4/1 FRED AM=376(1);+4=295; +8=300;+10=344;PM=33(1.)

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Kathleen and Fred

Kathleen and Fred

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Not improving from yesterday. Can walk but still slightly back on haunches - not straight up. Appetite not good. Had to coax several flavors until I grilled some hamburger, which he seemed to like. Gave Forti Flora at 10pm and again at 2am with a snack to prepare his stomach for another round of harsh antibiotics. This morning I'm waiting for food to settle in before giving drug. I think that's a problem now. May get some baby food today.
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1)

I'm behind the curve here, Kathleen. Will the antibiotics be a temporary thing? (I am wondering whether you can work around around the inappetite as temporary.). If not, maybe ask the vet for a appetite stimulant or another type of antibiotic that is more palable? And yes, the baby food may be worth trying also.
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1)

The problem is, after all the tests, MRI, etc. they still don't know what is causing his semi-paralysis on the left side. He's alert and eats (less now), but can't jump up and moves with difficulty. The MRI did reveal a small spot on his cerebellum where motor responses are housed, but they aren't sure if this shows an infection, a tumor, or both. They are waiting for the Univ. of Auburn results on lymphoma, but the Univ. of Color. ruled out infection.

Still, he was only able to lie on his left side last Thursday PM, until the first antibiotic was administered on Sat pm. After that, his legs improved over night and he was able to walk around, even going down stairs - but not up. Now we seem to have leveled. The mobility is not improving but not declining. His appetite is less than normal. He mostly sleeps.

Since they don't know what this is ( now called an "unknown infection") they are recommending that I stick with the course of antibiotics, which run out next Monday. If there's improvement, they will give him another round of antibiotics. If not, there may be nothing else they can do, and he will probably gradually die.

I struggle with what it could be. He was so normal one day and then this struck. This morning I woke up wondering if the raw chicken snacks I give him before cooking it for me, has given him salmonella!! My imagination has no bounds!!

Thanks for your continued help!
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1)

Okay, then we will need to work around the antibiotics. I'd continue with the FortiFlora, try the baby food, offer smaller more frequent meals when possible. Have you tried warming up the food a tiny bit in the microwave, sprinkling it with parmesan cheese or tuna juice or something he really likes. Eating less isn't so bad. Think how some medications throw you off your food.

Please don't spend a minute thinking you have done anything wrong. None of us get out of this life alive and we don't have any idea what tomorrow brings. You didn't throw up your hands in despair when you got the diabetes diagnosis and have him put to sleep like so many people do. You worked hard and diligently to improve his life as a diabetic. You have given him a life filled with love, delicious food and snacks, scratches and warmth. No cat could ask for more. And clearly you are not giving up and will continue to try to make his life worthwhile and comfortable. (just think of what the time outside yesterday must have meant to him). You can only do what you can do, Kathleen.
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1)

Your message made me cry.....but it felt so good to read!!

I warmed up the hamburger this morning and he ate it - not much. I will try the baby food and tuna next, and I think I'll sprinkle the snacks the FFlora when not close to an antibiotic dose.

Thankfully, I can work around my office duties this week and be home more. (I'm a Transaction Coordinator for 3 top Realtors - all of whom are pet lovers).

If you come across anyone who's had a similar experience, I know you'll tell me. Should I post on another page?
Having good and bad moments.....trying to stay hopeful!
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1)

You can always post on Health with the background, possible diagnosis and see if anyone else has had a similar experience. Someone may have some ideas about tempting eating with antibiotics also.
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1);+4=295

Good news! BGs area bit down and he ATE some rotisserie chicken, warm from the market. Ate about 3 oz. and I sprinkled it liberally with FFlora!! Very relieved. Will try to repeat the process with more chicken or baby food (Beechnut meat variety) when I get home around 3pm. Please check back then.
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1);+4=295; +8=300

Kathleen,

Sending prayers that the AB helps Fred to feel better.

Terri
 
Re: 4/1 FRED AM=376(1);+4=295; +8=300;+10=344

Thank you, Teri!

After eating a 11AM snack of rotisserie chicken laced with Forti Flora he seemed to perk up. When I got home for his 3pm snack, he was ready for more chicken (and a little more FF). It was a gorgeous day, so I opened the back door. When he slowly made it to the porch and seemed to enjoy it, I took him down to the garden where he rested under the shade of boxwood. I came back 30 min. later to find him on the top porch step, but unable to go farther. I didn't think he had the power to go UP stairs!

I put him into his fav chair where he slept until another snack (with FF) at 5pm. He was eager to eat the Beechnut chicken w/chicken gravy baby food. Lord knows what the gravy will do to his BGs, but he ate it!! His numbers before the snack were 344. Gradually coming down.

Hope I've given enough FF during the day to keep his tummy from hurting when he gets the nasty antibiotic. Poor little fellow!
 
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