7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes (Update)

[Michelle and Doodle]

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=19691

Actually, we both could use some snowflakes...
Doodle is not doing well - and frankly, neither am I.
I'm tired and worried and weepy... and I'm not all together sure I'm making the best decisions in regards to his care.
I spent the day yesterday getting x-rays and an MRI on my head and back (ongoing medical stuff) only to return home to Doodle with a very not normal jerking of his head.
He was breathing really fast and I was a bit freaked out... so off to the vet we went.
He did it again at the vets and they did bloodwork and checked his BP and eyes and took an xray (I think of his head ) and said that his BP and heartrate was elevated, his sodium was high, and his potassium was low again but there was no other obvious problem. She said sometimes you just don't know the cause... and though he hadn't done this before, she suspected it was related to his "ongoing imbalances"
She said they could keep him overnight and give him fluids and potassium and some nutritional support, but that no one would be there to monitor him so I just couldn't let him stay. I could have taken him back today, but after discussing it with the vet we both agreed that unless something changed he would be right back in this situation again in a few days. The only thing good that came out of this, is that the vet finally agreed that it was time to try Spironolactone to see if we could take the aldosterone and potassium problems out of the equation. (and perhaps even help the hypertension)
He had his first dose this evening and I will take him back for more tests next week to see if it helps.

He's still not eating much and he hasn't moved around much all day yesterday and today - except to vomit or twitch
Please send any good vibes, thoughts, prayers, or snowflakes you can spare.
I'm worried about my little guy.

 

[Sonia & Tom (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes, flurries, snowstorm for Doodlebutt. Hugs to you Michelle.

 

[dian and wheezer]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

aw michelle. I am so sorry you and doodle are going through this. you are making the best decisions possible knowing what you know. no one is perfect or has all the answers/ you ask questions and you research. not much else you can do but make the decisions on what you know at that time.
you and doodlebug hang in there and just do the best you can
you are my hero
hugs

 

[Helene & Tizon]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Unlimited supplies of snowflakes to wonderful Doodlebug!!!!!!!!
I'll be keeping you and Doodle in my thoughts.
((((Michelle)))))) (((((Doodle)))))

 

[Ann & Tess GA]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((((Michelle)))))))))))) Sending tons of snowflakes and healing vines to both of you.

 

[Frip&Grip]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh no!!! What is going on this week?

((((Michelle)))))) (((((Doodle))))) Sending lots of thoughts, prayers and snowflakes to both of you…

 

[Nina and KB]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh, no, poor Doodlebutt. It's so hard to see them off like this. I hope the new meds help him out. ((( Michelle ))), it must be rough having your own issues to deal with, too.

 

[Libby and Lucy]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

you are my hero

Mine too.

Lots of hugs and snowflakes headed to you and my Doodle.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Blizzards of snowflakes for you both!

 

[Dyana]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) I hope the new medicine works wonders for Doodle.
Sending the most powerful eating

vines

to Doodle

and a blizzard of snowflakes to you both

 

[Fleapunk]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

OMG, what IS going on??? (((((((((((Michelle & Doodle)))))))))

Here, I'm sending the snowbunnies with their flakes, I tried to get the kitten but he ran out in the yard to let me know there were more flakes there so here ya go! Please be well Doodle.

 

[Ronnie & Luna]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

.

Soft gentle snowflakes for Doodle....(((((Michelle))))) prayers

 

[Lydia & Sid & Jake(GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle & Doodle)))

A blizzard of snowflakes to you. I know exactly what you are going through. Every day I wonder if I am making the best decision for Jake. It is so hard. I wish all the best to you and Doodle. I hope he feels better very soon.

 

[myla]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Hey Doodle!

Here's a blizzard of snowflakes for ya buddy! Get better so your momma bean isn't so worried!
Purrcie

 

[Michelle and Doodle]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Thanks you guys. Snowflakes and bunnies oh my!
I did manage to syringe some food and potassium in him today - and a little more tonight . And he's sleeping in more of a normal position right now instead of a meatloaf with his head down.
I just want him to get better...

 

[Judith and Thomas]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((Michelle and Doodle)))

So very sorry to hear that both of you have been having struggles...makes it all the harder when you have your own challenges, to come home and expend more energy worrying about Doodle and whisking him off o the vet.

Sending tons of healing vines and snowflakes to both of you...you are both in my thoughts and prayers....

 

[Amanda]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Here is hoping Doodle is STARVING and feeling much better tomorrow!

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((((michelle and doodle)))))
sending white light, positive thoughts, and blizzards of snowflakes...

 

[chriscleo]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

michelle, praying that doodle will be fine. you are a great mom and he just has to be fine. (((HUGS)))

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes galore and healing vines and prayers are heading your way, (((((Michelle & Doodle))))). We hope that you both will be feeling better tomorrow.

Ella & Stu

 

[Roni and Moonie]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((((((MICHELLE--DOODLE)))))))))
Sending the very biggest blizzard of snowflakes, green Healing vines, and my very strongest Prayers for our sweet Doodlebug, who we love so much--And for his momma bean, who is hurting inside & out, many you both please be better tomorrow-We care so much-
Giant Hugs & healing white light!

 

[Jess & Earl]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michele I'm sorry to hear this

How high was his sodium?

 

[Barb and Tori]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending a blizzard of snowflakes and healing vines your way. I pray Doodle is better very soon.

 

[Nicole and Napoleon]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((Prayers and hugs and snowflakes to you and Doodle)))))))

 

[Kathy and Kitty]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michelle, so sorry, and just when you're having your own medical stuff.

Bugs me that the vet wanted to keep Doodle overnight, without anyone there. I think you're making great decisions, to have him home with you.

Sending you snowflakes... blizzards in July... and many comforting vines.

 

[heidi and doodles]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Hi Doodle we're sending you "Sand Angels" from the beach and hope that you feel better soon and mama bean too :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

[Cyn and Cosmo]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((Michelle)) ((Doodlebug))

I am sending a blizzard of snowflakes your way.

It sucks so bad, so so so bad when they are not feeling well and we don't know how to fix them. Give him a gentle hug, a kiss, and a scritch from me.

 

[Michelle and Doodle]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Michele I'm sorry to hear this

How high was his sodium?

His sodium was 190 - that's the highest it's been since we've been testing.
I keep wondering if it was from the stupid parmesan cheese I've been sprinkling on his food. ? He often licks that off and then just refuses the rest.

 

[Lisa and Do Lou (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

praying for Doodle and sending snowflakes (((((HUGS))))))

 

[joyce-tuscany(GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Doodle and Michelle - adding you to the blizzard warning zone. I hope you both see improvements.

 

[Linda and Bear Man]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) I'm sending all of my thoughts, prayers, snowflakes, vines, and every healing white light I have here for precious (((Doodle))) and for you.

 

[kryskat]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Just seeing this now- sending a blizzard of snowflakes and jungles of happy, healthy vines your way.

Feel better, Doodle!

 

[JaniceandSpike]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Just seeing this now. I hope Doodle is having a better day today. I know how you worry Michelle but you're doing the best anyone could do for him. Don't ever doubt yourself. I'll be watching for updates.
Sending a bazillion snowflakes your way.

 

[D and Noisy]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((((Michelle and Doodles))))))))))))))))))
I too am hoping this is a better day for you both.
May the new medicine help him today.

 

[Pat+Raja+Shadow (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Will be praying for you both and sending a gazillion healing vines and snowflakes.
(((((Michelle & Doodle))))) Please feel better soon... :YMHUG:

 

[sanrun]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending healing ((vibes for Doodle)). I hope the new medicine helps him.

Big :YMHUG: Sandy & Dottie

 

[Iorwen & Tray]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

sorry to hear about all this.
Sending blankets of snowflakes for both you and Doodle.

 

[Miriam and Putty (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((MIchelle)))
Thinking positive thoughts for both of you. Many snowflakes for you and Doodle.

 

[Mindy & Max]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Thinking of you both and sending get well wishes, vines, snowflakes and anything else I can your way!

 

[paige]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((((((((((Michelle and Doodle))))))))))))) Many many prayers, snowflakes and white light to you both. I am sorry you are having to deal with your own medical issues as well. We are all here to support you and Doodle. Hugs :YMHUG:

 

[Jess & Earl]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

His sodium was 190 - that's the highest it's been since we've been testing.
I keep wondering if it was from the stupid parmesan cheese I've been sprinkling on his food. ? He often licks that off and then just refuses the rest.

Michelle, my jaw literally dropped when I read this. Seriously? Holy moly. Yes, I'd say your cat has hyperaldosteronism, consider it confirmed. A chronic problem is the only way a cat can live with that sodium level; it must have been creeping up. Did the vet give you an idea of his hydration status? Are you giving LRS at home?

(Just to ask, this is a repeatable result, right? Really 190? A lot of machines don't read above 180, was this out to the lab?)

I'm glad you didn't leave him overnight on fluids because the sodium must be lowered very slowly and very carefully to avoid neuro damage. Sodium is unfortunately complex; it isn't an in-out equation like most of the other electrolytes. Hyperaldosternonism (I wish there was a shorter word, let's call it HA) causes hypernatremia (high sodium) because the sodium is not balanced properly; it does not have to do with too much intake or too much loss.

I'll try to look into seeing what else can help. I wish, wish, wish you were close to a university so Doodle could check in and get this treated. Besides his health, I know this is such a stress on you to have to do half the work in diagnosing him and figuring treatment. I'm sorry to hear, too, that your own health is giving you worries. Keep us posted on that front as well, if you are comfortable.

 

[Joan and Madison]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) (((Doodlebug))) Snowflakes and vines - you know you've got them.

 

[Ronnie & Luna]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

(((Michelle))) keeping u in our thoughts and prayers.

Doodle butt come on sweetie ~ healing vines and snowflakes

 

[Ele & Blackie (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Sending snowflakes, healing vines and prayers that Doodle is better today and going forward. I'm also sending prayers for you, Michelle. I hope your head/neck issues can get resolved very soon.

 

[Sherry & Zoe (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Snowflakes, white light, healing vines, thoughts and prayers coming your way from this part of Florida. Hope Doodle bug feels better!

sherry & zoe

 

[sharon and sparky]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

 

[Randi & Max (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

((Michelle))
Prayers and blizzards of snowflake for both you and Doodle.
Many many feel better hugs and healing vines.

 

[Pat and Skipper (GA)]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Blizzard heading your way.
So sorry you are having such a tough time.
(((((Michelle and Doodle)))))

 

[WCF and Meowzi]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

190, holy kittens! :shock:
(((doodle))) (((michelle)))

jess, would switching him to rx renal food help for the time being? it being lower in sodium and higher in potassium? if he'd eat it, that is. or would it not make a difference? i know you say that in this case, hypernatremia doesn't have to do with intake, but gee. he's literally being pickled. would any little bit help? or would it not even make a dent?

 

[Donna and Flame]

Re: 7/15 Doodle could use some snowflakes

Oh my gosh, what is going on here in LL? Oh Michelle, I'm so sorry to hear about Doodle. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers and very close to my heart. Michelle, you take such good care of Doodle, dont' second guess yourself. You would walk thru He!! and back for him.

Please Doodle, please get better. I really hope this is something that can be treated and Doodles will be back to himself real soon.