6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everybody!

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julie & punkin (ga)

julie & punkin (ga)

Member Since 2011
yesterday

yesterday's lethargy was just in prep for today's wildness! there was major kitty wrestling (ie, longer than 30 seconds) and kitty chasing, kitty sliding on the wood floors, kitty banging into the walls . . . and then the conqueror gave a satisfied snuggle with his nanners. it was a very satisfying morning for punkin. :-D
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232

Hi guys .. what a nice post to read .. love hearing about punkins wild ways :-D have a great day!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255

I just got this email back from the veterinary dentist that serves this area:
The information you have gotten re diabetic animals is correct. Inflammation and pain interfere with management because they cause release of endogenous corticosteroids which interfere with insulin effectiveness. I see many cats that have had lower teeth removed that have ongoing problems from interference with the upper teeth. It is also highly possible that we have some retained root tips or exposed bone from the previous extractions causing ongoing inflammation and infection. The only way to verify this is with dental xrays under anesthesia. It is also possible that dental xrays will show additional pathology that could be causing problems (this is the case about 20% of the time).

I would be happy to take a look at Punkin. I am in Eugene next Wed (6/8) and at Eastgate 6/15. I could see you in Eugene on Wed 6/8 at 9:30 if that works for you? We could also schedule a lunch time appointment (12:30 on another day) to do an evaluation and discuss what Punkin needs, but a procedure would be scheduled for another day if we do that. From experience, I would venture to guess that Punkin will need intraoral dental xrays under anesthesia to fully evaulate the problems. I take care of any of these during the same anesthetic procedure (removing retained root tips if they are present and/or shortening the upper teeth to minimize trauma, etc.) so that we minimize the times he has to 'go under'.
Click to expand...

so i'm taking him in next Wednesday and hopefully we'll get the tooth issue resolved. I don't know how much it has to do with the current dose, question on acro/iaa or ? but at least i'll feel better for knowing it is or isn't his tooth. i can tell it still is bothering him some and i don't want him to be constantly on antibiotics!

although he's so excited for me to toss them in the little pill pockets onto the floor that i do find that highly amusing!

ETA: :o she just emailed me again to say it would be $1,000-$1,500 for the treatment, depending on what they do! I didn't expect that.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

aw blech.

well test results are in - he's got acromegaly. iaa was 7%, insulin growth factor was 281. so we plod on and try to make the best of it. at least we know why he needs so much insulin, at least we can manage it the most appropriate way.

i'm curious about that oceotide (sp?) trial that is going on. i guess i'll try to get more info on that.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

((( Julie ))) I'm sorry about the diagnosis, but you are already doing really well with Punkin and that won't change. Just keep doing what you're doing but aim for blues more so than greens and be aware that his needs can change quickly. Keep lots of HC on hand in case you need to bring him up some time - acros can need more HC when they go low because they tend to have functional pancreases.

I know there's at least one FDMB kitty in the Oce. trial but I'm working right now and can't check that for you. I'll be back later.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Aw...I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis. But, Punkin is in the best hands with you on his side!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

well, phooey. Sorry about the acro dx. Like you said, at least we know the reason for his doses and his variable response. It's still not news you want to hear, though. I am glad, though, that you, Bev, and Squirrel can be a built in support system for each other. I can't think of a better group to tackle this with.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Sorry about the diagnosis. Nina offered some good thoughts. From what's out there, the results on the use of Octreotide seem inconclusive at this point. If I remember, there are some costs involved in the study so if you're looking to get info, make sure you check into that aspect.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

thanks ladies, for your thoughts. i know we'll all need your advice as we muddle through. so far he's dipped low several times and i've had no trouble bringing him up, although i suppose that may change as the tumor changes. does it? yes, i can't think of better people than Bev & Lauren to be newbies in this with. we'll count on all of you with more acro experience for your guidance!

the link on fdmb to that study say that the owner is only responsible for the cost of the local vet for a once a month blood draw and exam. i'm wondering if my vet would be willing to reduce the cost of that. CSU pays for the shipping, meds and blood reviews for 6 months.

does anyone know people/cats already participating in that study that i could chat with?

i have to admit that i was shocked by the estimate in the second email from the vet dental specialist and now i'm re-evaluating the wisdom of that. wish my crystal ball was working better! ;-)

the vet emailed me the results and said he'd like to talk with me tomorrow about it. i'll ask his thoughts about the teeth issue then.

the thing with a diagnosis like this - my mom was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 98, but she died in 2006 basically from the consequences of a broken leg. at that point the leukemia, which i cried great buckets over, never was even bad enough to treat. that experience is helping me keep this diagnosis in perspective.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

(((Julie)))
I am sorry for the Acro diagnosis.
I am in awe at how you handled the intial FD diagnosis and how much you learned so I have no doubt you will handle this the same way.

I agree with Libby that it is nice that you will have a support system.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

hmmm, well i can't tell time, apparently! i screwed up on that one. making dinner for us, looking at the clock, thinking 6:45 is where we are at for shots right now. got the insulin ready, gave him the pill pockets (loved seeing them bounce on the floor and punkin attack them!) and daryl got his food ready. anya watching silently, punkin cheering us on "mrow, purr purr, mrow, purr, purr" i set the food down and punkin's face fell into his bowl. i lifted up a tent, then i asked "what time is it?" and yup, it's 5:45. ohmygod_smile

so i picked the bowl up (sorry babe!) and put it in a drawer so he wouldn't get into it. the cats looked so betrayed! cat(2)_steam

punkin retreated to console himself on the nanners. he looks exhausted. probably the disappointment. :lol:

so i've messed up his BG number, but the +11 is 261. i guess we know it's safe to shoot in an hour! :lol:
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

((((Julie)))) I stopped by your condo even before I posted Gus' #s for today because I was so hopeful that you would have better news. I am sorry. I truly know how you feel ;-) Our acro boys are lucky to have us, not forgetting Linda, too. We'll learn together.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Hi Julie,
So sorry to hear about Punkin's acro dx. You have a great attitude and you have a great acro support group and you have all the rest of us to lean on, so I think that you will do just fine with Punkin. As for tonight's dinner and shot, well, Punkin has lots to look forward to and he won't hold it against you that you couldn't tell time earlier this evening!!

The dental thing seems really expensive, but that is often the case with specialists. Is there another vet you trust to do the procedure(s)? Do front teeth really need to be shortened?? Rusty has two front lower teeth and no front upper teeth. They do not appear to cause him any difficulties.

Anyway, get a good night's sleep and try not to dwell on Punkin's issues tonight. He's your Punkin and nothing has changed about that. Tomorrow he'll be tearing around the kitchen again, sliding on the floors, being himself.

Hugs, many hugs, :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

(((((((Julie and Punkin))))))

I'm sorry about the dx, but Punkin has the best momma, with the best attitude and will handle this acro like a pro! Even if she can't tell time it's still ok Punkin! :lol:
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Hi Julie, just catching up on your condo and so sorry to hear about the Acro diagnosis. You already know so much and have a good support of Acro Beans, so you will be just fine and your positive attitude, too. I just got done paying over $700.00 for Maggie's dental, and that was only one resorbtive lesion toothie, so I'm not too surprised at your estimate. This was for meds. X-rays and everything Sending some positive thoughts and vines for you and Punkin.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Poor Punkin...to be teased with dinner an hour early :lol: ! I can only imagine how well that would go over in my house.

With his dental issues...if it were me and I definitely had the means, I would investigate. Trixie's dental, with her 7 extractions, cost $1400. We really didn't have it to spend, but I can't imagine doing anything differently. She had 6 teeth that were broken off at the crowns, and I don't doubt that those roots were causing her discomfort - at best. At tthe very least, I would find out what the specialist has to say, and go from there. I think the only way to know for sure what is going on in his mouth is to have those x-rays done, and in the long run, dental issues can cause a whole host of other health issue with his heart and kidneys and such. Just a thought.

As long as Punkin has his MamaBean, has Nanners, and Anya's leftovers, life is good, right?
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Hi Julie - I am sorry about punkin acro dx. It never is news that anyone wants to hear. At least now you have a reason for the high dosage. I am sorry... It is good though that Gus and Tommy and now Punkin are in this together, and can support one another. - along with the acro group.

Very interesting info from the vet on the teeth/gum issue. So sorry for the expense, though I guess I am not surprised... I wish you luck with Punkin.

Have a great evening - hope punkin does too. Maybe some blues for you Punkin? Mannie says you should come to the OTJ party - lots of fun and fuds for all the kitties.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Julie, I've come over to your condo so many times since you posted the acro diagnosis, but I just haven't been able to write anything. I've always felt like you, Bev, Squirrel, and me, plus a couple others, were a group. We all joined this board about the same time and have gotten to know each other's kitties so well. Now all of you have had an acro diagnosis and it's just kind of scary!! I know you always thought Punkin had the characteristics of an acro cat, but I wouldn't even know what to look for. Champ's always been a big cat...people with small dogs who see Champ always joke that Champ could eat their dog for a snack. He has a big head, but is that just because he's a big cat? And what is considered a big tongue in a cat? I don't have another cat here to compare it to so I don't know. Champ is on a relatively high dose of insulin for what most cats are on, though not nearly as much as Punkin, Gus, or Tommy. Now I don't know if I should be worried. I know I could just get the test done, but even if money wasn't an issue, I just don't know if I want to know. I probably don't even need to be worrying about this, but I'm a champion worrier from way back and just can't seem to help myself. :roll:

Anyway, I know Punkin is in the best hands possible. You seem to be very levelheaded with a great sense of humor so I don't see this defeating you at all. Punkin is one lucky kitkat!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

I am sorry to hear about the DX, I don't really know what to say other than Punkin is in really good, loving hands with you. You always go above and beyond to help others and seek out information, I have no doubt that you will do anything less in this situation and take good care of your boy.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

::hugs:: he's still your boy, and that won't change, nor will his love of nanners, kisses, or his membership in the clean plate club ;) i'm glad you know, and take it step by step, day by day, one breath at a time.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 blech

Julie, I love your perspective about the acro dx, good for you. I'm sorry to hear it, but it doesn't change much...you know what works for Punkin, but now you know you have to watch for sudden changes in his insulin needs. That knowledge will help you make better decisions.

I was doing some reading about the Octreotide study too, one thing you do want to keep in mind is that if the medication works well for him, the study is only for 6 months, and then you would have to pay for the medication yourself if you want to continue it, and it's not an inexpensive med. I'm not trying to discourage you...just mentioning it.

I'm :lol: :lol: :lol: at your description of the aborted dinner routine!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

Bummed to see Punkin's diagnosis, but your positive, upbeat attitude brought me a smile. You are such a great advocate for his care and well-being, and I know that this diagnosis will just better equip you to meet his needs. While not happy about any kitty's acro diagnosis, I'm happy that you guys don't have to deal with it alone. ((hugs)) Hope you have a restful evening!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

i saw the study was for 6 months and then the meds are too expensive - can't recall now what they said, but something like $1,000/month. still have a kid in college . . . and i actually quit my "job" today - it was too loosey-goosey for me and i was not feeling ok about it. too much mental energy, zero creativity and not enough $$.

back to topic, it describes the octreotide in the study as "long-lasting" so maybe the effects are too? i don't know, i would like more info. i doubt that anyone knows yet because this is a study designed to learn all of that.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

julie, you need a serious spa day.
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

julie, i'm late to this, but wanted to tell you how sorry i am about the diagnosis. like the others have already said, the up side is you now know what you're dealing with. we're here with you every step of the way!

i'll try to upload the study here for those who are interested in reading.

(((hugs)))
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

Julie: I'm sorry about the diagnosis but all are right....you have learned so much, come so far, done so much for Punkin, and I think you look awesome in my patience pants....hmmm...that sounds a little kinky but heck ...it's late at night and probably only you and maybe Patty will read this. :lol: :lol: :lol: I'm so proud of you....you are amazing!!! I know you will handle this as you have handled it all....with a fantastic attitude and doing the best for your boy.

Big hugs!!
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

heehee, made me laugh. lurkers lurkers everywhere, marjorie! i might've mentioned it to mike too! :cool:
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

Hi Jules! I had watched that video before (still love it!), but never noticed his tongue. Okay....he has a human-sized tongue in his little bitty head!!! I don't think I've ever looked at Champ when he's bathing. I'm going to have to watch him now!!! :-D
 
Re: 6/2 punkin amps232 +3/196 +6/255 pmps +3/214 thks everyb

yeah, i didn't notice it until this week when i saw anya's. anya's is probably 1/4 the size of punkin's - and yes, his looks human-sized now. not something you really ever pay attention to. did you notice his paws too? you can see them clearly when he's holding down anya. they're pretty big.
 
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