GA Dear Shelley, now at rest.

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Hello Diana,
Thank you for your comments. Shelley is eating but has had another quiet / sleepy day. Certainly will see the vet if things are not improving.
None of my other cats have it and Shelley had hardly been out if the house the last few days, so you would wonder where it has come from. But I know diabetes affects the immune system.
 
Yes just keep your usual close eye on her, Anthony. She's eating which is always a good sign. I guess she just wants to be quiet and lazy if she isn't feeling 100%.
You'te right about diabetes and the immune system, and as for where she got this from, who knows, we can't always pinpoint these things! Try not to worry, just make sure she's eating and well hydrated (if she's not drinking much water you can add a little to her food).
Get well soon, Shelley!
 
Tha
Diana&Tom said:
Yes just keep your usual close eye on her, Anthony. She's eating which is always a good sign. I guess she just wants to be quiet and lazy if she isn't feeling 100%.
You'te right about diabetes and the immune system, and as for where she got this from, who knows, we can't always pinpoint these things! Try not to worry, just make sure she's eating and well hydrated (if she's not drinking much water you can add a little to her food).
Get well soon, Shelley!
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Thank you Diana, we appreciate your good wishes!
 
URIs can definitely raise glucose levels, depending on how severe it is. I have found that using L-lysine capsules 500mg and dividing the opened capsule contents into 2 batches each day, which can easily be mixed in with the food, can help to shorten the URIs. Also a kitty is quite stuffed up putting them in the washroom with a hot shower running to produce steam can be helpful. When a kitty has a stuffed up respiratory system they don't smell their food as well and adding something stinky, like a a bit of human grade tuna can help. Try to encourage Shelley to drink as much as you can and if need be you can give her feeding syringes of fluids. I also used home made chicken broth as a fluid additive...no onions or garlic or any spices. However if symptoms don't let up in a couple of days or get worse then a trip to the vet is in order.


Sending get well energy for Shelley and ((HUGS)) for you.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:


ETA If you try the L-Lysine, make sure that there are no fillers in the capsules that could cause additional glucose spikes or other issues.
 
Diana&Tom said:
I think @Elizabeth and Bertie looked at the carb content of Feline Cuisine recently and found it was ok... I'll leave it to her to answer.
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Hmmm... The 'Feline Cuisine' does calculate as being low carb, but I just looked at the ingredients and see that it contains 'maize starch'. Not only is that a carb source, it's also a fairly common allergen.... If Shelley is carb-sensitive, or if she's sensitive to maize itself, that might account for some raised numbers....


Anthony, - I'm really hoping Shelley is feeling much better very soon. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
.
 
Both my oldies, Bertie and Sophie, had bad URI's at the beginning of the year. They hardly leave the house, and there are no other cats nearby, so it was a bit surprising; but the vet said the viruses are just 'in the air'....
It just seems to be a matter of 'sitting it out' and trying to make the kitty as comfortable as possible; keeping them hydrated, providing warm and cool places to sleep... I also bought a cool steam humidifer and put it close to where they were sleeping. Their breathing was very congested and the steam did seem to help. (Prior to that we'd put Bertie in his cat carrier in a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes at a time. That helped too, but he didn't like being confined to the carrier.)
Both cats lost weight during their URI's but recovered soon afterwards.

I know it's worrying, (((Anthony))). It's a horrible and stressful feeling to have to just 'wait for things to get better'. Sending huge hugs...
.
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
URIs can definitely raise glucose levels, depending on how severe it is. I have found that using L-lysine capsules 500mg and dividing the opened capsule contents into 2 batches each day, which can easily be mixed in with the food, can help to shorten the URIs. Also a kitty is quite stuffed up putting them in the washroom with a hot shower running to produce steam can be helpful. When a kitty has a stuffed up respiratory system they don't smell their food as well and adding something stinky, like a a bit of human grade tuna can help. Try to encourage Shelley to drink as much as you can and if need be you can give her feeding syringes of fluids. I also used home made chicken broth as a fluid additive...no onions or garlic or any spices. However if symptoms don't let up in a couple of days or get worse then a trip to the vet is in order.


Sending get well energy for Shelley and ((HUGS)) for you.

:bighug::bighug::bighug:


ETA If you try the L-Lysine, make sure that there are no fillers in the capsules that could cause additional glucose spikes or other issues.
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Thank you very much Mary Ann for the advice and encouragement, it is much appreciated.
Shelley isn't sneezing so much so far today, so I am hoping it is just a mild cold. Her amps was a bit better at 13.8 and she has eaten a little. She's drinking as well. As regards food, definitely had most success with fresh chicken yesterday.
I will certainly follow up your suggestions, hoping for more improvement today!
 
Elizabeth and Bertie said:
Both my oldies, Bertie and Sophie, had bad URI's at the beginning of the year. They hardly leave the house, and there are no other cats nearby, so it was a bit surprising; but the vet said the viruses are just 'in the air'....
It just seems to be a matter of 'sitting it out' and trying to make the kitty as comfortable as possible; keeping them hydrated, providing warm and cool places to sleep... I also bought a cool steam humidifer and put it close to where they were sleeping. Their breathing was very congested and the steam did seem to help. (Prior to that we'd put Bertie in his cat carrier in a steamy bathroom for 15 minutes at a time. That helped too, but he didn't like being confined to the carrier.)
Both cats lost weight during their URI's but recovered soon afterwards.

I know it's worrying, (((Anthony))). It's a horrible and stressful feeling to have to just 'wait for things to get better'. Sending huge hugs...
.
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Hello Elizabeth,
Thank you very much for taking the time to look into the food
question and for your kind advice and encouragement.
As I said to Mary Ann, Shelley does seem a little better this morning, so I am hoping it will pass quickly. I will be keeping a close eye on her and see how things go today.
 
Sorry to hear Shelley is not doing well at the moment Anthony.
Yes plain steamed chicken breasts always work for us when Josie isn't feeling well.
Gently steamed plain frozen salmon/tuna fillets are the other thing she's always willing to eat over anything else when she's off her food so we always have some in the freezer as back up.
Thinking of you, hope she feels better soon!
 
Hi Monica,
That's very good of you thank you! I have tried tinned tuna before with success but it is a good idea to have some ready prepared in the freezer, I will try that.
All good wishes to you and Josie!
 
Anthony Morgan said:
Hi Monica,
That's very good of you thank you! I have tried tinned tuna before with success but it is a good idea to have some ready prepared in the freezer, I will try that.
All good wishes to you and Josie!
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Thank you Anthony.
Josie loves tinned tuna but as not ideal I try not to feed unless she refuses to eat anything else, plus it has added salt so i usually rinse it in water first.
The frozen tuna steaks have nothing added and very easy to prep in the oven with some water added as tasty broth, Josie loves those! :cat:
 
Monica Lewis said:
Thank you Anthony.
Josie loves tinned tuna but as not ideal I try not to feed unless she refuses to eat anything else, plus it has added salt so i usually rinse it in water first.
The frozen tuna steaks have nothing added and very easy to prep in the oven with some water added as tasty broth, Josie loves those! :cat:
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Thank you Monica,
That's worth knowing. I haven't used it often as there is some concern about cats having too much fish, I believe.
If I did I would choose one in spring water, but I didn't realise about the salt.
 
Shelley's cold seems to have been quite mild thankfully. She didn't have a bad day yesterday, the sneezing was getting less and she was eating better.
Then this morning I notice she was drinking more and when I tested her BG it had shot up to 20.9. She had been eating the Feline Cuisine first thing as that is her favourite at the moment.
The test was nearly 2 hours later.
I didn't want to over-react to the one high number so I only increased the dose to 0.5u. Perhaps it should have been 1.0u?
I will have to see how far it drops at the nadir today.
 
Glad Shelley is feeling better, Anthony, but sorry her BG is up. It could be caused by a mild infection, the warm weather, or the food... Eliz did say it contained maize which might be problematic? You're right not to over react to one high number, and dose conservatively for the moment to see if her BG drops later today... if it stays high then yes, go up again. I think I'd avoid the new food as well just in case it's the culprit.
 
Thank you Diana, I am always grateful for your comments!
Yes, that's what I was thinking, I will have to encourage her back on to her usual food.
 
Hello everyone,
Very sorry to let you know that Shelley has been diagnosed with an aggressive liver tumour and the vet does not think she will be with us much longer.
I decided to take her in for a check up as she has been doing less and sleeping more but I just assumed it was all to do with her diabetes. The vet could feel something in her abdomen and I took her back yesterday for an ultrasound.
They don't think there is any treatment that will help but Shelley is fairly bright and eating, so we will carry on as best we can for the moment.
I know everyone who has contributed to my threads has been rooting for Shelley and the help I have received here has been wonderful and has really been an invaluable help through the last 6 months.
Thank you to everyone!
 
OH NO ((Anthony))

What terrible news to receive!! You and Shelley have fought so hard until now and now to hear this must be so so devastating for you, :bighug::bighug::bighug: I am just crying so hard for you !!

Take every moment you have with Shelley and make the most of them. Drink in the memories and make special times with her to give you some strength when the time comes. You and Shelley have shared a special love for many years and you have done everything you could to make her life better. Shelley could not have had a better petdad than you.

Sending spiritual strength and love across the miles for you and Shelley. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

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Thank you Mary Ann, that is very kind of you. And thank you for all the help and advice you have given us. So generous of you, it has been such a great help!
 
I am just so very sorry to see this, Anthony... you and Shelley are often in my thoughts even when you haven't posted for a while. We are one big family here and we do really care about each other. You have done a wonderful job of looking after Shelley, no-one could have done more, but sadly there are times when nature has other ideas. All life must end at some point and - cliche though it is, for which I apologise - Shelley has had a good life with you and now it is near her time to move on. I can imagine how devastated you are feeling... we all understand a million per cent what this is like. Please post here whenever you wish, there will always be people here to listen and offer a word of understanding.

Holding you and Shelley in my thoughts...
Diana
 
Oh no, ((((Anthony)))).... Am so profoundly sorry to see this... You poor love. It must have been such a shock for you...

You still have some time with your beautiful Shelley.
Just 'be there' for her. Give her lots of love. Tell her everything you need to say. Sad as this is, it is also a very special and precious time.

Just take it a day at a time, sweetie.
Wishing you strength and courage.

Huge hugs to you, Anthony; and gentle cuddles to Shelley.

Eliz x
 
Hello Diana,
Thank you, that is much appreciated. Although we never meet, yourself, Mary Ann and everyone else that has contributed have become valued friends and know more about the ups and downs of the last few months with Shelley's health than the friends and relatives I do see.
Without your help, I think things could have gone very wrong before now as I tried to manage after Shelley's hypo.
Your help and support has meant a great deal to me!
 
Elizabeth and Bertie said:
Oh no, ((((Anthony)))).... Am so profoundly sorry to see this... You poor love. It must have been such a shock for you...

You still have some time with your beautiful Shelley.
Just 'be there' for her. Give her lots of love. Tell her everything you need to say. Sad as this is, it is also a very special and precious time.

Just take it a day at a time, sweetie.
Wishing you strength and courage.

Huge hugs to you, Anthony; and gentle cuddles to Shelley.

Eliz x
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Thank you Eliz, I appreciate your kind words! It was a shock but now I know it seems obvious that there was something more serious going on and I don't know why I didn't realise.
I will certainly take your advice and hope Shelley can carry on a little longer. Very grateful for your support!
 
Anthony Morgan said:
Thank you Eliz, I appreciate your kind words! It was a shock but now I know it seems obvious that there was something more serious going on and I don't know why I didn't realise.
I will certainly take your advice and hope Shelley can carry on a little longer. Very grateful for your support!
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Anthony, please don't beat yourself up thinking that "it seems obvious something serious was going on that I didn't realise", will you? You had no way of knowing what was going on, you have monitored Shelley closely and you would have known if something was obviously amiss. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but remember, Shelley is a fairly elderly lady who was always going to slow down and have quiet sleepy days, whether or not she had a condition like diabetes or anything else. She has had regular check-ups at the vet and they didn't see anything obvious either. Despite her dx now, she is still reasonably bright so try not to feel you missed something - you have nothing to reproach yourself for.
Hopefully Shelley can still enjoy some quality of life, albeit in a nice quiet way which is really all a lot of us want when we get older.
Remember, we are all here for you.
 
Anthony

The last month before Tuxie passed he seemed "off" (more than usual) and I had taken him in for a complete check up and blood work and there was nothing that showed any concern. After that each day his energy and spirit seemed to be dwindling. There was a suspicion of cancer and I had an appointment to look further into it when he finally "told" me he was just so tired and finished fighting, so I allowed him to escape the pain and cross the Bridge. Even if I had been able to get the diagnosis, most times treating cancer is a time limited approach Don't beat yourself up for not being able to recognize something that even vets can't always see. You gave Shelley the best of care and I know you will give her all the love and care and respect you possibly can before it is time for her to cross the Bridge.

My heart goes out to you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Diana&Tom said:
Anthony, please don't beat yourself up thinking that "it seems obvious something serious was going on that I didn't realise", will you? You had no way of knowing what was going on, you have monitored Shelley closely and you would have known if something was obviously amiss. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but remember, Shelley is a fairly elderly lady who was always going to slow down and have quiet sleepy days, whether or not she had a condition like diabetes or anything else. She has had regular check-ups at the vet and they didn't see anything obvious either. Despite her dx now, she is still reasonably bright so try not to feel you missed something - you have nothing to reproach yourself for.
Hopefully Shelley can still enjoy some quality of life, albeit in a nice quiet way which is really all a lot of us want when we get older.
Remember, we are all here for you.
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Thank you Diana, I will try not to but whenever I have been in this position I have always thought 'what if I had done something differently' but I'm sure a lot of people do the same.
Unfortunately, I think it may not be long. Shelley got very agitated for a short time this afternoon, she was gobbling food then trying to grab at the carpet and her fur with her mouth.
I took her back to the vets but they couldn't really explain it but it could have been pain.
All I can do is keep a close eye on her until I think it's time sadly.
 
Anthony Morgan said:
Thank you Diana, I will try not to but whenever I have been in this position I have always thought 'what if I had done something differently' but I'm sure a lot of people do the same.
Unfortunately, I think it may not be long. Shelley got very agitated for a short time this afternoon, she was gobbling food then trying to grab at the carpet and her fur with her mouth.
I took her back to the vets but they couldn't really explain it but it could have been pain.
All I can do is keep a close eye on her until I think it's time sadly.
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Yes indeed, we ALL think that, Anthony, but we are all far too hard on ourselves.
I'm sorry to hear of the incident this afternoon. I'm sure you will keep a very close eye on Shelley, that is all you can do.
Very sad for you.
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
Anthony

The last month before Tuxie passed he seemed "off" (more than usual) and I had taken him in for a complete check up and blood work and there was nothing that showed any concern. After that each day his energy and spirit seemed to be dwindling. There was a suspicion of cancer and I had an appointment to look further into it when he finally "told" me he was just so tired and finished fighting, so I allowed him to escape the pain and cross the Bridge. Even if I had been able to get the diagnosis, most times treating cancer is a time limited approach Don't beat yourself up for not being able to recognize something that even vets can't always see. You gave Shelley the best of care and I know you will give her all the love and care and respect you possibly can before it is time for her to cross the Bridge.

My heart goes out to you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you, if you see the reply to Diana you will see it may not be long. Seems odd that all this has suddenly come to light when on Monday I still thought diabetes was they only problem.
I will do my best for her and try and do the right thing for her.
Your kind words are a comfort, thank you!
 
Diana&Tom said:
Yes indeed, we ALL think that, Anthony, but we are all far too hard on ourselves.
I'm sorry to hear of the incident this afternoon. I'm sure you will keep a very close eye on Shelley, that is all you can do.
Very sad for you.
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Thank you, very kind of you as always!
 
Anthony
graphics-hugs-007297.jpg
. I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Cats are so good at hiding illness and the signs are often so very subtle we don't pick up on them right away. And as Mary Ann said, sometimes even when we know, the vet can't pin point anything right away. We love our furry little ones so much we're always critical of ourselves thinking we can do more or do better. The truth is that despite being a rock star Dad to Shelley, there is no way you could have known or done anything different to prevent this.
Take the time you have to make more memories with Shelley and use the support here to help you through this difficult time.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Anthony View attachment 29981 . I'm so very sorry to hear this news. Cats are so good at hiding illness and the signs are often so very subtle we don't pick up on them right away. And as Mary Ann said, sometimes even when we know, the vet can't in point anything right away. We love our furry little ones so much we're always critical of ourselves thinking we can do more or do better. The truth is that despite being a rock star Dad to Shelley, there is no way you could have known or done anything different to prevent this.
Take the time you have to make more memories with Shelley and use the support here to help you through this difficult time.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Thank you Linda I know you are right. I appreciate your wise words, the support and kindness from yourself and everyone else is such a help and making me realise I can't work miracles, unfortunately.
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
images



:bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
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Thank you Mary Ann, that's lovely, I really appreciate your kind thoughts.
Since the strange incident yesterday afternoon Shelley has seemed OK. She is eating small amounts and has sat and looked out of the door several times although not ventured out.
She is slower than usual though and seems to take more time when settling to get comfortable.
Hoping to keep going like this for the time being.
Kindest regards!
 
Anthony Morgan said:
Thank you Mary Ann, that's lovely, I really appreciate your kind thoughts.
Since the strange incident yesterday afternoon Shelley has seemed OK. She is eating small amounts and has sat and looked out of the door several times although not ventured out.
She is slower than usual though and seems to take more time when settling to get comfortable.
Hoping to keep going like this for the time being.
Kindest regards!
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Enjoy the good days and store up all the special memories. :bighug::bighug::bighug: My thoughts are with you
 
Shelley's BG today;
Amps 22.1
+4. 19.3
Pmps. 22.1

Gave 0.5 u this morning. I think she should have 1.0u but is it high due to stress, pain. She has eaten OK and I have started her on metacam and she has been brighter since then. But what if she stops eating?
With thanks!
 
I think if she stops eating - presuming you would try to tempt her with all sorts of things - you may need to call the vet for advice, Anthony. We can advise the usual "tricks" here to try to persuade an inappetant kitty to eat, but if Shelley stops eating it may be that she is in discomfort despite the Metacam, and a vet's examination might be in order. Hopefully though the Metacam will continue to help and make her feel brighter, so she may not lose her appetite. This situation is one that you have to take day by day really, and be your usual vigilant self.
Sorry can't be more constructive but at this point it's not so easy to apply the usual "rules".
Paws crossed that Shelley stays bright for a good while to come!
 
Yes at those numbers I don't think it would do any harm. She will feel better if her BGs are lower and that's what we're aiming for - keeping her comfortable.
 
Anthony as long as Shelley is eating well a higher dose would be in order. If her appetite drops then you can drop the dose accordingly. At this point you can just play it by ear each day and see what will work. At least with Caninsulin you can change doses each cycle if need be.

If the Metacam doesn't seem to give enough pain relief, then you could ask your vet about using buprenorphine. It is an opioid pain killer and woked well the times I used it.

Sending lots of :bighug::bighug: for you and scritches
cat.gif
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for Shelley.
 
Hi Mary Ann,
Thank you! I thought Shelley didn't look so well this morning, so I decided to try the Metacam and she has seemed brighter and eaten better this afternoon.
The vet did warn me about the risk of a bleed or a blood clot from the tumour. And a friend of mine who is devoted to animals does not believe in risking any suffering because we don't know how they feel.
But I think that if there is still a quality of life, enjoying food and taking an interest, then just take a risk and try to go on a little longer.
 
I gave Metacam to my GA heart kitty for several years for arthritis without any problems whatsoever and it definitely kept her more comfortable so if it helps Shelley feel better I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
I gave Metacam to my GA heart kitty for several years for arthritis without any problems whatsoever and it definitely kept her more comfortable so if it helps Shelley feel better I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
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MrWorfMen's Mom said:
I gave Metacam to my GA heart kitty for several years for arthritis without any problems whatsoever and it definitely kept her more comfortable so if it helps Shelley feel better I wouldn't hesitate to use it.
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Thank you Linda, it is certainly worth a try at this stage.
 
JanetNJ said:
Loved that green a few days ago! Wanna see more of that!
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Hi Janet,
Nice to here from you. You may not have seen the earlier posts but very sadly Shelley has been diagnosed with an aggressive liver tumour. So just trying to keep her as comfortable as possible.
 
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