G-tube all at once so it's only one bout of sedation.?
He's been a strong old cat but there's only so much you can throw at any one being at once and have them stay standing.

Thank you all for all of the vines, the help, suggestions, knowledge and hope it def keeps me standing when it seems hard to do

That's very good news Les, very happy some inspection will be made and you'll fill out reserves to stay self sufficient. Prepare your question to make the most out of the investment. Scans can show things that hypothesis can only guess (If I understood correctly you have this in mind). Nice that Gussy enjoyed the day, that's already something big. I'd ask for a backup plan is eat doesn't resume soon. There must be away to force feed without force.

For dental, it hasn't done any miracle for Small Kitty. Problem is different but expenses are the same. Make sure you're not opening the door to business opportunity, those dental are quick and fast money maker for vets. I was told it would fix everything, didn't at all and Big Brother resume eating even with this same issue. Looking at the inside could be the best investment.

Anyways, that's my own opinion and not the most optimistic right now.

Wish all goes well Leslie, take care of yourself, sorry for all these worries.

Big hugs.

 

[Amy&TrixieCat]

I'm glad he had a pretty good day today. FWIW, Zenequin really turned Trix around a couple years ago, after about a year of having on-again/off-again p-titis issues (anti-jinx). It did take a couple rounds for her, but it seemed to do "something". My vetty suggested it because they are now finding that about 50% of p-titis cases actually are caused by bacteria......we were kinda grasping at straws, but it worked.

Prayers for more good days...

 

[tiffmaxee]

I wouldn't rush to a feeding tube if he's eating with the meds. It sounds like he's been really nauseous. I'd consider getting some injectable cerenia. While it stings many and sure did Tiffany, if injected into the bubble of fluids might not. It seems to work better. Another injectable is anzemet which I don't think stings and works like zofran. I'd take all three to the vet if necessary since you already have two appointments but hope Gussie will be feeling better.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm glad Gussie had a better day today. I hope he keeps improving. Sending prayers.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

Amazemet barely stings but is more expensive. I gave Doodles injections of it when he was in bad shape at the beginning.

So glad to hear today was better for you both. Feel better little man.

 

[Lincolns Mom]

 

[Bron and Sheba (GA)]

I'm glad Gussie has had a better day.
I think antibiotics help as well. My vet almost always gives Sheba a/b especially if she is not picking up and they seem to help a lot.
I'm sure you have done this.......but have you tried some completely different food for him that he hasn't has when he's been sick. He could be associating his food with feeling nauseated ...just a thought. I have just been out and got Sheba some completely different cans of food to try.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

I'm glad Gussie has had a better day.
I think antibiotics help as well. My vet almost always gives Sheba a/b especially if she is not picking up and they seem to help a lot.
I'm sure you have done this.......but have you tried some completely different food for him that he hasn't has when he's been sick. He could be associating his food with feeling nauseated ...just a thought. I have just been out and got Sheba some completely different cans of food to try.

Thanks Bron,
Hoping Sheba eats some of the new ones you picked up. Gus is taking a couple of bites of a few, but not really eating, I've tried different textures, different flavors, different everything..I think they smell good and then his stomach probably lurches and it's all over with that.
I'm just very sad at this point as I really can't seem to help him at all and the meds really don't seem to give him any relief at this point.
Doesn't seem fair really

 

[Kako & Tux]

Oh Gussie... please please get well.
I'm praying and Tux is sending more beams.

(The flight was cancelled, my trip to Japan is cancelled. So I am here!!!!)

((((((((Gussie)))))))) ((((((((Les)))))))))

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

I wouldn't rush to a feeding tube if he's eating with the meds. It sounds like he's been really nauseous. I'd consider getting some injectable cerenia. While it stings many and sure did Tiffany, if injected into the bubble of fluids might not. It seems to work better. Another injectable is anzemet which I don't think stings and works like zofran. I'd take all three to the vet if necessary since you already have two appointments but hope Gussie will be feeling better.

Thanks Elise
I gave him some mirt tonite, about an 1/8 dose, doesn't seem to be helping really. He just doesn't want to do more than taste the food. I will take him in tomorrow and hope there is something else we can do. I don't want him to whither and hurt. I'm really feeling badly I can't help fix this right now....

Oh Gussie... please please get well.
I'm praying and Tux is sending more beams.

(The flight was cancelled, my trip to Japan is cancelled. So I am here!!!!)

((((((((Gussie)))))))) ((((((((Les)))))))))

oh no! Happy you are here but sorry for the cancelled trip!
Always nice to see you! How is Tux?!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

That's very good news Les, very happy some inspection will be made and you'll fill out reserves to stay self sufficient. Prepare your question to make the most out of the investment. Scans can show things that hypothesis can only guess (If I understood correctly you have this in mind). Nice that Gussy enjoyed the day, that's already something big. I'd ask for a backup plan is eat doesn't resume soon. There must be away to force feed without force.

For dental, it hasn't done any miracle for Small Kitty. Problem is different but expenses are the same. Make sure you're not opening the door to business opportunity, those dental are quick and fast money maker for vets. I was told it would fix everything, didn't at all and Big Brother resume eating even with this same issue. Looking at the inside could be the best investment.

Anyways, that's my own opinion and not the most optimistic right now.

Wish all goes well Leslie, take care of yourself, sorry for all these worries.

Big hugs.

Thanks Sebastien
Give SK and BB a scritch for me and whisper in SK's ear " work that juice buddy"

 

[Kako & Tux]

Leslie, Tux is well, and he is happy that I'm back so soon after leaving with a suitcase.

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Leslie, Tux is well, and he is happy that I'm back so soon after leaving with a suitcase.

Nice! Great to hear and I bet you are right! Yay for happy cats!!

 

[Taffysmama]

Aw, man...Gussie???!!! What is up with the No Eating Club??? Taffy has joined up, too. I am trying to stay calm about it, but I know how you feel!!! Have you tried any Rad Cat again? I broke down and got some yesterday and he has nibbled, but all of his other usuals are getting rejected (that I can usually entice him to eat). He has 3 plates laid out currently. I am being bad and letting him have a some i/d kibbles to try and get him going. He got into some of Baby's kibs earlier today (not with permission) and his BG still stayed green all day. It is the only thing he will eat easily right now and I am worried about fatty liver so I am allowing. We went to local vet today (where Baby went with his panc attack) and he got the works, except not antibiotics bcuz no fever.

I sure hope Gus eats. Would you resort to a low carb kibble if he will eat it? They need to get calories in. Hang in there!!!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Aw, man...Gussie???!!! What is up with the No Eating Club??? Taffy has joined up, too. I am trying to stay calm about it, but I know how you feel!!! Have you tried any Rad Cat again? I broke down and got some yesterday and he has nibbled, but all of his other usuals are getting rejected (that I can usually entice him to eat). He has 3 plates laid out currently. I am being bad and letting him have a some i/d kibbles to try and get him going. He got into some of Baby's kibs earlier today (not with permission) and his BG still stayed green all day. It is the only thing he will eat easily right now and I am worried about fatty liver so I am allowing. We went to local vet today (where Baby went with his panc attack) and he got the works, except not antibiotics bcuz no fever.

I sure hope Gus eats. Would you resort to a low carb kibble if he will eat it? They need to get calories in. Hang in there!!!

I'd let him eat anything at this point..he will taste just about anything but will only eat a few bites.
This is really bad..we had a really sweet day..but a superbly lousy nite...
Hope Taffy perks up too. I don't know where this came from, it breaks my heart

 

[Kako & Tux]

More

 

[Taffysmama]

I'd let him eat anything at this point..he will taste just about anything but will only eat a few bites.
This is really bad..we had a really sweet day..but a superbly lousy nite...

Sorry gosh darn it!
So you have tried some kibbles? Taffy is pretty kibble-motivated, but he did not like YA food (returned it today) and he does not go crazy for the EVO either. But Baby's i/d kibbles seem to be delicious to him and he is also liking the PurVita sample that they gave me at Ana Feed. I'm only giving a little at a time and trying to use as enticer to start eating other stuff, but if I screw up his BGs, oh well. Maybe Gussie is not as kibble-loving as Taffy, normally.
Can you see vet tomorrow if he doesn't eat enough tonight? I think time is of the essence. That is why I had to take Taffy today. For me, the $$ causes big fights at home, but I couldn't wait more.
He rejected the rotis chicken, I assume?

 

[Barbara & Uncle (GA)]

Shoot, that's one big bummer. Hope you can get some help for Gussie tomorrow

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

Sorry gosh darn it!
So you have tried some kibbles? Taffy is pretty kibble-motivated, but he did not like YA food (returned it today) and he does not go crazy for the EVO either. But Baby's i/d kibbles seem to be delicious to him and he is also liking the PurVita sample that they gave me at Ana Feed. I'm only giving a little at a time and trying to use as enticer to start eating other stuff, but if I screw up his BGs, oh well. Maybe Gussie is not as kibble-loving as Taffy, normally.
Can you see vet tomorrow if he doesn't eat enough tonight? I think time is of the essence. That is why I had to take Taffy today. For me, the $$ causes big fights at home, but I couldn't wait more.
He rejected the rotis chicken, I assume?

He won't eat dry anymore, weird because that's basically all he did eat for 14 years he was my neighbors cat.
I got him on the baby scale, sheesh you'd have thought I was going to kill him. (Baby) Jett is trained to walk onto it and sit or lay down. After Gus had his fit Jett spent the longest time checking out the scale, trying I am sure to figure out what became scarrrry .
Gus weighed 12.8 lbs, the same as at the vet three weeks ago which I find very hard to believe. Maybe it means I am keeping enough food in him thru the dozens of tastes of food I get him to take each day, I don't know. I suspect difference in the scales. This scale has traditionally been right in line with the vets in the past.
He ate a bit of the rotisserie chicken then wouldn't touch it. I have the carcass in the crockpot with water on low , making I'm not sure what as I don't know what I'm doing with the bone broth stuff. And a years worth of chicken in baggies in the fridge. Guess I'll be sporting feathers in 2017...
In desperation I pulled out an old can of Friskies Pate ocean whitefish and tuna. I had to try to get something in him because he had his AB. He actually ate a few Tbs of that. I have no clue what the carb count is on it..I have other food here that I don't know if it's ok because I really struggle with all of the calculators and it's not on the lists.
He has Bupe Topical onboard too tonite. He is being very clingy. Definitely not like him at all but it is kind of sweet. He gave a huge belch right before he got up and I got him to eat...maybe that helped his discomfort, from the sound of it it sure as heck should have..
I will definitely talk to the vet about hi cal food.
Thanks again, going to sign off and scritch Gus.

 

[Taffysmama]

AB

what is AB?

I have other food here that I don't know if it's ok because I really struggle with all of the calculators and it's not on the lists

If you think he might eat one, does it matter the carb count? I am worried about their (Taff & Gus) livers at this point, they need to eat. Taffy has had some kibbles and nibbled some Rad Cat, maybe 2 Tbsp.
I have a/d for high cal but I have to mix it with his chicken mush bcuz it is too rich for his panc. He is not going or that mix right now. He has in the past.
Sure wish we had better answers.
Big Appy Vines to Mr. Gussie!!!

 

[Chris & China (GA)]

what is AB?

AntiBiotic

Ocean Whitefish and Tuna is listed at 9% and I think that's probably pretty accurate....it's in the lineup here for the civvies (just in case China slips by me and gets some of theirs)

The important thing right now is having Gussie eat!!!

Here's a "recipe" I was given a couple of years ago for China when she wasn't eating (for making chicken bone broth)

All you need is about a dozen chicken drumsticks. Nothing else. I skin the drumsticks before I cook them.
If China has any kidney issues (crd) I would cook the meat, then either throw out that water or keep for yourself for soup/stock. Take off the meat and use for yourself. Doing this lowers the phosphorus level of the stock. If she doesn't have any kidney issues just keep using that water and you could give her some of the chicken too.

Put the drumstick bones in fresh water and softly boil for 6 to 8 hours. Drain and put the liquid into the frig. Next day skim off the fat and ready to use. It should be like jelly. I put it into ice cube trays and freeze then put into containers...I use it every day for testing BSLs

 

[HWright]

Les, I am sad beyond words that you and Gussie are going through this. And my apologies for being absent these past few days.

and bushelsful and I mean huge bushelsful to you both that Gus will soon be feeling better.

The higher calorie prescription foods that I've found helpful at such times are the Hill's a/d and the royal canin recovery. Both of course are "crap ingredients" but concentrate huge amounts of calories into a very palatable digestible soft pate and are the kind of smelly that can whet interest even when in small amounts. I have also made slurry (for plate or assist feeding) of it by adding small amounts of baby food squash, baby food pumpkin or plain canned pumpkin . Sometimes a bit of plain baby oatmeal with or instead of the pumpkin or squash. And of course SEB to soothe and, as needed, probiotics. Added enough warm or hot water to increase moisture and food's scent, etc. And if you're adding the baby oatmeal, the hot water helps it to reconstitute itself in the fud.

Hope you are getting some sleep and that you both will have a better day today,
Love, hugs and
Sina

ETA I've just seen Chris's post and second her observations and suggestions about Chicken broth and her way of making it so there's less phosphorus in it.
Also Taffy's mama: yes the a/d is pretty rich but intentionally so. cutting it in the ways you and I described might help 'soften' or balance its richness.

 

[Laura and Gremlin (GA)]

Gremlin and I send hugs, love and many vines to you and Gussie for a speedy recovery!

 

[Gussie's mom (GA)]

AntiBiotic

Ocean Whitefish and Tuna is listed at 9% and I think that's probably pretty accurate....it's in the lineup here for the civvies (just in case China slips by me and gets some of theirs)

The important thing right now is having Gussie eat!!!

Here's a "recipe" I was given a couple of years ago for China when she wasn't eating (for making chicken bone broth)

All you need is about a dozen chicken drumsticks. Nothing else. I skin the drumsticks before I cook them.
If China has any kidney issues (crd) I would cook the meat, then either throw out that water or keep for yourself for soup/stock. Take off the meat and use for yourself. Doing this lowers the phosphorus level of the stock. If she doesn't have any kidney issues just keep using that water and you could give her some of the chicken too.

Put the drumstick bones in fresh water and softly boil for 6 to 8 hours. Drain and put the liquid into the frig. Next day skim off the fat and ready to use. It should be like jelly. I put it into ice cube trays and freeze then put into containers...I use it every day for testing BSLs

Thank you so much for this recipe Chris
I will make this! Doesn't sound like I can burn down the house with it.
And thank you for relieving my mind on the friskies