1/10 Fitzel - DX Today With EPI Need Feeding Advice

[Shai and The Pirate Fitz (GA)]

Good news is the pancreatitis attack is over. Bad news is Fitzel is suffering from EPI. Her exocrine levels are 6 when they should be between 12 and 15. I have pancreatic enzymes for her but we can't seem to find a way to get them into her.

We've tried syringe feeding but she justs gags terribly and we both need up wearing the contents of the syringe at least the part that made it into her mouth. She kept choking and I'm afraid I got some into her lungs. We next tried to mix it well I to her food and spice it with FortiFlora - when she wouldn't Touch that we tried bonito flakes. Still nothing. And I mean she won't even lick the top.

I can't bear the thought of a feeding tube. Of my pirate having to be fed this way for the rest of her life. Ink ow without the enzymes she'll just starve to death. She also has IBD and of course the diabetes.

I'm afraid that this is deteriorating into a quality of life issue for both of us. I don't know if I can continue to constantly cause such pain and emotional trauma to my baby girl. She'll have to go on some type of IBD meds as well though not prednisone. What kind of life is this for a kitty? Shots and stabbing her ears. And force feeding.

Is anyone else dealing with EPI? How are you coping? How is your kitty coping?

Sorry I don't have my previous condo attached. I'm posting on my phone and can't get it to copy.

Shai

 

[Michelle & Scrabble (GA)]

((Shai)) so sorry to hear the diagnosis. Wish I could help with some info but I have no idea about epi. I hope someone will come along to help you! I know there are a lot of knowledgable people on here that know a lot about pancreatis so I hope you get the info to help! TAke care and prayers being sent for your kitty.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

(((Shai)))

How about cross posting on Health?

I know there was someone who was feeding pancreatic enzymes but I can't remember who. How much does Fitz need of the enzymes? Is it a small enough quantity that you could put them in a capsule or more than one capsule throughout the day? You can purchase cat-sized blank capsules.

There may also be other brands than what you're using that are more palatable. Alternatively, could you get these compounded so they are in a more palatable form? There are compounding pharmacies that people have used and you could ask about them or your vet may know of a couple that are reliable.

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

oh shai, i'm sorry you have something else to deal with.

i don't know if this will work with fitzel, but when i have to introduce a new med or supplement that can be mixed in food i always start with just a tiny bit and then gradually work up to the full dose. i'll also sprinkle something stinky or something kitty really likes on top: fortiflora, parmesan cheese, crushed cheeze-it crackers, crushed cheetos, crumbled bacon bits (without nitrates), oregano, catnip, freeze dried chicken/fish. i've found it also helps to use a food that smells a little more than most even if it's a little higher carb food, but less than 10%... especially during the "introduction" stage.

introducing the med/supplement gradually seems to be the key with all my kitties. maybe the method will work with fitzel...



good luck!



edited to add:
i just saw sienne's post. some pancreatic enzymes are most effective if given mixed in food rather than given in capsule form. you might want to check with your vet.

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

after giving this a little more thought, one more thing...

i've only used pancreatic enzymes once and it was many years ago: Viokase Powder. after mixing it in food, you're supposed to let it stand about 15 minutes before feeding because otherwise it can cause irritation to the mouth. be careful when handling. you don't want to inhale the powder (could cause trouble breathing) or get it on your skin (could burn the skin).

however, i don't know if this is true with all brands of pancreatic enzymes. again, please check with your vet if you have any questions...

 

[Anne&Muffin (GA)]

I think it's Pat that's been using the enzymes for Shadow and Raja. Maybe you could PM her for suggestions. I'm so sorry about the dx, and how stressful all this is. I wish I could help more, but this is something I've never dealt with.

 

[Shai and The Pirate Fitz (GA)]

Thank you to everyone who responded. I'm so despondent over this.
Re: the enzymes I'm using Pancratase brand or something close to that name. It has to be incubated in food for 15 to 20 minutes and then the slurry is put into the syringe. This morning I tried again to assist feed with the syringe. What a mess. Food on my Pirate, food on me. On the couch - last time we're doing that on furniture. By the time I was a quarter of the way through the 10cc syringe I'm using Fitzel was growling, fighting and trying to bite me.

I have attempted to use a blanket or towel to burrito her but that's more hassle than I can handle alone. As it is I'm scratched up pretty bad on my arms, my face and across my stomach and thighs.

I looked at a few assisted feeding videos on YouTube and they were very helpful in at least I know I'm doing it the right way. But not so helpful in that I can't get Fitz to watch them to show her the right behaviors on her end.

I do realize we've just started this and like blood testing there's a learning curve. However the syringe feeding needs to be done 2 to 3 times a day and absolutely ever time Fitzel eats. After we got so e of the slurry down her this morning she ran under the bookcase and was still there when I had to leave.

Her days are now blood tests, insulin and B12 shots, pain meds for her teeth and no food until she's gone through the syringe feeding torture. I look at her and wonder if she wants the rest of her life to be this or if she wants out. I can tell and I feel so guilty and sick to my stomach even thinking down those lines. But as m wife's work takes her way too far away to come home to help and this entire regime is an all day every day affair between everything tha has to be done (as well as taki g care of our other furrs) I'm in overwhelm.

I know that whinning here doesn't help me or anyone else by I guess I feel better getting these thoughts out of my head. I see so many of you doing at least this much and managing. I feel so lost and angry at myself for not finding my backbone and just doing what has to be done.

Please forgive the typos and words which my iPhone thinks I'm trying to say.

Shai

 

[Anne & Zener GA]

((((Shai)))) Don't be hard on yourself, this stuff is really, really hard and you are amazing! Have you found the Feline-Assisted Feeding group on yahoo? The video link under GETTING STARTED is amazing and really helped when Zener needed syringe feeding. Miss Toady is quite the star. :lol: Maybe Fitz will be inspired. And if Fitz and you decide that this is too much and you've had enough, I totally understand and support you.

In response to your question about leaving Fitzel at the vet, we are getting an ultrasound for Zener next week. When I made the appointment, the tech said the vet wanted us to leave Zener and I said "no, he's diabetic" and she said "oh, ok" and then worked with me to find an afternoon appointment time so we would know when to bring him in.

Big hugs to you and virtual hugs to Fitz.
Liz