5/16 Six update

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Amy and Six

Amy and Six

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Hello LL!

Six and I apologize for the lack of communication. Between the end of the school year (two more weeks :-D ) and trying to get a grip on what's going on with him, it just hasn't left me with much time to post.

On Wednesday 5/12 our vet called with the latest spec-fPL. This one he had fasted for 10 hours for the test. The results came back at 9.5. (normal is under 3.5). He's had three spec-fPLs -
Feb = 16, April = 20, May = 9.

I had already started doing some research on chronic pancreatits before the latest results came in, but once I heard the results it confirmed in my gut that Six is a chronic pancreatitis cat vs. the triaditis that was being thrown out there by the internist. Six did have an u/s in November at the time of his dx, but the internist stated at the time the pancreas looked fine. I haven't decided if I want to pursue another u/s.

I'm sort of in a holding pattern right now. I'm trying to get as much reading done as possible and figure out what else, if anything, I can do to help Six. He is happy, eating like a horse, and going outside. One of my greatest concerns is not treating him for pain, if he is experiencing it. I experimented with giving pain meds this week (bupe) to see if it changed his behavior and/or numbers. I didn't see any noticeable differences. I'm spending lots of time watching him - trying to figure out what are his symptoms when a flare-up begins or if he has pain in this chronic state. He's loving all the additional attention. :lol:

His numbers haven't been horrible, but they also haven't been like they used to be. I would really like to see him get back to his steady freddy green surfing he used to do. I'm assuming if I can keep him in the decent green range it's just better for him period and possible better for the pancreatitis. That's an assumption I'm currently making - not based on any research I have read.

I decided to take his insulin up to 1.5 IU this morning. I would like some feedback on whether that was a good decision. His numbers stink today - maybe a fur shot? I didn't think so, but who knows.

Sending many :YMHUG: to all our friends in LL.
 
Hi Amy, I was wondering how Six was doing. It looks like the most recent test result is somewhat better than the previous tests? (Sorry, I don't know how to interpret these things.) In any event, if he is happy, eating, and doing all cat things, that's a good sign. He may just be going through a period of higher numbers in general. That's what's happening with Stu, also. Maybe it's spring??
Anyway, it's great to see you back. Stu missed his pal, Six. Good luck with all your reading and I hope that someone with knowledge of Six's diagnosis will be able to give you some good advice. Hang in there!

Ella & Stu

P.S. from Stu: Hey buddy, you can visit me any time you want. We'll have a great time watching birds, eating grass and weeds,etc.!

Stu
 
I think the dose increase was a good idea. Just keep checking because it might only take a few shots at this dose to bump him back down.

CP is tough sometimes. Some cats make it easy to tell when they're having a flare, but some sure don't. Probably the easiest way for you to tell will be to keep an eye on his numbers and see if they trend upward. Somebody here said that if they see their cat drinking water, they know he is having a flare. Also if he usually eats like a horse, and one day doesn't want to eat or doesn't attack his food as usual, that might mean he's not feeling 100%. Hopefully his flares are very mild and very infrequent.
 
It's good to see you guys!
Sorry to hear about p-titis numbers though. It's so hard to know what to do when you really don't have much in the way of signs.
Shadoe was easy for me - she turned into a meatloaf and would eat or drink and looked really sick. After that big attack I started to add water to all of her foods just to ward off the water issue. She was literally like a wilted flower and after giving SQuids and some bupe with the transdermal gel codeine after the first few day for pain, she perked right up! She I could see signs.
Now Oliver is different. I took him for his draw for acro and said test him for everything else too while we are here, and wouldn't you know it, he comes back with a above range value for p-titis. Who knew? Not me!

I guess this is where it comes to that ECID and when you know your cat, you can read the signs if you look closely. I just keep adding water to their foods and watch them.

I don't know much about the difference between Xrays and u/s to look at organs or search for problems. When I looked at Shadoe's u/s I couldn't see a thing so I am glad the experts can see the organs and measure them and look for problems, I can't.

What's an u/s going to show and what about an Xray? Xrays could contribute in some ways to understanding Six's status, right? Or are Xrays something that is done before any u/s? Just wondering but I hope he's feeling better soon.
 
I agree that it's an ECID thing. I spent this afternoon with Cyn/Cosmo and she mentioned that for Cosmo, she knows he's starting a flare if he isn't interested in treats. When that happens, she has her p'titis toolkit and gives squids, Pepsid (she has it in a sub-q form and I think she give it with the squids, and bupe.

I'd suggest changing your subject line to ask how people know when their cat is starting a flare and/or cross posting on Health. While Six may be unique in how he lets you know he's having a flare, at least you will know the full range of what people see. I think the idea is to catch the flare as early as possible.
 
Gee Amy...it's good to hear from you....I am no help with the p-titis at all...but I am sending you and Six lots of hugs and good wishes...glad to hear he is eating and acting ok. Good luck with the next two weeks...take good care of yourself and say hi to Six from us... :YMHUG:
 
Hi Amy,

Sorry to hear about Six's DX, but glad he is happy and eating. Sending along some healing vines for Six and hope he continues to feel better.
Keep us updated when you can get a chance.
Good luck with exams and have a relaxing summer.

jan and sara
 
Hi Amy
Hugs to Six. I have no opinions or knowledge od CP but everyday I hope to see a post to know how both of you are doing.
Max has been sitting on my lap a lot. I will whisper to him to get back on the keyboard and starn chatting with his buddy to make sure he feels better.
Miss you guys so much!
 
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