? 2/16/26 Pudge Labs ARE UP.. good news, some not so but to be expected... AMPS 142 +2 121 +3 84 +4 96

[kitten68]

2/15/26 Prev Thread Pudgles

..his BUN and creatinine have both gone down.. .. but hes anemic now. i been trying to get some advice on B12 injectable dose but vet not there til yesterday/today to get some.. (asked.. but other vet couldnt advise; i didnt get an answer..) need to do the B complex also.. could be another reason why hes weak and tired, difficulty walking..

i go today to learn how to do it through IV.. also understand can do it like the insulin; sub q.. i need to comb through threads..

his potassium is same despite getting his supplement…. been about 7-8 days.. so… vet things hes got ulcers maybe.. everywhere possibly gi related. thats really upsetting. because we should see an improvement; as its not being taken up absorbed.. so they also prescribed injectable Famotidine.. to help w the acid and toxins i guess.. idk. but wut think?

his liver values gone up too, milk thistle already started back up….

….been so many things. been doing best but its lacking. just gonna try to get his labs posted/up…. also if i read it correctly, he got some blood in his urine.. smh. and they said his urinalysis looked ok…… i need to check closer (the records they sent a mess but have the labs separate so will look/post…..)

BG numbers ok.. will see how today goes..

just should know better by now then to trust when they say things ok….. trying to keep up..

 

[xelo y sinver]

I'm sorry, it can be disconcerting to trust veterinarians. I've been in that situation before. It seems we sometimes know more than they do, even though they have veterinary degrees. I'd advise you to rule things out, just to know what might happen. You've mentioned too many things, and I'd be just like you, my head full of uncertainty.

 

[kitten68]

Medication this morning went absolutely terribly.. everything has gone smoothly, but if i dont force things or supervise them closely they just seem to go wrong.. i was juggling testing and him getting his Cerenia at the same time because it was due and was giving him his plate w his little pill pocket and treats and the Cerenia got stuck in his mouth.. he chewed it up. and of course i realize hes due too for his Mirtaz so hes already feeling sour.. plus this bitter pill. now hes sorta off food and not eating well.. now idk how his eating will go for the next 24 hrs.

so i felt safest only giving half dose..

Its all too much. I swear.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

Medication this morning went absolutely terribly.. everything has gone smoothly, but if i dont force things or supervise them closely they just seem to go wrong.. i was juggling testing and him getting his Cerenia at the same time because it was due and was giving him his plate w his little pill pocket and treats and the Cerenia got stuck in his mouth.. he chewed it up. and of course i realize hes due too for his Mirtaz so hes already feeling sour.. plus this bitter pill. now hes sorta off food and not eating well.. now idk how his eating will go for the next 24 hrs.

so i felt safest only giving half dose..

Its all too much. I swear.

You’re doing the best you can. Breathe and believe tomorrow will go better.
You’re handling a lot and it is very hard. Please give yourself lots of grace

Pudge loves and appreciates you and your loving care

Keep pushing for answers and advice from the vets and keep reading on the forums and asking for others’ opinions and expertise

Hang in there

 

[kitten68]

You’re doing the best you can. Breathe and believe tomorrow will go better.
You’re handling a lot and it is very hard. Please give yourself lots of grace

Pudge loves and appreciates you and your loving care

Keep pushing for answers and advice from the vets and keep reading on the forums and asking for others’ opinions and expertise

Hang in there

trying…. thanks so much for your encouragement… feel pretty defeated today. HUGSHUGSHUGS….

 

[kitten68]

@Suzanne & Darcy @Wendy&Neko @tiffmaxee ..

 

[kitten68]

also.. im combing through trying to find the capsules you recommended.. by chance mind giving link again?.. sorry.. @Suzanne & Darcy

 

[kitten68]

and Jarrow’s B complex?.. @Suzanne & Darcy im trying to put everything together.. things are t so good rn..

 

[Wendy&Neko]

What comments did the vet have on the labs?

What concerns me about the labs is the hematocrit (HCT). Did the vet say anything about him being anemic? Also, his phosphorus numbers are going the wrong direction. Are you giving the prescribed amount of binder with each meal? And potassium is still too low, are you giving any potassium supplement?

FYI - it can be helpful for those of us looking at the labs if you put the values out of range in either bold or red text, or something like that. Makes it less work to find those out of range.

There are lots of capsules on Amazon, or Capsuline (on sale today). I managed to get some blank #4's from my local compounding pharmacy to tide me over until the on line order came.

 

[kitten68]

::UPDATE::

Labs now really up!!! (and bolded.. best I could see rn)

so sorry I didn't update the SS properly...... I forgot I got the one for the kidneys and ours here is separate.. either way just added the most recent values from yesterday.

went to vet and learned how to give B12 and Famotidine (when use..) through line. also got some supplies and dosing advice.. Ondansetron, Cerenia. these medications, all the vet visits, tests, ultrasounds...... adds up. these medicines.. I swear. they taking us for a ride. $50 for Famotidine that is about...... 8 doses, 1x/day. what a racket. and the Cerenia! ugh........ of course, btw, I thought they'd have Cerenia back at old new vet, they don't. so we totally out.... contemplating using the Ondansetron and then going to old one to get some Cerenia and give that..... called ER, told fine to use both as been told here and on kidney board. I understand Cerenia is superior because it actually has anti-emetic properties, meaning stops vomiting, Ondansetron mostly stops nausea... something or other. (and that for cats, you don't want them vomiting if you can help it.) \\ thing is too, new vet says instead of 1/2 tablet for Cerenia we could even do a 1/4............. thoughts???? im just nervous it won't hold and he'll feel sick. :/

: btw, should we use injectable Famotidine?... I been asking but haven't heard much. vet thinks lack of potassium increase/absorption might be related to ulcers.. and Famotidine supposed to help? but im afraid of reducing his acid too much.. protects you.. but maybe in this case, he could use it?

..............incorporating everything and trying to do it all in a short time has... drained me and depressed me. but I did it, and am trying to do it all.. buying the capsules so maybe can get the B complex in and the ALOH.. contemplating using Niacinimide. im trying to read through the webpages.. trying to be calm w his insulin, and be calm about his eating... its been a lot. but im glad we can do what we can.. and try to make up for all the foolishness that allowed this to go on for so long. it really upsets me..... idk why it happened this way. again alas.

@Wendy&Neko @Suzanne & Darcy

 

[kitten68]

What comments did the vet have on the labs?

What concerns me about the labs is the hematocrit (HCT). Did the vet say anything about him being anemic? Also, his phosphorus numbers are going the wrong direction. Are you giving the prescribed amount of binder with each meal? And potassium is still too low, are you giving any potassium supplement?

FYI - it can be helpful for those of us looking at the labs if you put the values out of range in either bold or red text, or something like that. Makes it less work to find those out of range.

There are lots of capsules on Amazon, or Capsuline (on sale today). I managed to get some blank #4's from my local compounding pharmacy to tide me over until the on line order came.

.. well she was happy about his kidney values.. not concerned again about his phosphorus, and had some things to say on potassium... and right, concerned about his HCT.... said he's anemic now and also thinks lack of potassium increase/absorption might be related to ulcers.. he could have ulcers all over inside...... and Famotidine supposed to help? but im afraid of reducing his acid too much.. protects you.. but maybe in this case, he could use it? how does this work w everything else? I guess I need to read Tanyas somehow cause they mention antacids, acid reducers, etc...but honestly. idk. I got some in case anyway.. its in fridge (injectable too..) I assumed pills would be cheaper....

Bolded the things; hopefully caught em all..

right!! thank you.. I will look. it was suggested I use size 5.. think will try. is there a special tool to get the powders in tho?.. cause small..

 

[Wendy&Neko]

new vet says instead of 1/2 tablet for Cerenia we could even do a 1/4............. thoughts

Dosing is based on weight of cat, how much does he weight. Also, Cerenia comes in different size tablets, what do you have? FWIW, there is a generic out now call maropitant that might be cheaper if cost is a concern.

btw, should we use injectable Famotidine?

Pepcid (the regular kind) is famotidine. It's pills but a lot cheaper. You are the one who can see if he's having acid problems, like burping. Or maybe the vet can tell if it's something he needs.

is there a special tool to get the powders in tho?.. cause small..

You can buy tiny funnels, search for that on Amazon. Or just take a piece of paper and wrap it to make a funnel. I couldn't source size 5 gel caps locally, had to order on line for that.

 

[kitten68]

Dosing is based on weight of cat, how much does he weight. Also, Cerenia comes in different size tablets, what do you have? FWIW, there is a generic out now call maropitant that might be cheaper if cost is a concern.


Pepcid (the regular kind) is famotidine. It's pills but a lot cheaper. You are the one who can see if he's having acid problems, like burping. Or maybe the vet can tell if it's something he needs.

You can buy tiny funnels, search for that on Amazon. Or just take a piece of paper and wrap it to make a funnel. I couldn't source size 5 gel caps locally, had to order on line for that.

.. hes around 13 lbs (?) ~ we got the 24 mg and he gets 1/2.. and that’s the one we get.. paying $33.99 for 4 tablets (8 doses..) .. looks like a generic, says Maropitant on it.. he needs it tho. Will see!

Right! i was thinking for time being to help him through.. idk. She says the potassium maybe not absorbing as well cause of ulcers.. famotidine could help.. (?)

and thats an idea!!! will try that im gonna see tho about a funnel too..

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

$50 for Famotidine that is about...... 8 doses, 1x/day. what a racket. and the Cerenia! ugh........ of course, btw, I thought they'd have Cerenia

Is that injectable? I buy over the counter Pecid AC, regular strength (10 mg) and give 1/4 tablet. It’s a lot cheaper. But Pudge won’t be pilled? Does he need Famotidine? Is he vomiting foam in the morning on an empty stomach? Why does the vet think he has gastric issues (although they are common with CKD so it’s possible.) Slippery Elm Bark can really help in this area too.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Cheapest places I have found for Cerenia are Allivet and Chewy. I never buy it directly from the vet. I buy 16 tablets at a time so it’s a little less. The price of Cerenia has more than doubled in the last few years. There is a generic form (Maropitant) available so you could try to find out about that.

 

[kitten68]

Is that injectable? I buy over the counter Pecid AC, regular strength (10 mg) and give 1/4 tablet. It’s a lot cheaper. But Pudge won’t be pilled? Does he need Famotidine? Is he vomiting foam in the morning on an empty stomach? Why does the vet think he has gastric issues (although they are common with CKD so it’s possible.) Slippery Elm Bark can really help in this area too.

sigh.. $50 injectable down the tubes i guess. haha. she prescribed it to maybe help w possible ulcers cause she thinks thats why the potassium hasnt changed tho hes getting the supplement everyday.. two scoops.. ..

i hear his tummy gurgle from time to time.. but no vomiting or anything.. and depending on how big the pill, we could do that..

now someone commented on the kidney board was like thats the wrong thing to give for ulcers.. (suzanne ive just about had it w vets.. ..)

 

[kitten68]

Cheapest places I have found for Cerenia are Allivet and Chewy. I never buy it directly from the vet. I buy 16 tablets at a time so it’s a little less. The price of Cerenia has more than doubled in the last few years. There is a generic form (Maropitant) available so you could try to find out about that.

will look there!! stuck today tho.. cuz things have been insane for days…. the wretched vet didnt have any.. and the old one gonna take an hour.. so it’ll be a little late for him.. sigh. im hoping it doesnt put him off his food.. cause still got Mirtaz in his system.. need to go get some.

 

[kitten68]

What comments did the vet have on the labs?

What concerns me about the labs is the hematocrit (HCT). Did the vet say anything about him being anemic? Also, his phosphorus numbers are going the wrong direction. Are you giving the prescribed amount of binder with each meal? And potassium is still too low, are you giving any potassium supplement?

FYI - it can be helpful for those of us looking at the labs if you put the values out of range in either bold or red text, or something like that. Makes it less work to find those out of range.

There are lots of capsules on Amazon, or Capsuline (on sale today). I managed to get some blank #4's from my local compounding pharmacy to tide me over until the on line order came.

yes! me too.. doctor as well.. but kidney board thinks btw that the infection might be causing the anemia im trying to use the binder but he dont like it.. bought some capsules today. potassium has been given two scoops everyday since the 8th..

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

As for the B12 injections, subcutaneously, I would not stress over it a tremendous amount, generally, you should give .25 ML in an insulin syringe. Take the insulin syringe (U-100) draw it back to the 25 units mark. That equals .25 mL. Give the B12 once per week for the first few weeks — after that, give it to him twice a month. Of course, you’re still going to be giving the B complex in the little gelatin capsules — and that would be 1/10 of a Jarrow B Right B complex capsule given once daily. That amount can actually be put into a size 5 gelatin capsule if absolutely necessary — I prefer the size 4 capsules because they are easier to fill— but the smaller you go with the capsule the harder it is to get that B12 powder from the larger size human capsule into the tiny size 5 gelatin capsule. Those little otoscopes from Amazon can act as little funnels to fill the capsules.

$50 injectable down the tubes i guess

well the injectable may just be easier for you.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

someone commented on the kidney board was like thats the wrong thing to give for ulcers..

Well, it (Pepcid/Famotidine) will reduce stomach acid so it may help him, but if there is really an actual ulcer (which I don’t know if you have evidence for, or if it’s just a hunch of the vet’s) then I believe Sucralfate is prescribed. I sure hope you won’t have to use that! It’s difficult to get into the cat. Again, Slippery Elm Bark is helpful for excess stomach acid and GI ulcers. I would just try the Famotidine injections and see if it makes a positive difference for Pudge.

 

[kitten68]

As for the B12 injections, subcutaneously, I would not stress over it a tremendous amount, generally, you should give .25 ML in an insulin syringe. Take the insulin syringe (U-100) draw it back to the 25 units mark. That equals .25 mL. Give the B12 once per week for the first few weeks — after that, give it to him twice a month. Of course, you’re still going to be giving the B complex in the little gelatin capsules — and that would be 1/10 of a Jarrow B Right B complex capsule given once daily. That amount can actually be put into a size 5 gelatin capsule if absolutely necessary — I prefer the size 4 capsules because they are easier to fill— but the smaller you go with the capsule the harder it is to get that B12 powder from the larger size human capsule into the tiny size 5 gelatin capsule. Those little otoscopes from Amazon can act as little funnels to fill the capsules.

well the injectable may just be easier for you.

.. doctor recommended .4 mL 1-2x/week.. too much?.. did first dose yesterday and i could tell he felt really improved .. and ahh ok!! i ordered them and theyre to come today.. will find the Jarrow B Right..

and yeah.. maybe so. least for time being.. i can just put through the line also.. cuz the syringes i have are massive, frm the vet.. also having hard time finding some 1cc’s… im lost w that. i tried looking up ones they gave me but dont see em..

 

[kitten68]

Well, it (Pepcid/Famotidine) will reduce stomach acid so it may help him, but if there is really an actual ulcer (which I don’t know if you have evidence for, or if it’s just a hunch of the vet’s) then I believe Sucralfate is prescribed. I sure hope you won’t have to use that! It’s difficult to get into the cat. Again, Slippery Elm Bark is helpful for excess stomach acid and GI ulcers. I would just try the Famotidine injections and see if it makes a positive difference for Pudge.

.. i read that Pepcid indeed dose treat ulcers etc.. even heals them.. but doctor is surmising the ulcers.. because the potassium remains the same even w the supplement.. so i guess absorption issue.. idk.. and the kidney board said same! Sucralfate.. tho sounds terrible… im gonna see on Slippery Elm..

think so to try Famotidine? part of me is afraid to reduce his acid.. acid protects, kills bugs etc.. but maybe he could use it rn? idk..

his tummy gurgles loud sometimes.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

.. doctor recommended .4 mL 1-2x/week.. too much?.. did first dose yesterday and i could tell he felt really improved .. and ahh ok!! i ordered them and theyre to come today.. will find the Jarrow B Right..

and yeah.. maybe so. least for time being.. i can just put through the line also.. cuz the syringes i have are massive, frm the vet.. also having hard time finding some 1cc’s… im lost w that. i tried looking up ones they gave me but dont see em..

Well that dosing schedule is what my vet gave me for my cat, I would follow his/her schedule for Pudge because he may be trying to really trying to hit it hard initially. I think you should be able to extend the time between shots out very soon. I like using the insulin syringes because they’re so tiny. You just need to know that 25 units on a U-100 is .25 mL. 30 units on a U-100 is .30 mL. That may be the most your insulin syringes hold though? So if you’re giving .4 mL then you may need to use the tuberculin syringes (which is probably what the vet gave you.)

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

.. i read that Pepcid indeed dose treat ulcers etc.. even heals them.. but doctor is surmising the ulcers.. because the potassium remains the same even w the supplement.. so i guess absorption issue.. idk.. and the kidney board said same! Sucralfate.. tho sounds terrible… im gonna see on Slippery Elm..

think so to try Famotidine? part of me is afraid to reduce his acid.. acid protects, kills bugs etc.. but maybe he could use it rn? idk..

his tummy gurgles loud sometimes.

Does he ever vomit foam in the morning?

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

And it can take some time for oral potassium supplementation to raise the blood levels. Maybe you should do three scoops? Can’t hurt since he was quite low — as long as you are going to recheck his levels in a few weeks. How is the walking?

 

[kitten68]

Does he ever vomit foam in the morning?

no.. nope.

Well that dosing schedule is what my vet gave me for my cat, I would follow his/her schedule for Pudge because he may be trying to really trying to hit it hard initially. I think you should be able to extend the time between shots out very soon. I like using the insulin syringes because they’re so tiny. You just need to know that 25 units on a U-100 is .25 mL. 30 units on a U-100 is .30 mL. That may be the most your insulin syringes hold though? So if you’re giving .4 mL then you may need to use the tuberculin syringes (which is probably what the vet gave you.)

he seemed to feel so good on it id like to do 2x/week if wouldnt hurt him.. ok will do that..

and id prefer it too! i could just use two u100 syringes?.. and i see on conversion!!
so 1 unit is .01 mL?

i got so many extras i deemed insufficient for insulin.. (some can be weird.. not made well.. but for this might be ok?..)

And it can take some time for oral potassium supplementation to raise the blood levels. Maybe you should do three scoops? Can’t hurt since he was quite low — as long as you are going to recheck his levels in a few weeks. How is the walking?

hm!! i wondered that too.. so, we have it (The Famotidine..) if need to start.. think to do 3 scoops? his walking has improved a lot; can actually walk, tho not .. that could be the phosphorus tho or other things idk..