24/8 Update on Chester

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AJay

AJay

Member Since 2017
Quick update on Golden Paws (def rename needed after vet bills!)
He's continuing to improve on IV fluids as video shows.
However, vet is not helping me much re a home care plan. Basically her plan is to send him home with increased insulin dose and Hills GI diet! No supplements, no support, nothing. If he maintains electrolytes, great, if not... there's nothing more she can do - in her opinion. :(

Personally, that's not good enough. From his symptoms I'm convinced he has Triaditis. How can I help him get stronger and support his compromised gastro without something to help the inflammation?! Viscious circle and Ches is the victim here :'(

A second opinion within the practice is not an option. One partner is an A-hole of note, the other nearly killed one of my other cats by overmedicating him. I do have a potential other vet lined up to have a convo with later on when she is in. I will also be contacting a homeopathic vet (allopathic gone rogue ;) ) He is a fair genius. Very down to earth and a wealth of knowledge.

Any suggestions on suitable food (bozita canned?) or any other suggestions on home management of Triaditis is greatfully recieved. We need to buy this little soldier time to recover.
Suitable anti nausea meds? Gastro lining supplements? Electrolytes?.... IMG_2181.JPG
 
Tagging @Marje and Gracie

Marje knows about Triaditis - right before we lost KT, we talked about that being what he might have....she'll at least have more direction than I can.

I CAN send headbutts, hugs and prayers....I'm glad you posted an update, I searched for one a couple of hours ago.
 
Shame on that vet, she should never have released Chester without a home treatment follow-up plan, and having discussed it thoroughly with you! I would definitely talk to another vet, or vets.

I don't know much about triaditis. I do know slippery elm bark (SEB) is a good gastro-lining supplement, but it mustn't be given within 2 hours of any other meds, as it will hinder their absorption. Electrolytes I'm not certain about but believe they are best delivered via fluid drip or sub-q fluids. I think Tanya @Tanya and Ducia might have some knowledge of this.

Sending more prayers and healing vines. Please give Chester Golden Paws some gentle scritches from me, and tell him about all his adopted "Aunties and Uncles" on FDMB who are praying for him and pulling for him to have a full recovery! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
healing light hands.jpeg
 
@AJay
@Squalliesmom

Hi, sorry for being late - I am not online when my cat bounces and do not get notifications.

My Ducia was in very poor condition when we took her home with a suspected, never confirmed by biopsy,triaditis (no money). As I said earlier we nursed her to health at home.

Background: my Darling Husband (DH) is a human medic. Back then when effing vet suggested PTS for our girl DH said that we need no biopsy because there was no cure at all except excluding the toxic factors. Whether is was Ducia's liver, pancreas or duodenum (the trio) - if there is no infection, an inflammation of any of these will cause problems. It wasn't matter which one - so no biopsy. There is no cure but supportive care, nursing. Meaning: exclude the toxicity - food toxicity to begin with, and water. Get the BG down. Allophathic medicine manages symptoms- that's why they want to know what they are managing - but it doesn't cure. To admit that there is no cure for a vet/ MD = deny income, and she/he is debt for schooling/mortgage, etc., life.

I just talked to DH again and he says that he stands by his medical opinion that pure, good quality food, like raw, and clean water, and SQ fluids -no more that 100 ml / day weight dependent - is a way to try at home for you and Ches. Insulin therapy is a must - keep the numbers below 299 to begin with. Shoot on time, be consistent.

You will need anti-nausea medication like Cerenia in the US for sure, an appy stimulant - just in case, antacid like US Pepcid/Famotidine- just in case, and antibiotic - only if there is fever. Also - a lever supplement like Denamarin in the US (Milk Thistle based)- I listed all of the meds Ducia was taking in the Remarks section of the SS.

With greater control over the diabetes gradually the electrolyte dis-balance will get back to norm. Ducia was low in Potassium - we had a med Potassium Jelly and never gave it to her - she is not a cat to be force fed. All was back to norm, again - with only food, water, insulin and SQ fluids. Give his body a chance to recover - they have amazing capacities to recover.

If the numbers are high and Ches is getting worse do run a blood a test - electrolytes. Post with questions.

Do not sack you vet just yet - you'll need Rx and blood work done.

ETA: Let the vet's children eat the Hills diet.
 
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Ok so updating this for AJay as she's feeling really overwhelmed right now. :(

So here's the long and short of it. The facts. I'm sorry folks but it's not good news at all..

Vet is pushing to have Chester euthanised. He doesn't seem able to maintain his potassium level when off the drip.

Vet is saying this is down to multiple issues, and that she will not diagnose or treat without confirmation of triaditis.

Vet will not give Chester subq to maintain his potassium at home as he is not a ckd kitty and she does not believe that he will pull through.

The current situation is that AJay has asked to bring Chester home at least short term before euthanasia.
She is scrambling to find a way to get subq fluids, a potassium suppliment and everything else she needs to keep him comfortable when he does come home. (Tomorrow?) as vet refuses to issue a prescription and pushes for euthanasia instead.

The hope is that given enough support he could possibly have a small chance to pull through this. If not he will not suffer as AJay will bring him back to be euthanised if it comes to it.

She is working tirelessly to find someone to support her - a different vet, homeopathic vet and literally grasping at straws to do absolutely everything she can to give Chester every chance possible.
She has ordered colloidal silver to see if this will help with any inflammation and is doing her best to get any supplies she can without prescription.

I really wish I was updating with something more positive...
 
:bighug: I'm so sorry. What a shame that the vet won't do whatever she can to help. It doesn't seem right.
 
That's a shame...
I took my cat home with low Potassium and Rx supplement - could not give it to her more than several times... So basically she was not getting any and it improved/resolved on its own.
We were giving SQF.
AJ told me that almost everything else is good with Chester - heart, thyroid, kidneys... The ketones were out...Temp back to norm.
Real shame.
Thank you for posting the update.
I was convinced he had a chance at home.
Sometimes I wish there was black market for such instances.
Poor AJ and Chester!
 
Please let AJay know we are all rooting for her to be able to get someone to support her and Chester. Potassium supplementation can be done at home but it seems the vet isn't willing to give Chester a fair chance. The vet already suggested triaditis as a possible diagnosis so why not treat for it and give Chester a chance when everything else seemed to check out fine? AJay is more than willing to nurse Chester so for the vet not to help her do so, seems very callous.
Keeping Chester and AJay in our thoughts and prayers! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Potassium supplementation can be done at home but it seems the vet isn't willing to give Chester a fair chance.
Click to expand...
I have unopened syringe of potassium supplement.
Was refrigerated since Feb 27/2017.
No expiration date listed.
We could not give Ducia the Rx daily amount. As you can see in her labs - the Potassium went up on its own from 3.4 on Feb 24 to 4.42 on March 10. I guess wasn't important at all..she ate very very little of it. It is not suitable for the e-tubes.
SQ fluids is really what necessary - I cannot understand why that vet wants to kill Chester. :arghh:
 
I so hope she can find another vet who will help her. This is just heartbreaking. I don't understand that vet at all; treating him for triaditis isn't going to harm him if that's not what he has - he has all the symptoms of it. I pray there is another vet in the area who will help, Chester really deserves this chance!
 
Another update.

AJay has managed to get some subq fluids, potassium (to be confirmed today) and anti nausea meds. Roughly enough for 7-10 days so that will I hope buy some time at least. I do hope Chester responds to this at home and she can find a vet that will treat him in time.
AJay really is a super mum and has been working diligently- night and day to do anything and everything she can. Keep those vines and prayers coming!
 
So happy to hear AJay has managed to get some supplies to help Chester. She is indeed a super Mom and Chester is a very very lucky kitty! Sending another boatload of healing vines to Chester, hugs for AJay and keeping them both in our thoughts and prayers!:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
TempestsMum said:
AJay has managed to get some subq fluids, potassium (to be confirmed today) and anti nausea meds. Roughly enough for 7-10 days so that will I hope buy some time at least. I do hope Chester responds to this at home and she can find a vet that will treat him in time.[/QUOTE
How good to hear that!
Sending tons of healing vines and positive thoughts.
I 'm more than happy to help that sweet orange boy and AJ! I already taken out my old ledger - with everything recorded as to food, meds, all of the routine - anything to help. Ducia was very bad when we took her home and she is not much younger than Chester. If she pulled it through so can he. Prayers.
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Aaand another update. @Squeaky and KT (GA) @MrWorfMen's Mom @Kris & Teasel @Tanya and Ducia @Squalliesmom @Yong (sorry if I missed anyone)

Chester is home. He's had fluids, potassium and colloidal silver. He's eaten, went for a walk in the grass, caught and ate a mouse all by himself!

AJay is still a little overwhelmed with everything but will be on to update you herself. I know how I hate hanging about waiting to hear these things so here's a couple of pics of him tonight before catching his snack.

IMG_1188.JPG


IMG_1189.JPG
 
Yeah!!! :D:D
Thank you for the update.
TempestsMum said:
He's eaten, went for a walk in the grass, caught and ate a mouse all by himself!
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I do not what kind of better proof is needed to show that he feels well?
How could that vet suggest PTS for a cat who is well enough to hunt?:mad: Something is very wrong with that vet.
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
Yeah!!! :D:D
Thank you for the update.

I do not what kind of better proof is needed to show that he feels well?
How could that vet suggest PTS for a cat who is well enough to hunt?:mad: Something is very wrong with that vet.
Click to expand...

Welcome! :)

I have not once seen this cat give up he's never had that 'look' in his eyes.

I just pray that the issues can be brought under control quickly. For whatever reason he's not maintaining hydration and potassium levels and does seem to go downhill quickly without support.
 
TempestsMum said:
potassium levels and does seem to go downhill quickly without support.
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His BG is high, right? He needs enough insulin to keep the numbers below 300s for several days and his Potassium will improve.
His cells are locked right now. Insulin in the proper dose is a universal master key to unlock the cells and enable them to retain Potassium. He may not even be needing a lot of Potassium supplement.
I pray that his home nursing is a success.
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
His BG is high, right? He needs enough insulin to keep the numbers below 300s for several days and his Potassium will improve.
His cells are locked right now. Insulin in the proper dose is a universal master key to unlock the cells and enable them to retain Potassium. He may not even be needing a lot of Potassium supplement.
I pray that his home nursing is a success.
Click to expand...

His insulin dose is up from 1.5 to 2.5 now so that should help. :)
 
The one think I am absolutely confident to declare - a dying cat will not hunt.
Period.
He is a fighter.

If he has 7-10 days supplies - SQF, Potassium, insulin, food - I'd throw all of my weight in to finding the working dose ASAP.
There are dose wizards on this forum to help out - do get their attention.
Hubby and I strongly believe that if the proper dose is found pronto, the BGs are kept in Yellow, SQF administered on time and he eats well(or better yet - hunts in addition) - Chester has fair shot.
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
The one think I am absolutely confident to declare - a dying cat will not hunt.
Period.
He is a fighter.

If he has 7-10 days supplies - SQF, Potassium, insulin, food - I'd throw all of my weight in to finding the working dose ASAP.
There are dose wizards on this forum to help out - do get their attention.
Hubby and I strongly believe that if the proper dose is found pronto, the BGs are kept in Yellow, SQF administered on time and he eats well(or better yet - hunts in addition) - Chester has fair shot.
Click to expand...

I'm really really routing for him! I just don't see what the vet sees in pts. I don't believe he would have made it this far without his lionheart! He's definitely fighting.
I believe if he does well over the next while - AJay may be able to get more supplies. Or at least I hope so, being hopeful yet cautious.
 
TempestsMum said:
I just don't see what the vet sees in pts.
Click to expand...
I have not seen any blood work, so just a guess - the vet is incompetent in insulin dosing and covers it...
Off course, seeing the whole picture - blood/ urine tests - may make me change my mind later on but that's how it looks to someone with human med knowledge right now - sheer incompetence in FD & aggressive dosing approach on the vet's part.
 
I like Tanya's advice. She went through absolute hell with Ducia last Christmas - I was there (sort of!) and she saved her kitty's life. Enough insulin is key. Food too. It's the thing they focus on when treating DKA because all the other stuff like electrolyte balance, etc. depends on it. I remember that from my guy's time in hospital for DKA.
 
Hi guys, sorry, I've been MIA - I literally haven't stopped today.

Last night I sat down after all the drama trying to get fluids etc, tying up with various people etc... I fell asleep downstairs. :(

Thank you @TempestsMum for keeping everyone updated. Its taken a load off my mind :) I physically haven't sat down to do anything pooter-ish and this cant really be done from my phone etc.

Ches is indeed home. I do have fluids (not managed to administer them yet - am p**ping myself at the thought! Its a hell of a lot of fluid and going to have to be done with 2 syringes!!!! :nailbiting::nailbiting:

He refused his potassium, so Ive syringed that in. He's refused any further food after the mouse at 7.30pm ish... (-3 hours ago). Would you consider that normal? He has done a huge one in the litter tray. Ive given him .5ml ranitidine with his chicken when I got home. Can I give him any more? He's also had 1 pipette of Pure colloidal silver in his water and 1 in his mouth. His tummy is gurgling. Im wondering if it might be an idea to give him some slippery elm by mouth???

He is quiet and lying out in the lounge. I am tempted to camp down here tonight so he can at least roam around if he wants to rather than be cooped up (for his health, other than anything other)

Questions, questions, questions....

If anyone wants the notes and last bloods, then you are welcome, Ill try to post them if you pm me.

Thank you again for your patience and time and advice. We need all the help we can get... xxx
 
AJay said:
If anyone wants the notes and last bloods, then you are welcome, Ill try to post them if you pm me.
Click to expand...
Want it very much!
Can you please upload/fill in the LAB section which is in your SS?
It'll make them public but I hope you 're ok with that.. We have a wizard to read thru it, her name is @Marje and Gracie . I do want very much for Chester to have her opinion...
If typing in all of the numbers is too much at the moment - just upload clear legible picture right here.
 
AJay said:
Ches is indeed home.
Click to expand...
:D
AJay said:
I do have fluids (not managed to administer them yet - am p**ping myself at the thought! Its a hell of a lot of fluid and going to have to be done with 2 syringes!!!! :nailbiting::nailbiting:
Click to expand...
Of course you are.. We all would be... Here are some useful infos. There is also a tutorial video - i"ll fetch it later.
AJay said:
He's refused any further food after the mouse at 7.30pm ish... (-3 hours ago). Would you consider that normal?
Click to expand...
yes. would you eat a can of spam after a game?
AJay said:
ranitidine
Click to expand...
is in antacid? You have to be very carefully with dose. Little does it...
What is the anti nausea med he is given? The ingredient list is like?..

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT - WHAT IS THE CURRENT BG, THE INSULIN TYPE, THE DOSE?

The last entry in the SS is from August 20 - please, please update, we MUST see the current situation.
I know you are tired.But without the current data we are not able to help with the dose - and the he MUST HAVE PROPERLY MEASURED insulin.

AJay said:
He is quiet and lying out in the lounge. I am tempted to camp down here tonight so he can at least roam around if he wants to rather than be cooped up (for his health, other than anything other)
Click to expand...
I am sorry if I am pushing too much but if you are serious about nursing him back to health then you must know it is a very intense proposition. Camp together as much as you like but please take his BG, record & post, make sure that he gets enough food - record and post, give him SQf - record and post.

I apologize for being such a hard pusher but it was my understanding that you were taking him home to nurse, not to provide cozy hours before PTS. Was I wrong?

If I was not wrong I really need to see the BG data and the insulin dosage as of right now.



 
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I'm sure you're knackered, Ajay, but I agree with Ducia that intensive nursing, posting of data, etc. is of the utmost importance.
 
Thanks guys - believe me I AM quite literally NOT stopping here... To give you an idea of time line of today...

7.30am Up (little later than normal cos of falling asleep downstairs last night and cracking headache)
8-10am - Coffee, sort cats out, tidy house - hoover so as not to have to do it this weekend and upset Ches, put washing on before I have no underwear!
10.00am Do horses - rugs, feed...
10.45am Tidy myself up to go down to vets
11.30am Pick up Ches
12.15pm Pick up mom en route to baby sit Ches while I go get fluids (previous fluids I had lined up didn't turn up thanks to Royal Fail even tho I was up till
4am on Friday organising it.
I then got Ches home and settled...
1.30pm Head to Derby (about 45 mins from me) to meet up with someone to get fluids... and potassium... (nigh on impossible to find!)
6.00pm Get home (no lunch or brekkie by now) Mom tried to feed me - not hungry...
Had a bit of time with Ches in the garden as mom hadn't had the confidence to let him out - I kinda thought that was important for him to have a bit
of outside time - lie in the grass, catch that mouse... ya know - cat who's been in HOSPITAL for a week, kinda stuff.
7.30pm Tried to sort horses out - feed, rugs, check etc... Talk to a VET and others who were trying to help me at the time
8.00pm Confirming the dose with the VET I've been chatting to to confirm dose. Instructions on packet say 1 thing, Instructions on history / convo from
HOSPITAL vet were different... Dose had been INCREASED. I spotted that because at this point I am still semi functioning...
8.30pm Go and finish jobs with horses I didn't get finished.
9.00pm Take mom home - 15 mins away in car
9.30pm Get home.
Sort cats out etc.
From then till now (3.39am Sunday Morning!!!) I have NOT stopped. I was checking in with people re Ches etc... Finally get to sit down to watch the video that @TempestsMum kindly sent me of how to administer sub Q's. Chatting to Clare from the CKD forum who was trying to help me with the sub Q fluids. I started replying here while some ANGELS were on their way from Derby 3/4 hour away because they were checking if I was ok. I was struggling...
I started replying here because I had finally got time to sit down and get to my pc - to find some horrific, hurtful, incredibly painful comments which have just compounded an horrific past 48 hours.
3.44am The ANGELS that provided me with the Sub q's and the potassium have not long left.

I am so hurt and utterly devastated by the comments on here...

"yes. would you eat a can of spam after a game? - erm actually, because I have been so OBSERVANT I noticed he wasn't eating and was concerned about his hydration!!!
↑
ranitidine
is in antacid? You have to be very carefully with dose. Little does it... DOSE as per the vet - as detailed in pm. .5ml - I even asked around to find out if I could give any more etc

What is the anti nausea med he is given? The ingredient list is like?.. - Again - Ranitidine

AND THE MOST IMPORTANT - WHAT IS THE CURRENT BG, THE INSULIN TYPE, THE DOSE? - After today and given he'd only been off fluids since 11.30 and I was chasing round like a mad woman to get stuff for Ches - ON A BANK HOLIDAY.... I even phoned the vet twice to try to get the time they were injecting him cos they hadn't confirmed that on discharge... I DIDNT check his bg.. I think by that time we had all been thru enough! Tomorrow we start again with BG testing - 8am...

The last entry in the SS is from August 20 - please, please update, we MUST see the current situation. He's been in the vets since SUNDAY 20th!!!
I know you are tired.But without the current data we are not able to help with the dose - and the he MUST HAVE PROPERLY MEASURED insulin. Yes because I'd give him a random dose for the fun of it!

↑
He is quiet and lying out in the lounge. I am tempted to camp down here tonight so he can at least roam around if he wants to rather than be cooped up (for his health, other than anything other)
I am sorry if I am pushing too much but if you are serious about nursing him back to health then you must know it is a very intense proposition. Camp together as much as you like but please take his BG, record & post, make sure that he gets enough food - record and post, give him SQf - record and post. utterly devastated by this!!!

I apologize for being such a hard pusher but it was my understanding that you were taking him home to nurse, not to provide cozy hours before PTS. Was I wrong? - WTAF?????!!!!!!

If I was not wrong I really need to see the BG data and the insulin dosage as of right now. - I am struggling to keep a civil tongue in my mouth - I am shaking with exhaustion, nerves, shock, worry, lack of food cos I've lost my appetite...

Nope, because £2,000 of a vets bill shows no commitment whatsoever.
Trawling and posting on FB to try to get fluids until 4am in the morning shows not commitment.
Feeling the need to justify myself and my actions when I haven't stopped and Tara has been kind enough to try to fill you guys in as best she could...
Im sorry I couldn't sit by my pc, updating you all, but you know, I have been doing the job I COMMITTED to do on 13th of August when I welcomed Chester into my home.

Its now 4am Sunday morning. I think I'll try and get some sleep before I have to get up to give him his shot at 8am.

O and I cant find one of my cats - they are house cats... I just hope she haven't slipped out.

Thank you to all the people who have been supportive and kind. Most of you guys have just been amazing and have provided support when I have been close to falling apart... Those dark times when all I have wanted to do is curl up in a corner and rock...

I cant apologise if this offends, but you have just crushed me totally! :(
:(:(:(:(
 
You are doing good Ajay. I have worked schedules like that too. Just exhausting. I hope you get a good sleep.

I would recommend breakfast everyday. It helps. Also coffee helps me with those long days too. I always get quality coffee. There is something calming about it, then it helps me focus. I think you are wearing yourself out! It made me tired just reading your schedule!
 
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