How to take care of a cat after DKA?

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blushyadri

blushyadri

Member Since 2020
Hi-
Romeo (6yr tabby neutered male) is currently in the Emergency Hospital over the weekend. He was diagnosed with diabetes on Tuesday, 6/23. Treated for Glucose Curve for 29hours Wed-Thurs. Came home Thurs afternoon fine. Friday afternoon we noticed him slowly getting weaker. Saturday early morning rushed him to Emergency Clinic.

He was in DKA.
He will stay over the weekend at the hospital. Praying for the best.

What should I expect after he comes home?
 
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blushyadri said:
Hi-
Romeo (6yr tabby neutered male) is currently in the Emergency Hospital over the weekend. He was diagnosed with diabetes on Tuesday, 6/23. Treated for Glucose Curve for 29hours Wed-Thurs. Came home Thurs afternoon fine. Friday afternoon we noticed him slowly getting sick. Saturday early morning rushed him to Emergency Group.

He was in DKA.
He will stay over the weekend at the hospital. Praying for the best.

What should I expect after he comes home?
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You’ll want to be sure they send him home with
  • medications like cerenia and ondansetron/zofran (this is a human med you’ll have to get a prescription for) to handle any nausea he might have
  • potentially subq fluids....ask the vet
  • information on how they’ve been treating his diabetes; quite often the ER will stop the basal insulin if it’s a long-lasting insulin but since he’s on Vetsulin, they might be still using it in combo with a bolus insulin like Humulin/Novolin R. Be sure you know;
  • his BG records
  • source of infection and how they are treating it; DKA is caused by not enough insulin + infection + not enough food/water
  • his written labs
  • if he’s not eating and you’ll have to assist feed him, 10-ml size syringes
At home, you’ll want to get as many calories as you can into him until his BG is under control. As another member says, it doesn’t matter what you feed him as long as you get a lot of calories in him; the insulin dose can be adjusted if you are giving him a high calorie Recovery diet that might also be high carb.

At some point, you might want to consider a gentler insulin like Lantus or Levemir as Vetsulin for cats is old school and a harsh insulin.
 
blushyadri said:
Hi-
Romeo (6yr tabby neutered male) is currently in the Emergency Hospital over the weekend. He was diagnosed with diabetes on Tuesday, 6/23. Treated for Glucose Curve for 29hours Wed-Thurs. Came home Thurs afternoon fine. Friday afternoon we noticed him slowly getting sick. Saturday early morning rushed him to Emergency Group.

He was in DKA.
He will stay over the weekend at the hospital. Praying for the best.

What should I expect after he comes home?
Click to expand...
Oh Romeo there are Many members that are experienced with DKA so hang in there .
I do know while he is there they need round the clock care , fluids the will monitor his BG .
Here for you if you just need to talk or Vent Prayers for Romeo
 
I am so sorry Romeo is in hospital with DKA. I’m glad you took him to the ER when you did. Looking at the lab results, he should have been kept in by the previous vet. Not to tell you he was showing ketones is terrible.

He will likely be in hospital for a few days so you have time to get prepared for when he comes home.
He may well still be nauseated and not wanting to eat, So you may have to syringe feed him. It is really important that he eats as many calories as he can....up to 1 1/2 times his usually amount.
You will need to be testing his urine for ketones twice a day in the beginning at home. So you are going to need to buy a few things to be ready.
  • A bottle of Ketostix from a pharmacy
  • Ask the vet for some cerenia and ondansetron ...don’t leave without these.
  • Ideally they will give him a cerenia injection before discharge
  • Plenty of variety of food. Make sure you have some low carb and some higher carb food as well.
  • Get the lab results from the vet.
  • Ask for some Hills A/D Canned food from the vet.
  • He may need some sub Q fluids at home so ask the vet about those.
 
blushyadri said:
Is there recovery from “deep” DKA?

Just spoke to the Emergency Care Vet, Romeo’s BLG has lowered but in 300s. Ketones are still present. BP is a low normal of 74. His potassium is low but they are supplementing it. He’s gotten up and used the litter box on his own. He’s been in Emergency Care for 12hrs.
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If you ever want to tag someone
After your last word that you type you would leave a space and start to type the first few letters of the members name and you will see on the left hand side names will come up, when you see that persons name tap in it, it will then come up blue, Adriana Romeo may have to stay there longer than just the weekend, I'm sure someone will answer you tonight

Example @blushyadri
 
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blushyadri said:
Is there recovery from “deep” DKA?

Just spoke to the Emergency Care Vet, Romeo’s BLG has lowered but in 300s. Ketones are still present. BP is a low normal of 74. His potassium is low but they are supplementing it. He’s gotten up and used the litter box on his own. He’s been in Emergency Care for 12hrs.
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I don’t know what “deep” DKA is but we’ve had many, many really sick kitties make it. Some have been so ill, they had to have feeding tubes when they finally went home. You have him in the best place for now; as long as they have him on IV fluids, are getting his electrolytes straightened out, giving insulin to get the BG down, etc, then hopefully he will turn the corner quickly and you can get him home. The fact that he’s up is good; many of these DKA cats can’t even raise their heads in the ER.
 
Marje and Gracie said:
I don’t know what “deep” DKA is but we’ve had many, many really sick kitties make it. Some have been so ill, they had to have feeding tubes when they finally went home. You have him in the best place for now; as long as they have him on IV fluids, are getting his electrolytes straightened out, giving insulin to get the BG down, etc, then hopefully he will turn the corner quickly and you can get him home. The fact that he’s up is good; many of these DKA cats can’t even raise their heads in the ER.
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Thank you again @Marje and Gracie :bighug::cat:
 
Don’t let the words feeding tube scare you btw. Minnie had one for 2 weeks and it’s very easy and actually really helpful when it comes to getting them to eat. It can be a life saver and it’s easy to handle as well you just have to blend the food with water in a blender. Hopefully there won’t be need for it, but if there’s I can help you :)

great update!!!
 
Aleluia Grugru & Minnie said:
Don’t let the words feeding tube scare you btw. Minnie had one for 2 weeks and it’s very easy and actually really helpful when it comes to getting them to eat. It can be a life saver and it’s easy to handle as well you just have to blend the food with water in a blender. Hopefully there won’t be need for it, but if there’s I can help you :)

great update!!!
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Awe Ale, that is so very nice of you, you rock :bighug::cat:
 
Aleluia Grugru & Minnie said:
Don’t let the words feeding tube scare you btw. Minnie had one for 2 weeks and it’s very easy and actually really helpful when it comes to getting them to eat. It can be a life saver and it’s easy to handle as well you just have to blend the food with water in a blender. Hopefully there won’t be need for it, but if there’s I can help you :)

great update!!!
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Agreed! We’ve helped many here who had to have a feeding tube inserted to get their kitty better.
 
Went through DKA with a new cat in December and agree with what others have advised. We'd only had Chance for 5 days when he crashed and was flat when admitted to the hospital, vet gave him a 50-50 chance of recovery. That Romeo is up and using the litter box is a very good sign.

Committed home care is key to getting him well. Dehydration can make a cat go downhill really fast so you'll likely need to give him sub-q fluids which will also help to flush any ketones.

Ask if he should have a cerenia injection before you take him home. It lasts a couple of days and trying to pill a nauseous cat only to have him vomit it back up renders it useless.

Expect to have to assist feed him. Some people are good at syringe feeding but finger feeding is easier and faster for me. However you do it, it's going to get messy, a baby bib will help keep him clean.

Nauseous cats often find the smell of wet food off-putting so it's good to have some low carb dry food on hand. My go-to is Nature's Variety Instinct Chicken - must be the Original formula. It's packed with calories, and carbs are only around 10%.

Get some rest while Romeo is in the hospital. Caring for a sick cat can be tiring and sometimes frustrating if he doesn't want to cooperate but knowing that you're saving his life is so worth it. Best of luck to both of you.
 
Romeo's update:

7am I called the Emergency Care. The overnight Vet was amazing at explaining Romeo's current situation.
Romeo started CRI Insulin. His BG came down to 168. Blood pressure is low and an area of concern...dropped as low as 56, has ranged from 65-70 throughout the night. Potassium is still low but has increased: started at 3.4, dropped to 2.9, given supplements and it went up to 3.1.
Ketones are no longer present in his urine!!

Romeo came in to Emergency Care Acidotic, he still is acidosis, but is improving. -I believe he developed this because he hadnt held down a meal. He is breathing heavily, but Vet said that was normal for his condition. His body is removing the CO2 from his system.

Romeo was given Antibiotic therapy and started Antidiarrhea meds this morning bc he had diarrhea last night. This brought some concern for the Vet. He thinks there might be another underlying issue and depending on his progress might need a liver ultra sound.

All in all the Vet was very pleased with the rate of his recovery, but "we're still not out of the woods just yet"... He will not be released before Monday, so that is out of the question. And the liver ultra sound might be needed and will drive up the expense.

Does anyone have similar experiences in liver issued in DKA/Diabetic cats?

I asked about care after he comes home and if Romeo will need a feeding tube. Vet said it would be unlikely.
Its important I find a better Vet after his release from Emergency Care. We are no longer going to use his previous primary.
Any North NJ Vet recommendations?

@Diane Tyler's Mom
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Aleluia Grugru & Minnie
@jt and trouble (GA)
 
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I went in to the Emergency Care Center this morning and I was able to spend some time with Romeo. He was responsive to my voice. He lifted his head and moved his ears, but he did not get up or meow.

Below is his picture. Its hard to see him attached to all these tubes, but we're staying positive about his recovery.

We thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. ❤️
 

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Deborah & Muffy(GA) & Wendall said:
Went through DKA with a new cat in December and agree with what others have advised. We'd only had Chance for 5 days when he crashed and was flat when admitted to the hospital, vet gave him a 50-50 chance of recovery. That Romeo is up and using the litter box is a very good sign.

Committed home care is key to getting him well. Dehydration can make a cat go downhill really fast so you'll likely need to give him sub-q fluids which will also help to flush any ketones.

Ask if he should have a cerenia injection before you take him home. It lasts a couple of days and trying to pill a nauseous cat only to have him vomit it back up renders it useless.

Expect to have to assist feed him. Some people are good at syringe feeding but finger feeding is easier and faster for me. However you do it, it's going to get messy, a baby bib will help keep him clean.

Nauseous cats often find the smell of wet food off-putting so it's good to have some low carb dry food on hand. My go-to is Nature's Variety Instinct Chicken - must be the Original formula. It's packed with calories, and carbs are only around 10%.

Get some rest while Romeo is in the hospital. Caring for a sick cat can be tiring and sometimes frustrating if he doesn't want to cooperate but knowing that you're saving his life is so worth it. Best of luck to both of you.
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Amen to that!!! Rest now that’s what I tried to do with Minnie’s hospitalizations. The calm before the storm but it’s all manageable. I’ve done sub-q fluids for my late cat as well. It’s also not as complicated as it sounds. Finding the spot is a lot like giving an insulin injection and I just used a coat hanger to hang the bag of fluids but if you have help, even someone holding it up works. Again, focus on what everyone is saying that the fact he’s up and moving around if a great sign!!
 
I’m sorry and I know how heartbreaking it is to see them like this, but overall I think you got good news!
I’ll let others speak about DKA as I don’t have experience there but do you know what meds they’re giving him for the diarrhea? As many said, I’d make sure to ask them for the Cerenia injection before leaving the ER and make sure you have that or ondansetron to give at home too.
Can the ER suggest a regular vet? I know they’re “not suppose to” but I begged and mine did so it’s worth a try as they work closely with vet practices who send pets there and have relationships with them
 
Aleluia Grugru & Minnie said:
I’m sorry and I know how heartbreaking it is to see them like this, but overall I think you got good news!
I’ll let others speak about DKA as I don’t have experience there but do you know what meds they’re giving him for the diarrhea? As many said, I’d make sure to ask them for the Cerenia injection before leaving the ER and make sure you have that or ondansetron to give at home too.
Can the ER suggest a regular vet? I know they’re “not suppose to” but I begged and mine did so it’s worth a try as they work closely with vet practices who send pets there and have relationships with them
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Thank you for the tips! I wrote it in my notes to have when I go pick up Romeo.
Last night I slept more than I did all week. With Romeo's continuous improvements I hope tonight is another restful night.

I did ask about new Vet suggestions at the ER while I was there this morning. The AM Vet gave me a general local list of Vets who've used their center before. I saw my old Vet's info on the list and questioned if the list was her recommendations, she said it was not. She is new to the area and could not give a composite recommendation. I will ask he PM Vet at the ER. Its the same Vet who i spoke to this morning and he might have more information.

We appreciate all the prayers. I cannot say that enough. Thank you @jt and trouble (GA) and everyone on this MB!!!
 
That’s the great thing about ER, rotating vets ha! The first I asked told me she couldn’t refer anyone, but the second did! Also, ain’t nothing like getting that call with a positive update about your baby, like a huge weight has been lifted off your shoulders right? Enjoy the restful night, I did once I knew she was recovering well and her big brother appreciated being the only child for a few days ;)

This group kept me sane with Minnie’s back to back hospitalizations. No words to express the gratitude for the support I received and still do daily, so it’s only fair to pay it forward :smuggrin: we’re here for you and Romeo!!!
 
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blushyadri said:
Romeo's update:

7am I called the Emergency Care. The overnight Vet was amazing at explaining Romeo's current situation.
Romeo started CRI Insulin. His BG came down to 168. Blood pressure is low and an area of concern...dropped as low as 56, has ranged from 65-70 throughout the night. Potassium is still low but has increased: started at 3.4, dropped to 2.9, given supplements and it went up to 3.1.
Ketones are no longer present in his urine!!

Romeo came in to Emergency Care Acidotic, he still is acidosis, but is improving. -I believe he developed this because he hadnt held down a meal. He is breathing heavily, but Vet said that was normal for his condition. His body is removing the CO2 from his system.

Romeo was given Antibiotic therapy and started Antidiarrhea meds this morning bc he had diarrhea last night. This brought some concern for the Vet. He thinks there might be another underlying issue and depending on his progress might need a liver ultra sound.

All in all the Vet was very pleased with the rate of his recovery, but "we're still not out of the woods just yet"... He will not be released before Monday, so that is out of the question. And the liver ultra sound might be needed and will drive up the expense.

Does anyone have similar experiences in liver issued in DKA/Diabetic cats?

I asked about care after he comes home and if Romeo will need a feeding tube. Vet said it would be unlikely.
Its important I find a better Vet after his release from Emergency Care. We are no longer going to use his previous primary.
Any North NJ Vet recommendations?

@Diane Tyler's Mom
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Aleluia Grugru & Minnie
@jt and trouble (GA)
Click to expand...

CRI isn’t an insulin...it’s a method of infusion and means “constant rate infusion”. So they are giving him whatever insulin they are using via IV at a constant rate to prevent hyperglycemia.

I would ask what his liver values are because if there is something going in with the liver, you should see it in the ALT, ALP, AST, bilirubin, or GGT. I’m not suggesting they don’t do an U/S....that is up to you and them but it would be interesting to know what his liver values are.

DKA is not synonymous with liver issues per se but it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he has some GI infection. However, usually with DKA, the types of infections we see are urinary tract, dental, etc. Did you ask about what they believe the infection source is (e.g. did they look closely at his mouth or do the necessary tests to see if he has a UTI which is not uncommon in diabetic cats).

We do see FDs with liver conditions such as cholangiohepatitis and triaditis. These also occur in non-diabetic cats. I wouldn’t make that diagnosis simply on the presence of diarrhea. Sometimes diarrhea occurs just because the gut flora gets off kilter.

Sending more wishes for a quick recovery for your little sweetheart. How can any kitty be comfy with all those tubes? I’m glad you got to see him....it probably helped him. If they will let you, you might want to take something from home that has your “smell” on it.
 
blushyadri said:
Romeo's update:

7am I called the Emergency Care. The overnight Vet was amazing at explaining Romeo's current situation.
Romeo started CRI Insulin. His BG came down to 168. Blood pressure is low and an area of concern...dropped as low as 56, has ranged from 65-70 throughout the night. Potassium is still low but has increased: started at 3.4, dropped to 2.9, given supplements and it went up to 3.1.
Ketones are no longer present in his urine!!

Romeo came in to Emergency Care Acidotic, he still is acidosis, but is improving. -I believe he developed this because he hadnt held down a meal. He is breathing heavily, but Vet said that was normal for his condition. His body is removing the CO2 from his system.

Romeo was given Antibiotic therapy and started Antidiarrhea meds this morning bc he had diarrhea last night. This brought some concern for the Vet. He thinks there might be another underlying issue and depending on his progress might need a liver ultra sound.

All in all the Vet was very pleased with the rate of his recovery, but "we're still not out of the woods just yet"... He will not be released before Monday, so that is out of the question. And the liver ultra sound might be needed and will drive up the expense.

Does anyone have similar experiences in liver issued in DKA/Diabetic cats?

I asked about care after he comes home and if Romeo will need a feeding tube. Vet said it would be unlikely.
Its important I find a better Vet after his release from Emergency Care. We are no longer going to use his previous primary.
Any North NJ Vet recommendations?

@Diane Tyler's Mom
@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Aleluia Grugru & Minnie
@jt and trouble (GA)
Click to expand...


Remember that DKA throws the whole body out of whack and recovery takes time. Diarrhea might be from being fed a liquid diet.

I just got Chance's medical file out and noted that on admission his potassium was 1.9 (3.5-5.8). His liver values were also very high, like beyond the reference range chart high. When we went in to visit he didn't even open his eyes and I had lean in to see if he was breathing. That Romeo acknowledged you is really encouraging. And he's young so that's in his favor.

Our vet also suggested an abdominal ultrasound but we agreed that the main goal was to get him stabilized first and it wasn't going change the immediate course of treatment so I put that off pending improvement or lack of. Treating DKA is expensive and I did manage to save a bit by providing one of my meters and test strips. Their fee was $20 per glucose test and at multiple tests per day, it adds up fast.

Agree with Marje about bringing in a comfort item. Our clinic encourages it.

Overall, it sounds like Romeo is doing well. Keep fighting, kitty.
 
blushyadri said:
Thank you for the tips! I wrote it in my notes to have when I go pick up Romeo.
Last night I slept more than I did all week. With Romeo's continuous improvements I hope tonight is another restful night.

I did ask about new Vet suggestions at the ER while I was there this morning. The AM Vet gave me a general local list of Vets who've used their center before. I saw my old Vet's info on the list and questioned if the list was her recommendations, she said it was not. She is new to the area and could not give a composite recommendation. I will ask he PM Vet at the ER. Its the same Vet who i spoke to this morning and he might have more information.

We appreciate all the prayers. I cannot say that enough. Thank you @jt and trouble (GA) and everyone on this MB!!!
Click to expand...
Just know Romeo is where he needs to be to get better . How far North ? With Covid-19 it’s so difficult to get a feel for a New Vet because you not even allowed in . It’s frustrating.
Prayers for Romeo
 
Thank you everyone. I spoke to the AM Vet at 2pm and Romeo seems to not be doing too well with his Liver.
Current info below. @Marje and Gracie
Lab vitals from 6/22 are on his Spreadsheet for comparison.

ALT- 248
ALP- Less than 10
Bilirubin is most concerning, 4.1
GGT- 2

This AM Vet actually suggested in holding off on the Liver US. She's worried about an underlying condition that Romeo may have that is now surfacing. She also mentioned that if there is something/an underlying disease, at some point "no amount of hospitalization could help. Also think about his quality of life."

BG is at 100. I asked about the type and she did not give the medical name, only that it was CRI.
BP has dropped again and is at 60. This number keeps dropping and is another concern of hers. They are doing IV Bolus to help his BP
Ketones are clear in his urine, but present in his serum.

I am going in at 8pm to see him again. Not making any decisions or assumptions today.
Thank you for the "comfort item" idea. I did leave his blanket there yesterday, but this morning he didnt have it...it was in the wash. I am wearing clean towels around my waist under my clothing so I can leave them there for my smell. We did FaceTime moments ago and he didnt seem as mobile as his morning. My heart is heavy. This AM Vet was less optimistic.

Will post an update after visiting him tonight.

Thank you again for all the info and support.
 
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blushyadri said:
Thank you everyone. I spoke to the AM Vet at 2pm and Romeo seems to not be doing too well with his Liver.
Current info below. (Monday's Vitals info in his Spreadsheet)

ALT- 248
ALP- Less than 10
Bilirubin is most concerning, 4.1
GGT- 2

This AM Vet actually suggested in holding off on the Liver US. She's worried about an underlying condition that Romeo may have that is now surfacing. She also mentioned that if there is something/an underlying disease, at some point "no amount of hospitalization could help. Also think about his quality of life."

BG is at 100. I asked about the type and she did not give the medical name, only that it was CRI.
BP has dropped again and is at 60. This number keeps dropping and is another concern of hers. They are doing Bollises? (definite typo) to help his BP
Ketones are clear in his urine, but present in his serum.

I am going in at 8pm to see him again. Not making any decisions or assumptions today.
Thank you for the "comfort item" idea. I did leave his blanket there yesterday, but this morning he didnt have it...it was in the wash. I am wearing clean towels around my waist under my clothing so I can leave them there for my smell. We did FaceTime moments ago and he didnt seem as mobile as his morning. My heart is heavy. This AM Vet was less optimistic.

Will post an update after visiting him tonight.

Thank you again for all the info and support.
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Thanks for the update, praying for Romeo that he will be doing better tonight ♥
 
Overnight we agreed to an Abdominal Ultra Sound for Romeo.

The Vets found Romeo's Pancreas inflamed and suspect that to be the cause for pushing him into DKA.
His liver does look reactive. They suspect it could be reactive from the inflammation which may lead to fatty liver disease.
His Lymph nodes are enlarged & reactive. Vet suspects it could be from the degree of inflammation from the pancreatitis. Or could be an underlying form of cancer, but he finds that less likely.

I have to remove him from this Urgent Care as they close in the morning and will bring him to a 24/7 Hospital this morning.

Any info or insight you can share from Romeo's new results?

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Diane Tyler's Mom
@Aleluia Grugru & Minnie
@jt and trouble (GA)
 
Pancreatitis is common in diabetic cats. Sheba used to get flares a couple of times a year. Loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy, dehydration and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea are some of the symptoms. The treatment is supportive while the pancreas heals.
Treatment wise when he gets home will be much the same. He may need subQ fluids for both the DKA recovery and the pancreatitis as well as anti nausea meds and he will probably need some pain meds for the pancreatitis as well as the other things we listed for the DKA. Getting him to eat could be a challenge as both conditions cause nausea but with the right antinausea meds that will hopefully be sorted.
At least you know now what is happening. Pancreatitis is very treatable and it just takes time to settle. Poor Romeo has a lot on his plate.
Marge will probably be able to comment on the liver and nodes.
Thanks for the update.
 
blushyadri said:
Overnight we agreed to an Abdominal Ultra Sound for Romeo.

The Vets found Romeo's Pancreas inflamed and suspect that to be the cause for pushing him into DKA.
His liver does look reactive. They suspect it could be reactive from the inflammation which may lead to fatty liver disease.
His Lymph nodes are enlarged & reactive. Vet suspects it could be from the degree of inflammation from the pancreatitis. Or could be an underlying form of cancer, but he finds that less likely.

I have to remove him from this Urgent Care as they close in the morning and will bring him to a 24/7 Hospital this morning.

Any info or insight you can share from Romeo's new results?

@Bron and Sheba (GA)
@Marje and Gracie
@Diane Tyler's Mom
@Aleluia Grugru & Minnie
@jt and trouble (GA)
Click to expand...
Here is some information regarding pancreatitis and it’s treatment. It is not uncommon to have liver inflammation with pancreatitis....that goes back to the triaditis.

I’m not a vet so I would not make an assumption about the lymph node enlargements.
 
Hello Everyone,
Thank you for keeping Romeo in your prayers.

Yesterday at 7am I went to Romeo's weekend clinic to pick him up and transfer him to an Emergency Hospital for extended care. (Third Vet location)
They examined him further and noticed more complications, a gallop rhythm in his heart suggesting an underlying heart issue, and the vet mentioned hypogonadotropic? The Vet said Romeo would possibly need 3-5more days in hospitalization without guarantee of recovery. She mentioned his current state of health was too weak to undergo any needed surgeries. Romeo, Mama and Poppa fought and pushed as much as we could. We took out a credit loan to cover Romeo's medical bills and not give up on him. Unfortunately I had to make the hardest decision of my life. I could not keep Romeo suffering any longer. He fought to the very end. Romeo went to Rainbow Bridge yesterday, June 29, 2020.

My heart breaks as I truly believe his former primary Vet misdiagnosed his state of health with Monday, 6/22's Blood/Urine Tests. Romeo was eating, active, and still himself last Monday for the lab tests and Wednesday before his admission for a Glucose Curve. I am burdened with the guilt that I trusted Newark Animal Hospital to treat my furbaby, but instead it turned lethal. After speaking to different Vets, looking at Monday's Labs the better option should have been to bring Romeo to the ER for his ketones before the GC. Thursday night at home, after his return from the GC, we noticed some lethargy but he still ate and was normal-ish. Friday he went downhill in the afternoon. I called his Vet with my concerns and his response was "Romeo was just diagnosed with a serious condition. He is adjusting, bring him next Wednesday for a follow-up." Romeo never made it to next Wednesday's follow-up. I will never forgive myself for putting Romeo in the care of a careless Vet. By the time i brought him to the Urgent Care Saturday morning he was already withering away. He responded to some treatments, but was too weak to stay off them. This was not a straight forward DKA case. Could it have been insulin poising? Was 2un of Vetsilin too much for a lean 6yr cat?

I received Romeo's extended Exams from the weekend's Urgent Care. His admission problem list were: vomit, diarrhea, anorexia, emaciated, hyperglycemia, tacahypnetic, acidotic. Admission Diagnosis of DKA, hyperosmolar syndrome, pancreatitis, neoplasia. Was he already going into a diabetic coma?

I wish I knew everything I know today last week.

Thank you again for all the love and support you've shown Romeo. I'm a proud mama to know everyone who met him this weekend loved him. He was the full package kitty: beautiful, sweet, playful, smart, and a strong soul. I was robbed of many more years with him, but I truly hope his story and experience help other kitties and fur parents. Always ask for a copy of the Labs. If something feels off about your Vet, find other options. You know your pet best, if something seems off take them to see care ASAP, even if your Vet says its "normal".

Keep Romeo in your prayers.
2014-2020
Short lived. Forever loved.



@Diane Tyler's Mom @Marje and Gracie @Bron and Sheba (GA) @Aleluia Grugru & Minnie @jt and trouble (GA) @Panic
 

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Oh, Adriana. I had a feeling he didn't make it when we didn't get an update yesterday.

I am so, so sorry. There's nothing I can say that will stop you from feeling bad, it's just the way grief is, but please do NOT blame yourself for your vet's errors. We expect them to know best and sometimes they just don't. I went through the same thing, so I know how betrayed it makes you feel. But please don't take it too personally, it only makes it hurt more. What matters is you were there for him and did the best that you were able. You did not fail him.

You did a great job and went above and beyond for Romeo, remember that. And take the knowledge you learned here and apply it to others. :bighug: You and Romeo only just arrived here but you are family and we mourn with you. It breaks my heart every time we lose a sugar cat.
 
Oh I’m so very sorry. I felt very attached to Romeo in the short time we had you here and my heart goes out to you. I second everything Panic said. I’ve had my share of bad vets and it’s very easy to blame yourself, but you did all the right things by him. The vet failed him, not you. At least you know he’s at peace now and won’t suffer anymore. Try to focus on the memories and the time you had together. You brought love into his life and that is a gift he’ll carry with him wherever he goes next. You have a guardian angel and now it’s his turn to watch over you. Isn’t it a blessing to know that? Sending you much much love
cat_wings>o:rb_icon:cat_wings>o
 
Typing through tears here... sigh I'm so sorry. You fought the good fight but even then sometimes we just know...My heart truly breaks for you You tried so hard. Our kitteths grab our hearts and just dont let go. Remember that, because Romeo is still with you. You just have to hug him a little differently now. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going to have a cry.
Love never ends. We just have to keep them in our hearts.
Again my sincere condolences. Sending love and healing vines~~~~~
jeanne
 
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