Griff updates

primalkitty

primalkitty

Member Since 2017
Hey all,

I don't do online posting much, so it has been a long time since my last update.

Griff was doing great, dosages were going down and then his BS curves went flat. I was slowly raising the dose and finding a sweet spot, then I noticed his breath smelled horrendous! He developed some kind of infection in his mouth. Over the weekend, he started getting more lethargic. Yesterday morning, he wouldn't eat so I could not give him his insulin BS was 277. Took him to the vet and they gave him a Convenia shot and fluids because he was so dehydrated. When I got him home and let him out of the crate, he was having difficulty with his back legs. I think it is diabetic neuropathy. Can that have happened from missing one dose????? He ate a little dinner and I gave him a little insulin since his BS was 140.

Anyhoo, he is eating some and drinking water pretty well this morning. His BS was 320 this morning, so I gave him his insulin. We are at just shy of 2 units.

Wondering about the neuropathy and what, if anything, can be done to help him.

Jessie
 
What is the cause of the mouth infection?

You can give b12 methylcobalamin supplements to help with the neuropathy. Many use Zobaline which can be purchased on amazon or from lifelink
 
@JanetNJ More than likely gingivitis although the vet said his teeth don't "look that bad". He is scheduled for a dental on Friday, but not sure that is a good idea right now.

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
I have been using the Zobaline for a few months now and back legs are almost back to normal. I do not know if it is a direct result of Zobaline, the insulin or combination of both but as long she can jump without a swing and a miss.. im not changing a thing
 
Jessie - do you have ketone strips? Missing a dose and having an infection can lead to DKA quickly. Saying he's lethargic makes me nervous.
 
Another option is to call the vet and see if you can bring him in for a quick blood check for ketones. Honestly, they should have done it automatically when you took him in yesterday, so if they try to charge you another office visit you'd have grounds to raise a stink. ;)
 
Djamila said:
Another option is to call the vet and see if you can bring him in for a quick blood check for ketones. Honestly, they should have done it automatically when you took him in yesterday, so if they try to charge you another office visit you'd have grounds to raise a stink. ;)
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Problem is, we are in the middle of a big snow storm and the vet is 40 minutes out.

I just put him in the litter box and he tried to poo, but couldn't. So, constipated.

I just did a +4 and he is at 111
 
Lisa and little said:
Do you mix water in his food? I put a whole can of warm to hot h2O in food to keep them hydrated. So simple yet I never though if it until someone here recommended
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Yes, I do. And, I give him bone broth, which he likes. And, this morning, he has had some liver chunks with the liquid blood with extra water.
 
Eeeewwwww! ;) Well, as long as he's eating. :cat:

I was going to ask you how the snow was looking over on your side of the mountains. I ended up with about 16" which is unheard of in Seattle. The whole city has been shut down for a week now. It finally turned to rain this morning, so I'm hoping we can go back to school tomorrow.

If getting to the vet is going to be difficult, then definitely keep the hydration going, and feed him absolutely anything that he will eat so that you can keep calories in him.

Hopefully between the antibiotic, hydration, and calories, you can avoid ketones developing.
 
Oh, and any chance you have miralax in the cupboard somewhere? You can use that for the constipation. Or plain pumpkin if you have an extra can in the pantry. Miralax works a little faster.
 
Djamila said:
Eeeewwwww! ;) Well, as long as he's eating. :cat:

I was going to ask you how the snow was looking over on your side of the mountains. I ended up with about 16" which is unheard of in Seattle. The whole city has been shut down for a week now. It finally turned to rain this morning, so I'm hoping we can go back to school tomorrow.

If getting to the vet is going to be difficult, then definitely keep the hydration going, and feed him absolutely anything that he will eat so that you can keep calories in him.

Hopefully between the antibiotic, hydration, and calories, you can avoid ketones developing.
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Yah, saw that Seattle was in a snowpocalypse. Crazy! We are at about 12 inches right now and it is still coming down!

Just gave him some more liver blood. Oh, and he ate most of a raw egg. He is not interested in the usual foods right now so just trying it all :cat:

Stay safe and hope the snow leaves you soon. I love the snow, but we are supposed to have it :D
 
Djamila said:
Oh, and any chance you have miralax in the cupboard somewhere? You can use that for the constipation. Or plain pumpkin if you have an extra can in the pantry. Miralax works a little faster.
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no miralax but do have pumpkin. How the heck to I get pumpkin in him? I tried it before when he was eating anything and wouldn't touch it.
 
Hmm...yes, pumpkin is going to be a hard sell if he doesn't like it normally. See if anything on here helps: http://felineconstipation.org/

They have all kinds of home remedies to try. I would think they fluids from yesterday would be helpful too.

Don't worry about carbs right now as far as the food. But do avoid kibble if you can since he's constipated - dry food is the opposite of helpful for that.
 
Okay, Griff has not eaten much today. He is drinking some water, some broth and liver blood. He has shown little interest in solid food this afternoon. I just took his BS and it is 401. :woot: Do I just go with the usual insulin dosage (just shy of 2 units) or should I raise a smidge?

Additional info: he has been peeing when I take him to the litter box. Still no poo, have been giving some constipation suggestions a try. @Djamila
 
Were you able to get a ketone test? I'm really worried about that with him not eating. As for dose, it's hard to say without the spreadsheet. It looks like October was the last entry. I think I'd err on the side of increasing, but please get a test or two tonight to make sure he doesn't drop too much.
 
Do you have kibble for the barn cats? Or do they fend for themselves? I know I said avoid that because of the constipation, but I'm super worried that he isn't eating. Maybe give him a couple pieces and see if he'll eat them?
 
Djamila said:
Were you able to get a ketone test? I'm really worried about that with him not eating. As for dose, it's hard to say without the spreadsheet. It looks like October was the last entry. I think I'd err on the side of increasing, but please get a test or two tonight to make sure he doesn't drop too much.
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Djamila said:
Were you able to get a ketone test? I'm really worried about that with him not eating. As for dose, it's hard to say without the spreadsheet. It looks like October was the last entry. I think I'd err on the side of increasing, but please get a test or two tonight to make sure he doesn't drop too much.
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I did get a ketone test, but I am not sure about the strips since they are a bit past expiry ( 5 months) it was negative.

I know, I haven't been updating the spreadsheet AND I dropped my tester...it died...bits and pieces all over the floor. I have a new one. I will try to add the data tomorrow morning.

I will do a couple more tests tonite, for sure.

THANK YOU!!!!!
 
I'm super relieved to hear that the test was negative - even if it is a bit suspect. I would keep trying to get one every time he pees. And as soon as you can safely, get some new test strips. Sounds like you guys have been having a bit of a rough go lately. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe. And keep us updated. I worry when I know one of our sugar cats isn't doing well. :nailbiting::):bighug:
 
Djamila said:
Do you have kibble for the barn cats? Or do they fend for themselves? I know I said avoid that because of the constipation, but I'm super worried that he isn't eating. Maybe give him a couple pieces and see if he'll eat them?
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Yes, I do have kibble for the barn kitties......he usually loves kibble. I will "suit up" and go get some ;)
 
Djamila said:
I'm super relieved to hear that the test was negative - even if it is a bit suspect. I would keep trying to get one every time he pees. And as soon as you can safely, get some new test strips. Sounds like you guys have been having a bit of a rough go lately. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe. And keep us updated. I worry when I know one of our sugar cats isn't doing well. :nailbiting::):bighug:
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Thank you!!! Big hug :cat:
 
Lisa and little said:
401 is high but nothing to panic over. With all that is going on, I personally would not make a dosing change right now. @Kris & Teasel can you chime in here?
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Lisa - I know saying to go ahead and do a little increase is a bit unusual, especially since I can't see current numbers. Jessie has been around for quite awhile and knows how to test and steer and keep Griff safe. And given that there is a risk of ketones right now, insulin is important to keep them at bay.
 
Don't go overboard. We're just trying to see if he's willing. If so, maybe try putting a few of them pressed into the top of some wet food and see if it might entice him.
 
Djamila said:
Don't go overboard. We're just trying to see if he's willing. If so, maybe try putting a few of them pressed into the top of some wet food and see if it might entice him.
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So, he did eat a tiny bit of the junk food kibble. Not much though.

BTW, I am not on a smart phone and have to keep re-checking on my pc. Just and FYI for delay
 
I’m heading to sleep soon myself. Schools are still closed, so we are having a Zoom meeting early in the morning.

A few other things you might try: tuna, tuna water, brewers yeast or nutritional yeast on wet food, Parmesan cheese, plain chicken...

And if roads are passable tomorrow and he’s still not eating, I’d get him to the vet.
 
Djamila said:
I’m heading to sleep soon myself. Schools are still closed, so we are having a Zoom meeting early in the morning.

A few other things you might try: tuna, tuna water, brewers yeast or nutritional yeast on wet food, Parmesan cheese, plain chicken...

And if roads are passable tomorrow and he’s still not eating, I’d get him to the vet.
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I have tried tuna and plain chicken, normally YUP now, NO. Will try the other suggestions, too. He did just "eat" some more liver blood. This and the bone broth are about the only things I can get him to ingest. It is liquid, but has some calories and substance. I have a call into the vet. Night night @Djamila and BIG thank you!!!
 
He did eat some kibble. Hopefully it came down later the cycle.

None of this will help unless you can actually get out of the house today, but if you do end up at the vet, here are my thoughts:
-if you can get in, insist on a ketone test. this should be the first thing they do whenever a diabetic cat comes in not feeling well. always.
-it's possible he's reacting to the covenia shot and is feeling nauseous, so you might try cerenia to help settle his stomach
-it's possible whatever's going on in his mouth is causing pain and that's why he'll drink but not eat. see if they'll give you some bupe to help with pain. if they tell you he doesn't seem to be in pain remind them that you can't tell with cats and the only way to know is to address the pain and see if it helps. and you can also remind them that often cats' dental problems are under the gum line and can't be seen by a visual exam.
-have them give fluids again if he seems at all dehydrated (assuming he doesn't have a heart problem).
-get something for the constipation - either from the vet or at the pharmacy/drug store (and pick up new ketone strips).

And please keep us posted. Sending lots of healing vines his way!
 
Djamila said:
He did eat some kibble. Hopefully it came down later the cycle.

None of this will help unless you can actually get out of the house today, but if you do end up at the vet, here are my thoughts:
-if you can get in, insist on a ketone test. this should be the first thing they do whenever a diabetic cat comes in not feeling well. always.
-it's possible he's reacting to the covenia shot and is feeling nauseous, so you might try cerenia to help settle his stomach
-it's possible whatever's going on in his mouth is causing pain and that's why he'll drink but not eat. see if they'll give you some bupe to help with pain. if they tell you he doesn't seem to be in pain remind them that you can't tell with cats and the only way to know is to address the pain and see if it helps. and you can also remind them that often cats' dental problems are under the gum line and can't be seen by a visual exam.
-have them give fluids again if he seems at all dehydrated (assuming he doesn't have a heart problem).
-get something for the constipation - either from the vet or at the pharmacy/drug store (and pick up new ketone strips).

And please keep us posted. Sending lots of healing vines his way!
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Thanks Djamila. I will be taking him to the vet today, for sure! I will keep you all posted. I got another reading at 2:00 it was 309.
 
Well, got some really bad news. I can hardly believe it. Griffy's kidneys and pancreas are shot. The blood tests were off the chart, they didn't even register because the results were higher than the test range.

3 options were given.
1 leave him there for 2 days for IV fluids and a blood test after to see if it helps. However, it will only delay the inevitable
2 take him home with subq fluids for 2 days and take him back in for a blood test. Same prognosis as 1
3 say goodbye

I opted for 2. So, he is home and I will give subq fluids and test again on Friday to see if it helps at all. It will give me some more time with him. I also got an appetite stimulant and some miralax.

To say the least, I am devastated. He is one of my very most favorite kitties, such a great mellow man. It is so weird, he was fine a few days ago, hunting toys in the basement and letting us know about his catch at 3am. He was drinking water about the same as always. He has had a fascination with water since he was a kitten, so I didn't notice more intake.

I feel like I failed him because I couldn't get his insulin in that sweet spot.......
 
primalkitty said:
Well, got some really bad news. I can hardly believe it. Griffy's kidneys and pancreas are shot. The blood tests were off the chart, they didn't even register because the results were higher than the test range.

3 options were given.
1 leave him there for 2 days for IV fluids and a blood test after to see if it helps. However, it will only delay the inevitable
2 take him home with subq fluids for 2 days and take him back in for a blood test. Same prognosis as 1
3 say goodbye

I opted for 2. So, he is home and I will give subq fluids and test again on Friday to see if it helps at all. It will give me some more time with him. I also got an appetite stimulant and some miralax.

To say the least, I am devastated. He is one of my very most favorite kitties, such a great mellow man. It is so weird, he was fine a few days ago, hunting toys in the basement and letting us know about his catch at 3am. He was drinking water about the same as always. He has had a fascination with water since he was a kitten, so I didn't notice more intake.

I feel like I failed him because I couldn't get his insulin in that sweet spot.......
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Can you post the lab reports? Many of us have had ckd kitties and can offer suggestions
 
Oh Jessie I'm so sorry to hear this! First off remember that you did NOT fail him! Most owners would put a cat down with diabetes and you not only didn't do that you committed to learning all about the disease and making sure you could give him the best care! And with all your duties at the farm, that's no easy task. I felt horrible when Gypsy died because she ended up having cancer that I didn't know about...but I felt that I should. But how silly...how could I know? She had one bout of not wanting to eat, but then she was fine. She seemed happy and healthy and her normal cuddly self up until the day we let her go...that morning she was just suddenly worse. It happens.

You have been a GREAT mama to Griff and he is so lucky to have you. Don't give up yet. Give the fluids a try and see what happens. You chose the same option I would have...give him a few days to see if this helps and let him be home with you and get lots of loving. Go back and recheck...and go from there.

Sending you tons of :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Rachel said:
Oh Jessie I'm so sorry to hear this! First off remember that you did NOT fail him! Most owners would put a cat down with diabetes and you not only didn't do that you committed to learning all about the disease and making sure you could give him the best care! And with all your duties at the farm, that's no easy task. I felt horrible when Gypsy died because she ended up having cancer that I didn't know about...but I felt that I should. But how silly...how could I know? She had one bout of not wanting to eat, but then she was fine. She seemed happy and healthy and her normal cuddly self up until the day we let her go...that morning she was just suddenly worse. It happens.

You have been a GREAT mama to Griff and he is so lucky to have you. Don't give up yet. Give the fluids a try and see what happens. You chose the same option I would have...give him a few days to see if this helps and let him be home with you and get lots of loving. Go back and recheck...and go from there.

Sending you tons of :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Thanks Rachel! Seems like lots of kitties are good at hiding when they don't feel well. Sorry about your Gypsy.

Found Griff with his brother as kittens in a tourist info hut back in WI. I had a rescue then and adopted them both out, but the girl gave them back....lucky me!!!! Griff is the kitty that gave me the idea to make cat toys and start a business. I always say he is my "mews" :cat:

I won't give up yet, thanks for that!!!!
 
My heart is breaking for you. I know the pain that this brings but you did not fail him! You did everything you could and he was very lucky to have you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers
 
Oh Jessie! I'm so sorry. I do hope that the fluids help perk him up a little and that you enjoy your time together right now. As Rachel and Lisa have said: you've been a great kitty mama and have given Griffith so much time and care and love. Cats are masters of hiding their illnesses from us. There is no way you could have known. See what happens over the next couple of days. If he's ready to go, he'll tell you. If he isn't ready, he'll keep fighting and find a way forward. Please know that we are all here for you, and surround you with love.
 
Djamila said:
Oh Jessie! I'm so sorry. I do hope that the fluids help perk him up a little and that you enjoy your time together right now. As Rachel and Lisa have said: you've been a great kitty mama and have given Griffith so much time and care and love. Cats are masters of hiding their illnesses from us. There is no way you could have known. See what happens over the next couple of days. If he's ready to go, he'll tell you. If he isn't ready, he'll keep fighting and find a way forward. Please know that we are all here for you, and surround you with love.
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Thank you Djamila! I hope fluids perk him up, too. I sure do love this guy, he is one of those "special" ones. I hope he is a fighter!!! I will keep y'all posted.

Even though I haven't posted here much, I do really love this forum. So supportive, informative and I do feel the love. Thank you!!!!
 
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