8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288 PMPS 243 Kitty Kollar?

[Violet and Garland]

YESTERDAY

Happy Wednesday!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/30 Garland AMPS 243

Here is the post you wanted this morning Karrie

Can you weigh her every morning if possible and post her weight? How much did she weigh before she got sick again?

Stop the clinicare. I will ask the dosing advisors what they would like to do. I believe its safe to cut back to a can and a half of food. Her numbers have been great. So we'd be cutting out 15-30 calories a day with the clinicare being cut. And a can of Recovery is 183 calories. So a can and a half would be 275 calories. She most likely gain on this.

The thing is I am not sure what the plan would be. If you drop a night time feeding so you can gain some much needed sleep, what will that do to her blood glucose numbers. Can you repost this in the morning? The clinicare has 25% carbs so you are reducing carbs. The food has 6% carbs. Once we see if she is gaining on a can and a half we can start cutting back a bit more.

I can do the weight thing. But I have no idea how much she weighed before she got sick. She looked good though.. I want to say around 11 pounds most likely. (10.6 the day we took her to the ER) She lost most of her weight while she was in the ER bc she didnt eat the whole week she was there. She doesnt really look "skinny" now... Her back spine protrudes a little when i pet her, but her tummy and stuff is still fatty. Its actually weird, as if she lost the weight in the top of her back instead of everywhere else.

Ive already cut her night feeds back to just one at 4 am. I usually feed her right before bed (11-12), put out some watered down wet food for grazing, set an alarm and feed her at 4, then feed her again once I get the kids all settled w breakfast after we wake up (around 7-8) Her numbers are always lower in the mornings, I think its bc she only gets the one feed (?) I say she eats closer to the 1.5, than the 2 cans, but some days I get more time to feed than others. I just know I open 2 cans a day and there isnt much left from the last can

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243

I was changing Garlands bandages just now, and when I took off the old ones, i noticed her etube stitches had come loose. The tube had actually moved out of her neck about 1/2 inch (not much) I just pushed it back and rewrapped her. But now that the stitches are obviously not holding it there, what do I do? Are they going to have to reinsert it or just stitch it back up? Or is this something that I shouldnt worry about?

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

They should just stitch it. I recommend putting in a mark where the tube was so people know if the tube has moved and where it was originally. Maybe the vet can do this for you? How is the incision site looking? Any smells?

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

Let me see if the bandages are enough - I'll post on the FAF site.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

no answers to your questions from me, but i did want to say good morning - and what a nice start to the day for garland! she's come so far!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

Let me see if the bandages are enough - I'll post on the FAF site.

Thanks. I can tell exactly where the tube used to meet her neck bc all the stitches are still on the tube. its just disconnected from her skin. So i pushed it back where the stitches touched her skin again, its just not actually "stitched".. does that make sense?

How is the incision site looking? Any smells?

I guess it looks okay... I think its gross no matter what (im sqeemish) but no smells or anything...

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

no answers to your questions from me, but i did want to say good morning - and what a nice start to the day for garland! she's come so far!

Good morning Julie!!! Hope you are having a fabulous week!

 

[PeterDevonMocha]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

Hi guys .. no advice from us about the e tube .. Just wanted to say I think you're doing an awesome job taking care of garland .. Keep up the good work .. have a great day guys!

 

[Sandy and Black Kitty]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

Hello there!
I have a question about Karries suggestion about reducing the amount /ratio of food Garland is receiving by the tube. Keeping in mind I know nothing of tube feeding and I consider Karrie an expert - would there be any harm in staying with the present amount until Garland is back up to ideal weight?

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

The consensus seems to be to call your vet Violet. That if it isn't secured there is higher chance of it being pulled out and you don't want that.

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

The consensus seems to be to call your vet Violet. That if it isn't secured there is higher chance of it being pulled out and you don't want that.

Okay Thanks!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 Etube Question

Hi guys .. no advice from us about the e tube .. Just wanted to say I think you're doing an awesome job taking care of garland .. Keep up the good work .. have a great day guys!

Thanks!!! You too!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288

We are about to leave for the vet to get her tube restitched

 

[nancy and payne]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288

Poor Garland, poor Violet! sending much love and healing prayers to you both, Violet you are such a super bean! I truly find everything you do and have done AMAZING!! hang in there you will get past this ....

 

[Sandy and Black Kitty]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288

We are about to leave for the vet to get her tube restitched

A stitch in time... ;-)

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288

Also the others mentioned that you should mention to the vet that you pushed it back down and whether you touched the part that went back in just in case - as it wouldn't be sterile. Good luck at the vets. I bet they will be really happy to see how much she has improved in your care.

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288 Kitty Kollars?

So, Garland is still scratching at her bandages pretty badly. I dont know what to do. Ive tried socks, baby tee shirts.. different kinds of bandages. Im at a loss.. Anyone know anything about these things called Kitty Kollars? Do they work? http://www.kittykollar.com/Our_Customers__Cats.php


Karrie-I only touched the part on top. Dr Hill had left by the time I had gotten there. I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping he would see her and see how well she is doing

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288 Kitty Kollar?

On the FAF site a lot of cats get the Kitty Kollar. If I had a cat with an etube I would get one of them or more for sure. So the tube was restitched? Too bad the Dr. was gone already. I was waiting to hear how impressed he was

 

[Violet and Garland]

Re: 8/31 Garland AMPS 243 +4 288 Kitty Kollar?

On the FAF site a lot of cats get the Kitty Kollar. If I had a cat with an etube I would get one of them or more for sure. So the tube was restitched? Too bad the Dr. was gone already. I was waiting to hear how impressed he was

I know!! Me too!! Thats why I asked if he was there. Not sure how I missed him (?)

I may have to go back up there.. geeze, shes almost ripped out this new one. She just sits there and scratches and scratches until she messes it up. I had to get out of the bathtub earlier to stop her. So you have heard good things about the kitty kollars? I just wonder if she can scratch this one off like she does the bandages....

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

I've heard good things about the kitty kollars. A determined cat though can probably get through anything so you have to be vigilant as you are. Are you up to posting on the FAF site for ideas on preventing Garland from scratching at the site? I assume keeping her nails trimmed would help a bit. You don't want her pulling out that darned tube.

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

Searching some of the archives:

Just a thought, but what about some of those Soft Paws Nail Caps that people
usually use so their cats won't destroy their furniture. They'll last longer
than nail trims. You should be able to get them at Petsmart, Petco or order
from catalog/online. Val and Dee

Our cat, Roya, did the same thing, although fortunately he never
actually managed to pull the tube out. I found that the most
effective method to prevent or minimize the amount of scratching is
for someone to watch him 24/7 and when he goes at it, just DISTRACT
him by some means.

My vet showed me how the weave a length of gauze around Tux's neck
several times, going over and under the tube site. Then she put a
heavier stretch-type bandage around and over that, it was blue and
had stickum on one side---maybe your vet has this. Also I used a 6-
inch piece of masking tape to stick the end of the tube to Tux's back
so he couldn't catch it on anything, and un-stuck it during feeding.
All this has to be changed regularly.

> STEP 8: USE CUT-OFF TUBE SOCK TO COVER BANDAGE as shown in Picture
> #12.
> - Slide the tube sock cylinder over Cat's head and position it over
> the
> bandages. This will keep the bandages in place and prevent Cat from
> scratching e-tube incision site or scratching off the bandages.
> - Check tube sock cover to make sure it isn't too tight. You should
> be able
> to get a finger under the tube sock without difficulty. Monitor your
> kitty's
> breathing and demeanor for a little while after putting on the tube
> sock. In
> Aus' case, the first sock cylinder was a bit too tight and after 5
> minutes or
> so, his breathing got a bit noisy (not labored, just raspy). We
> immediately
> removed the tube sock and repeatedly stretched it to widen it a bit.

The much sturdier Kitty
> >> Kolalr will help to prevent the claws getting to the site, if you put it on
> >> fairly tight. Looser it also travels and Chloe has managed to "get a foot
> >> in there" and shred the dressing pad.

 

[hnkstr]

Hey Violet,
Haven't stopped by your condo before but hoping you the best with Garland!
Hang in there you two!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Thanks Karrie!! Youve been such a help! Let me see...

Searching some of the archives:

Just a thought, but what about some of those Soft Paws Nail Caps that people
usually use so their cats won't destroy their furniture. They'll last longer
than nail trims. You should be able to get them at Petsmart, Petco or order
from catalog/online. Val and Dee

Our cat, Roya, did the same thing, although fortunately he never
actually managed to pull the tube out. I found that the most
effective method to prevent or minimize the amount of scratching is
for someone to watch him 24/7 and when he goes at it, just DISTRACT
him by some means.

My vet showed me how the weave a length of gauze around Tux's neck
several times, going over and under the tube site. Then she put a
heavier stretch-type bandage around and over that, it was blue and
had stickum on one side---maybe your vet has this. Also I used a 6-
inch piece of masking tape to stick the end of the tube to Tux's back
so he couldn't catch it on anything, and un-stuck it during feeding.
All this has to be changed regularly.

> STEP 8: USE CUT-OFF TUBE SOCK TO COVER BANDAGE as shown in Picture
> #12.
> - Slide the tube sock cylinder over Cat's head and position it over
> the
> bandages. This will keep the bandages in place and prevent Cat from
> scratching e-tube incision site or scratching off the bandages.
> - Check tube sock cover to make sure it isn't too tight. You should
> be able
> to get a finger under the tube sock without difficulty. Monitor your
> kitty's
> breathing and demeanor for a little while after putting on the tube
> sock. In
> Aus' case, the first sock cylinder was a bit too tight and after 5
> minutes or
> so, his breathing got a bit noisy (not labored, just raspy). We
> immediately
> removed the tube sock and repeatedly stretched it to widen it a bit.

The much sturdier Kitty
> >> Kolalr will help to prevent the claws getting to the site, if you put it on
> >> fairly tight. Looser it also travels and Chloe has managed to "get a foot
> >> in there" and shred the dressing pad.

1. I put the nail thingies on before and she kicks them off somehow. Im not kidding, and now that shes feeling better her attitude is coming back LOL Garland has always been a very loud, obnoxious, stubborn, "gets what she wants" kind of cat.

2. The distraction method is what Im having to do now, and its not working. I cant watch her all the time. She spends a lot of time alone while I do the errands, feed and take care of my 2 babies... I leave her alone for a second and shes digging at those bandages... sigh...

3. Those are the bandages she has now. I wrap a cotton cast gauze around her neck, incision site, etc.. several times. Then I get the sticky kind and wrap that all around. Its pretty secure when im done. But she has gotten relentless the last few days. She gets under it, pulls out the cotton, then turns the sticky part around so the tube is under her neck instead of on top. Her determination is crazy LOL

4.Tried the sock trick, she got under there the same way as she does the bandages

5. Kitty Kollar- that may be my next try.


Im also wondering if the fact that her tube has a loop tied together is part of the problem. The pictures, YT videos ive seen of other cats with etubes, its just a short tube coming out of the neck (about 3-4 inches) Garlands is a longer tube, that they have looped and tied. If i unlooped it, its much much longer than 3 inches.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Wow....glad she's feeling that well!!! I was going to suggest the Soft Paws, too. Did you put them on with the adhesive and she still got them off? tsk tsk Garland!!

I am so amazed at your multi-tasking skills!!! Just reading all you do makes me exhausted :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I agree with Nancy that you are one incredible bean, Violet!!

 

[Violet and Garland]

Wow....glad she's feeling that well!!! I was going to suggest the Soft Paws, too. Did you put them on with the adhesive and she still got them off? tsk tsk Garland!!

I am so amazed at your multi-tasking skills!!! Just reading all you do makes me exhausted :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I agree with Nancy that you are one incredible bean, Violet!!

Aww..Thanks ! ((hug)) I get pretty tired, but in the end its all worth it LOL

I may give the soft paws another go... there is a really good chance their faultiness was my human error LOL They were not easy to put on, I may have done it wrong

 

[Karrie and Maverick]

I'd order the kitty kollar now though so you have it if you need it.

Hearing about such ill kitties feeling better refills my heart to overflowing. I still remember the small things Maverick did on his road to recovery. Each day I was in awe that he was still with me. I felt like that through the next two and a half years that I had with him. It would just hit me, wow, he's still here. That day that he got his feeding tube I was praying for just one more day with him. His almost dying changed me. It made me never take him for granted and I treated every day with him as a gift. But I also learned that vets, just because they went to school - are not Gods. They actually don't know nearly as much as they think they do. I became an involved owner/parent - learning about his illnesses and being more involved. I haven't gotten over my fear of vets though. I think I'll always need a pep talk before going in I'm confident in my knowing what's best for my cats, just communicating that is difficult LOL.

I have a lot of guilt when I recommend to someone that they should get a feeding tube for their cat and they don't survive. I know they wonder if they caused their cats to suffer and I wonder the same thing. But I see so many cats that are critical pull through or get lots more quality time. My heart still hurts about Michelle and Abbey. I wish everyone could have the happy endings.

 

[Violet and Garland]

I'd order the kitty kollar now though so you have it if you need it.

Hearing about such ill kitties feeling better refills my heart to overflowing. I still remember the small things Maverick did on his road to recovery. Each day I was in awe that he was still with me. I felt like that through the next two and a half years that I had with him. It would just hit me, wow, he's still here. That day that he got his feeding tube I was praying for just one more day with him. His almost dying changed me. It made me never take him for granted and I treated every day with him as a gift. But I also learned that vets, just because they went to school - are not Gods. They actually don't know nearly as much as they think they do. I became an involved owner/parent - learning about his illnesses and being more involved. I haven't gotten over my fear of vets though. I think I'll always need a pep talk before going in I'm confident in my knowing what's best for my cats, just communicating that is difficult LOL.

I have a lot of guilt when I recommend to someone that they should get a feeding tube for their cat and they don't survive. I know they wonder if they caused their cats to suffer and I wonder the same thing. But I see so many cats that are critical pull through or get lots more quality time. My heart still hurts about Michelle and Abbey. I wish everyone could have the happy endings.

Hearing you talk about Maverick is so touching. What a great mom you were to him. I feel the same way about my kitties. Almost losing Garland so suddenly made me think of how neglectful I had become. Yea, they had food, a clean litter box, fun toys, and they were loved, but after I had the babies, I wasnt spending that "quality" time with them like I had before. It was days before I even noticed how sick Garland had gotten....Now I make sure to spend some extra cuddle time with both of them everyday. Thank you for all your help with the feeding tube. With your advice and support it has made it much easier for me to do a good job and is a lot of the reason Garland is doing so well. I would have been lost without your guidance. And yes, vets are right up there with pediatricians in my book. Only WE can be advocates for our children and pets. A degree doesnt make them perfect when it comes to knowledge.I wish happy endings for everyone as well.. breaks my heart to think of someone losing a much loved companion....