6/26 OldTimer Brownie - ICU - need advice

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Patricia&Brownie

Patricia&Brownie

Member Since 2010
I have been unable to maintain Brownie's regulation (which I did for 2.5 years previously) for the past 5 months. I have taken him repeated to my vet and even did a dental on him a few months ago (during which they found extensive gingivitis). He is almost 20 years old and also receives 200cc squids every other day for CRF. He presented last night with a fever of 103 and an unusally high bg. I took him to the emergency vet 30 miles away last night at 1:30am and they found no evidence of tumors (xray only), no evidence of sepsis in his blood, but a WBC of 30000 and some elevated liver enzymes. His UA showed no evidence of UTI. He was put on IV Cefazolin and IM Baytril and also on Bupe (which will be switched to Tramadol shortly). I got an update this morning and his fever was down from 103 to 101 (he has been running about 98 for the past several months), he was stronger and tried to eat a bite or two. However, I doubt the improvement is due to the antibiotics - it may be due to the pain control from the Bupe... We have not been able to figure out why Brownie's bgs have been so high for the past several months and his hind-leg neuropathy has continued to worsen. Brownie is on Regular insulin now in the ICU, but this vet would like to switch him to ProZinc (which is what they use at their practice). They are not very familiar with Lantus or Levemir. I need some advice on what to do. He has obviously not been doing well on Lantus lately, but I'm not sure that it isn't because of an underlying infection. I moved him up slowly from 0.75u (his maintainence dose) to 1.5u, but he had high swings up and down. I then moved him back down (very slowly) to 0.35u and his curves were flat but consistently in the 300's. Should I switch him to Levemir? Or to ProZinc? I realize that his prognosis is poor, whether I switch him or not, but any help would be much appreciated.
 
I hope one of the really experienced folks will be along soon to help you but I just wanted you to know that we are sending mega healing vines and prayers to your Brownie. I'm so sorry he is ill but what a testament to your care and love that he is almost 20 and dealing with several issues. We hope he will improve and you can get some suggestions on his BG.
 
I am so sorry that Brownie is in ICU. The WBC count and temperature definitely sound like an infection is present. Did they take a sterile urine sample to send out for culture? Keep in mind also that a kidney infection may be present and show no signs in the urine.

It is obviously critical to get an infection under control in such a sick kitty, and Baytril is a pretty effective antibiotic, but you may wish to speak with the vet about giving it by injection. There are warnings related to that. Again, I would take your advice from the vet, but it may be something to ask about.

While Tramadol is effective, I think that Bupe is preferred, so try to stay with that if possible. There have been studies showing that Tramadol (as well as squids) can have a hypoglycemic effect on diabetic cats, so make sure they are keeping a good eye on his BG levels.

I'm sorry that I can't advise you regarding the insulin questions, but i will be sending many healing vines to Brownie and hoping that the treatments help him feel better soon.
 
Sorry to hear that Brownie's having a tough time.

Hugs and vines, Patricia. Lots of hugs and vines.
 
((((Patricia)))) I'm sorry to hear Brownie is having such a hard time. The medical issues are over my head, I'm afraid. It sounds like he has some kind of bad infection, so hopefully the ABs and pain meds will help. I'm glad Linda stopped in with her thoughts.

About insulin, it looks like his dosing needs have changed from the past, probably due to whatever else is going on in his body. I have very limited experience with ProZinc (just helping other cats, not my own) and I didn't have much success with it, but that might be because I didn't know how to use it. First I tried using it like PZI, then I tried using it like Lantus, because that's all I knew. Neither worked, but I don't know if it was me or the insulin or the cats. Levemir is so similar to Lantus that you might see a difference if you switched, or you might not. I don't know if I would switch, but that's just me. You know Lantus CAN work for Brownie, but he has a lot going on.
 
just wanted to update from my iPhone - I brought Brownie up to Atlanta to Ga Vet Specialists and we are waiting to be seen by a vet. I don't know what they will say but the last vet said that we should pts ... Many tears here but still some hope ... Thank you all for the advice and well wishes - they mean the world to us.
 
sending the strongest of healing vines to Brownie...

hang in there, pal! we're praying for you.

celi & binks
 
(((Patricia)))
Sending lots of vines and snowflakes for Brownie. I hope the Atlanta vets have a better idea what to do that will help.
 
(((Patricia)))

I am so sorry to hear about Brownie. I think about you often....and I am glad to see you but sorry about why you had to post.
Sending strong vines and snowflakes to Brownie.
 
Patricia I'm so sorry to see that Brownie is so ill - I'm not on here much anymore but saw that he was so ill from a post on Facebook.

I so hope that they are able to find the infection and get him back on the road to a speedy recovery - sending many healing prayers and vibes your way.

Emmy & Dude (& Mittsi too)
 
(( Patricia )) I think of you and your "older gentlemen" kitties often. I hope the next vet has some better news for you.
 
(((Patricia)))

Chloe and I have not visited Lantas land in way too long. Now I know why I popped in tonite. Sending Brownie healing vines and lots of love. All paws in Chloe's house are crossed for Brownie to feel better and for the vet to determine what's going on.

Hugs,
Chris and Chloe
 
((((((Patricia and Brownie)))))) I'm just dropping in to give you some moral support and send some white light and green vines your way. I'm so sorry to see that you and Brownie are going through this. I hope the new vets can help you, but whatever happens, I know that you will do what is right for Brownie. Lots of love, Patricia. I will also keep you in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
 
Patricia, I am so sorry to hear that Brownie is struggling. I hope you have more time together to hug and cuddle. All my best that the doctors in Atlanta can find a way to help Brownie recover. ((((Patricia)))
 
Thinking good thoughts for Brownie. I"m glad the pain meds seem to be helping a bit. Hopefully, they can figure out what is going on and get him back on track!!

Take time to rest for yourself, Patricia. I know it is the last thing you want to do, but if you're not well and rested, then you won't be on top of your game for Brownie.
 
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a blizzard of snowflakes and lots of healing vines being sent
 
Hi Patricia,
long time no see, I'm sending you and Brownie lots of positive healing vines, I'm hoping for good news today, stay strong!
(((((hugs))))
 
Hi Pat,

So sorry to hear that Brownie is not feeling well. Sending lots of vines your way that they will find out whats going on. Hope he feels better soon. I have a 19 year old myself and I know how you feel. That's the last thing they need. Maybe once they can get a hold on this his bg's will settle down. Be thinking of you guys.

(((Pat))) (((Brownie)))
 
Oh (((((((Patricia))))))) (((((((Brownie)))))))--Many Prayers for Brownie from us for recovery from this and Healing Green Vines for better health for him!! Come on Brownie please get better!!
Comforting Hugs from us!!!
 
Patricia, how is Brownie doing today? We're all here with you... Try to look deep into Brownie's eyes and he will tell you what he wants to do. That sounds crazy but it really is true. (((((((((((Patricia)))))))))))))
 
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