GA 05/15 Bubba - My Precious Beastie is Gone

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Yesterday

Bubba is still not all that hungry. I got him to smell the tuna flake bag and he seems interested… put some flakes on his raw beef, nibbled literally two nibbles then was done. I’m going to try the meatball method to get him to eat. Syringe feeding doesn’t work for us anymore and I don’t want him to aspirate. I will see how that goes since he would not open his mouth for the life of me when it was his PO meds time. He locked his jaw up pretty good, I eventually got his meds in.
Still awaiting to hear from the vet. I’ll call soon as well.
Boy needs to eat and have a proper BM!!

Since Bubba is still off his food, I only gave half an insulin dose this morning of 3U. He wasn’t low enough where I wanted to skip altogether but unreliable to eat. And he also dropped since last night - where his sugars were 126 a few hours after his PM shot last night.
He did nibble some shredded chicken in water last night.

Hopefully I can get ondansetron tablets today. I’ll see how that goes for Bubba. If that doesn’t work then I don’t know what else to do. NG tube? Get a dental cleaning / pull teeth?
It’s hard to see my Bubba ambulate so poorly as well - both front paws are “dropped” and he walks super low on his back end/on his hocks. He walks a few steps then lies down to take breaks. We worked so hard and Bubba has been the perfect patient to manage his DM; I hope my boy can pull out of this funk.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

This breaks my heart to hear , he's such a gorgeous kitty, I hope you can get the ondansetron today, sending prayers ♥

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

This breaks my heart to hear , he's such a gorgeous kitty, I hope you can get the ondansetron today, sending prayers ♥

Thank you.

My wonderful vet emailed me the ondansetron script and my dad went to fulfill the Rx at the pharmacy.

Knowing my boy had the best life - nearly 15 years of perfect health … literally! No issues other than easy to resolve asthma and easier to manage bone spurs in his lumbar spine. He had no ill health at all. Just sucks this last year it’s been one health issue after another for him - but my boy is a trooper and sat through it all like the champ he is. As a small kitten, he went from being found amongst garbage in a nasty alleyway with his two brothers, to a lovely foster home then to having the best life ever with us - he got whatever he wanted, when he wanted it. That’s all a pet parent could want for their babe. I did my best with the info I was given and researched on my own as well. My boy LOVES food more than life and if he’s done with food then perhaps that’s his way of telling me to stop as heartbreaking it is. I don’t want him to suffer.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

Thank you.

My wonderful vet emailed me the ondansetron script and my dad went to fulfill the Rx at the pharmacy.

Knowing my boy had the best life - nearly 15 years of perfect health … literally! No issues other than easy to resolve asthma and easier to manage bone spurs in his lumbar spine. He had no ill health at all. Just sucks this last year it’s been one health issue after another for him - but my boy is a trooper and sat through it all like the champ he is. As a small kitten, he went from being found amongst garbage in a nasty alleyway with his two brothers, to a lovely foster home then to having the best life ever with us - he got whatever he wanted, when he wanted it. That’s all a pet parent could want for their babe. I did my best with the info I was given and researched on my own as well. My boy LOVES food more than life and if he’s done with food then perhaps that’s his way of telling me to stop as heartbreaking it is. I don’t want him to suffer.

You have been a super mom to that sweet boy and still are. I'm praying that the ondansetron helps !
Whatever you decide to do I support you, we don't want to see our babies suffer ,I had to let Tyler's brother go 2 years ago due to liver failure. He was 13 .
He was my heart heart kitty. I just hope the meds work
Keep me posted ♥

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

You have been a super mom to that sweet boy and still are. I'm praying that the ondansetron helps !
Whatever you decide to do I support you, we don't want to see our babies suffer ,I had to let Tyler's brother go 2 years ago due to liver failure. He was 13 .
He was my heart heart kitty. I just hope the meds work
Keep me posted ♥

Thank youuuu

I just gave Bubba 2mg of ondansetron approx. 30 min ago - the struggle was real to get him to open his mouth, he didn't even try to swallow it, it just sat there in the side of his mouth/gums lol. This is my last ditch effort.
I enquired about a dental cleaning/teeth extraction with my vet - whether Bubba is suitable for same in the context of his BW & various issues - should bad teeth be the reason for his inappetence. While his teeth have tartar/plaque on them, his gums aren't too bad; and yes I'm aware more "issues" could be under the gums causing pain, etc. His vet doesn't correlate inappetence with dental disease (meaning, a cat will continue to eat even if they're experiencing dental issues) - while in some cats the correlation may be there - with Bubba, he doesn't even attempt to eat food at all, he turns his away from it when I offer it either in his bowl, or on a spoon. That leads me to believe something else is going on. He hydrates on his own volition at least.

Vet said if Bubba isn't eating by tmrw, to take him in for a urine culture & IV fluids administration... and I suppose a decision will have to be made soon. I just want to make sure we've done everything we could and exhausted all avenues - while being mindful of Bubba's QOL. I don't want to hastily make a decision and have "what if..." hanging over my head. If anything, it's the uneasiness of which he ambulates that would be it for me... along with him being totally off food.
He is also hypertensive - which was discovered at the time of his DM Dx in Sep 2022; it was 200/120 average. Approx. one month later, it was within normal range. He's been on amlodipine since. However, last month his BP was 191/101 average over 3 tests; his amlodipine was increased. We forget to measure his BP at his appt last week ; anyways HTN is another issue he's been experiencing and can't imagine how it's ravaging his kidneys.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I just gave Bubba 2mg of ondansetron approx. 30 min ago

How much does he weigh? That's a good dose for an 8 lb cat. Too low for a bigger cat.

I just want to make sure we've done everything we could and exhausted all avenues

I can't stress enough the value of a good internal medicine vet. I get the feeling something is being missed. Can you ask for a referral? What is causing the inappetance? If he's backed up on BM's, that's one possibility. I can think of others.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

How much does he weigh? That's a good dose for an 8 lb cat. Too low for a bigger cat.


I can't stress enough the value of a good internal medicine vet. I get the feeling something is being missed. Can you ask for a referral? What is causing the inappetance? If he's backed up on BM's, that's one possibility. I can think of others.

He's approx 7.75kg / 17lbs.

I've been wondering the same as well (if something is being missed). He had good, solid BMs three days in a row on May 3, 4, 5 - just immediately prior to his inappetence journey. Since then, he's only had one small BM two days ago; his lack of intake has probably slowed his motility, even with restoralax.

I understand the value of getting a referral to an internal medicine specialist. And I know that is one avenue I can navigate. And I know if I choose to not go down that route, that decision could definitely weigh on my mind. I want my boy to get better. The layers of complexity to his ailments are tricky to navigate right now. One week things are going smoothly, then 5 minutes later, it all comes crashing down. It's a lot to take in and turmoil on my emotional health as well.

What other possibilities do you think his lack of appetite could be attributed to?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

7.75 kg means his ondansetron dose was too low. You can add another 2 mg now, provided you can get it in him.

Constipated cats are often inappetant. Your vet should be able to feel if he's backed up, possible x-ray too, to see if he needs an enema. Or something stronger like lactulose or cisapride. Lots of information on this web site: https://felineconstipation.org/

The reason I asked about ultrasound previously is that there are a multitude of GI issues (most treatable) that can cause what you are seeing. And if a cat has hepatic lipidosis, they also don't eat on their own. Feeding tube is the easiest solution, though the shelter cat I foster was somewhat amenable to assist feeding, but I had to do if for 2.5 weeks before I got him eating on his own again. Heart issues can also cause inappetance, that's what I saw with Neko, along with GI issues. Boundary Bay or CanadaWest are one stop shopping to get a diagnosis. I've been to both, had a great IM at CanadaWest. As a nurse, I'm sure you have a good idea what other possibilities are.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Bubba has had 4mg of ondansetron now: 2mg approx 3.5hrs ago and another 2mg approx 1.5hrs ago.

Bubba nibbled one small bite of raw beef + canned tuna + shredded chicken and that was it. I tried hand feeding him some “meatballs” and he was having none of it; wanted to gag when I tried gently smooshing it into his cheek pouch and when it went into his mouth a bit.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Good thing I only gave half dose of 3U this morning. Bubba has had nice green numbers … considering his status today
Bittersweet

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

After two ondansetron doses today, Bubba remains inappetent. Taking him to the vet tmrw morning for IV fluids & further assessments as to the reason for his continued inappetence. It's the least I can do for my boy - provide the best care possible before making any further supportive care decisions.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Ondansetron can be given every 6-8 hours, if you want to try another 4 mg with him.

As far as insulin goes, since you got a 56, I'd be tempted to do a skip or a token dose at most tonight. And I'd test again in an hour, to make sure he's not coming down further.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Ondansetron can be given every 6-8 hours, if you want to try another 4 mg with him.

As far as insulin goes, since you got a 56, I'd be tempted to do a skip or a token dose at most tonight. And I'd test again in an hour, to make sure he's not coming down further.

Yeah I gave him another 4mg approx 45 min ago and will give another one tonight.

 

[babyg]

My cat went through inappetance three separate times, the first of which resulted in a feeding tube. They don't just suddenly come out of the rut they're in just because we give them meds or even a bunch of treats, unfortunately. It can take a decent while of meds, coaxing, trying different things, etc., before they start to see light at the end of the tunnel and begin to eat. It's frustrating. Definitely getting a solid diagnosis is key. Seeing an IM specialist too. I personally don't trust many regular vets as far as you can throw them, lol, because it seems like I've always had to go to a specialist to finally get anything actually resolved. I also agree with the suggestion of getting an ultrasound, and feeding tubes are lifesavers!

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

My cat went through inappetance three separate times, the first of which resulted in a feeding tube. They don't just suddenly come out of the rut they're in just because we give them meds or even a bunch of treats, unfortunately. It can take a decent while of meds, coaxing, trying different things, etc., before they start to see light at the end of the tunnel and begin to eat. It's frustrating. Definitely getting a solid diagnosis is key. Seeing an IM specialist too. I personally don't trust many regular vets as far as you can throw them, lol, because it seems like I've always had to go to a specialist to finally get anything actually resolved. I also agree with the suggestion of getting an ultrasound, and feeding tubes are lifesavers!

Thank you for sharing you experience. I appreciate your insight.

What was the IM specialist able to do for you and your cat?

 

[Wendy&Neko]

What was the IM specialist able to do for you and your cat?

I'll share my story too. Neko went suddenly off of her food. My vet got a quick referral into the IM vet. First step was an hour long consultation with us, including checking her body out, doing BP, and taking her to the back for blood work and urinalysis. Then he arranged for her to have an ultrasound that day. He also noticed something off with her heart, and had a quick consult with the cardiologist at the clinic and got an EKG done. Through the cardio vet, an echocardiogram was organized for the following Monday. The ultrasound done by their specialist, showed thickening of her bowels, either IBD or small cell lymphoma, the EKG a 2nd degree heart block. Fluids that I had been giving her for CKD were stopped and GI meds started. There wasn't a definitive answer to the IBD/SCL question, because the block meant no anaesthesia, but they were leaning to SCL. Within a couple days of GI meds, she started to feel better. The echo on Monday showed CHF, and blood work showed a myocarditis. Heart meds improved her even more.

So what did the IM vet do? He rallied the vet team, got answers quickly, and got treatment started right away. He also had to balance her various conditions, since heart and CKD treatment don't play well together. Neko was "complicated", but the IM vet helped me prioritize what needed to be done first and which meds were more important. They also had some meds in house, so I could start treatment immediately, and get the rest later from my general practice vet or pharmacies. They even got me some #5 gel caps (harder size to get) for stuffing multiple meds in.

One thing I was really happy about was my general practice vet "firing" me. She said she could have done the work, but thought it best for Neko if I went to the IM vet.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

My precious Bubba is gone. My heart is shattered knowing my baby boy is no longer on this earth with me. I've had him since he was 3 months old - he was 3 months shy of his 16th birthday. He lived the most fabulous life - he was spoiled rotten, got whatever he wanted, when he wanted it, was fed all the amazing yummy healthy foods, had all the toys, and a warm home. He was my precious soul. I'm devastated and broken. He had perfect health for nearly 15 years, but with his various health issues the past year, it was just too much for his big body to take. We busted our asses to manage his diabetes, manage his OA pain and tended to his every health concern.

Tonight something was telling me to bring him upstairs with me on the couch. About an hour later, his resps went from 30 to 50 in a matter of minutes; he was wheezing while breathing (I at first thought he was purring) and on the way to the ER vet he began mouth breathing. My poor boy had pleural effusion, and couldn't take a full breath and had major tumours/masses around his liver. The treatment options were too invasive for a gentlemen his age with his various comorbidities - I thus didn't want to put him through such procedures and didn't want him to suffer any more.
Please keep any judgements, "I did this, or I did that" or "what ifs" to yourself. Every situation is different; this was my journey with my baby boy and no one else's.

We had a fantastic ER vet who was very thorough in describing Bubba's situation and caring. When discussing supportive care options, she commended us for taking such good care of Bubba and his **issues** the past year; she said what we did was beyond what many pet parents would have done with managing Bubba's health issues. That let's me know (from an outsider perspective) that I did every possible damn thing that I could to provide attentive care to my boy it's all I could do and all he would expect of me.

It was a privilege to be Bubba's mama and it was privilege to care for him for so long. I am missing the sh*t out of him right now; it feels empty at home. I held him and told him how precious he is and how much of a good boy he was up until the very end; I held his head in my hands. He knew he was loved and well-cared for. He was swishing his tail to the very end; but I could tell he was just done and wanted peace.

I hope he's in a better place, relaxing in the sun, getting his fresh airs and eating all the fishy treats (including Filet o Fish's! and McD french fries).

This is so hard.

 

[plumsteal]

I’m so sorry. I hope you and Bubba can be reunited someday and he can tell you about all the beautiful adventures he’s had since you last met.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

I am so sorry that it was Bubba's time to go. I know you did everything you could, including giving him that one final gift, a release from his pain. That's the hardest gift of all to give.

Take care of yourself. Losing a sugar cat is hard. Looking after a kitty with complications is even more so.

Fly free sweet Bubba. I'll look to the clear sky tonight to see that twinkling new star.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

I’m so sorry. I hope you and Bubba can be reunited someday and he can tell you about all the beautiful adventures he’s had since you last met.

That's very sweet - thank you

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm so sorry. Sending prayers.

 

[Mikanmama (Mikan GA)]

I am so sorry for your loss.
Like others said, you did everything you could for your precious Bubba.
Hugs and prayers for you

 

[Deb and Sylvester]

I'm so heartfully sorry for your loss.

 

[Carole & Indigo]

I am so, so very sorry for your loss

 

[Max & Lori]

You did your very best. I am so very sorry for your loss.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet and very special kitty. You’re an amazing cat Mom. Sending you huge hugs and love

 

[Angela & Cleo]

I'm so sorry. You and your family were amazing caregivers . Fly free Bubba

 

[babyg]

So sorry for your loss.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Even though we didn’t know you, I feel your pain as we just went through this with our Bubba on May 11th. Knowing when to help release them from their pain is a true act of love.

May you get peace and comfort with all your loving memories of Bubba.

(We also got Bubba when he was 3 months old )

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

I'm so sorry. You and your family were amazing caregivers . Fly free Bubba

Thank you. I taught my parents how to check sugars and draw up / administer insulin. They were my “mini nurse ratchets”. We worked so hard for my boy. Such a shame his sugars were just getting regulated to have this happen.

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Even though we didn’t know you, I feel your pain as we just went through this with our Bubba on May 11th. Knowing when to help release them from their pain is a true act of love.

May you get peace and comfort with all your loving memories of Bubba.

(We also got Bubba when he was 3 months old )

Omg I’m so so sorry for your loss. May our name twin babies be frolicking in the grass, smelling the smells and getting all the fresh airs and treats

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

Thanks to all for your kind words. I’m working at peace knowing my boy had the best life ever and am focusing on our happy memories. He went from being found in garbage in an alleyway in a summer time garbage strike to having the best life in a warm comfy home. No care in the world.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

@bubbasmom (GA)
I'm sorry I am responding so late but I just came across this when you offered you meter to another member , how sweet of you. I'm so sorry for your loss and I know that Bubba knew how so very much he was loved , you were the best mama he could ever have had .
Fly high sweet Bubba ,I'm sure he is chasing butterflies right now with all the other kitties that have passed including Tyler's brother Perry who I lost 4 years ago
Please take care . Bubba you will be missed but never forgotten

 

[bubbasmom (GA)]

@bubbasmom (GA)
I'm sorry I am responding so late but I just came across this when you offered you meter to another member , how sweet of you. I'm so sorry for your loss and I know that Bubba knew how so very much he was loved , you were the best mama he could ever have had .
Fly high sweet Bubba ,I'm sure he is chasing butterflies right now with all the other kitties that have passed including Tyler's brother Perry who I lost 4 years ago
Please take care . Bubba you will be missed but never forgotten

Thank you for your kind words. It was one month yesterday since he passed. I miss him everyday