11/28 Tawny Vet Visit (posted after 12 a.m. 11/29)

[DD & Tinkerbell]

Sorry it is after midnight here, it's been a long day, just got home, got everybody else fed, medicated, hayed, water pipes wrapped, etc. So even tho it's 11/29 already I am going to post this for 11/28:

Her discharge ppr reads:
"Diagnosis... Diabetes [uh, duh, I knew that LOL), pancreatitis, UTI"
Urinanalysis: ketones (2+) & marked bacteria (>40/hpf).
Biochemical profile: ALT 341 (28-100 U/L); normal potassium.
CBC: WBC 10 (4.2-15.6 K/uL); Hct. 27 (29-45%); platelets 661 (170-600 K/uL)
Urine culture has been submitted.

Limited abdominal ultrasound showed a prominent pancreas, no free abdominal fluid, a small mesenteric lymph node and no other abnormalities. The liver is normal in echogenicity."

I have absolutely no idea what 90-95% of the above means. I was stuck in court all afternoon so Dr. Hebert was not able to reach me, I will speak w/her tomorrow, I mean later today.

They increased her insulin dose to 2.5 from 2u. This is good, this is what I asked for.

They changed her meds a little, she was almost thru w/everything they gave her b4 anyway. She is off the doxy now tho and back on the clavamox. They also said to discontinue the Zithromax, even tho she only had 2 days (4 - .5ml doses BID) left.

They said to continue the Famotidine and Actigall for at least one month. They are also prescribing denamarin.

Her SS is updated w/her recent #s btw, finally. She grazed on Meow Mix at the clinic most of the day, I think that's probably what spiked her #s into the pinks.

Just wanted to let you all know, sorry it got so late. I will link to this in her regular daily condo later today when I open her one after amps.

 

[Venita]

They probably should have added liver inflammation to the DX. "ALT (alanine aminotransferase) is an enzyme produced in the liver cells. The ALT test determines the level of this enzyme in the blood, which increases when damage to the liver cells has occurred." Source. That is what the Actigall is for.

The prominent pancreas on the ultrasound is part of what is leading to the DX of pancreatitis. One of the vets at that clinic had told me that a normal pancreas will not be visible on an ultrasound. The Famotidine (Pepcid) is for the pancreatitis.

Mesenteric lymph nodes are the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. Lymph nodes are seen on imaging when they are enlarged, and they become enlarged in the presence of infection and other disease processes (like inflammation and cancer). I don't think I would get worked up over a single, small mesenteric lymph node, but then I'm no vet.

Wow, that is one tough UTI bug Tawny has, with her still showing marked bacteria in her urine. Hopefully the culture will help them find an antibiotic that is going to work. It seems to me that bug is likely the root cause of all the other problems and the sooner they can clear her system of that, the better. I really had hope for the Doxy.

Did they give her fluids today? Are you giving her fluids at home? That might help a bit with the ketones. But it also can upset her electrolyte balance (which is good now with the normal potassium), so you should check with the vet before starting subQ fluids at home.

 

[Nina and KB]

Glad she's eating, though sorry about the choice. : ) Agree with Venita on the fluids, make sure she gets a lot of water if not fluids. Poor girl(s), I hope she overcomes this soon. Pancreatitis is also said to be painful so hopefully it's only a mild case.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Desi & Tawny,
I hope the vets can get that infection under control. We're continuing to send lots of snowflakes and a beautiful, new bouquet of healing vines. Like you, I don't understand the implications of the diagnoses, but Venita's explanation sounds pretty encouraging. Hang in there and heal, Tawny. Rusty is so glad you and Tinkerbell came to his anniversary party and wants to see you at the next party (the full moon party in December).

Lots of hugs,

Ella & Rusty