2/4 Blackie amps 334 pmps 360

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Ele & Blackie (GA)

Ele & Blackie (GA)

Member Since 2009
Happy Friday, LL
I am glad its Friday so I can have the weekend to spend with Blackie and see if I can figure out how to help him. He would not eat last night at +6.5 and it was a struggle again this morning to get him to eat. But we did find some success with FF Medleys and then some FF Seafood Feast. He would not even lick his FD Chicken treats. He has also been spending a lot of time sitting up and staring into space - I don't think he's getting a lot of sleep. I found him this morning asleep in his covered litter box and I had to get him out of there twice more later in the morning.

I could be wrong because I have no perspective anymore, but I think he's worse now than when we got back from vacation a week ago. And maybe that's the prednisone. I'll stick with it through this weekend before I give up on it. And we also started the Zofran (Ondansetron) last night, so maybe that will help. I've got to admit I am discouraged, but I'm not giving up hope.

Yesterday: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=35881
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Hi Ele,
I would not give up on the pred so quickly. It can take a week or two for it to become effective (depending on how much inflammation ). When Latte started it, I still had to syringe feed her for almost 2 weeks, and only saw small improvements. I was convinced it was not working until all of a sudden, Bam! It was obviously helping. Also, as Linda mentioned...it is a small dose. You may need to work up a little bit more, then go back down once the initial inflammation is reduced. Please remember steroids should never be stopped cold turkey!. When/if you decide to stop, please consult your vet about weaning Blackie off.

Depending on how severe Blackie's arthritis is, he may still need the gabapentin (sp??). Latte's arthritis was far from taken care of just from the steroid. Of course if you feel he is doing ok just with the steroid, then no need to add more. Just something to keep an eye on.

Are you still giving the bupe daily? That may be contributing to his just sitting and staring. Im not sure how the steroid could do that? I know in people it can make them a little crazy or depressed (it did for me, LOL). I have not heard of experiences or read that being the case in cats. Suppose its always possible.

Do remember that steroids will supress immune response. This means Blackie is more susceptible to infections. With higher numbers (above renal threshold, dumping glucose) he is/will be at greater risk of UTI's. That is the problem we ran in with often. You may consider another u/a soon. You also may need to consider being a tad more aggressive with insulin to get him UNDER renal threshold, if you continue to see him high/flat.

I didnt look at your ss this a.m., but as of last night it looked as if you are giving pred 30 min before shot. If you did that this morning, its likely the reason for the rise @ +2. If he gets good duration from the insulin, you may see a drop around +7, as it wears off. Then again, ecid...so who knows.

Im sorry you are so discouraged. I understand how hard it is to lose perspective when you are with them day in/day out. Analyzing and comparing every movement, behavior, etc. :YMSIGH: Just remember YOU are doing the best job you can, as is Blackie.

(((((((((((((((Ele)))))))))))))))))))
(((((((((((((((Blackie)))))))))))))))))--> feel better cat_pet_icon
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Let me also add...*if* the pred is helping (and no infection present), you may in time actually see Blackies BG's go DOWN. Its because he is feeling better. :mrgreen:
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Sending positive thoughts and healing vines to Blackie. I hope he feels better soon and you too.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Thanks Carolyn. I won't give up on the Pred too soon and I know it has to be stepped down. Blackie hasn't had any bupe for more than 2 weeks, so thats not it. The staring into space and the lying in the LB only started after we started the Pred. I'm wondering if the pred can amplify the effects of the Mirtazapine, because he does get agitated for a few hours after I give the Mirt. I'm thinking about asking the vet if we can switch him to Cyproheptadin. FYI - I'm giving the pred at the same time as the shot and the other meds and he's getting it twice a day.

I'm glad you reminded me of UTI possibilities and high glucose. I've been trying to balance low numbers, bouncing and the pred. He was in blue numbers just 2 days ago, so I hesitate to increase insulin too soon, but I certainly don't want him to stay in the high numbers. I'll be home all weekend and should be able to at least try to figure out what the pred is doing to his numbers.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

(((((((((((((((Ele)))))))))))))))) I hope Blackie responds soon. You have so much to deal with, you have a right to feel frustrated, But don't give up , sending los of nice fresh green vines from CA and all the white light I can find.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

My MIL went to our house and gave Blackie food at +4 and he ate it all. She also reported the big P in the litter box. :smile: She found him laying on top of a tray on my lighted plant shelf, not the litter box. Her report made me feel a little better.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Are you sure the mirtz is helping at all? If it isn't is it worth possible side effects like agitation?

Does Blackie allow for syringe feeding? Most cats adjust really well to this and only takes ten minutes to do.

And how much ondansetron are you giving? Some vets dose a whole 4mg pill because the books say to (Slap head smilie here).

Sending hugs.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Oh (((Ele)))....I just feel your discouragement and I wish we could all give you a real hug instead of a cyber hug. I can only hope and pray and send healing vines for Blackie. I hope he will eat on his own and I hope the pred and cypro will help him. You are doing a fantastic job.
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449

Karrie and Maverick said:
Are you sure the mirtz is helping at all? If it isn't is it worth possible side effects like agitation?

Does Blackie allow for syringe feeding? Most cats adjust really well to this and only takes ten minutes to do.

And how much ondansetron are you giving? Some vets dose a whole 4mg pill because the books say to (Slap head smilie here).

Sending hugs.
Click to expand...
Hi Karrie,
Yes, I do think Mirtz is helping. I give it every other day and when I've delayed it, he will not eat. Within an hour of giving it, he will eat. I have syringe fed Blackie off and on as needed, but lately when I have tried he is dead set against it. I can do it if necessary, but I really want him to eat on his own.

Funny on the ondansetron - my vet did prescribe the whole 4 mg pill, but he also told me that when he read up on it that the dose range was huge. So I followed the dosing on Tanya's site and gave Blackie 1/4 pill. FYI - it was only $13 for 20 pills.

FYI - DH said that Blackie ate really well at +6, so he gave him even more food. :-D
 
Re: 2/4 Blackie amps 334 +2 449 +6 310

I'm so glad to hear that Ele. Glad you read Tanya's site. Most of the cats on the FAF board do well on 1/4 tab twice a day if needed.

Do you mind if I ask where you got that amazing price? Wow. Thats the best I've heard of not from thrivingpets. Great job.

Wishing the ondansetron works well for Blackie. Good to know on the mirtz and the syringe feeding too. At least you have in it your tool chest if you have to go there ;)

Sending more hugs.
 
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