10/9, Susie, 213 AMPS

Suzanne & Darcy said:
Also, if Susie's inflammation is in the gastric outflow tract she may not be emptying her stomach as efficiently as she normally would. If her pyloric canal (which connects to the first part of the small intestine) is inflamed, in particular. So I would definitely think this can make her feel just awful.
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My vet did say the thickening was where the pyloric canal empties into the intestine. Do you think I should put her back on the bupe for possible pain?
 
FrostD said:
On our really bad days I crushed up the pills to syringe with water. There's always a little left in the syringe but I figure anything I can get in is better than nothing.

Current cocktail is a few different meds crushed up in the Gerber baby food. I've actually developed quite the aversion to the smell of the Gerber foods now, not that they smelled good to begin with...

Edit: My vet charges about $10 to compound anything I need. Maybe that's an option if it works for those meds?
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I have crushed up the Cerenia and mixed with water and syringed into Susie's mouth. It wasn't easy and she was angry. He nickname is "Jaws of Steel". I hate taking all these invasive steps because she trusts me less and less but I know it is necessary. Do you have to syringe the med-mixed Gerbers or will he eat it on his own. I hope he is doing better.
 
Our Dolly Girl said:
Hi Summer, reading through your many messages. I was so excited for you and your winning the $150 from ZiwiPeak. It’s expensive but I am so grateful that Dolly seems to really like the Air Dried Chicken. Perfect for us since she won’t eat out of her auto feeder. I tried four different ones. Kept the last one. It saves me from getting up at 3 am to give her fresh food. I had Cataract surgery 4 years ago. It was the best thing for brightness, no longer looking at a yellowish world. Unfortunately I have Macular Degeneration so the wonderful new vision only lasted months for me. I am slowly losing my vision especially in darker areas, I can’t see Dolly or Rob on the couch, they sort of blend together. Can no longer drive at night. Measuring her insulin, I use these thick magnifying glasses with the calipers. Things could be worse. I hope Susie’s eating improves, the nausea as well. It’s been so hard to watch Susie go from a happy, healthy kitty to one that is struggling with illness. You said it just a short time ago about being grateful for a healthy cat, it can change direction very quickly. I hope the prednisolone is a game changer to how she feels. I hope your mom is doing okay snd your doctors appt (for your cataracts??) went well. I hope you can get the surgery soon. For me it was like someone turned the lights on and the beautiful sunshine magically appeared. I wish that for you. Sending my prayers Summer for your Susie to become her happy, healthy self once again with whatever treatments, meds, needed to make that happen. :):cat::bighug:
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My doctor's assistant mentioned that my insurance would not help with the cataract surgery so it looks like I have to find another doctor and start all over. Makes me angry because I checked the insurance website and it said he was in my network. Now, I am probably going to get a hefty bill for this initial eye exam :arghh: I received a report about the exam through email and, unfortunately, it states "Early stage nonexudative age-related macular degeneration of both eyes" and "Vitreous degeneration" (?) so I guess I'm going to have vision problems for the rest of my life. Really makes me mad that he did not say anything to me about either of these issues. Probably didn't want to take the time if I'm going to go to another doctor. I still have a follow-up appt. in three weeks to have measurements taken for the cataract surgery. I wonder if they scheduled it so far out so I would first receive word from my insurance company that he is not in my network. I'm sorry that you have the Mac Degeneration. It is not a good diagnosis to get.

I'm surprised that you remembered me saying I was so happy that Susie didn't have any other medical issues several weeks ago. I guess I jinxed myself. You are a dear and all your words of comfort mean a lot to me. Thank you, Adrienne.
 
Summer and Susie said:
My vet did say the thickening was where the pyloric canal empties into the intestine. Do you think I should put her back on the bupe for possible pain?
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You could try it in, perhaps, a lesser dose than before. I thought you said it was making her body limp? The vet did explain how the Buprenorphine needs to go onto her gums and not in her throat, right? It is absorbed through the gum tissue. I’ve always been advised to squirt it into the “buccal pocket” which is the inside of the cheek, in order to get it on the gums. Susie has Jaws of Steel, but you should still be able to do this by sliding the tip of the syringe into that buccal pocket. I’m hoping that once the Prednisolone is started she won’t need it anymore!
 
Good morning, Summer. You need to fix your condo title to put the date.

any word on the prescription for Prednisolone?
 
PerfumedCatMom said:
Ruby was vomiting a lot before her SCL diagnosis and losing weight. After pred, she no longer vomits regularly, only foamy clear liquid if she hasn't had anything to eat in a while. She still has nausea on occasion--she meatloafs licking her lips, sniffs at food and walks away. I add some low carb tuna based Weruva to stimulate her appetite because the smell is stronger than her usual raw food and that usually gets her to eat something. If that doesn't work, I give 4 mgs of ondansetron wrapped in a bit of a pill pocket and that usually gets her over it. I had a stomach bug a few weeks ago and took one of Ruby's ondansetron pills and it worked really well for me to get rid of my nausea. It's given to human cancer patients to get them over chemo-induced nausea. I also tried everything for her constipation--psyllium, pumpkin, slippery elm, Miralax--but the only thing that works for her is copious amounts of Lactulose prescribed by her vets mixed into her food mixed with lots of water and she doesn't mind eating it.


Seeing Ruby's BGs go up was very painful for me. I really grieved never being able to get her to remission. I got over it though with all of the wonderful support here and now I celebrate blue numbers like others get excited about 7 days of green numbers. She has gained weight and seems to be very comfortable and sociable, running to greet me when I come home with her tail up and waving, jumping on and off of window sills and tables like a pro, coming to me for scritches, sleeping curled up next to me at night. I can't expect anything better than what we've got going right now.
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I guess I need to look into getting the ondansetron. Susie also meatloafs at time, swallows and licks her lips and many times will sniff food and walk away. She did start eating the Nature's Variety Rabbit last night - just didn't eat much. I also decided to give her some higher carb (14%) Tiki Cat tuna, etc this morning and she ate about half of that so I was pleased. At this point, I just want her to eat. I'm always so afraid to give insulin without her wanting to eat. I have the psyllium, pumpkin, Miralax and now the Lax'Aire to put on her paw. I'm afraid to put stuff directly into her food because I don't want it to turn her off. She shows no interest in the pumpkin and hates me when I inject the Miralax into her mouth. Will try to stay with the Lax'Aire on her paws and look into the Lactulose - but, once again, that is a food additive and might be a turn off for her.

I'm sure it was painful for you to have to see Ruby's glucose go up on the pred. She was so close to the OTJ trial. The most important thing is that she is eating, happy, active, responsive and a loving cat. Hopefully, she will live many, more happy, loving years with you, Katherine. Thanks for offering to help me on this new journey. Still don't have the pred. :arghh:
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
You could try it in, perhaps, a lesser dose than before. I thought you said it was making her body limp? The vet did explain how the Buprenorphine needs to go onto her gums and not in her throat, right? It is absorbed through the gum tissue. I’ve always been advised to squirt it into the “buccal pocket” which is the inside of the cheek, in order to get it on the gums. Susie has Jaws of Steel, but you should still be able to do this by sliding the tip of the syringe into that buccal pocket. I’m hoping that once the Prednisolone is started she won’t need it anymore!
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No, the vet tech just swirted the bupe directly in to her mouth and someone on this site said they did the same because their cat was difficult to get in the side of the mouth too.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
You could try it in, perhaps, a lesser dose than before. I thought you said it was making her body limp? The vet did explain how the Buprenorphine needs to go onto her gums and not in her throat, right? It is absorbed through the gum tissue. I’ve always been advised to squirt it into the “buccal pocket” which is the inside of the cheek, in order to get it on the gums. Susie has Jaws of Steel, but you should still be able to do this by sliding the tip of the syringe into that buccal pocket. I’m hoping that once the Prednisolone is started she won’t need it anymore!
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I wasn't sure it was the bupe or the Mirataz that was making her limp. No word on the pred and I'm angry. I was told Thursday night that they would call it in to my pharmacy yesterday morning. I called the pharmacy yesterday and it had not be sent in. I called the ER clinic and asked someone to see if maybe it was sent to another pharmacy. I was supposed to get a call back and never did. Now, it is the weekend and she is not well today. Hiding right now. My heart is breaking for this cat.
 
Just read this about ondansetron:

"Ondansetron should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. It should be used cautiously in pets with gastrointestinal blockage, certain abnormal heart rhythms, or liver disease. Ondansetron should be used with caution in pregnant or lactating pets as safety has not been clearly established."

Do I not need to be concerned that the thickening in Susie's stomach area in is the pyloric canal which empties into the intestine? Wouldn't this thickening be causing some kind of blockage?
 
Hi Summer I'd be more than angry since they didn't call the pred in when they were supposed to, can't anyone do anything right!
My heart breaks for you and Susie, . ♥
Sorry about the trouble with the cataract surgery, I hate when you check the insurance website and it says the doctor participates, then he doesn't. I always call the doctors office to make sure if it's a new doctor I'm seeing
My dad also has macular degeneration, it does suck.
I'm sorry you have it also ♥
Here to support you , I know nothing about any other medical issues that our precious kitties might have.
Is your vet open today to see why the pred was never phoned in yet
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Diane Tyler's Mom said:
Hi Summer I'd be more than angry since they didn't call the pred in when they were supposed to, can't anyone do anything right!
My heart breaks for you and Susie, . ♥
Sorry about the trouble with the cataract surgery, I hate when you check the insurance website and it says the doctor participates, then he doesn't. I always call the doctors office to make sure if it's a new doctor I'm seeing
My dad also has macular degeneration, it does suck.
I'm sorry you have it also ♥
Here to support you , I know nothing about any other medical issues that our precious kitties might have.
Is your vet open today to see why the pred was never phoned in yet
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Hi Diane,

I called the ER Clinic this morning, again, and they said the script had been sent but my pharmacy never got it. They are resending it this morning so hopefully I will have it in my hands TODAY!

I did call the doctor's office to make sure they accepted my insurance. I even gave them my insurance information and they said yes - they take Cigna Medicare Advantage. Well, apparently, they don't take my specific Cigna insurance. Now, why the heck they didn't check that out before I waited a month to get in, I don't know but I am angry.

I'm sorry about your Dad's situation. I haven't really researched the condition but plan to. I know my mom has a friend with it and she can barely see. Sometimes, life just sucks all the way around.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
You could try it in, perhaps, a lesser dose than before. I thought you said it was making her body limp? The vet did explain how the Buprenorphine needs to go onto her gums and not in her throat, right? It is absorbed through the gum tissue. I’ve always been advised to squirt it into the “buccal pocket” which is the inside of the cheek, in order to get it on the gums. Susie has Jaws of Steel, but you should still be able to do this by sliding the tip of the syringe into that buccal pocket. I’m hoping that once the Prednisolone is started she won’t need it anymore!
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Dolly always manages to move her head as I am shooting. She has a neck of steel. I’ve been told it still will work if it gets in their mouth maybe not as affectively.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Just read this about ondansetron:

"Ondansetron should not be used in pets that are allergic to it. It should be used cautiously in pets with gastrointestinal blockage, certain abnormal heart rhythms, or liver disease. Ondansetron should be used with caution in pregnant or lactating pets as safety has not been clearly established."

Do I not need to be concerned that the thickening in Susie's stomach area in is the pyloric canal which empties into the intestine? Wouldn't this thickening be causing some kind of blockage?
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I gave ondansetron to my lymphoma kitty who was being treated by an oncologist and my vet. She had a heart murmur and was on bp medication. She had thickening of the intestines.

If the eyes look dilate the bupe is working.
 
Summer and Susie said:
I have crushed up the Cerenia and mixed with water and syringed into Susie's mouth. It wasn't easy and she was angry. He nickname is "Jaws of Steel". I hate taking all these invasive steps because she trusts me less and less but I know it is necessary. Do you have to syringe the med-mixed Gerbers or will he eat it on his own. I hope he is doing better.
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In the beginning he would eat it on his own, now he's not too thrilled but he takes it...for me anyway. He's still good today, he enjoyed his brushing so much he drooled all over the place ha! I think we won't know for a few more days which way the scale is going to tip

My sister is almost finished with her vet tech program, the favor I called on Friday was the vet she works for. I hate to do it knowing all these clinics booked and pets in trouble. She brought some supplies home with her so can do more taps for us if needed.

Hopefully you get all this sorted with Susie soon, I know how stressful it is :bighug:
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
You could try it in, perhaps, a lesser dose than before. I thought you said it was making her body limp? The vet did explain how the Buprenorphine needs to go onto her gums and not in her throat, right? It is absorbed through the gum tissue. I’ve always been advised to squirt it into the “buccal pocket” which is the inside of the cheek, in order to get it on the gums. Susie has Jaws of Steel, but you should still be able to do this by sliding the tip of the syringe into that buccal pocket. I’m hoping that once the Prednisolone is started she won’t need it anymore!
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Well **** nobody told me that either! Ugh
 
Catching up -

I'm not trying to add stress, but remember ketones recipe is not enough insulin + inappetence + underlying stress/infection. So I know it is scary to give the insulin when not eating, but please still do. Her numbers are still safe, you could always slightly reduce if you're really feeling uncomfortable (I personally wouldn't recommend it but I know we have to balance out own stress too)

I believe the problem with ondansetron and intestinal blockage is it's constipating. I give the minimum amount possible - I give it about an hour before the meal; he gets fed twice a day usually so I start with BID. If it doesn't seem to be helping then I'll increase dose...going TID is last resort.

The nice thing about ondansetron is it's cheaper and can get it from any pharmacy.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Hi Diane,

I called the ER Clinic this morning, again, and they said the script had been sent but my pharmacy never got it. They are resending it this morning so hopefully I will have it in my hands TODAY!

I did call the doctor's office to make sure they accepted my insurance. I even gave them my insurance information and they said yes - they take Cigna Medicare Advantage. Well, apparently, they don't take my specific Cigna insurance. Now, why the heck they didn't check that out before I waited a month to get in, I don't know but I am angry.

I'm sorry about your Dad's situation. I haven't really researched the condition but plan to. I know my mom has a friend with it and she can barely see. Sometimes, life just sucks all the way around.
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I hope you get it today, it irks me when people are so incompetent.!!!
Why didn't they check out your insurance ahead of time because some people are idiots!!!!
Let us know if you get the pred today :bighug:
 
FrostD said:
In the beginning he would eat it on his own, now he's not too thrilled but he takes it...for me anyway. He's still good today, he enjoyed his brushing so much he drooled all over the place ha! I think we won't know for a few more days which way the scale is going to tip

My sister is almost finished with her vet tech program, the favor I called on Friday was the vet she works for. I hate to do it knowing all these clinics booked and pets in trouble. She brought some supplies home with her so can do more taps for us if needed.

Hopefully you get all this sorted with Susie soon, I know how stressful it is :bighug:
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I have missed a lot of your post. What are the taps? Your not withdrawing fluids are you? This has been stressful but you are quite familiar with that as well.
 
@Suzanne & Darcy
@tiffmaxee
@Wendy&Neko
@PerfumedCatMom

Okay, Susie had her first syringe of the Prednisolone at 11:44 this morning. 0.5 ml. 2x a day. I asked the Pharmacist if I could give her first injection as soon as I got home and then pick up with the every 12 hours tomorrow morning. He said I could give her second injection tonight at 8:00 when I go to bed. I want to know all your opinions. I don't know if giving two doses, about 8 hours apart is wise. Do you think that is okay or should I pick up and start tomorrow morning?
 
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Hmmm.... let me think.... I think at this point it would be okay to do the second dose at 8 p.m. (especially since the pharmacist said so) .... and here is my reasoning:

Do you know how, many times, when people are put on Pred for an acute problem like.... say... poison ivy, stepping on a hornet's nest (yep, been there, done that)... frequently people will be started out at a higher dose of prednisone (for people they can just use prednisone as opposed to prednisALONE) and then gradually you taper off the prednisone over a period of days? So I am thinking that it would be okay to give Susie the second dose today as a kind of "loading dose" since that is not necessarily an uncommon thing to do.

But, it's really what YOU are comfortable with, Summer. If you want to wait until morning then just do that! She's gotten the 5 mg. in her for today and maybe just want to start on the twice a day regimen tomorrow?
 
Summer and Susie said:
No, the vet tech just swirted the bupe directly in to her mouth and someone on this site said they did the same because their cat was difficult to get in the side of the mouth too.
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Interesting about the Vet Tech, because that is really not the correct way to give Buprenorphine (but I understand how it can be difficult... with some of my past cats... I've had problems getting it in the right spot... but I do try.)
 
FrostD said:
The nice thing about ondansetron is it's cheaper and can get it from any pharmacy.
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And Summer, I'm sure I've mentioned this before but the REALLY nice thing about Ondansetron is that it comes in ORALLY DISSOLVING TABLETS. They are "mini-melts" of 4 mg. Just get it into Susie's mouth and hold her mouth shut... the tablet will dissolve in a few minutes. Also, it is not bitter like the CERENIA is and won't be such torture to Susie as syringing some Cerenia crushed in water (BITTER!!!)

And yes... I'm always saying (feel like a broken record) that ONDANSETRON is CONSTIPATING. I wouldn't start it without Lactulose on hand to handle constipation. I think it tastes sweet because my cats all eat it mixed in food or baby food (I know, Susie doesn't like any human food!) -- I would recommend mixing in A/D. It is, hands down, the most palatable cat food out there.

@Summer and Susie
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Hmmm.... let me think.... I think at this point it would be okay to do the second dose at 8 p.m. (especially since the pharmacist said so) .... and here is my reasoning:

Do you know how, many times, when people are put on Pred for an acute problem like.... say... poison ivy, stepping on a hornet's nest (yep, been there, done that)... frequently people will be started out at a higher dose of prednisone (for people they can just use prednisone as opposed to prednisALONE) and then gradually you taper off the prednisone over a period of days? So I am thinking that it would be okay to give Susie the second dose today as a kind of "loading dose" since that is not necessarily an uncommon thing to do.

But, it's really what YOU are comfortable with, Summer. If you want to wait until morning then just do that! She's gotten the 5 mg. in her for today and maybe just want to start on the twice a day regimen tomorrow?
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Frankly, I think I am more comfortable starting again tomorrow morning. This is a risky med for my girl and I want to take this slowly and carefully. She actually growled at me when I was giving her the med. She is losing all trust of me with all the crap I am trying to do to her or get in to her and it is breaking my heart. Hopefully, if she starts developing a healthy appetite, I will be able to put a few of the medicines in her food and she will eat it on her own.
 
FrostD said:
In the beginning he would eat it on his own, now he's not too thrilled but he takes it...for me anyway. He's still good today, he enjoyed his brushing so much he drooled all over the place ha! I think we won't know for a few more days which way the scale is going to tip

My sister is almost finished with her vet tech program, the favor I called on Friday was the vet she works for. I hate to do it knowing all these clinics booked and pets in trouble. She brought some supplies home with her so can do more taps for us if needed.

Hopefully you get all this sorted with Susie soon, I know how stressful it is :bighug:
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Are you giving Rutin? @FrostD
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Interesting about the Vet Tech, because that is really not the correct way to give Buprenorphine (but I understand how it can be difficult... with some of my past cats... I've had problems getting it in the right spot... but I do try.)
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Even the pharmacist said to try to get it in the side pocket of her mouth. Hey, I'm lucky to get it in her mouth at all. Shooting for the side pocket is a stretch with her fits.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Frankly, I think I am more comfortable starting again tomorrow morning. This is a risky med for my girl and I want to take this slowly and carefully. She actually growled at me when I was giving her the med. She is losing all trust of me with all the crap I am trying to do to her or get in to her and it is breaking my heart. Hopefully, if she starts developing a healthy appetite, I will be able to put a few of the medicines in her food and she will eat it on her own.
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Then go with that decision. I'm totally fine with it because I think the 5 mg dose is good for Susie! (Not that it matters what I think... but only that if I were in your shoes I probably would err on the side of caution as well! I was just saying, since you asked, that it should be "safe" for Susie and would not do her harm.

In fact, I am not really on board with your vet's alarmist attitude regarding giving her Presnisolone. He acted like it was giving her poison or something. It's very strange. I don't know why he would use the kind of language that he did. I can only assume that he was referring to the fact that her BG would go up and he's concerned about that. You are there to manage the insulin. I am assuming that he wanted to start her at a higher dose of 10 mg per day (split) and then maybe when he sees her in 10 days to start to taper that dose back, depending on her symptoms.

Anyway, that's neither here not there now! I'm just glad that Susie is getting to take a chance on the pred.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
And Summer, I'm sure I've mentioned this before but the REALLY nice thing about Ondansetron is that it comes in ORALLY DISSOLVING TABLETS. They are "mini-melts" of 4 mg. Just get it into Susie's mouth and hold her mouth shut... the tablet will dissolve in a few minutes. Also, it is not bitter like the CERENIA is and won't be such torture to Susie as syringing some Cerenia crushed in water (BITTER!!!)

And yes... I'm always saying (feel like a broken record) that ONDANSETRON is CONSTIPATING. I wouldn't start it without Lactulose on hand to handle constipation. I think it tastes sweet because my cats all eat it mixed in food or baby food (I know, Susie doesn't like any human food!) -- I would recommend mixing in A/D. It is, hands down, the most palatable cat food out there.

@Summer and Susie
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Did you see my earlier comment about Ondansetron. It should be used cautiously in pets with gastrointestinal blockage. If Susie has the thickening where the pyloric canal empties into the intestines wouldn't/couldn't this be considered some kind of blockage? I do not have her on Cerenia and haven't in several days. She ate the first two in a pill pocket and then stopped. I syringed the third day and I'm sure it tasted horrible. I'm sorry but putting a mini-melt in her mouth and holding her mouth shut for a couple of minutes just isn't going to cut it. I am on my own with this stuff. I don't have reliable help as Mom sleeps most of the day. I'm really hoping the Pred will help with any nausea and I won't have to deal with either of these medications. That is not to say I won't start, again, but I want to see how she does on the Pred, first.
 
On another positive note, Susie ate almost all of her lunch today (very rare these days) and went back for the rest at +9. I doubt it was the pred this soon. It might have been the forti flora. I don't know but this made me very happy. I know I have heard about the warnings of forti flora but as Lyla says, the most important thing is getting your cat to eat.
 
Summer and Susie said:
I have missed a lot of your post. What are the taps? Your not withdrawing fluids are you? This has been stressful but you are quite familiar with that as well.
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Don't want to sidetrack your post too badly...I took him to emergency vet back in July, they pulled I can't remember how much, 250+mL of fluid from around his lungs? He had weekly chest taps after that to keep removing the fluid while we tried an experimental supplement (Rutin). His last tap was August I believe, has been fine since then (better than fine actually).

Fast forward to this week, threw up mucousy bloody hairball, called in a favor to get him seen. 13mL of fluid this time. @Suzanne & Darcy yes we started Rutin again, last time it took about 1.5 wks to show improvement. We cannot afford (2 ER trips this year, 2 surgeries for Pippi, diabetes itself, etc) ultrasounds or other diagnostics at this point, and even if we could pinpoint the exact issue its very likely surgery, also can't afford. So last ditch efforts we are trying the supplement again and fast-track weaning him off the cabergoline.

Will call vet Monday and see if they can squeeze him in on Friday for quick exam. One last chest tap is about all we're willing to put him through. These medications 3x a day on top of big needles being stuck into either side of you weekly really does not seem quality of life...he's been hiding and mostly ignoring me since I took him in.
 
GI thickening is not a GI blockage. A blockage is where nothing can get through. Thickening just makes it harder.

Pred can be given 8 hours apart. In fact, there is no reason to give it twice a day, it is usually given once per day. For diabetics, spreading it out can possibly help the impact on the blood sugars.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Then go with that decision. I'm totally fine with it because I think the 5 mg dose is good for Susie! (Not that it matters what I think... but only that if I were in your shoes I probably would err on the side of caution as well! I was just saying, since you asked, that it should be "safe" for Susie and would not do her harm.

In fact, I am not really on board with your vet's alarmist attitude regarding giving her Presnisolone. He acted like it was giving her poison or something. It's very strange. I don't know why he would use the kind of language that he did. I can only assume that he was referring to the fact that her BG would go up and he's concerned about that. You are there to manage the insulin. I am assuming that he wanted to start her at a higher dose of 10 mg per day (split) and then maybe when he sees her in 10 days to start to taper that dose back, depending on her symptoms.

Anyway, that's neither here not there now! I'm just glad that Susie is getting to take a chance on the pred.
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I'm happy I am getting the chance to see if the pred will work too. I honestly feel like this is my last shot at improving her life. She has been miserable today. I wonder if some of that was the 1/2 dose of bupe. I want her off all medicines, except the pred, if I can do that. Thanks for all your help.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
GI thickening is not a GI blockage. A blockage is where nothing can get through. Thickening just makes it harder.

Pred can be given 8 hours apart. In fact, there is no reason to give it twice a day, it is usually given once per day. For diabetics, spreading it out can possibly help the impact on the blood sugars.
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So, are you saying I should/could give her another .5 ml at 8:00 tonight after giving it at 11:45 this morning? Would you recommend that Wendy? I have been waiting so long to get this medicine and I just want to do this right.
 
FrostD said:
Don't want to sidetrack your post too badly...I took him to emergency vet back in July, they pulled I can't remember how much, 250+mL of fluid from around his lungs? He had weekly chest taps after that to keep removing the fluid while we tried an experimental supplement (Rutin). His last tap was August I believe, has been fine since then (better than fine actually).

Fast forward to this week, threw up mucousy bloody hairball, called in a favor to get him seen. 13mL of fluid this time. @Suzanne & Darcy yes we started Rutin again, last time it took about 1.5 wks to show improvement. We cannot afford (2 ER trips this year, 2 surgeries for Pippi, diabetes itself, etc) ultrasounds or other diagnostics at this point, and even if we could pinpoint the exact issue its very likely surgery, also can't afford. So last ditch efforts we are trying the supplement again and fast-track weaning him off the cabergoline.

Will call vet Monday and see if they can squeeze him in on Friday for quick exam. One last chest tap is about all we're willing to put him through. These medications 3x a day on top of big needles being stuck into either side of you weekly really does not seem quality of life...he's been hiding and mostly ignoring me since I took him in.
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Healing hugs and prayers for you little one @Melissa&Mr.Kitty:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:FrostD
 
FrostD said:
Don't want to sidetrack your post too badly...I took him to emergency vet back in July, they pulled I can't remember how much, 250+mL of fluid from around his lungs? He had weekly chest taps after that to keep removing the fluid while we tried an experimental supplement (Rutin). His last tap was August I believe, has been fine since then (better than fine actually).

Fast forward to this week, threw up mucousy bloody hairball, called in a favor to get him seen. 13mL of fluid this time. @Suzanne & Darcy yes we started Rutin again, last time it took about 1.5 wks to show improvement. We cannot afford (2 ER trips this year, 2 surgeries for Pippi, diabetes itself, etc) ultrasounds or other diagnostics at this point, and even if we could pinpoint the exact issue its very likely surgery, also can't afford. So last ditch efforts we are trying the supplement again and fast-track weaning him off the cabergoline.

Will call vet Monday and see if they can squeeze him in on Friday for quick exam. One last chest tap is about all we're willing to put him through. These medications 3x a day on top of big needles being stuck into either side of you weekly really does not seem quality of life...he's been hiding and mostly ignoring me since I took him in.
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I am so very sorry for everything your Mr. Kitty and you are going through. I remember all the fluids they were pulling from him. I remember that he was doing better and better. I totally understand your frustration with the cost and the pain in having to put Mr. Kitty through all of this. No one will blame you if you decide that it is in his best interest, and yours, to humanly put him down. It is not right to let an animal suffer and all these steps we take to try and make them better just sometimes make them more miserable and less trusting. What kind of a life is that for a beloved cat. I pray that he will get better. I also pray that if he doesn't then you have the strength to end his suffering and not worry about what anyone else has to say. It is your decision and no one else's and there should NEVER be any guilt. Do what you have to do. I'm with you, Melissa. I sometimes feel the same.
 
Wendy&Neko said:
Pred is not like insulin, I think you'll be fine giving it tonight if you want. Or you can skip. Up to you.
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Thank you. I think I will go ahead and give it. I hope you will continue to follow my posts. I know of only one other diabetic cat, in this forum, that is on prednisolone @PerfumedCatMom. It would be nice to have your support through this new journey as I am nervous about giving a steroid to my Susie but feel it is my last option. Maybe, if Susie does well with the pred, I will be able to convince my vets that other diabetic cats can benefit from this med if they are tested frequently and adjustments are made in the insulin as needed.
 
Summer and Susie said:
Did you see my earlier comment about Ondansetron. It should be used cautiously in pets with gastrointestinal blockage. If Susie has the thickening where the pyloric canal empties into the intestines wouldn't/couldn't this be considered some kind of blockage? I do not have her on Cerenia and haven't in several days. She ate the first two in a pill pocket and then stopped. I syringed the third day and I'm sure it tasted horrible. I'm sorry but putting a mini-melt in her mouth and holding her mouth shut for a couple of minutes just isn't going to cut it. I am on my own with this stuff. I don't have reliable help as Mom sleeps most of the day. I'm really hoping the Pred will help with any nausea and I won't have to deal with either of these medications. That is not to say I won't start, again, but I want to see how she does on the Pred, first.
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Yes. I guess I would try to do without the Ondansetron until I made sure that there was no blockage. I would never have gotten this without checking with my vet anyway -- not that you can because it does require an Rx!! And I know you would check with your vet first on everything! I'm not pushing it. Just that it's easier to give than cerenia in a difficult cat. I am concerned about the pylorus for sure.... didn't see the ultrasound so not sure (maybe doc wasn't either).

Like I said yesterday, my heartfelt hope is that the Prednisolone will start doing its anti-inflammatory thing and she soon won't even need any anti-nausea meds at all (all paws crossed at our house!) Hugs.
 
Summer and Susie said:
I am so very sorry for everything your Mr. Kitty and you are going through. I remember all the fluids they were pulling from him. I remember that he was doing better and better. I totally understand your frustration with the cost and the pain in having to put Mr. Kitty through all of this. No one will blame you if you decide that it is in his best interest, and yours, to humanly put him down. It is not right to let an animal suffer and all these steps we take to try and make them better just sometimes make them more miserable and less trusting. What kind of a life is that for a beloved cat. I pray that he will get better. I also pray that if he doesn't then you have the strength to end his suffering and not worry about what anyone else has to say. It is your decision and no one else's and there should NEVER be any guilt. Do what you have to do. I'm with you, Melissa. I sometimes feel the same.
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Yep. You can only do what you can do! I have never seen anyone on this board make a person feel guilty for any "end of life" decisions that they have made. All I have ever seen from the lovely, caring people on this board has been a tremendous outpouring of love and sympathy for the caregiver(s) and genuine sadness at the loss. I have been the beneficiary of this myself.

Hugs and lots of love to you, Summer. I know that this whole thing has been VERY VERY stressful for you as you have tried to navigate your way through tons of new information and make really difficult decisions. I'm so sorry for that burden to be upon you and dear, Susie!
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Yes. I guess I would try to do without the Ondansetron until I made sure that there was no blockage. I would never have gotten this without checking with my vet anyway -- not that you can because it does require an Rx!! And I know you would check with your vet first on everything! I'm not pushing it. Just that it's easier to give than cerenia in a difficult cat. I am concerned about the pylorus for sure.... didn't see the ultrasound so not sure (maybe doc wasn't either).

Like I said yesterday, my heartfelt hope is that the Prednisolone will start doing its anti-inflammatory thing and she soon won't even need any anti-nausea meds at all (all paws crossed at our house!) Hugs.
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I am hoping that too, Suzanne. Thanks for being in my corner. I'm going to give her another .5 ml of the pred in about 45 minutes. She is going to hate me again but I guess that is what we go through when trying to help our babies. I hope you have a good night. I think I will be going to bed shortly after 8:00. Looks like I might have to set my alarm tonight with her PMPS - just to be careful. We will see. Good night.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Yep. You can only do what you can do! I have never seen anyone on this board make a person feel guilty for any "end of life" decisions that they have made. All I have ever seen from the lovely, caring people on this board has been a tremendous outpouring of love and sympathy for the caregiver(s) and genuine sadness at the loss. I have been the beneficiary of this myself.

Hugs and lots of love to you, Summer. I know that this whole thing has been VERY VERY stressful for you as you have tried to navigate your way through tons of new information and make really difficult decisions. I'm so sorry for that burden to be upon you and dear, Susie!
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You have been my biggest supporter. And to think that you questioned if you should stay on this site after Mr. Darcy's death. I thank God that you did. Good night.
 
Summer and Susie said:
I am hoping that too, Suzanne. Thanks for being in my corner. I'm going to give her another .5 ml of the pred in about 45 minutes. She is going to hate me again but I guess that is what we go through when trying to help our babies. I hope you have a good night. I think I will be going to bed shortly after 8:00. Looks like I might have to set my alarm tonight with her PMPS - just to be careful. We will see. Good night.
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Good night.
 
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