8/27 Tiger AMPS 181;+2=165;+3=173;+4=136;+5=161;+9=280

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Last condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=124096

I feel horrible, like an ax murderer!! Early this morning when I stepped out of bed, I felt something furry on my feet. Because I was half asleep, I lost my balance, stepped on poor Tiger's front left paw(I think) and managed to crash into my night table. Somehow, Tiger got downstairs and hid behind the loveseat, this is where she goes when she's hiding form everybody. I could not get her into the vet until late this afternoon and our regular vet wasn't in. And naturally, this was a bounce clearing day, I fed her HC because basically her appetite was poor and I did not want to deal with low numbers.

This vet was very nice and Tiger took to her. She did not recommend xrays yet, she thinks Tiger strained her front left paw, plus she detects arthritis, which doesn't help matters. She prescribed Bupe for pain. We are unfamiliar with it, right now, she looks dazed and confused, but at least she isn't curled up behind the loveseat anymore. I've never given pain meds to a cat before. My question is, with opiates in her system, am I safe to give her the regular insulin shot tonight? Her pupils are very large. I did not test her since we got home but shot time is at a quarter to 7 tongiht.

Sending continued vines to all kitties and beans who need them tonight!

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Well, I did it. I found the written instructions from the vet, Tiger did eat a good meal, at least she doesn't look like she's in a whole lot of pain. Lesson learned though, before you get out of bed, watch out for cats crossing! ohmygod_smile

 

[tiffmaxee]

I'm so sorry and hope you both are okay. The bupe can be given with insulin and doesn't cause any problems with it. The dilated eyes show it is working and is not a worry. How much did you give Tiger? The range in dosing is large and you might need to experiment to see what works. One vet gave me just .01 which didn't do anything. I had to wait for her to get ahold of his regular vet to get more. He by the way suggested a dose that was a little too much. Lots of people here use bupe. I am pretty sure Wendy is one of them. I hope Tiger's paw gets better quickly.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Thanks Elise, the vet gave 0.3ml and gave me enough syringes for 3 days. It scares me because we aren't used to meds for Tiger. And I feel horrible because I didn't realize she had arthritis, which I just made worse no doubt. :cry:

 

[tiffmaxee]

Please don'b beat yourself up for this. Accidents happen and that is why they are called accidents. How did the vet determine that Tiger has arthritis?

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

that's nice of you to say Elise, but I wish I could start the day over, you know what I mean?

She did not suggest xrays this time. This vet very tenderly lifted Tiger out of her carrier and felt along her front and back paws. She said she detected thickening of the joints and slight muscle atrophy in the back legs. And they had her walk. Tiger was so good, she let out a little mewp but we could tell she was in pain.

 

[Deanna & Billie]

Aww, I'm so sorry to hear that you and Tiger had a rough day!! I have tripped over my girls too by accident, and even stepped on a tail I know you feel bad, but that's because you're such a good bean, so you shouldn't feel bad. Sending lots of scritches and healing paw vines for Tiger!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Hi Ruth - sorry you had the axe murderer incident this morning. I've done the same with the tail.

Neko gets bupe twice daily on an ongoing basis for her arthritis and other acromegaly issues. Bupe is dosed based on weight, but there is quite a range for each weight. And it depends on the concentration of buprenorphine. Neko's bupe is .03mg/ml, which is the most common concentration, and she gets a dose of .22 BID. But she's, um, a bit heftier than Tiger. I'm blaming the growth hormones on that one. :lol: In addition, the more you give, the longer it lasts. You can experiment by giving Tiger a bit less bupe and see if she's less stoned on it. I once got some bupe in preloaded syringes for my civie that was .05mg/ml and didn't notice that detail, plus the vet (not my usual clinic) had prescribed a higher dose. The civie was walking like a drunken skater that night. But, the dose was still in range for his weight, just twice his normal amount.

For arthritis, there are a number of things you can do. You can add fish oil to her diet and that helps inflammation. You can get Cosequin which is glucosamine chondroitin and that comes as capsules where you can sprinkle the powder in their food. Neko's acupuncture vet has her on something called Hyaflex which similarly lubricates the joints and is an oral dropper. The next step up is Adequan, which is an injectable (like insulin). You should talk to your regular vet about the options and see what might help. Arthritis is quite common in older cats, but not commonly known as they hide pain so well.