Weight Gain?
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Lisa and Witn (GA)
Member Since 2009
He probably will begin gaining weight once he is on the optimal dose. Right now his body is not processing the food correctly and that is why he seems always hungry but still losing weight. The best way to get him regulated is through a low carb/high protein canned or raw food diet, home testing and a long acting insulin with the optimal dose. Can you tell us more about you and your cat? These questions will help us guide you through this sugar dance.
What are you feeding him?
What insulin are you using and the dose?
How long has he been on that insulin and dose?
Are you home testing or plan to home test?
What are you feeding him?
What insulin are you using and the dose?
How long has he been on that insulin and dose?
Are you home testing or plan to home test?
I'm new here and have posted a few posts in the last few days. Leo was only diagnosed two weeks ago and was put on Prozinc at 1u and then 2u. I didn't like the fact that the vet upped his dose so fast so I brought it down some to 1.5u for now. I'm feeding him a low carb canned grain free duck and due to his IBD he has to have a limited ingredient single protein source. No dry food except freeze dried duck treats that are only duck and nothing else. I plan on home testing as soon as my kit comes in- probably today or tomorrow. I was just wondering if they ever re gain their normal weight again. He has lost a pound in a month's time and is down to 16.6 lbs from 17.6 lbs. He is a very large frame male cat. I just hate to see him looking so puny compared to how muscular and strong he used to be. He's eating well and his water consumption has decreased a lot since the insulin. I'm new and worry a lot right now.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
Jones had lost a lot of weight before he was diagnosed IBD! He was 5.25kgs (11 lbs - July 2015) and at his lowest he was 4.0 Kgs (8.8 kgs -Dec 2016). It took a while to get to the IBD diagnoses and putting corrective action in place. Due to all the steroids for the IBD he developed diabetes (Dec 16). He was literally skin and bones. I was to the point I was questioning his quality of life.
In the beginning, before I started home testing consistently and following the SLGS protocol, he really didn't gain much weight. His appetite was low and erratic. In fact he gained only 100 g (22 oz) in a month. His clinical symptoms improved (no vomiting, no diarrhea) but he was not gaining the weight. It really wasn't until we got his BG # numbers under control that the weight and appetite came back. Don't get me wrong, he still needs encouragement to eat but he has gained weight. In fact as of his vet visit yesterday he gained about 420g (almost a pound!) in about 8 weeks. As you can see from his spreadsheet, he hasn't really been controlled until about 3 weeks ago when he started hitting all blues and greens. That is when I noticed the weight coming back on (though was still complaining he was too skinny.
I did have him allergy tested and now I have that information I am hoping to get the right foods in to reduce the IBD and hopefully put even more weight back on. We need another 400-500g (about a pound) to get him back to optimum weight.
So, moral of the story, you can't fix everything at once and it will take patience to get Leo to where he should be. IBD does make things more complicated as you need to get the nutrients to the blood system and with the diabetes you have another hurdle getting it from the blood system into his body to use, but there are several kitties here with the same issues and some experts on the matter that can help out. You are not alone.
In the beginning, before I started home testing consistently and following the SLGS protocol, he really didn't gain much weight. His appetite was low and erratic. In fact he gained only 100 g (22 oz) in a month. His clinical symptoms improved (no vomiting, no diarrhea) but he was not gaining the weight. It really wasn't until we got his BG # numbers under control that the weight and appetite came back. Don't get me wrong, he still needs encouragement to eat but he has gained weight. In fact as of his vet visit yesterday he gained about 420g (almost a pound!) in about 8 weeks. As you can see from his spreadsheet, he hasn't really been controlled until about 3 weeks ago when he started hitting all blues and greens. That is when I noticed the weight coming back on (though was still complaining he was too skinny.
I did have him allergy tested and now I have that information I am hoping to get the right foods in to reduce the IBD and hopefully put even more weight back on. We need another 400-500g (about a pound) to get him back to optimum weight.
So, moral of the story, you can't fix everything at once and it will take patience to get Leo to where he should be. IBD does make things more complicated as you need to get the nutrients to the blood system and with the diabetes you have another hurdle getting it from the blood system into his body to use, but there are several kitties here with the same issues and some experts on the matter that can help out. You are not alone.
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Thank you. He was just at the vets and had actually gained an ounce since he was first diagnosed-Yay! I told the vet that he just looked so puny to me but he said his weight was ok for his large size just so he doesn't lose anymore. I was so used to seeing him at 18-19 pounds that he now looks skinny to me. It's so hard to figure out what foods are just right for an IBD cat that also are ok for diabetic kitties. The IBD really complicates things as sometimes a food will be good for a while and then all of a sudden it isn't. I never thought of getting him allergy tested. Who does this? A specialist? Right now he's on a grain free limited ingredient single protein canned food. Ah yes- patience! I have to tell myself that every day to stay patient with this.
StephG
Member Since 2016
It has taken my boy 6 months to gain 2 pounds. He's not regulated and very bouncy so I'm sure that has something to do with it. He was down to 9 pounds right before starting insulin. Chuck was a level 1 on the scale when we started and now he's a level 2.
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So I imagine it depends on how regulated they stay? I'm ok with this weight but I just don't want him to lose more. It's scary to see them lose too much. Six months to add 2 lbs doesn't sound too bad. 2lbs is quite a lot for a cat. To us it's not much but for them it can be quite noticeable. Love the close up face pic! There's nothing more adorable than a cat looking right into the camera close up.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
It was done by a lab in the States. Not sure where you are located I am in Canada which made things a little harder.
I got it on Groupon ImmuneIQ for a deal. Otherwise it is 87 USD. It didn't take much to get it done, it isn't an all inclusive but lets you know what is good, what is ok and what is a no go. If you click on the Allergy Report link in my signature you will see the report I got for Jones.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
Actually, another FDMB told me about it. Best thing I spent money on. I also found while they don't feel well - they will eat something and then they will have a bad day and then that food is now out. I can't tell you how much food I cycled through. Right now the FF pate and Wellness is the canned food he is eating. I am going to work on getting onto raw food. Have you check out the IBD Kitty site? They have some information on a raw food diet that may help with the IBD. I also am using a probiotic to help him, just mixed into his food.
Did the allergy testing help you pick out certain cat foods that he would be able to eat? Right now chicken, fish, turkey, and beef are pretty much out for Leo. I have to feed him either rabbit, duck, or venison and duck is the only one he will stick with. I know what you mean about cycling through foods- I've spent a fortune on cat foods. Yes I've been to the IBD kitty site. My previous kitty had IBD that morphed into intestinal lymphoma. Leo's specialist says she can't give him pred due to the fact he's on a blood thinner for a previous blood clot. His IBD right now is considered fairly mild but I know it can change and progress.
Pepcid twice a day is what he is on and Metronidazole if needed for diarrhea. I give him probiotics too. I think I will look into the allergy testing (as soon as I recover from the cost of this recent diabetic testing, insulin, added stuff needed, blood work etc.!) Yikes!
Pepcid twice a day is what he is on and Metronidazole if needed for diarrhea. I give him probiotics too. I think I will look into the allergy testing (as soon as I recover from the cost of this recent diabetic testing, insulin, added stuff needed, blood work etc.!) Yikes!
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
I just got the results a month ago then went on vacation so I haven't been able to use that info much I think the man thing for me is that I now know what is good and what is bad. I was feeding him things (like tuna that he loves) when he is very allergic to that. I didn't know. I thought he was allergic to salmon when it is a green zone food! I have him on manly a chicken, turkey and beef diet - which he isn't allergic to per se but also doesn't necessarily help with the IBD. I am in the midst of changing treats and food out to the Bison, duck, pork. I am also trying to incorporate a raw portion to his daily diet. I need to ensure he still eats with the insulin, so slow changes. I wouldn't recommend pred unless it is deemed necessary. I know it can add up fast. I am lucky, I had insurance on Jones and it has saved my bacon.
I should have gotten the insurance when I first adopted him. Leo does pretty well with the duck but I tell you it stinks up the house really really bad! Horrible smell. I have to wash his bowls constantly after every meal. I just ordered a case of Natures Variety high protein low carb duck limited ingredient which is lower in carbs than the duck he is eating. I guess that will smell really bad too. It's embarrassing when someone comes over and I have to explain the smell. Maybe a little air filter in his room would help. I thought of a raw diet but am concerned about contamination since there's been so much with human food contamination. It kind of scares me since it isn't cooked but I've heard it can really help with IBD. Makes sense since this is the diet they probably should be on to begin with.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
LMBO
I was trying to find an easier way to pill Jones, so was looking at pill pockets (really high in carb!). It was suggested to try the grain free Duck & Peas - nobody and I mean nobody would even touch it! Not even his fat momma civvie sister would touch it! And she hoovers everything! And my husband almost threw up when he smelt them. I have started with bison and I actually was going to cook it as I can't get him to touch it raw. Then if he is ok with cooked then just "cook" it less until it is in a more raw state.
I know what you are saying about the bacteria etc. and I think that is why a lot of vets are not really with a raw diet. If they were feral, they would be eating mice, birds, gophers (our feral kitty that we supplemented with food here at work did anyway). Their physical make up is different then ours and I don't think we really understand what they need for nutrition but we are learning! As for canned food, which is cooked and unnecessary ingredients added, has had a lot of recalls lately. Not a lot of control in the pet food industry unfortunately.
I had two pups that were on a blend of home cooked and raw in the end. However droolers are different then kitties in what they need.
How is Leo doing today?
Ha Ha- So you know how bad it smells! I really wish he would have stayed with the rabbit, but- he loves his duck! Do you use the pill popper sticks? That's the only way I can get a pill in Leo and only when he is caught off guard. I'm really not sure how Leo is doing because I'm not sure how he is supposed to be doing at this point. The vet on Wed.'s check up thought the number 180 was ok for Leo at his low point in the day but felt 150 would have been better. It was the only time so far I've been able to test him at home yet. I have to leave him alone after a vet visit as he sulks and sits in the closet when we get home. He gets awfully lethargic in the afternoons and it worries me so I'm going to try to sneak up on him and try another test. His water consumption is down and he is eating well and his IBD for now is at rest. Not his pre diabetic self right now but better than before starting insulin. Gosh, this whole thing is time consuming in the beginning. I feel like my normal day to day life has kind of come to a stand still for now.
I forgot to add that I tried the Forti Flora as a probiotic but didn't like the idea of it being animal digest which they don't list which animal's digest it comes from. Anyway I found that it can work as an appetite stimulant. If I sprinkle a small amount on top of his food he goes crazy over it and eats with gusto. It may be something to keep in mind if you need some kind of appetite stimulant.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
Tried the Forti Flora - worked in the beginning but...as is common when they are sick, he liked it then stopped. I don't have him on one consistently, just when I notice that he is not eating for well for a few days. I actually have it down to a half dose, so he doesn't get the full amount of mirtz. It is a lot in the beginning. You are trying to get food changed over, get good at testing, trying to understand the numbers...it is a lot. Once you are testing at home and your spreadsheet is up and running the people here can help. I found the dose my vet had was too much and my results when I was just testing pre-shot didn't give me a full picture. I was really screwing him up. Jones and I really learned how to work the juice and with the diet changes he went from 3u 2X daily down to .1 units less 3 drops twice daily. With the pred, I don't know if I will be able to push him right into remission. Maybe with these upcoming diet changes I can get rid of the pred and then the insulin.
I have a husband and son that help out a bit and I was absolutely exhausted. I spent the first 5 days of my vacation sleeping 14 hour days to recoup.
I don't use the stick. I have used putting it in food (some MC contraband stuff), but then you don't want to many carbs going in. The pill pocket salmon works but man it is high in carbs. I tried just putting it in and using the syringe - I am not sure how much water was in his mouth but he acted like I was drowning him and we had water everywhere. I can just go up and pop it in his mouth, but I read you were not supposed to do that! It worked but trying to make it so I don't damage my cat any further.
I have a husband and son that help out a bit and I was absolutely exhausted. I spent the first 5 days of my vacation sleeping 14 hour days to recoup.
I don't use the stick. I have used putting it in food (some MC contraband stuff), but then you don't want to many carbs going in. The pill pocket salmon works but man it is high in carbs. I tried just putting it in and using the syringe - I am not sure how much water was in his mouth but he acted like I was drowning him and we had water everywhere. I can just go up and pop it in his mouth, but I read you were not supposed to do that! It worked but trying to make it so I don't damage my cat any further.
Wow- that was a nice big drop in insulin. That's great. I have a feeling my vets dose was increased too quickly in the 4 1/2 days he was there. He went right from 1u to 2u so I decreased it to 1.5 for right now. I would rather increase it more slowly. Have you looked into any compounded meds in liquids etc.? I used a lot of compounding with my previous kitty and her chlorambucil in liquid and transdermal. It was much easier to administer. They can make it in almost any form you need. I pulverize down to a powder Leo's blood thinner and mix it in his wet food with water. He doesn't know the difference.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
I know - we started at 2u. He always had high numbers pre shot numbers (but then again I was not mid cycle testing) and it seemed like they kept climbing. So we increased to 3u and it didn't seem to get any better. I actually came back to this forum and started reading the posts and getting input that basically made me realize I needed to put in some effort if I wanted the desired results. Took me about a month, but you can see in his SS when things started turning around. Dropped the dose to 2.5u and started tracking things. It was then that things really changed. I made changes to diet and then made changes in insulin to correspond. Couldn't done it without the help the people here. They will guide you through everything.
I am pretty happy where he is now. Lot less stressful.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
I lucked out with Jones. There are several you tube videos that show different ways to test. Make it easy on Leo. And a common suggestion here is to pick a spot that you will son your testing, pick up Leo and take him there, bring treats...then rub his ears gently while treating him. No testing..so he gets used to you playing with them. Also you can get the neosporine with pain relief. Put a small dab on at night and it helps some. It is funny how they learn to bleerld and it gets easier. By that time the human is ready to hid in a closet as we feel so bad.
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