4/2, Susie, 226 AMPS, Off to the vet for blood work

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/4-1-susie-should-i-delay-lab-work-tomorrow.245549/

Susie got a little out of balance with her blood glucose yesterday from the extra food I left when I was away from home. I'm taking her back to the vet this morning for a redo of the senior panel she had on March 1st. Hoping that her ALT and AST will have come down - along with several other high readings.

Update: The doctor wanted to keep Susie for a while today. He is concerned with the vomiting, sneezing and hacking. Good! I hope they finally figure out all that is wrong with her. They put her on fluids (???). Don't know why but I won't complain.

 

[Marina & Chico]

https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/4-1-susie-should-i-delay-lab-work-tomorrow.245549/

Susie got a little out of balance with her blood glucose yesterday from the extra food I left when I was away from home. I'm taking her back to the vet this morning for a redo of the senior panel she had on March 1st. Hoping that her ALT and AST will have come down - along with several other high readings.

Good luck with the blood work

 

[Bellasmom]

Sending vetty vine

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Sending positive vetty vines, hope Susie's visit goes well.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Thanks, Marina, Jamie and Christie. I just have this sinking feeling that there is something else wrong with her. She was sneezing on Wednesday and has been coughing a little this week. She threw up, heavily, about four night ago. My fear is pancreatitis and something with her lungs. She had the abdominal ultrasound and x-rays in early March. Doc didn't see anything wrong but he also did not see her pancreas. We had the special "lung parasite" test done which was negative. I'm not sure what else to do. I do not want anything invasive, like a liver biopsy, but will see what the results say and what the doctor thinks.

 

[JaxBenji]

Good luck with the vet visit - I'm sure she's in good hands.

Also, as a tip, instead of updating your original post, just add a comment to it (reply down here at the bottom ) with your update (or question if you have one). By doing this, your condo will bump up and people will see it. When you just edit a post (or edit a comment), your condo does not appear as "updated" on the board.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Well, I'll also bump it up right now! I'm praying Susie will have better liver enzyme values this time! What's up with the fluids? Did they think she was dehydrated? Do you mean that they are giving her IV fluids at the vet. Or did they give her sub-q fluids? They did the whole body x-rays last time, right? To look for obstructions? And I know about the ultrasound. They didn't U/S the esophagus, as I recall. I wonder what else they will do today? Did they look up her nose? My vet said you'd be surprised what you find up a cat's nose... blades of grass, carpet fiber, etc. Now, I haven't seen Susie coughing so I'm not sure what she sounds like with the coughing/sneezing. I'm so sorry . These things are so frustrating because they are often so hard to determine the cause. I hope you get some answers, and that they are things easy to fix!!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I hope the vet can give you some answers and it's something easily treatable. Sending prayers.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Sometimes when a cat has episodes of vomiting, it is possible for them to get dehydrated quickly, so I suspect the vet wanted to give some fluids to get her a bit more hydrated.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Good luck with the vet visit - I'm sure she's in good hands.

Also, as a tip, instead of updating your original post, just add a comment to it (reply down here at the bottom ) with your update (or question if you have one). By doing this, your condo will bump up and people will see it. When you just edit a post (or edit a comment), your condo does not appear as "updated" on the board.

I'm not sure what you mean Susanne. Are you saying just to add something to my original post, like I am doing right now, and add a question or new comment to that?

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

I'm not sure what you mean Susanne. Are you saying just to add something to my original post, like I am doing right now, and add a question or new comment to that?

It means that if you want to do an update, add your comments at the bottom of your post (kind of like I am writing one now, except I am not the originator of this thread). If you do this, then your post will be bumped up to the top of the list for the forum again. If you only update in the original post from the morning, then your update may be missed because it could be that people won't see it because they think they already saw your post for the day and would not ordinarily re-check it if they already read the original post. Does this wordy explanation make any sense?

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Well, I'll also bump it up right now! I'm praying Susie will have better liver enzyme values this time! What's up with the fluids? Did they think she was dehydrated? Do you mean that they are giving her IV fluids at the vet. Or did they give her sub-q fluids? They did the whole body x-rays last time, right? To look for obstructions? And I know about the ultrasound. They didn't U/S the esophagus, as I recall. I wonder what else they will do today? Did they look up her nose? My vet said you'd be surprised what you find up a cat's nose... blades of grass, carpet fiber, etc. Now, I haven't seen Susie coughing so I'm not sure what she sounds like with the coughing/sneezing. I'm so sorry . These things are so frustrating because they are often so hard to determine the cause. I hope you get some answers, and that they are things easy to fix!!

They gave her sub-q fluids. I had mentioned that she was throwing up a little this week and a whole lot on Tuesday night. He was worried she might be dehydrated. They didn't do whole body x-rays last time. Just the abdomen and just one ultrasound of the liver/gallbladder. I should have pushed for an ultrasound of her esophagus but I didn't. He said something about esophagitis?????? Recommended a pill popper. I'm going to post something new here in a minute regarding my visit.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

OBTW, when will you get Susie home? I'm leaving for the vet with Darcy at 3:30.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

They gave her sub-q fluids. I had mentioned that she was throwing up a little this week and a whole lot on Tuesday night. He was worried she might be dehydrated. They didn't do whole body x-rays last time. Just the abdomen and just one ultrasound of the liver/gallbladder. I should have pushed for an ultrasound of her esophagus but I didn't. He said something about esophagitis?????? Recommended a pill popper. I'm going to post something new here in a minute regarding my visit.

Well, then that means they didn't look at her lungs (on an x-ray I mean) or her heart (also on an x-ray). They could see if her heart were enlarge or see if there was any indication of fluid. I know they checked the abdominal organs (except the pancrease that still kind of makes me wonder... but I'm not the expert so what do I know?!

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

Sending vetty vines. Hope the vets get to the bottom of Susie’s issues.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Okay. Do a new post and write something in the subject like Vet Visit or Vet Report or something like that. Then everybody will know to read it

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

Okay. Do a new post and write something in the subject like Vet Visit or Vet Report or something like that. Then everybody will know to read it

No, just post here. One post per cat per day.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

This is what they did for Susie today:

Patient ID: Patient Name: Susie 52996 Species: Breed: Shorthair, Domestic Feline Total Birthday: 03/28/2012 Sex: Spayed Female Weight: 13.80 pounds 4/2/2021 Medical Exam Austin Bell, DVM 1.00 $51.95 Antech Basic Wellness Screen SA710 1.00 $138.94 Cystocentesis (Courtesy) 1.00 $0.00 Fluids ( Subcutaneous ) 1.00 $23.64 Famotidine 10mg 10.00 $16.00 Glucose Test ( Individual Test ) 1.00 $22.14 Cerenia Inj. 0.62 $23.00 Biomedical Waste Disposal Staff 1.00 $5.45 Your Technician today was Marie. Marie McCreary 1.00 $0.00 Bravecto Feline Purple (13.8-27lbs) Austin Bell, DVM 1.00 $65.92

Wish I could have just attached it but the attachment part of this website is unavailable to I had to copy and paste. Vet said Susie should be taking 1/2 Famotidine, every day, because she throws up often. I don't really want to do this unless she gets sick. Should I give her this every day? He did give her a Cerenia injection. She also got Bravecto because the fur on her back, near her tail, is really thinning. He thinks she might have fleas but wouldn't he know. Any way, my questions to you folks is: SHOULD SUSIE BE TAKING 1/2 FAMOTIDINE EVERY DAY AND IS BRAVECTO SAFE? I don't know how long a cerenia injection is supposed to last but maybe I shouldn't start the Famotidine for a few days at least. I still prefer to only give it to her when she is nauseous and I also have the cerenia tablets.

We both agree that the results of her blood work and urinalysis will drive forward any possible additional testing. I'm not supposed to get the results back prior to Tuesday.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Okay. Do a new post and write something in the subject like Vet Visit or Vet Report or something like that. Then everybody will know to read it

It is posted here in the comments.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

No, just post here. One post per cat per day.

No. Not a new post sorry. I didn’t mean that. A new comment at the bottom of the daily post and update the subject line, if you want to. Definitely only one post per day! Not a new thread.

 

[JaxBenji]

SHOULD SUSIE BE TAKING 1/2 FAMOTIDINE EVERY DAY AND IS BRAVECTO SAFE?

If you want more eyes on this question, edit your title and add it there (once your question is answered, edit your title again and remove it ). Sorry this is a lot of "housekeeping" but it will help you get the answers from the wonderful people here.

All I can offer on famotidine is that long-term use should be given thought - here's a good read https://www.ibdkitties.net/pepcid-and-other-antacids/

I know nothing about fleas so hopefully others will jump in there.

Hugs to you and Susie

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

OBTW, when will you get Susie home? I'm leaving for the vet with Darcy at 3:30.

I brought her home at 11:00. Good luck with Darcy.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Came here to post the link Susanne posted. Sorry I have nothing else to offer beyond what she has said in regards to famotidine. Your vet should have been able to check for fleas with a flea comb at least, I would think. I have always checked my own animals for fleas every now and then. It is very common to find them around the tail base. But if she does have fleas, consider that they could be in your carpet, upholstery and whatnot. I dealt with fleas once and steam cleaned and laundered everything to get rid of them.

I hope her labs provide clarity on what is going on with your girl, and that it is easily fixed. It’s so tough when are kitties are unwell. Susie is lucky to have you looking out for her.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

If you want more eyes on this question, edit your title and add it there (once your question is answered, edit your title again and remove it ). Sorry this is a lot of "housekeeping" but it will help you get the answers from the wonderful people here.

All I can offer on famotidine is that long-term use should be given thought - here's a good read https://www.ibdkitties.net/pepcid-and-other-antacids/

I know nothing about fleas so hopefully others will jump in there.

Hugs to you and Susie

Thank you, Susanne, and again, I am so sorry for your loss. Even after that heartbreak you still continue to worry about others.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Agreed with Suzanne - the thinking has changed that famotadine (Pepcid) is not a good idea long term. A cat needs a certain amount of acids in it's tummy for digestion. It's better to find out what is causing her to vomit frequently. Cats shouldn't be vomiting regularly. Is it hairballs? food, foamy clear, bile coloured liquid?

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Came here to post the link Susanne posted. Sorry I have nothing else to offer beyond what she has said in regards to famotidine. Your vet should have been able to check for fleas with a flea comb at least, I would think. I have always checked my own animals for fleas every now and then. It is very common to find them around the tail base. But if she does have fleas, consider that they could be in your carpet, upholstery and whatnot. I dealt with fleas once and steam cleaned and laundered everything to get rid of them.

I hope her labs provide clarity on what is going on with your girl, and that it is easily fixed. It’s so tough when are kitties are unwell. Susie is lucky to have you looking out for her.

Thank you, Lyla. With two droolers in the house, and living in Florida, it will be impossible to eradicate fleas. I do not see them on Susie and neither did my vet last month. I have no idea if her looker for them again today. I guess he wants to eliminate any possiblity of fleas before we look at other reasons why she is losing her fur on her back near her tail. So many questions I always seem to forget to ask.

 

[Butters & Lyla]

Yep...with droolers, I often felt like fleas were a never ending battle.
Can you call and ask to speak to a vet tech with your follow up questions? Just a thought. I know all vet offices are different but mine will have a tech call me with answers.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Agreed with Suzanne - the thinking has changed that famotadine (Pepcid) is not a good idea long term. A cat needs a certain amount of acids in it's tummy for digestion. It's better to find out what is causing her to vomit frequently. Cats shouldn't be vomiting regularly. Is it hairballs? food, foamy clear, bile coloured liquid?

I don't want to give her the famotadine daily and I will not. As long as I have owned Susie she has had a tendency to throw up small amounts at least three times a week. She had a massive incident last Tuesday. Bile colored - dark brown with a reddish tint. It is actually getting to the point where I can no longer afford numerous test monthly on her. I will wait to see what the blood test/urinalysis say and then take it from there. Is vomiting common with pancreatitis?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Depending on what the blood work says, I think the next step would be an ultrasound of the GI system. I wonder if she has an allergy to one of the proteins you are feeding her. With my cats doing this (yes, there have been a few ), I did a daily log of what proteins they got (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc). and recorded any vomits. It helped to pinpoint allergies in one of them. Vet loved my "vomit log". Allergies can also cause skin problems, mostly from excessive licking of itchy parts.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Yep...with droolers, I often felt like fleas were a never ending battle.
Can you call and ask to speak to a vet tech with your follow up questions? Just a thought. I know all vet offices are different but mine will have a tech call me with answers.

Just left a message with the technician that was assisting the vet with Susie. I want to know if they checked for fleas, did they see any and, if not, why was I given a flea medicine?

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Depending on what the blood work says, I think the next step would be an ultrasound of the GI system. I wonder if she has an allergy to one of the proteins you are feeding her. With my cats doing this (yes, there have been a few ), I did a daily log of what proteins they got (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc). and recorded any vomits. It helped to pinpoint allergies in one of them. Vet loved my "vomit log". Allergies can also cause skin problems, mostly from excessive licking of itchy parts.

Good idea to keep a log everytime I find vomit. I wish I could remember if it was Monday or Tuesday when she had the bad incident then I could look back at my spreadsheet and see what I fed her for the day. She had an ultrasound of her liver and gallbladder in early March. Vet said he could not find her pancreas and that concerned me. He said he saw nothing wrong.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Depending on what the blood work says, I think the next step would be an ultrasound of the GI system. I wonder if she has an allergy to one of the proteins you are feeding her. With my cats doing this (yes, there have been a few ), I did a daily log of what proteins they got (chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, etc). and recorded any vomits. It helped to pinpoint allergies in one of them. Vet loved my "vomit log". Allergies can also cause skin problems, mostly from excessive licking of itchy parts.

Well, then that means they didn't look at her lungs (on an x-ray I mean) or her heart (also on an x-ray). They could see if her heart were enlarge or see if there was any indication of fluid. I know they checked the abdominal organs (except the pancrease that still kind of makes me wonder... but I'm not the expert so what do I know?!

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Well, then that means they didn't look at her lungs (on an x-ray I mean) or her heart (also on an x-ray). They could see if her heart were enlarge or see if there was any indication of fluid. I know they checked the abdominal organs (except the pancrease that still kind of makes me wonder... but I'm not the expert so what do I know?!

I am so frustrated right now with my vet. I don't think he looked at her lungs or heart. Just said they sounded fine a month ago. I don't have the money to spend $400 a month, every month, to take her in for various test. I don't have an internist that is very close to me. Right now I am just going to "gear down" and get away from all this diabetes stuff. Maybe watch a movie or a TV show and put all this behind me for the evening.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Yep...with droolers, I often felt like fleas were a never ending battle.
Can you call and ask to speak to a vet tech with your follow up questions? Just a thought. I know all vet offices are different but mine will have a tech call me with answers.

Vet tech called back and said they didn't see any fleas but it only takes one flea bite to bother a cat ??????. I don't know if I want to give the Brevesto. I have no doubt that fleas are a part of this house so maybe I should go ahead and do it just to eliminate fleas as the cause for her growing hair loss on her back.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

This is what they did for Susie today:

Patient ID: Patient Name: Susie 52996 Species: Breed: Shorthair, Domestic Feline Total Birthday: 03/28/2012 Sex: Spayed Female Weight: 13.80 pounds 4/2/2021 Medical Exam Austin Bell, DVM 1.00 $51.95 Antech Basic Wellness Screen SA710 1.00 $138.94 Cystocentesis (Courtesy) 1.00 $0.00 Fluids ( Subcutaneous ) 1.00 $23.64 Famotidine 10mg 10.00 $16.00 Glucose Test ( Individual Test ) 1.00 $22.14 Cerenia Inj. 0.62 $23.00 Biomedical Waste Disposal Staff 1.00 $5.45 Your Technician today was Marie. Marie McCreary 1.00 $0.00 Bravecto Feline Purple (13.8-27lbs) Austin Bell, DVM 1.00 $65.92

Wish I could have just attached it but the attachment part of this website is unavailable to I had to copy and paste. Vet said Susie should be taking 1/2 Famotidine, every day, because she throws up often. I don't really want to do this unless she gets sick. Should I give her this every day? He did give her a Cerenia injection. She also got Bravecto because the fur on her back, near her tail, is really thinning. He thinks she might have fleas but wouldn't he know. Any way, my questions to you folks is: SHOULD SUSIE BE TAKING 1/2 FAMOTIDINE EVERY DAY AND IS BRAVECTO SAFE? I don't know how long a cerenia injection is supposed to last but maybe I shouldn't start the Famotidine for a few days at least. I still prefer to only give it to her when she is nauseous and I also have the cerenia tablets.

We both agree that the results of her blood work and urinalysis will drive forward any possible additional testing. I'm not supposed to get the results back prior to Tuesday.

FWIW, I have always been told the 1/4 of a 10 mg Pepcid AC (that's Famotidine) is the standard dose for a cat. It works well when given in the morning. When does Susie usually vomit though? It seems like you said it was night time? Or maybe there's no particular time of day. Does she ever vomit up foamy liquid in the morning? That's usually a sign of an acid tummy. I have used 1/4 of a pepcid in my CKD cats for a long time. I never had any problems. But, I have not read that post on ibdkitties yet (so I could change my mind!) I have used it occasionally in other non-CKD cats, not on a long-term basis. I think you could consider using it for Susie without committing to using it every day. You could try it for a few days to see if it helps her. I would give it to her and then give a small amount of food or baby food or treats. Slippery Elm Bark is also a remedy for acid stomach that helps sooth and coat the entire digestive tract (it's great for people, too... works well on heartburn/acid reflux).

I believe a Cerenia injection is only for 24 hours.

Fleas? Do you have fleas in your house. I'd check with a flea comb. Susie has some white parts on her (does she have white on her belly?) You can usually see fleas moving around on the white parts of a cat very easily if you check closely. I've never used Bravecto before. I use Advantage II when necessary, but it's not often necessary since my cats stay indoors. I use Advantage II on my rescue kittens. It has a very good safety profile (that does not mean that Bravecto does not). There are so many flea and tick medications out there these days ... it boggles the mind.

I really hope Susie's blood work will all be normal and that she will stop vomiting, coughing, etc. I'm so sorry about this.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Vet tech called back and said they didn't see any fleas but it only takes one flea bite to bother a cat ??????. I don't know if I want to give the Brevesto. I have no doubt that fleas are a part of this house so maybe I should go ahead and do it just to eliminate fleas as the cause for her growing hair loss on her back.

It is true that if a cat has flea allergy dermatitis that one bite can set up a reaction in them. This happened to my cat, Ginger, once. A rescue kitten brought in fleas. She started over grooming her tail area. I took her in and was embarrassed that they found a flea on her. You'd think an experienced person like me would have checked that out!! But I just forgot that she's like that. I was also surprised since we hadn't had fleas for 10 years at least, so it really never occurred to me. (Now it's the first thing I check).

 

[Katherine&Ruby]

¼ tab Pepcid is fine for now when you see that Susie isn't eating because it does help, but it's only treating a symptom, not the cause. Ruby got nauseated and threw up regularly when she had numbers higher than 200 and was eating commercial food. She hasn't been nauseated or thrown up in 12 days <anti-jinx> and I think it's because the gums used in Weruva foods and possibly chicken and fish made her feel unwell. She's been eating only homemade raw food now and that's made a huge difference. I would take Wendy's advice to record what Susie ate and any nausea/vomit that accompanied it to rule out certain foods/proteins.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

FWIW, I have always been told the 1/4 of a 10 mg Pepcid AC (that's Famotidine) is the standard dose for a cat. It works well when given in the morning. When does Susie usually vomit though? It seems like you said it was night time? Or maybe there's no particular time of day. Does she ever vomit up foamy liquid in the morning? That's usually a sign of an acid tummy. I have used 1/4 of a pepcid in my CKD cats for a long time. I never had any problems. But, I have not read that post on ibdkitties yet (so I could change my mind!) I have used it occasionally in other non-CKD cats, not on a long-term basis. I think you could consider using it for Susie without committing to using it every day. You could try it for a few days to see if it helps her. I would give it to her and then give a small amount of food or baby food or treats. Slippery Elm Bark is also a remedy for acid stomach that helps sooth and coat the entire digestive tract (it's great for people, too... works well on heartburn/acid reflux).

I believe a Cerenia injection is only for 24 hours.

Fleas? Do you have fleas in your house. I'd check with a flea comb. Susie has some white parts on her (does she have white on her belly?) You can usually see fleas moving around on the white parts of a cat very easily if you check closely. I've never used Bravecto before. I use Advantage II when necessary, but it's not often necessary since my cats stay indoors. I use Advantage II on my rescue kittens. It has a very good safety profile (that does not mean that Bravecto does not). There are so many flea and tick medications out there these days ... it boggles the mind.

I really hope Susie's blood work will all be normal and that she will stop vomiting, coughing, etc. I'm so sorry about this.

Thanks, Suzanne. It seems like Susie mostly gets sick at night but sometimes during the day too. Usually it is just little spots of brown. She did have a little foamy vomit early this week but I don't remember what time. She seems to be feeling really well the last couple of days so I don't want to give her the famotidine yet. Will keep an eye on her. I'm sure there are fleas in this house. Susie is an indoor kitty but with two droolers I'm sure they bring them in. I think I'm going to go ahead and give the flea medicine. It is a topical and supposedly last for 12 weeks. If her fur grows back I can assume it was a flea problem. Sorry, super tired today. Will address that in my 4/3 post.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

It is true that if a cat has flea allergy dermatitis that one bite can set up a reaction in them. This happened to my cat, Ginger, once. A rescue kitten brought in fleas. She started over grooming her tail area. I took her in and was embarrassed that they found a flea on her. You'd think an experienced person like me would have checked that out!! But I just forgot that she's like that. I was also surprised since we hadn't had fleas for 10 years at least, so it really never occurred to me. (Now it's the first thing I check).

Surprising that you don't have any fleas and you live in Georgia. You must not have any dogs.

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

¼ tab Pepcid is fine for now when you see that Susie isn't eating because it does help, but it's only treating a symptom, not the cause. Ruby got nauseated and threw up regularly when she had numbers higher than 200 and was eating commercial food. She hasn't been nauseated or thrown up in 12 days <anti-jinx> and I think it's because the gums used in Weruva foods and possibly chicken and fish made her feel unwell. She's been eating only homemade raw food now and that's made a huge difference. I would take Wendy's advice to record what Susie ate and any nausea/vomit that accompanied it to rule out certain foods/proteins.

I will definitely keep a log of when she throws up and what she has eaten. Do you have a recipe of what you feed Ruby? Just curious. I probably cannot afford to make it.

 

[Sue and Luci]

Can you start a new condo this morning Summer? I hope Susie is feeling better this morning...please be sure to link this one to your new one...sending vines to you both!!

 

[Summer and Susie (GA)]

Can you start a new condo this morning Summer? I hope Susie is feeling better this morning...please be sure to link this one to your new one...sending vines to you both!!

Already done.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Surprising that you don't have any fleas and you live in Georgia. You must not have any dogs.

No. No dogs, so that means they aren't bringing the fleas inside. You do put flea meds on your dogs though, right? But I think they could still bring in a flea or two. We have had some foster kittens that have brought in fleas. I keep the foster kittens separate, of course, especially until they've had their flea treatment and it's had time to do its work... but once in a while a flea will get through. Ugh! It only takes one.