12/13 - Gen, AMPS >400, PMPS 398 Libre

Allie & Gen

Allie & Gen

Member Since 2025
Yesterday, mess and all

Well.

Posting a bit late because after our nighttime "adventure" (it's in the end of yesterday's thread, but: sudden dental abscess, trip to the ER for assessment and meds), I needed extra sleep; after I got up to feed and shoot Gen at the normal time, I went back to bed for a few hours.

We had the increase to 1.25u this morning, as well as a dose of the new antibiotic in his food. (My new medication approach of mixing the crushed tablet with the very top layer of his wet food only seems to be working! He seems to be getting all the mixed food in his first feed, then go back and eat the rest at intervals as normal. Such a relief; now I need to make sure I have enough of the cans he seems to prefer. And freeze-dried tuna for extra incentive.)

He's pretty clearly not feeling his best, a bit low-energy and such, which isn't surprising. His swollen little face is breaking my heart. I'm not sure if the antibiotics are bothering his tummy or not (no noticeable changes in his eating habits so far, no vomit, poops seem normal).

Everything, as always, is "wait and see." He enjoyed a really indulgent petting session earlier (with belly rubs, even, which he only wants very rarely) and is asleep on my lap now. I need to try and do a bit of self-care so I can maintain my energy in taking care of him.

I hope all of you are having a delightful weekend so far. Safe surfing to all the kitties!
 
Hi Allie,

What an ordeal I hope you managed to get some rest!

I hope the anitbiotics work well and Gen feels better soon 💕

Self care is suuuuper important and so is rest :)
 
It will be interesting to see if clearing up the infection will lower his bg.

It took Jude a couple of doses for the side effects of his antibiotics to begin, mostly diarrhea and nausea. If Gen stops eating, it's likely nausea from the ab. I keep Ondansetron and Mirataz on hand to combat those side effects.

Sending healing vines (as we say here on the forum) 🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
 
Mary & Jude said:
It will be interesting to see if clearing up the infection will lower his bg.

It took Jude a couple of doses for the side effects of his antibiotics to begin, mostly diarrhea and nausea. If Gen stops eating, it's likely nausea from the ab. I keep Ondansetron and Mirataz on hand to combat those side effects.

Sending healing vines (as we say here on the forum) 🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃🍃
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Thank you, Mary. I hope Gen doesn't get too much in the way of side effects ... my poor boy has been through enough, and I feel so triumphant for getting him to take the medication at all. Adding even more things sounds so complicated, especially with my suspicious boy. (Plus I see that I'd need a prescription for those meds, and my vet's office is closed on weekends.) I did order the probiotic you recommended, which is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
 
Allie & Gen said:
Thank you, Mary. I hope Gen doesn't get too much in the way of side effects ... my poor boy has been through enough, and I feel so triumphant for getting him to take the medication at all. Adding even more things sounds so complicated, especially with my suspicious boy. (Plus I see that I'd need a prescription for those meds, and my vet's office is closed on weekends.) I did order the probiotic you recommended, which is supposed to arrive tomorrow.
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I hope he doesn't get any side effects either! 🤞 🤞 🤞 🤞 🤞

You do need a prescription for Mirataz and Ondansetron. We had an odd rash of pancreatitis (FD cats are prone to it) here on the board this past spring/summer, which often causes nausea/loss of appetite, and many were using these drugs to get their babies to eat. Someone on the board suggested that everyone always keep a supply of both drugs on hand just in case because p-itis can come on fast (and still usually requires a vet visit) but early intervention can be key in treating it. I don't have an ER vet where I live, so I asked Jude's vet, and he prescribed both. They've both come in quite handy with the ab use and loss of appetite side effects (fortunately, we've not had to battle p-itis, and I don't want to!).

You SHOULD feel triumphant for getting Gen's meds on board! Medicating cats is a real feat. Congrats!!!
 
I’m so sorry about yesterday‘s insanity. You handled it like a pro.
Hoping Gen is feeling much better and glad you’re able to get the meds in him.

I agree with what Mary said, it’s really important to have meds in your tool kit in the house, in case of any crazy stuff that can happen, especially nasty pancreatitis.

I’ve become very proactive in keeping what is needed on hand so that it doesn’t become an emergency and require an ER visit, if possible.
A good probiotic is really important as well as the S. Boulardii, if he should have any side effects like diarrhea.
And certainly you want to have meds on hand in case nausea should kick in, as Mary mentioned.

We just like to try to give you the benefit of our having gone through some of this stuff already so that you don’t have to go through it yourself.
Sending you both lots of good wishes and hope the rest of the weekend is much calmer and uneventful 💖🥰😻
 
I'll talk to my vet about Mirataz and Ondansetron on Monday.

I remember being very stressed when Gen was originally diagnosed, devastated by our mostly-failed efforts at BG testing and really worried about furshots and whether I'd be able to give him his insulin without it being too stressful for him (I think it took awhile for me to figure out that it could be a pretty easy process). But it was never remotely this complicated. Of course, he didn't have such severe oral problems then ... still, it just feels like every time I think I've figured something out, there are five more things I have to understand and take into account. I have to fight the feeling that I'm failing him all the time. It's so much.

Also, the beloved little brat has found himself somewhere to hide, somehow, in our small apartment where I could have sworn he couldn't access any nooks or crannies I couldn't get into. This is the second or third time he's disappeared like this. I think he's fine, his sensor is working so he's clearly nearby, but it worries me that I can't figure out where he is, and he wasn't compelled by me calling and shaking the treats bag. I think I'm going to let him have his way for a bit, maybe he just feels like he needs some space, but argh.
 
Come on out Gen, Allie wants to pass on some cuddles from all of us.

I agree with Staci about getting another type of probiotic if you can. S. boulardii is a probiotic fungus, which is great at mopping up bad bacteria. What you need is that second probiotic that helps replace the good bacteria. BTW, it's the probiotic and antibiotic you want to separate giving by a couple hours, not the pain med. Give the probiotic a couple hours before the antibiotic, if you can. In this house, we didn't have good luck with antibiotics that are Clavamox based and needed that probiotic and s. boulardii. A description of s. boulardii dosing and types of probiotics to get are in this link: Probiotics – IBDKitties

As far as the dental goes, can you ask the vet if there are any dental specialists near you? They are used to older cats with secondary conditions and typically do extra monitoring. Neko's first dental, when she was in sky numbers, was with her regular vet, but her subsequent ones were with a dental vet. Made me much happier cause Neko had HCM by that point.

When you talk to your vet about some meds to have on hand, just in case, there are some alternative formats for cats that are hard to pill. Ondansetron does come in an injectable format, good for cats who are off their food. I'm currently giving maropitant, which is the generic of Cerenia, as a transdermal that is rubbed inside the ear. The trick that helps give food here is Churu. I give some before, slide in the pill/liquid med, then more Churu.

How many days are you supposed to be giving the Onsior? It's not recommended for more than 3 days.
 
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I have so many meds and various veterinary supplies at home between Leroy and the rats that I basically have my own mini vet hospital 🤪 My vet wants Leroy to stay out of the ER as much as possible so he just gives me whatever meds I need for Leroy. I have everything needed for p-ititis and then some.

Many meds can be compounded. Wedgewood Pharmacy is a popular place but it will take a few days to ship. A local compounding pharmacy may be an option.

If your vet doesn't have much experience with dentals, there are dental specialists in your area.
 
I eventually wound up moving some living room furniture around and found that he'd been squashed under one of the couches for some reason. He's usually a cat who likes to go high, not low, but it was really the only option left. He came out and wandered around and then found me for cuddles, so that's better at least.

I was told to give him the Onsior for 3 days. He's supposed to have the betacilin twice a day for 10 days.

Sorry, I'm a little confused - what's wrong with the betacilin, that you think I should get another antibiotic? Mary recommended this probiotic, which I have ordered - it should arrive tomorrow. It includes s. boulardii, and as it's apparently flavorless, hopefully it won't be hard to get him to consume it, although I'm still not sure how I'll get him to take it if it's not at one of his regular mealtimes (which already include the antibiotic).

Also ... I don't think I have a way to stagger the probiotic and antibiotic, at least not for weekday morning doses, so I'm really not sure what to do there.

As for dental, there is indeed a dental specialist in my area, and they were all set to do Gen's dental procedure in mid-November until they ran some preliminary blood tests. That's when he was re-diagnosed with FD, and they were unwilling to proceed until he was regulated.

I ... frankly can't afford the dental specialist; I couldn't really then, except just barely with the help of a GoFundMe - and more than half of those funds have now been eaten up by hospital visits, expensive prescriptions, etc. My vet, who was on medical leave when we were referred to the specialist, is going to do the dental work instead, and I'm really happy about it. My vet is fantastic, I trust her (far more than her colleague who gave us that referral!), and she's given me an estimate that is more than two-thirds less than the one the specialist gave me, which means I won't have to find a way to sell a kidney or something to make it work at this point. She also won't require me to find someone who is willing to drive us an hour out of town and hang out in the middle of nowhere all day to drive us home (I have people who would like to help, naturally, nobody who can easily give me a day like that, especially a weekday). So while I appreciate the suggestion, we're sticking with her. Even if I weren't happier with her (and I am), financially I don't really have any other choice anyway.

Ugh. Sorry, I feel like I'm just a constant litany of problems and restrictions! Most of it, when you get right down to it, comes of being poor. Financial concerns are starting to become worse and worse as we talk about even more prescriptions, just-in-case supplies, etc. I want to give Gen the best of the best of everything. And I can't. It sucks. 😓
 
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Is Angell not an option? It's close to you. They do have various pet care assistance.

I don't know if regulation is required for a dental. My previous diabetic had a few dentals done and he was never well regulated.

You might be able to get away with probiotics once a day. ECID. Leroy gets Visbiome once a day but he's a total weirdo and nothing really works for him anyways :rolleyes: Could you give the morning dose of probiotic two hours before breakfast and the antibiotic? Just mix in a bit of food or moist treat.
 
Allie & Gen said:
I eventually wound up moving some living room furniture around and found that he'd been squashed under one of the couches for some reason. He's usually a cat who likes to go high, not low, but it was really the only option left. He came out and wandered around and then found me for cuddles, so that's better at least.

I was told to give him the Onsior for 3 days. He's supposed to have the betacilin twice a day for 10 days.

Sorry, I'm a little confused - what's wrong with the betacilin, that you think I should get another antibiotic? Mary recommended this probiotic, which I have ordered - it should arrive tomorrow. It includes s. boulardii, and as it's apparently flavorless, hopefully it won't be hard to get him to consume it, although I'm still not sure how I'll get him to take it if it's not at one of his regular mealtimes (which already include the antibiotic).

Also ... I don't think I have a way to stagger the probiotic and antibiotic, at least not for weekday morning doses, so I'm really not sure what to do there.

As for dental, there is indeed a dental specialist in my area, and they were all set to do Gen's dental procedure in mid-November until they ran some preliminary blood tests. That's when he was re-diagnosed with FD, and they were unwilling to proceed until he was regulated.

I ... frankly can't afford the dental specialist; I couldn't really then, except just barely with the help of a GoFundMe - and more than half of those funds have now been eaten up by hospital visits, expensive prescriptions, etc. My vet, who was on medical leave when we were referred to the specialist, is going to do the dental work instead, and I'm really happy about it. My vet is fantastic, I trust her (far more than her colleague who gave us that referral!), and she's given me an estimate that is more than two-thirds less than the one the specialist gave me, which means I won't have to find a way to sell a kidney or something to make it work at this point. She also won't require me to find someone who is willing to drive us an hour out of town and hang out in the middle of nowhere all day to drive us home (I have people who would like to help, naturally, nobody who can easily give me a day like that, especially a weekday). So while I appreciate the suggestion, we're sticking with her. Even if I weren't happier with her (and I am), financially I don't really have any other choice anyway.

Ugh. Sorry, I feel like I'm just a constant litany of problems and restrictions! Most of it, when you get right down to it, comes of being poor. Financial concerns are starting to become worse and worse as we talk about even more prescriptions, just-in-case supplies, etc. I want to give Gen the best of the best of everything. And I can't. It sucks. 😓
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Wendy meant another probiotic, not antibiotic 😘

The S. Boulardii is very helpful in case of loose stools but I believe there are better probiotics to support gut health while on an antibiotic 💖
 
Allie & Gen said:
(I feel as though I'm coming off as ungrateful for the advice and support. Please believe me, I am not. I am so grateful! I'm just also broke, stressed, and so worried.)
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Allie, Hear the advice and then take or leave it as best fits your circumstances. No one here is pressuring you; they are simply giving advice. You do what is best for you and Gen and your circumstances. If you can roll back/forward the ab dosing time to allow for two hours between ab and probiotic, then that is optimum; if not, do your best. I couldn't, so I gave Jude's probiotic with his food, alongside his ab, and it worked fine--knocked out the diarrhea in two days.The probiotic you ordered has s. boulardii in it plus other strains of good bacteria. I sprinkle it in Jude's food, and he gobbles things up with no issues (and he's very picky when something is amiss with his food). Visbiome is an excellent probiotic; I simply cannot afford it, but it's definitely one to consider if you can afford it.

The LAST thing anyone here wants you to feel is more pressure outside of the constraints you are currently operating under to do something. This is a place of support. You're doing your best, and you are doing A LOT for Gen. That's all you can do.
 
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Mary & Jude said:
Allie, Hear the advice and then take or leave it as best fits your circumstances. No one here is pressuring you; they are simply giving advice. You do what is best for you and Gen and your circumstances. If you can roll back/forward the ab dosing time to allow for two hours between ab and probiotic, then that is optimum; if not, do your best. I couldn't, so I gave Jude's probiotic with his food, alongside his ab, and it worked fine--knocked out the diarrhea in two days.The probiotic you ordered has s. boulardii in it plus other stains of good bacteria. I sprinkle it in Jude's food, and he gobbles things up with no issues (and he's very picky when something is amiss with his food). Visbiome is an excellent probiotic; I simply cannot afford it, but it's definitely one to consider if you can afford it.

The LAST thing anyone here wants you to feel is more pressure outside of the constraints you are currently operating under to do something. This is a place of support. You're doing your best, and you are doing A LOT for Gen. That's all you can do.
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Completely agree, Mary!
Allie, we do the best we can given all of our circumstances.
We are here to support you 🫂💖🥰
 
I'm glad you found Gen's hidey hole and he's come out now.

Fixed my typo above - I did mean a second probiotic. By the way, no restriction with giving s. boulardii and antibiotic at the same time.

I get it on the dental, just wanted to make sure you had explored that option. You can only do what you can do. Sometimes there are vets that aren't trained as dental specialists but still focus on dentals. But if it's your vet you want, then so be it. Now just how to convince her she can do the dental now instead of waiting. As I said, Neko's first dental by her regular vet she was definitely not regulated, started the dental day over 400. :rolleyes: It's quite often that we see people whose vets say they have to be better regulated to have a dental, when in fact cat can't get better regulated without the dental. After Neko's dental, she had 4 days of anaesthesia for her stereotactic radiation therapy (treating her acromegaly) where she also was still sky high.
 
squeem3 said:
I don't know if regulation is required for a dental. My previous diabetic had a few dentals done and he was never well regulated.
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It's the anesthetic that's the issue - Gen needs extractions and possibly other surgical work that require him to be under, and apparently there's heightened risk with unregulated FD. That said, it's somewhat relative, I think. (Also, thank you for the suggestions - Angell would be an option, but I think what I have already is the best one I'll get!)

Staci & Ivy said:
Wendy meant another probiotic, not antibiotic 😘

The S. Boulardii is very helpful in case of loose stools but I believe there are better probiotics to support gut health while on an antibiotic 💖
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OH. 😅 Oh, gotcha, that makes much more sense!

Mary & Jude said:
The LAST thing anyone here wants you to feel is more pressure outside of the constraints you are currently operating under to do something. This is a place of support. You're doing your best, and you are doing A LOT for Gen. That's all you can do.
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Thank you, Mary, for everything you've said. I have been in rough emotional shape today and the part of me that is convinced I'm not doing enough and that it's all my fault is really loud. I need to remember that those things are in my own head, not coming from outside too.

Wendy&Neko said:
Fixed my typo above - I did mean a second probiotic. By the way, no restriction with giving s. boulardii and antibiotic at the same time.

I get it on the dental, just wanted to make sure you had explored that option. You can only do what you can do. Sometimes there are vets that aren't trained as dental specialists but still focus on dentals. But if it's your vet you want, then so be it. Now just how to convince her she can do the dental now instead of waiting. As I said, Neko's first dental by her regular vet she was definitely not regulated, started the dental day over 400. :rolleyes: It's quite often that we see people whose vets say they have to be better regulated to have a dental, when in fact cat can't get better regulated without the dental. After Neko's dental, she had 4 days of anaesthesia for her stereotactic radiation therapy (treating her acromegaly) where she also was still sky high.
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Thank you - I feel silly now for not realizing it was a typo, but with all the new information coming in and the fact that my emotional resources are just really tapped out, I was just not operating beyond surface comprehension! I'll read up a bit more on the probioitic options and see what I can do.

Apparently my vet actually has specialized on dental work to some extent; I gather she started her career with that as more of a focus. In any case, I'll talk to her about the delays. I'm not sure there's any way we could make it work until January at this rate, given holiday constraints and the like, but with the abscess maybe she'll be more willing to step up the urgency on the surgery vs. the BG regulation. (Which I'll keep working at in the meantime.)

Thank you for all the information; you really are incredibly generous with your time and knowledge about all of this.
 
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