Jack & Mopem'sMom
Very Active Member
First, I'm sorry it has been so long since I posted. Last post is here: https://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/1-10-jack-175-amps-97-2.297351/
Second, I'm so sad to see so many of you losing your fur babies. It seems like every time I manage to get back to the board, another sugar kitty has earned their wings. Today, it was two. Three if you count my poor, sweet Buddy who did in fact go over the Bridge on Jan 11th. I'll post a longer account on him in the comments below for anyone wanting to read his story.
Now, to Mr. Jack. ~~~HEAVY SIGH~~~ Jack, Jack, Jack.
He was doing ok on the 7 units, but had become increasingly picky with his food. This triggered a pancreatitis attack, which had us at the vet on Jan 18th. I was very lucky that Sable already had an appointment that day for a final thyroid level blood draw (more on Sable's story in comment below) before his I-131 radiation and just dragged Jack along for an emergency appointment. I still have to update the SS but long story short; Jack's bloodwork is good, his teeth & mouth are great/he lost 2 pounds from his last visit (which is great considering fat boy is down to 22 pounds) / he was not blocked in any way. He got a shot of convenia just in case of the vet missing something, a shot of cerenia, a shot of famotidine/sub-q fluids. I went home with a script for additional cerenia if needed, and picked famotidine up at the pharmacy to keep on hand, and already had a bag of fluids (even though I can't administer to him alone- naughty boy). The car ride seemed to have cured him 
He has been fine since we came home, no additional meds needed. HOWEVER, the vet indicated he probably triggered the attack by not eating enough. Thus ensued a lengthy conversation with not 1, but 2 vets at the clinic, over his diet, pickiness, and diabetes. Their opinion was that the priority should be that he eats, not that he eats what is good for his diabetes. To say I feel totally defeated is an understatement. Those of you who have followed Jack's journey know how hard it has been to get him to eat wet instead of dry, pate instead of gravy laden chunks, a reduced amount of LC kibble....and now I have 2 vets telling me that the super high carb prescription CD kibble the kittens have to eat is good for him because it's high in fat and easy to digest and to just adjust the insulin. 
So his SS is a mess and we are on 7.5 units, looking at 8. His numbers are all over because some days he cooperates and mostly eats what he should, but on his picky days he gets some CD. 
I just don't know what to do. I am definitely cognizant of quality of life over quantity, but this just seems like giving up in a way. I love him so much, but I am seriously at the end of my rope with his diet. He acts the same whether his number is 75 or 375. So maybe the vets are right---I know it's not just a numbers game, but those ketone strips are pricey, and I worry about the damage to his organs. 
Oh well, on we trudge, I suppose. Nothing else to do.
I hope you are all doing well, and kitties are surfing safely and cooperating better than Jack. I will try to get on the board more often, but with increased vet costs, comes increased work hours, and less time for anything but cats and work. Please know you (and especially the kitties) are all always in my thoughts and prayers
Jack, at the vet, showing his 'cattitude'
Second, I'm so sad to see so many of you losing your fur babies. It seems like every time I manage to get back to the board, another sugar kitty has earned their wings. Today, it was two. Three if you count my poor, sweet Buddy who did in fact go over the Bridge on Jan 11th. I'll post a longer account on him in the comments below for anyone wanting to read his story.
Now, to Mr. Jack. ~~~HEAVY SIGH~~~ Jack, Jack, Jack.
He was doing ok on the 7 units, but had become increasingly picky with his food. This triggered a pancreatitis attack, which had us at the vet on Jan 18th. I was very lucky that Sable already had an appointment that day for a final thyroid level blood draw (more on Sable's story in comment below) before his I-131 radiation and just dragged Jack along for an emergency appointment. I still have to update the SS but long story short; Jack's bloodwork is good, his teeth & mouth are great/he lost 2 pounds from his last visit (which is great considering fat boy is down to 22 pounds) / he was not blocked in any way. He got a shot of convenia just in case of the vet missing something, a shot of cerenia, a shot of famotidine/sub-q fluids. I went home with a script for additional cerenia if needed, and picked famotidine up at the pharmacy to keep on hand, and already had a bag of fluids (even though I can't administer to him alone- naughty boy). The car ride seemed to have cured him He has been fine since we came home, no additional meds needed. HOWEVER, the vet indicated he probably triggered the attack by not eating enough. Thus ensued a lengthy conversation with not 1, but 2 vets at the clinic, over his diet, pickiness, and diabetes. Their opinion was that the priority should be that he eats, not that he eats what is good for his diabetes. To say I feel totally defeated is an understatement. Those of you who have followed Jack's journey know how hard it has been to get him to eat wet instead of dry, pate instead of gravy laden chunks, a reduced amount of LC kibble....and now I have 2 vets telling me that the super high carb prescription CD kibble the kittens have to eat is good for him because it's high in fat and easy to digest and to just adjust the insulin. So his SS is a mess and we are on 7.5 units, looking at 8. His numbers are all over because some days he cooperates and mostly eats what he should, but on his picky days he gets some CD. I just don't know what to do. I am definitely cognizant of quality of life over quantity, but this just seems like giving up in a way. I love him so much, but I am seriously at the end of my rope with his diet. He acts the same whether his number is 75 or 375. So maybe the vets are right---I know it's not just a numbers game, but those ketone strips are pricey, and I worry about the damage to his organs. Oh well, on we trudge, I suppose. Nothing else to do. I hope you are all doing well, and kitties are surfing safely and cooperating better than Jack. I will try to get on the board more often, but with increased vet costs, comes increased work hours, and less time for anything but cats and work. Please know you (and especially the kitties) are all always in my thoughts and prayers
Jack, at the vet, showing his 'cattitude'
