GA Devastated - He was fine until he just wasn’t (carcinomatosis)

[Bay]

My boy just had an exam and blood work at the end of August. Everything looked perfect for his age, and his BG was well-maintained by Lantus and Tiki Cat.

In the beginning of September, I noticed that he was gaining weight and looking bloated. Rushed to the emergency vet and told that it was likely fluid in the abdomen and not looking good. It was drained and he felt a bit better, but later ultrasound and fine needle aspiration confirmed the worst- carcinoma. Unknown origin, but suspicion for the pancreas. We were given steroids, gabepentin, cerenia, and mirtazapine transdermal ointment. There is not much we can do for him other than keep him comfortable— I have a phone consult with oncology next week, because I know I will regret it if I don’t at least hear it from the experts.

He is the sweetest boy. Vets and vet techs always love him because he is so docile. He didn’t need sedation for first draining procedure. We took him to get drained again last night and we’re told to hold off because his blood was agglutinating. His steroid dose was upped.

His appetite is not good and he is lethargic, though still moving through his usual lounging spots and jumping in our bed. I know we are on borrowed time. I have tried so many foods to tempt him and the one thing he wants is his brothers CKD dry food. His BG is all out of wack due to this and the steroids. If anyone has suggestions to get his appetite going, it would be much appreciated.

I have never posted, but have always found great comfort and knowledge in this group. I am going to explode with grief and needed to let it out. Thank you for listening.

 

[FrostD]

I am so sorry to see this

Truthfully there may not be a lot you can do. The fluid is likely putting pressure on stomach, intestines, etc. Typically the "cocktail" is Cerenia if he's.vomiting, ondansetron for nausea, and then Mirataz or ciproheptadine as an appetite stimulant, plus bupe or gaba for pain. The only one I don't see is the ondansetron - strongly encourage you to ask vet about that one, it usually does wonders for nausea when Cerenia doesn't cut it.

A lot of people sprinkle the dry food on top of the wet and it works, but not always.

In the meantime, if it were me I'd let him eat whatever he wants. If you're home testing, stay on top of dose changes per the methods we use here to help offset steroids and higher carb food. Ketones are a concern as BG gets more.oit of control and appetite is no good, you can still test, but to be completely blunt aggressive cancer vs DKA doesn't change the timeline a whole lot or the end result :/ you just have to give everything your best shot and try to balance what you can

 

[Bay]

Thank you so much, FrostD, for taking the time to respond. I will ask about the ondansetron. I was told to bring him to critical care tomorrow to retest for agglutination so that we can make him feel more comfortable with another tap.

I will also look at the dosing methods for steroids/higher carb food.

I am so sorry to see this

Truthfully there may not be a lot you can do. The fluid is likely putting pressure on stomach, intestines, etc. Typically the "cocktail" is Cerenia if he's.vomiting, ondansetron for nausea, and then Mirataz or ciproheptadine as an appetite stimulant, plus bupe or gaba for pain. The only one I don't see is the ondansetron - strongly encourage you to ask vet about that one, it usually does wonders for nausea when Cerenia doesn't cut it.

A lot of people sprinkle the dry food on top of the wet and it works, but not always.

In the meantime, if it were me I'd let him eat whatever he wants. If you're home testing, stay on top of dose changes per the methods we use here to help offset steroids and higher carb food. Ketones are a concern as BG gets more.oit of control and appetite is no good, you can still test, but to be completely blunt aggressive cancer vs DKA doesn't change the timeline a whole lot or the end result :/ you just have to give everything your best shot and try to balance what you can

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

♥♥

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I took one look at that kitty face, and had to stop in. Your situation sounds similar to that of Neko's kitty buddy. I agree with Melissa, give him what he will eat now, just increase the insulin dose to compensate. Make sure he has well padded beds so he can feel comfy with his bloated body. I would also ask about buprenorphine for pain. If pancreas is the issue, it is incredibly painful.

 

[Ashleigh & Ares]

My boy just had an exam and blood work at the end of August. Everything looked perfect for his age, and his BG was well-maintained by Lantus and Tiki Cat.

In the beginning of September, I noticed that he was gaining weight and looking bloated. Rushed to the emergency vet and told that it was likely fluid in the abdomen and not looking good. It was drained and he felt a bit better, but later ultrasound and fine needle aspiration confirmed the worst- carcinoma. Unknown origin, but suspicion for the pancreas. We were given steroids, gabepentin, cerenia, and mirtazapine transdermal ointment. There is not much we can do for him other than keep him comfortable— I have a phone consult with oncology next week, because I know I will regret it if I don’t at least hear it from the experts.

He is the sweetest boy. Vets and vet techs always love him because he is so docile. He didn’t need sedation for first draining procedure. We took him to get drained again last night and we’re told to hold off because his blood was agglutinating. His steroid dose was upped.

His appetite is not good and he is lethargic, though still moving through his usual lounging spots and jumping in our bed. I know we are on borrowed time. I have tried so many foods to tempt him and the one thing he wants is his brothers CKD dry food. His BG is all out of wack due to this and the steroids. If anyone has suggestions to get his appetite going, it would be much appreciated.

I have never posted, but have always found great comfort and knowledge in this group. I am going to explode with grief and needed to let it out. Thank you for listening.

Im so sorry your baby is going through this. I will keep you and your boy in my prayers

 

[Bay]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and advice. I ended up taking him to get tapped a few days after my original post. The vet was able to give him injectable cerenia and also buprenex. We only had one more day with him before our at-home euthanasia appointment, but it was worth it for one day good day of snuggles and treats. I’m sad to say that my sweet boy passed away and I will never stop missing him.

I will post about his supplies in another thread and plan to donate his lantus and other supplies to another diabetic kitty.

Thank you all again.

 

[Ashleigh & Ares]

Thank you all for your kind thoughts and advice. I ended up taking him to get tapped a few days after my original post. The vet was able to give him injectable cerenia and also buprenex. We only had one more day with him before our at-home euthanasia appointment, but it was worth it for one day good day of snuggles and treats. I’m sad to say that my sweet boy passed away and I will never stop missing him.

I will post about his supplies in another thread and plan to donate his lantus and other supplies to another diabetic kitty.

Thank you all again.

Oh so sorry. Fly high lil guy, have fun chasing butterflies and birds.

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

I am so sorry for your loss. He knows you love him very much.

Fly free sweet kitty and watch over everyone who loves you.