GA Abby is really sick

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cmluker

cmluker

Member Since 2015
Abby was diagnosed with diabetes last fall. Until recently I had no problem getting her insulin and she was doing great. She was happy, active, and loving. My employment situation has changed and I have moved to a new city, and I haven't been able to afford her insulin. She has only had 3 insulin injections 3 times in the last two weeks. I've been working on finding less expensive insulin and talking with a cat rescue that has their own clinic so I can afford her medication. Yesterday afternoon Abby took a turn for the worse. She is barely moving, she staggers when she walks, and she can only walk a few steps at a time. She barely eats and drinks. I called the vet clinic this morning and it's going to cost me a whole lot more than I have to get her seen and, hopefully, well. My regular vet is closed half days on Wednesdays so I couldn't even call them. My hope and prayer is that they will work with me on a payment plan. I'm not asking for a handout or freeby. I just can't pay for everything all at once. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do? Suggestions and encouragement will be welcomed. I have cried nearly all day today because I'm suppose to take care of my fur baby and I haven't been able to.
 
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Welcome to FDMB.
Please check our Supply Closet for insulin. What are you currently using? We have some guidelines to help you use whatever you have.
Without insulin, she is starving to death and breaking down fat for calories. This may cause diabetic ketoacidosis, hepatic lipidosis, or both, which can require very expensive treatment and hospitalization.
The glucose toxicity is causing the difficulty standing and walking. Methylcobalamin, a form of Vitamin B-12, may help with that.
BCP PZI is one of the least expensive, long-acting insulins available. Your vet sends them the RX and you pay them directly.
 
BJM said:
Welcome to FDMB.
Please check our Supply Closet for insulin. What are you currently using? We have some guidelines to help you use whatever you have.
Without insulin, she is starving to death and breaking down fat for calories. This may cause diabetic ketoacidosis, hepatic lipidosis, or both, which can require very expensive treatment and hospitalization.
The glucose toxicity is causing the difficulty standing and walking. Methylcobalamin, a form of Vitamin B-12, may help with that.
BCP PZI is one of the least expensive, long-acting insulins available. Your vet sends them the RX and you pay them directly.
Click to expand...
I have not checked the Supply Closet for insulin. Abby takes Pro Zinc. My problem is I have no money to pay for anything right now. I don't get paid until next Friday. That's why I need a vet to work with me on a payment plan.
 
cmluker said:
She has only had 3 insulin injections 3 times in the last two weeks.
Click to expand...
cmluker said:
Yesterday afternoon Abby took a turn for the worse. She is barely moving, she staggers when she walks and she can only walk a few steps at a time. She barely eats and drinks.
Click to expand...
It sounds very much like Abby could very well be in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It's fatal if not treated. Is there anyone who can float you a loan til you get paid? I don't want to scare you , but this could be an urgent situation. She really needs to be seen by a vet ASAP... like tonight. At the very least, call an ER to see if they'll charge a small fee to test her for ketones if you bring her in now. At least you'd know if you're dealing with ketoacidosis.

The recipe for DKA is an inadequate supply of insulin + inappetance + infection OR other systemic stresses.

Until you can see a vet try to get any kind of food into her that she'll eat. Finger or syringe feed if necessary. Try to get both food and water into her every hour or two tops.

Pet Diabetes Wiki "Ketoacidosis": What is it? Is it dangerous? When to go to the vet? How do you test for it?
Please go to the link to read all about ketones and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Check these out:
Financial Help Links
Ketones, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), and Blood Ketone Meters


(((((MaLinda & Abby)))))
My thoughts and prayers are with you...
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I am very sorry...
Have you heard of "Care Credit"? http://www.carecredit.com/howcarecreditworks/
You can pay for the vet right away with this card (if you vet accepts it; on the website there is an option to check if you vet is in their "network") and then have 6 or 12 months to pay off the balance on the card with no interest.
I've used it with Bailey recently for his DKA hospital stay.
 
I am currently sitting in the ER. The doctor said she definitely would not make it through the night if at home. They're doing what they can now. Unfortunately, my care credit limit is too low to do much. I'm gonna set up a GoFundMe account and see if I can get some help to cover the cost. Wish me luck.
 
I'm so glad you were able to take Abby to an ER. It's the best place for her right now.

This link contains a a list of financial aid resources including those already mentioned:
Financial Help Links
Maybe you'll find an organization to help.

Please let us know how things are going when you can.
Sending more positive thoughts and prayers.

Take care...
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
UPDATE...

Abby was put to sleep at 1:15a.m. She was far sicker than not having her insulin. Her ketone levels were really good which surprised the vet. However, she was in complete liver and kidney failure and the vet strongly believes this has been coming for a while now. Hindsight is 20/20 and I can now see the signs. Thanks to all for your prayers and info. I have to go to work now and try to make it through the day without breaking down.
 
Requiem aeternum, Abby.

{{hugs}}

Star Cat.jpg
 
I am terribly sorry for your loss! I wish you the best to make it through the next few weeks. Try to find comfort in knowing that Abby is free and happy now while waiting to greet you again someday!
 
So very sorry to hear this. Cats do an amazingly good job of hiding illness. I hope you are making it through, one day at a time. Lots of hugs to you
 
I just saw this. I totally sympathize with you. I lost my Molly to a sudden death September 18th. my husbands cat who had cancer was doing well (for her condition) but took a sudden downturn this past Sunday night 11/15 at 1 in the morning. We had to bring her to emergency and put her down because she was suffering :( He had her for 14 years since a baby. It is heart breaking when they go. I'm still not over my Molly dying and now Scully - 2 months apart :( I totally empathize with you and also you having to work while this happened. So very sorry. Just remember - even though it won't change things. she is at peace now.
 
I am so sorry ((((MaLinda)))) I know how much pain you must be feeling. Go ahead and grieve.
Know that Abby knows how much you love her right now.
 
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