9/15 Stu PMPS 234, +4 124

Status
Not open for further replies.
Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

Member Since 2010
Yesterday: viewtopic.php?p=250166#p250166]

Hi Everyone,

I am totally frustrated. Stu fasted all night and had no water. This morning he peed twice, rather small amounts. No breakfast. We got to the vet's at 8 A.M. and the vet couldn't feel any urine in his bladder. If the bladder isn't full, he won't do the cystocentesis. Come back on Friday. Well, I said that the same thing would happen on Friday. If Stu can't have water, he won't produce urine. I asked if the vet couldn't do the cystocentesis without anesthesia. He said no. Stu struggles too much. Then he said that he would only have to use a little anesthesia so it probably would be OK for Stu to have food and water. So we decided to take him back home, feed him and give him access to his water, but not his litterbox. We're supposed to go back at 11 A.M. (the vet has to go to his other clinic, 50 miles from here in the afternoon).
That's where we are.

WCR: Stu was puzzled this morning when he didn't get breakfast. We gave a skinny 0.5 unit. AMPS is really nice.

Back later,
Ella & Stu
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

(((((Ella))))) I am so sorry about this...I have no words. Anger leaves me speechless at times. All I can say is I am so sorry...what an inconvenience...considering it was his fault you didn't have the proper tests in the beginning.... grr_red
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

ella, sorry you have to go back.
if there should be a problem getting urine later... you can ask them to administer some fluids. it may take awhile, but it should help him produce some urine for the test.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

sheesh! That ain't right .. poor stu ... I hope when you go back the vet get's what he needs so you don't have to deal with that again ...
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

Oh man, that is frustrating. The vet definitely does have to be able to feel the bladder, and have it full enough that he can get the needle in there cleanly. If the vet has a good assistant working with him, he should be able to have the assistant scruff Stu (sorry, Stu), and immobilize him. You would think a light sedation would be enough. Anyway, it has happened to me where I showed up and the cat had no urine. If Stu is OK with it, an option is to leave stu there in a cage (sorry, Stu) with no litter box. Slipping the kitty a little dose of sub Q fluids can help full up the bladder, too. I once tried to keep Miss Emily from her litter box in prep for a cysto, and the poor thing had to go so badly, she used her auto feeder. Filled it up without spilling a drop.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

ohmygod_smile I, too, am speechless. Best that I bite my tongue. :roll:

Nice amps for Stu! I hope the test goes smoothly when you go back at 11AM!
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet

Why would the vet say no water? I think most vets now simply say no food after 10 pm (or midnight?), but water is okay. Maybe ask Jess why he would say no water.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

omg Ella - so so sorry! I can only imagine the frustration level. bite my tongue... there is alot all of us could say. Good luck with it all - and I hope the 11AM visit is a better one. For me all this is beyond belief.

Very nice amps for Stu. that part is at least good.

Stu - dude - man I am so sorry that you have had such an ordeal this morning! You doing OK? I will see you soon! Chin up buddy! I will all be over soon. Luvs ya! ~~ Mannie
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

how annoying! and stressful for Stu who now has to go through the whole vet thing again!
I hope the day improves for you
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

aww, stu...that's a crummy way for your morning to start...i'm thinking of you bud! hang in there, and if it we're me, i'd save a little back to anoint the vet once you give him a sample...

binks
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

(((((ELLA__STU)))))--Hope the 11 am is better & test can be done-
It has happened to us that Moonie had no urine in her bladder--Once she even peed in the carrier, on the vet's table--and once she peed right on the vet tech while being taken into the back!!--She showed them!! :?
You know since I changed vets, both cats are so much more relaxed without evil vet we had before--
It is a frustrating stressful experience for beans & kitties--Hope it will turn out better later today.

Did you ever check out Animal Medical Center in NYC? They have a tremendous amount of services available, and a good reputation..
Luv you all--HUGS & hoping all will be well!! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

WHY NO WATER?!?

Yes, I'm "shouting." This is really upsetting. Did the vet really say to withhold water? Why deprive a CKD kitty of water? We've fasted Meowzi for surgeries (two separate mastectomies), anesthesia (chemo, dentals), and full panel bloodwork to multiple labs over the years. I've never withheld water from her. Never. Ever. I'm very very upset for Stu.

What tests was Stu in for today?

Also, FWIW, Meowzi is a struggler too. She hates going to the vet's. Dr S has never had to sedate her for a cysto.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

(((((Ele))))) What a hassle, again! Lots of sore tongues around here this morning! Ooops, mine is slipping a little, but is there a reason you like this vet? I don't understand the withholding water either. LB yes, we were told to keep her from the box in the morning. The squids sound like a good idea.

Stu, you have to go back? sheesh, that happened to me once, but you didn't even get to pee all over the vet like I did. :twisted: That's nor fair! Save a little extra just for him! very satisfying. -- Tess

Oh, a yeah, be sure they take him back in the carrier! :oops:
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

Ella I am also wondering why your vet said no water we let all pets no matter what sx they are having have water up until sx time, so just kinda wondering on that call ??? confusion here since there was no need IMO for the no water. Nice amps Stu
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166; frustration with vet; +3 206

(((Ella))) I am so sorry for you and Stu. And I'm not speechless - I'm mad at your vet. I know it's too late for today, but if I were you I would start looking for another vet. The last time Blackie had a cysto, they let me help hold him with the vet tech and it took just a few seconds to get the urine. If Stu is that hard to handle, how about a Valium an hour before the visit? And no water??? What were they thinking??? cat(2)_steam

Okay, I'm calmer now. I hope it all goes better this afternoon.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

Hi again,
Well, Stu presented a nice, full bladder and gave the samples. I watched while they put them in the box to send to Antech (and insisted that they put a cold pack in the box, as Antech said to do on their website!!) and now we wait. Stu is fine. He was a little wobbly when he first got home, but then all he wanted to do was pee and then go outside (he didn't get to go outside!). I'll give him some food in about a half hour. He hacked up a hairball and some grass (yesterday's grass) when he got home.

Now, my vet: We live in a small village. He is the only vet in town. There is another near Lake Placid, but I haven't heard much about him. My vet has been in practice for 28 years and everyone here I have talked to seems to like him. I think he is probably a good surgeon and a good vet for emergencies, but I don't think he understands chronic conditions--certainly not diabetes--and tends to overprescribe. He says he has a few patients on Methimazole and that they all get the same dose: 5 mg bid. I rebelled at that immediately and started Stu on 1.25 mg sid. The vet knows I did this and when Stu's T4 was tested a second time and had not responded to the medication, he said to raise Stu to 2.25 mg bid. (I raised him to 1.25 mg bid, pending the next test; I learned from the HyperT internet group that, like diabetes, you have to go low and slow with medication for HyperT.) Anyway, at the moment, I am not inclined to look for another vet. I will wait for my vet to fax the results of the urine tests to Hypurrcat and to hear from Hypurrcat with regard to Stu's candidacy for the I-131. If Stu is accepted there, I know that they will run all the necessary tests. If he is not accepted, then we will decide what to do about looking for another vet. Roni, I am tempted simply to take him to the Animal Medical Center of NY. It is very close to our NYC pied- à- terre and I know that they have a good reputation. But it would be impractical, since we spend most of our time up here in the Adirondacks.

Thank you all for your support, exclamations of shock, etc. I am at the point where I question everything Stu's vet does (he seems set in his ways). But, actually, he was the one who first told me of Dr. Peterson and he has attended Peterson's lectures and read some of his papers. Also, he is supportive of what we are doing with Stu's bg numbers, diet, etc.

So now we play the waiting game. Off now to give Stu some food. And: WCF, Lisa, Linda, Ele, Heather, et al., I will NEVER withhold water from Stu for any reason.

Ella & Stu
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

glad to hear this trip went better then this mornings! I hope you get the results you are wanting ...
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

Glad it finally went as planned! In all the times I've taken cats in for urine samples, I've only once had the cat actually have urine in his bladder. I always have to leave them for 3-4 hrs. The one time I didn't was within the last year, and when they brought kibby back out to me saying they got the sample i was shocked! In a good way, of course!
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

SURPRISE!! We're all here to help you get rid of the vetty smell. First a good Lick Down , followed by Grass Roll Rub and finally a Catmint Water Spritz! Following the treatment there will be a luncheon buffet of Miss Moonie's Magnificent Stew for Stu, Grill Smoked PNW Salmon and a nice Catmint Tea Ice to cleanse the palate. Bon Appetite! -- Tess
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

Ella & Stu said:
Hi again,
Well, Stu presented a nice, full bladder and gave the samples. I watched while they put them in the box to send to Antech (and insisted that they put a cold pack in the box, as Antech said to do on their website!!) and now we wait. Stu is fine. He was a little wobbly when he first got home, but then all he wanted to do was pee and then go outside (he didn't get to go outside!). I'll give him some food in about a half hour. He hacked up a hairball and some grass (yesterday's grass) when he got home.

Now, my vet: We live in a small village. He is the only vet in town. There is another near Lake Placid, but I haven't heard much about him. My vet has been in practice for 28 years and everyone here I have talked to seems to like him. I think he is probably a good surgeon and a good vet for emergencies, but I don't think he understands chronic conditions--certainly not diabetes--and tends to overprescribe. He says he has a few patients on Methimazole and that they all get the same dose: 5 mg bid. I rebelled at that immediately and started Stu on 1.25 mg sid. The vet knows I did this and when Stu's T4 was tested a second time and had not responded to the medication, he said to raise Stu to 2.25 mg bid. (I raised him to 1.25 mg bid, pending the next test; I learned from the HyperT internet group that, like diabetes, you have to go low and slow with medication for HyperT.) Anyway, at the moment, I am not inclined to look for another vet. I will wait for my vet to fax the results of the urine tests to Hypurrcat and to hear from Hypurrcat with regard to Stu's candidacy for the I-131. If Stu is accepted there, I know that they will run all the necessary tests. If he is not accepted, then we will decide what to do about looking for another vet. Roni, I am tempted simply to take him to the Animal Medical Center of NY. It is very close to our NYC pied- à- terre and I know that they have a good reputation. But it would be impractical, since we spend most of our time up here in the Adirondacks.

Thank you all for your support, exclamations of shock, etc. I am at the point where I question everything Stu's vet does (he seems set in his ways). But, actually, he was the one who first told me of Dr. Peterson and he has attended Peterson's lectures and read some of his papers. Also, he is supportive of what we are doing with Stu's bg numbers, diet, etc.

So now we play the waiting game. Off now to give Stu some food. And: WCF, Lisa, Linda, Ele, Heather, et al., I will NEVER withhold water from Stu for any reason.

Ella & Stu
Click to expand...

So happy to hear urine is success and I understand about the vet thing (being set in their ways) since even though the practice where I work has 13 vets I work closely with the ones who are the children of the vet who started the practice(there are 4) and is now retired and they are really really set in their ways good vets in so many ways but backwards in many others and if you at least you have the advantage of seeing Stu's close vet for some things and going elsewhere if need be. Hope it all works out in the end and he can get that test done :YMHUG: :YMHUG: cat_pet_icon
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

Yay for success! Good for you, being vigilant with them regarding putting the cold pack in the shipping box. They have made enough errors that have cost you time and aggravation and unneccesary tests (not to mention money) so I think it behooves you to watch over them and question anything that doesn't seem right.

I also live in a small town, I understand the need to work with what is available to you because you don't want to burn bridges that you later need to cross. He may not be the perfect vet, but he is close and sometimes having a nearby vet available to you can mean the difference between life and death. That was why I bit my tongue, I know it doesn't help when you have few choices and you are already annoyed!! :mrgreen: I'm glad that those who know about CRF spoke up about the water, I wasn't aware of that and it's good info to know!

Keeping my fingers crossed for good results and good news from Hypurrcats!
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

YAY! Success! Now the wait. My hat goes off to you - for your patience and persistence.
Ann & Tess said:
SURPRISE!! We're all here to help you get rid of the vetty smell. First a good Lick Down , followed by Grass Roll Rub and finally a Catmint Water Spritz! Following the treatment there will be a luncheon buffet of Miss Moonie's Magnificent Stew for Stu, Grill Smoked PNW Salmon and a nice Catmint Tea Ice to cleanse the palate. Bon Appetite! -- Tess
Click to expand...
STU - DUDE!! Paws up - we are here to care for you! Our turn buddy - you've done enough for today. ~~ Mannie
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Hey all my Pals! The feast will be wonderful. I'll see you soon. Thanks for sticking by me!!

Stu

I'm off to Plattsburgh for Stu's food and litter (switched to "Worlds Best Litter" and it is indeed terrific). Today seems like the best day to go. Tomorrow I want to go on a paddle, and Friday on a bike ride (all, of course, Stu willing!!)

Back later to visit condos,

Ella
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

I am so glad you had success! And now I'm wishing for success with Hypurrcat. I'm sorry I got angry at your vet - I do understand your situation - and you are doing the best with what you have.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

hey, stu...we're hanging out here now...i know he's the vet you're sticking with, but did you pee on him anyway??

Binks-Pee
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

wow, stu...you and your bean rule today! i brought some duck pate for you...
"it's your Pate'
and you can pee if you want to!"

binks-Pee
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Glad that worked out finally for you and Stu today Ella...I totally understand your feelings. I realized you had good reasons for going back to him and for what it's worth, I agree with you.
drinking24 Here's hoping the package gets there in good time and all works out well for you both(glad you were there to supervise the packing!!!)
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Hmmm... my vet doesn't have cats fast at all anymore prior to surgeries, anesthesia, etc. They found that cats do well without fasting - my vet tech said they had issues with BG dropping with anesthesia and it's better if they have some food on board.

Good luck with the I-131 - hope Stu's a candidate. That was one of the best decisions I ever made for Kasha. A little pricey, but she was fed cooked chicken for 3 days, watched kitty videos and they brought in real birds and hamsters for her to watch - not too tough an experience. Then she came home and just got healthier and healthier!
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Stopping to check in on you guys.
Sadly I am behind in all that is going on with Stu and
I feel so sad about that and for the tough day you had today.

Enjoy the shopping day. Before the snow we will meet there.
I should be ready in about 3 weeks, lol.

Hugs to both you and Stu.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Oh my goodness, Ella, what an ordeal! I cannot believe they said no water; that seems asinine, especially for a CKD kitty. I hope it was all worth it and you get the results you need this time around. (((Ella))) (((Stu)))
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!, +6.5 237

Wow, what an ordeal. When we have cats come in for cystos and they do not have a bladder, we just give them some subQ fluids and within an hour or 2, tadaaaaa!!! a full bladder (oh, we don't put any litter in the cage with them, only a box with a few scraps of wax paper in it just in case they decide they can't "hold it" any longer). We have never had to sedate a cat for a cysto, we usually don't even need the vet to do it, we do it and get it all ready for whatever test we are performing. I am surprised that they need to sedate the cat unless the cat is fractious and cannot be held at all. Most cats will relax if you scruff them or stretch them out, the less restraint the better is usually the way.

So sorry you had to go to the vets twice just for a cysto. But glad you got it done. Hope all is well from one sugar kat to another.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu PMPS 234

Certainly not I !!!! Thanks everyone for your support and input today. As always, I'm much better informed now than before!
Had a good afternoon in Plattsburgh (strips for the Walmart meter; Wellness and Merrick for Stu; World's Best Cat Litter--at a $2 off per bag promo--and another water fountain to take to the city next time we go.). DH said that Stu spent most of the afternoon sleeping. He's fine now and his normal self. Enjoyed his dinner and is now watching the Mets game with me.
Everyone have a good evening,

You all are absolutely wonderful!

Ella & Stu
 
Re: 9/15 Stu PMPS 234

Ella, I'm glad the second trip to the vet was successful. :smile:
This may sound like a dumb question. but with World's Best Litter being ground up corn(cobs), is it possible for a diabetic cat to get sugar in it's system , from licking itself?
 
Re: 9/15 Stu PMPS 234

Stu dude! I am so glad that you are all recovered from your vetty trip today. I hope our efforts to help you deal with it all were successful. Enjoy your time with your bean - you like baseball? Those balls move so fast... See you - maybe tomorrow? or maybe we could go surf tonight. ~~ Mannie

Glad you had a successful shopping venture. Enjoy the ball game!
 
Re: 9/15 Stu AMPS 166, +3 206; finally, success!

*sigh* I am not sorry I was upset at your vet. Truth be told, I was livid. Poor Stu.

I realize you may not have much of a choice but to work with the vet you have. With Stu's various health issues, you do want an accessible vet, and it sounds like he's the most accessible. But you may be able to make it a better experience for Stu by learning all you can about his health issues. You're Stu's advocate now - and it does sound like you did a fine job w.r.t. tapazole dosing. It also sounds like you have a good enough working relationship with him; he must trust you somewhat if he's supportive of your treatment of FD, and it sounds like he's opening to answering your questions? If you're in a sort of isolated community, you don't want to burn any bridges. You may just have to do the best with what's available.
 
Re: 9/15 Stu PMPS 234

So so glad your ordeal today was successful--Just thought that AMC in NY might be able to help, get a consult,second opinion-or any info...to help Stu.
A trip there will be made anyway soon, right??
Just a thought to ease you down this road, we are always on your side, & thinking of you!!

Stu man, Good to hear that the vet did his job, but how come you didnt pee on anyone like we told you?? Oh Stu, you are just a gentleman I guess, that;s why we loove you!! Next time, a HISSSS at Least!!!! Huggies, Moonie ;-)
 
Re: 9/15 Stu PMPS 234

Hi again, Barb: re/ the World's Best Litter: no I don't think a cat could get a lot of carbs from licking his paws. Stu doesn't lick his paws after the litterbox in any event. He wipes them on newspaper and sometimes washes them in one of his water dishes. I've been using this litter now for about 2 weeks and Stu's bg has been going down! It is really nice stuff: light, non abrasive, smells good, clumps in smaller, manageable clumps (not those great slabs of "cement"), and is completely biodegradable. The contributions to the lb do not smell at all! I found out about it from the Hypurrcat website. After the I-131 you are supposed to use it because it is also flushable (and therefore there is no radioactive waste sitting around in landfills). I haven't flushed it yet, except by accident, but it is indeed flushable. I thought I might as well get Stu used to it if he gets to go to Hypurrcat. He accepted it immediately.
Hey Sienne, More talk about pee!!!

The Mets are winning!!

Ella & Stu (baseball fans)

p.s. to WCF. Thanks for the support. I am reading lots about Stu's two new conditions, have had a lot of help from the board, and am trying gently to suggest things to the vet. We are still on good terms and he loves animals and cares about their quality of life. My main problem is that I have no experience with "conditions" other than FD (Stu has never been sick), and I have little knowledge of medical issues in people, either. So I am learning by doing, as it were. Once Hypurrcat is decided one way or the other, DH and I will gear up to deal with everything else.
p.s. to Roni: We'll be in touch.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top