Garfie 8/8 his last poop was 3 little pieces a little hard should I be worried
- Thread starter Rebecca.garfie
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Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
Hi Rebecca, if I could make a suggestion, can you add the lab's normal reference ranges to your test result SS tab? Each lab has slightly different normal ranges, so seeing that info is helpful for anyone who might offer comments on your labs. Oh,.,and were all the tests done at the same place?
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
I don't understand what you mean the normal ranges this is new to me. Yes all done by the same crazy vet
Bobbie And Bubba
Member Since 2015
Hi Rebecca. That's interesting that your Lab sheet does not give the normal ranges first on the left side. Mine was there all ready as probably was Christie's.
I am tagging @Marje and Gracie for her to take a look and see if she can fix that for you.
I am tagging @Marje and Gracie for her to take a look and see if she can fix that for you.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
The sheet i got from vet is My first column is labeled result which that number I inputted on ss sheet. The next column is labeled reference value. As for spreadsheet I just kinda put in like I did
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
You should have it since you use the same vet I do...look at Davidson’s lab sheet and see what is needed
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Garfie ss docent look like that. Wonder why mine was different
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
You mean lab test? Did you get it done at Ridgeway Vet (in Canada for you world wise members)....if so, call them and they should be able to give you the full computer print out...ask them or tell them you want the ranges shown. It should as they too will look at Garfie’s results and compare them with the “range” and use that to decipher any meds, further tests, etc. If you don’t know where you fall in the range, you have no idea if it’s normal or risky.
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
Oh, did you click on the LAB sheet, not the SS but it’s on a tab on the top that says LAB. Did they do a full blood analysis? Costs about $200 or more and also has urinalysis on the records they should give you.
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
Your lab result info is just fine as you have entered it, that column from the vet called "reference value" is what I was asking about, I had to enter mine into my spreadsheet. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be confusing, I don't think I explained my comment very well previously. Does this make sense now?
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
LOL....same thing, just different wording.....we use the same vet so they should have it.....basically a gauge that is used to see where our specific test result falls....sometimes colour coded or it indicates hi, low or normal.
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
Lol, well that's good, then we can compare against previous tests to see how Garfie's tests have changed over time. Sometimes people get tests from different labs, so results from one lab to another are not usually easily comparable.
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
Yes! That's it
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Ok ok I got it inputting reference range now
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Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Ok I got it I entered the reference range hopefully it helps
The reference range listed in the SS is for Antech labs. If one’s vet uses a lab other than Antech, one should adjust the reference range because some can be quite different. You already did that, fantastic!
It might be time to have his labs redone. His liver enzymes AST was high and he was approaching the point with anemia where, any lower, and he’d have needed a transfusion. Did the vet discuss with you that it appears he has chronic kidney disease?
It might be time to have his labs redone. His liver enzymes AST was high and he was approaching the point with anemia where, any lower, and he’d have needed a transfusion. Did the vet discuss with you that it appears he has chronic kidney disease?
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
No my vet is an idiot he docent really explain anything and it makes you feel uncomfortable. He also docent speak clear English. He was ready to give up wanted me to put him down all he said was his organs are shutting down. I refused did 3 weeks on milk whistle and he turned around. No he never said anything about kidney disease guess I'm got some homework to do better start reading
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
I saw a couple of things, the potassium level is maybe getting on the low side, that would be something to watch, and I'd be inclined to ask your vet about a potassium supplement, especially if you are seeing some signs of potassium deficiency like weakness in the hind legs. I'm wondering about the kidney values like BUN and creatine, those are pretty big jumps from Feb to March. BUN can be elevated if there is some dehydration, or if feeding a higher protein diet, but it seems something that might need a follow up. I hope others with more experience are able to advise further, these were just some things I noticed.
ETA: oh good, I see Marje was able to have a look.
ETA: oh good, I see Marje was able to have a look.
Agreed the potassium is low but keep in mind we don’t know if it is due to CKD or the fact that insulin can cause the uptake of potassium into the cells. At 3.5, Christie is right that a potassium supplement is likely needed but I really think he needs updated labs soon before you do anything.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
He was dehydrated at one of his appointments he was going in for bloodwork that day. So that might be why it was elevated then. I had to beg him to sub q him. I even took the bag and stuff home and kept on top of it. Yes I can do sub q. Back then to the vet told me the dry food he was on was fine. So thanks to Shawna on June 24 2018 I met her and she set me straight got him off dry food totally cold turkey way. He only eats ff pate now and she got me into home testing. He was also on canninsulin back then.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Ok I will call vet and see how much that will be. Everything I was doing was wrong back then I was set straight on June 24 of this year from Shawna. Since she started me on right path garfie has improved.
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
Yes, for sure updated labs will show if anything needs to be done, interesting that it was 4.7 in Feb...it does seem to vary quite a bit, lowish then normal then back low.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
He docent seem to wobble and he can still jump up on the bed and chase my other cat. But I will look into it he's mommy's boy and mommy does what's needed. I'm just glad I didn't listen to the vet and put him down. I thank all who have helped me and garfie. I think and hope I'm doing everything right and if I'm not sure I post maybe stupid question but hey I'm new learning as fast as I can
Christie & Maverick
Member Since 2017
You are doing a really great job 
, I think most people here try and do blood rechecks every six months or so, especially if there are some things to keep an eye on, or if the kitties is senior , maybe ask for a senior blood panel.. that usually is a little less expensive I think, but gets you the data you need.
, I think most people here try and do blood rechecks every six months or so, especially if there are some things to keep an eye on, or if the kitties is senior , maybe ask for a senior blood panel.. that usually is a little less expensive I think, but gets you the data you need.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
He's 12 hopefully vet does that will have to find out. Either way will get done as soon as I can. Good thing he likes car rides and docent mind the vet of course mommy goes in back room while they take blood other wise he panics.
I agree totally with Christie and I get labs every six months on my two.
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
Actually your Vet is one of the best around, I use him as well and although he's difficult to understand with his accent you have to ask him to repeat himself if you do not understand or comprehend him. Ask for Leslie to come in and explain things if you just don't understand him. You can change vets - there are 3 others within a few miles, all more expensive and all who know nothing about feline diabetes. Vets are no different then doctors, they know a lot about generalities and not much about specific illnesses or diseases........that's NOT their areas of expertise which is why they either do more tests or send us to specialists. Your specialist for FD is HERE ON THIS BOARD where you'll get many opinions from those dealing directly with the same issues, and/or lots of support from others. Plus many (not me) are very familiar with other issues our cats have since they have personal experience and can also guide you in the right direction. I'm amazed how many apprentice doctors are on here
Your/OUR vet does all the testing - you have to take charge and request it since he doesn't know symptoms that you see at home or read about here. One thing I noticed is on your lab test in Feb (memory might be fading, but it's the second last one) there is no glucose number so either you forgot to enter it, or it got deleted?? Looking at Garfie's SS, he was diagnosed back in Feb/17 with FD so what happened from that date to June??
Call the Vet and ask for the tests and they will certainly do them. As for the poop - he could be a bit constipated for unknown reasons like stress, BG levels up and down or maybe as with Harley he's not converting the water into his bowels. With hard poop, that's not easy to pass and maybe get some Restoralax (drug store sells it beside the Vet) and give him 1/8th tsp with food both in am and pm feedings. It's a small dose that doesn't (spelled correctly
) interfere with the insulin and that will soften his poop so he can pass it. FYI - Harley has been getting it for over a year and it works perfectly and watch for any blood in the poop, not good and is a sign something else is wrong. The darker the poop the longer is has stayed in his bowels, so he needs to pass it or he'll get all blocked up and then needs an enema. Oh, the emergency vet in Niagara Falls treated Harley at first and said he was anemic - no such thing,, and Ridgeway Vet was the one who showed me he wasn't - so all Vets make mistakes and when WE are owners get overwhelmed with these issues we get frustrated, scared, anxious, etc. and only want the BEST for our kitties.
You're doing well, and it's a lot of work (told you,) but in the end we are all doing our best and hopefully our kitties get better in time.
Your/OUR vet does all the testing - you have to take charge and request it since he doesn't know symptoms that you see at home or read about here. One thing I noticed is on your lab test in Feb (memory might be fading, but it's the second last one) there is no glucose number so either you forgot to enter it, or it got deleted?? Looking at Garfie's SS, he was diagnosed back in Feb/17 with FD so what happened from that date to June??
Call the Vet and ask for the tests and they will certainly do them. As for the poop - he could be a bit constipated for unknown reasons like stress, BG levels up and down or maybe as with Harley he's not converting the water into his bowels. With hard poop, that's not easy to pass and maybe get some Restoralax (drug store sells it beside the Vet) and give him 1/8th tsp with food both in am and pm feedings. It's a small dose that doesn't (spelled correctly
) interfere with the insulin and that will soften his poop so he can pass it. FYI - Harley has been getting it for over a year and it works perfectly and watch for any blood in the poop, not good and is a sign something else is wrong. The darker the poop the longer is has stayed in his bowels, so he needs to pass it or he'll get all blocked up and then needs an enema. Oh, the emergency vet in Niagara Falls treated Harley at first and said he was anemic - no such thing,, and Ridgeway Vet was the one who showed me he wasn't - so all Vets make mistakes and when WE are owners get overwhelmed with these issues we get frustrated, scared, anxious, etc. and only want the BEST for our kitties.You're doing well, and it's a lot of work (told you,
) but in the end we are all doing our best and hopefully our kitties get better in time.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
I will be updating his bloodwork getting another round done.as for the missing glucose wasn't on his sheet. He had bloodwork done back then for surgery we were told everything was fine with him.it wasn't until Feb 2018 that something wasn't right so I took him in again and asked them to check for diabetes then his fructose came back with the 700's from Feb to June before I met you he was on canninsulin I was doing 2 needles a day. They had him on 3 units twice a day he seemed to get worse took him back in they told me his system was shutting down and to put him down don't bother doing anything else that was when you were on holidays when j first called.I said no I'm taking him home i started him on milk thistle for 3 week treatment and he turned around then i called you again and got garfie on the right track.
As for his poop that just started so I will pick some of that stuff up nip it in the butt now before it turns bad.He
As for his poop that just started so I will pick some of that stuff up nip it in the butt now before it turns bad.He
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
Boggio's has it..........so do other drug stores and if you don't get Restoralax get any human constipation powder that is "polyethylene GLYCOL 3350" only...........if you need some come by here and I can give you a weeks worth. Remember to mix with food morning and night and JUST 1/8 tsp each time. Should work well and if still not, give a bit more - don't want him to get the runs, just to make poop softer. Ask Vet for the Glucose reading for Feb......it probably got deleted by mistake. They have it all on computer.
Hey - don't forget to keep your AMPS or PMPS with numbers in your thread title - if you have questions, put the question mark prefix in, and then make a comment after your numbers......or in your text area just put QUESTION: blah, blah, blah and people will read it.
He's 12 so next blood work can be for geriatrics - I'm getting it done for H&D from now on every 6 months, and since they are indoor cats I will pass on their rabies vaccines and gt blood work instead as that will show more and be helpful as they age.
Hey - don't forget to keep your AMPS or PMPS with numbers in your thread title - if you have questions, put the question mark prefix in, and then make a comment after your numbers......or in your text area just put QUESTION: blah, blah, blah and people will read it.
He's 12 so next blood work can be for geriatrics - I'm getting it done for H&D from now on every 6 months, and since they are indoor cats I will pass on their rabies vaccines and gt blood work instead as that will show more and be helpful as they age.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Garfie goes in Tuesday morning for bloodwork. He hasn't had any shots in about 9 years. I don't really believe in them I do baby shots first yr boosters then nothing they never go outside.
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
They recommend shots for a reason, whether you believe in them or not some of them are needed to prevent diseases or known issues especially in felines. Hope the blood work gives you the results you wanted today.
Rebecca.garfie
Member Since 2018
Thank you I hope all is well with your guys. It was hard getting blood from him today. Hoping the stress docent effect him to much. Wanted to introduce you to my mom but didn't get the chance but I did tell her that's the wonderful lady who is helping garfie
Shawna & Davidson (GA)
Member Since 2014
Davidson was full of pee so just wanted him out and into the car...........he has joint arthritis (read my post today) plus geriatric blood work cuz they're older. Harley's turn is tomorrow. His BG will go up (maybe not) from the stress, but Davidson handles it well so one never knows. Keep posting away - everyone is here to help!
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