4/1 Binx AMPS 302, +1 360, PMPS 355, +2 293

Briana + Binx

Briana + Binx

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Forgive the long and very delayed post, had a full day at the office and was waiting for the vet to call. Just had a chance to speak to them and overwhelmed is an understatement. His free T4 results came back and while he's not hyperthyroid right now, his numbers are so high he's possibly on the verge.

They also mentioned another number that is elevated, I think Spec fPL (from his original bloodwork), which is apparently an indicator of pancreatitis. I don't know why they didn't flag this 2 weeks ago - it's 7.7 (not sure if this is different than the US number) and it should be below 4.4.

The vet has recommended an ultrasound as a further diagnostic tool, because they said they are worried that perhaps it's not pancreatitis. They're worried about the fact that he eats my hair... he was pooping some out but also vomited 2 small "hair balls" the last week with a penny sized amount of my hair. They said the medication for pancreatitis would prevent vomiting but maybe preventing vomiting will worsen the hair issue. And they also said maybe he instead has an inflamed bowel. Remembering not too long ago when @Staci & Ivy were dealing with Ivy's pancreatitis, pain was an issue and stool was impacted. Binx is not behaving any differently and his stool is unchanged too (besides some hair). I just have no idea at this point - will be a night of research ahead.

Would love if this was all one big April fools joke, because if it's not, it's certainly a very disappointing birthday gift (mine is tomorrow).

Thanks for reading through and hope everyone is having a good night :bighug:

*Edit: I'm trying to figure out whether or not to do the ultrasound ($1,000). This vet has recommended expensive steps in the past and I need to do research to understand if this is the right next step. When Binx's numbers weren't dropping (on 1.5 units) they wanted me to see an internal medicine specialist, instead of trying to increase insulin. They also once pushed for blood work for Sadie because she "dropped lots of weight" but turns out they were referencing Binx, who was much bigger than her. Sorry, edit over :facepalm:
 
Ew. This sounds complicated. Ugh! And $1000 for an ultrasound!! My goodness, that's so expensive. Briana, I hope as you research this you'll find some good information to guide you with your decision. Hopefully, some of the good folks on this forum can offer some help. :bighug:
 
Marielle said:
Ew. This sounds complicated. Ugh! And $1000 for an ultrasound!! My goodness, that's so expensive. Briana, I hope as you research this you'll find some good information to guide you with your decision. Hopefully, some of the good folks on this forum can offer some help. :bighug:
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Thanks, Mary :bighug: I have no doubt this forum will help in some way, whether through advice or even support like this. Very much appreciated :cat:
 
Another edit/update: another thing the vet put out there was a possible obstruction or collection of hair :arghh: This is another one of their reasons for the ultrasound. Also so many questions on this too... if he's pooping and he's throwing some up himself, is that even possible? Also, this was an issue of eating my hair before the diabetes, so why now? Anyways, sorry. Thought I should add.
 
Briana + Binx said:
Last post

Forgive the long and very delayed post, had a full day at the office and was waiting for the vet to call. Just had a chance to speak to them and overwhelmed is an understatement. His free T4 results came back and while he's not hyperthyroid right now, his numbers are so high he's possibly on the verge.

They also mentioned another number that is elevated, I think Spec fPL (from his original bloodwork), which is apparently an indicator of pancreatitis. I don't know why they didn't flag this 2 weeks ago - it's 7.7 (not sure if this is different than the US number) and it should be below 4.4.

The vet has recommended an ultrasound as a further diagnostic tool, because they said they are worried that perhaps it's not pancreatitis. They're worried about the fact that he eats my hair... he was pooping some out but also vomited 2 small "hair balls" the last week with a penny sized amount of my hair. They said the medication for pancreatitis would prevent vomiting but maybe preventing vomiting will worsen the hair issue. And they also said maybe he instead has an inflamed bowel. Remembering not too long ago when @Staci & Ivy were dealing with Ivy's pancreatitis, pain was an issue and stool was impacted. Binx is not behaving any differently and his stool is unchanged too (besides some hair). I just have no idea at this point - will be a night of research ahead.

Would love if this was all one big April fools joke, because if it's not, it's certainly a very disappointing birthday gift (mine is tomorrow).

Thanks for reading through and hope everyone is having a good night :bighug:

*Edit: I'm trying to figure out whether or not to do the ultrasound ($1,000). This vet has recommended expensive steps in the past and I need to do research to understand if this is the right next step. When Binx's numbers weren't dropping (on 1.5 units) they wanted me to see an internal medicine specialist, instead of trying to increase insulin. They also once pushed for blood work for Sadie because she "dropped lots of weight" but turns out they were referencing Binx, who was much bigger than her. Sorry, edit over :facepalm:
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That is a lot for you to unravel :bighug:. Nothing like a little more complication to add to the mix.ugh!

Petey had an ultrasound and a dog of mine did as well, neither one offered much value for us. It was still a lot of couldbes and maybes. They are able to see inflammation and abnormalities. It did offer some peace of mind I guess. That is a lot of money, especially if he's not acting sickly.

You will make the best decision for Binx. :bighug::bighug:
 
Laurie&Petey said:
That is a lot for you to unravel :bighug:. Nothing like a little more complication to add to the mix.ugh!

Petey had an ultrasound and a dog of mine did as well, neither one offered much value for us. It was still a lot of couldbes and maybes. They are able to see inflammation and abnormalities. It did offer some peace of mind I guess. That is a lot of money, especially if he's not acting sickly.

You will make the best decision for Binx. :bighug::bighug:
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Thanks, Laurie :bighug::bighug: Your experience is definitely helpful - it echoes what I fear most, that it may not lead to anywhere except stress for Binx (and a big bill). But peace of mind has some value too. We'll see :bookworm:
 
Nestle said:
Oh Briana,
That's a lot of information to digest (no pun inteded) in one afternoon. Hopefully you'll get some advice on this. I really don't know what to say but I'll tag few senior members to weigh in.
@Bandit's Mom @Wendy&Neko @Angela & Cleo @tiffmaxee @Gus the Furminator @Chris & China (GA)

In the meantime sending PAWsitive vibes your way.
:bighug::cat::bighug::cat:
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Thanks, Karolina. We'll take all those pawsitive vibes :bighug::bighug: Appreciate you tagging all the senior members too, I never know when it's warranted.
 
I've had three kitties in a row with bowel issues, meaning ultrasound needed. It cost a bit less ($800's) but still ouch! You do want the U/S to be done by someone who is trained in interpreting it, not just the regular vet. We have a travelling U/S vet who is an internal medicine vet that comes to local offices. Costs are less cause no office cost.

Ultrasounds have been extremely valuable tool in my cats. Current kitty has a pancreatic cyst that needs semi regular U/S to monitor - no other way to keep an eye on it. It'll get drained if it gets too big. It wouldn't have been diagnosed without the U/S. Before than she got diagnosed with both IBD and small cell lymphoma (in remission now) and it started with an ultrasound. Sigh! I was worried SCL was back but thankfully not.

Knowledge is power - you don't know how to treat unless you know what you are dealing with. But unfortunately diagnosis can be expensive, thankfully treatment hasn't been so far.

Pancreatitis often goes in hand with bowel issues, so I can see the vet's reasoning about whether there is something else. An obstruction might be visible by an x-ray, which is cheaper, but if not that, then you'll still need that U/S.

Some information on pancreatitis and treating it: A Primer On Pancreatitis. On my Idexx labs, SpecfPL indicates pancreatitis above 3.5.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
I've had three kitties in a row with bowel issues, meaning ultrasound needed. It cost a bit less ($800's) but still ouch! You do want the U/S to be done by someone who is trained in interpreting it, not just the regular vet. We have a travelling U/S vet who is an internal medicine vet that comes to local offices. Costs are less cause no office cost.

Ultrasounds have been extremely valuable tool in my cats. Current kitty has a pancreatic cyst that needs semi regular U/S to monitor - no other way to keep an eye on it. It'll get drained if it gets too big. It wouldn't have been diagnosed without the U/S. Before than she got diagnosed with both IBD and small cell lymphoma (in remission now) and it started with an ultrasound. Sigh! I was worried SCL was back but thankfully not.

Knowledge is power - you don't know how to treat unless you know what you are dealing with. But unfortunately diagnosis can be expensive, thankfully treatment hasn't been so far.

Pancreatitis often goes in hand with bowel issues, so I can see the vet's reasoning about whether there is something else. An obstruction might be visible by an x-ray, which is cheaper, but if not that, then you'll still need that U/S.

Some information on pancreatitis and treating it: A Primer On Pancreatitis. On my Idexx labs, SpecfPL indicates pancreatitis above 3.5.
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Thank you, Wendy :cat: That is all incredibly helpful, appreciate you sharing your experience and perspective. Also, very glad to hear the SCL is not back for your kitty.

The primer post is definitely a helpful resource, going to read that a few times over in addition to some other online research (which is saying much of the same). And if your notes are indicating pancreatitis over 3.5, even lower than 4.4, which is certainly less than 7.7, it's hard to deny those numbers. It's very strange to me that Binx seems to be exhibiting almost no symptoms, but perhaps that's more common with chronic pancreatitis or maybe Binx is just really good at hiding his symptoms.

Luckily I have the day off tomorrow, so I'll spend more time reading and then also calling around to different locations for U/S information and pricing.
 
Gosh, I’m stressed for you. Seems odd about the pancreatitis numbers because every time I’ve seen it mentioned here (in my short time) it comes along with other symptoms like the eating or stools. You’ll get it sorted out though, but so overwhelming I’m sure.
 
Oh god, I'm so sorry, Briana! That's so much to process and make decisions with (especially with that price tag for a potentially questionable amount of gain).

Seconding Tim in that I'm stressed for you. I hope you're able to find some more research/get some more responses that help you come to a decision about what to do! I wish I had any real advice to offer.

Thinking of you and your sweet boy and sending all the decision-making-wishes your way. I look forward to hearing how you decide to proceed and what they find (if anything). :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Briana, sending you best wishes as you figure this all out. It's a complicate situation that's for sure and it's not easy to weigh up what the vet thinks needs to be done and the costs involved. I know you want to do all you can to get Binx better.

Noogi had an ultrasound towards end of last year with a specialist, when his BG was extremely unregulated and he was very poorly (those were dark times indeed). For us it ruled out several things and confirmed he was over the pancreatitis he had in mid-Oct that was the start of this whole business. I think they were also checking for tumours, kidney disease and inflammation (tbh I can't remember clearly and didn't ask for anything in writing). It was very expensive, but it did give me some peace of mind that we were just tackling one problem and not a bunch all at once.

Also, happy birthday to you, hope you get to celebrate! :bighug:
 
Tim & Pookey said:
Gosh, I’m stressed for you. Seems odd about the pancreatitis numbers because every time I’ve seen it mentioned here (in my short time) it comes along with other symptoms like the eating or stools. You’ll get it sorted out though, but so overwhelming I’m sure.
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Thanks, Tim! Exactly why I'm so confused, but will hopefully find some answers - whether through research or with the U/S.
 
Brianna & Xander said:
Oh god, I'm so sorry, Briana! That's so much to process and make decisions with (especially with that price tag for a potentially questionable amount of gain).

Seconding Tim in that I'm stressed for you. I hope you're able to find some more research/get some more responses that help you come to a decision about what to do! I wish I had any real advice to offer.

Thinking of you and your sweet boy and sending all the decision-making-wishes your way. I look forward to hearing how you decide to proceed and what they find (if anything). :bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Thanks, Brianna :bighug: Appreciate the support and the well wishes! Seems like we're all faced daily with these tough decisions, but somehow they haven't gotten easier (yet?). Will keep everyone posted on where we land :)
 
Helen + Noogi said:
Briana, sending you best wishes as you figure this all out. It's a complicate situation that's for sure and it's not easy to weigh up what the vet thinks needs to be done and the costs involved. I know you want to do all you can to get Binx better.

Noogi had an ultrasound towards end of last year with a specialist, when his BG was extremely unregulated and he was very poorly (those were dark times indeed). For us it ruled out several things and confirmed he was over the pancreatitis he had in mid-Oct that was the start of this whole business. I think they were also checking for tumours, kidney disease and inflammation (tbh I can't remember clearly and didn't ask for anything in writing). It was very expensive, but it did give me some peace of mind that we were just tackling one problem and not a bunch all at once.
Click to expand...

Thanks for sharing your experience, Helen :bighug: It's definitely helpful to hear how it went for you and what it was able to provide. You're right, that I want to do all I can to get Binx better and if that means the U/S, then that's what he'll get! Peace of mind and hopefully some reassurance of a definitive diagnosis would mean a lot.

Helen + Noogi said:
Also, happy birthday to you, hope you get to celebrate! :bighug:
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Thank you!! :bighug::bighug:
 
Hi Briana, Just want to add my support and sending you lots of good wishes for Binx. I know you are searching and will find the best course of action for your sweet boy.

Yes, Ivy was not eating when she had pancreatitis, and was not blocked but she had very loose stools. She definitely needed pain meds and I do believe the Colon Rescue and s Boulardi I gave her helped with the stools. It took time to improve.
Plus giving her Cerenia as well.

It seems Binx does not feel unwell from what I am reading here (I think this is so, not completely sure).

Wishing you lots of healing and answers. And Happy Birthday! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Hi Briana, Just want to add my support and sending you lots of good wishes for Binx. I know you are searching and will find the best course of action for your sweet boy.

Yes, Ivy was not eating when she had pancreatitis, and was not blocked but she had very loose stools. She definitely needed pain meds and I do believe the Colon Rescue and s Boulardi I gave her helped with the stools. It took time to improve.
Plus giving her Cerenia as well.

It seems Binx does not feel unwell from what I am reading here (I think this is so, not completely sure).

Wishing you lots of healing and answers. And Happy Birthday! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, Staci!! :bighug: You're right in that he isn't feeling unwell - at least from my observations. I can usually tell when sometime isn't right, he has a weird spot at home that he goes to and never wants to leave. Plus, he was doing this old stretch again (posted here) that he hadn't done in months, so I almost felt like he was being more himself recently. Who knows really! We will hopefully find the answers though.
 
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