Anyone’s sugar cat had a wound on stomach?

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lovemycat444

lovemycat444

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Hi thanks for reading this . My beloved sugar cat Taco starting bleeding a little from a wound on his stomach
It’s been almost a week and a half. He’s had 2 vet visits jut Wondering if anyone else had this? thanks !
 
lovemycat444 said:
Hi thanks for reading this . My beloved sugar cat Taco starting bleeding a little from a wound on his stomach
It’s been almost a week and a half. He’s had 2 vet visits jut Wondering if anyone else had this? thanks !
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What sort of a wound is it? Do you think it is from an infection, fight or did it just appear?
What does the vet say?
 
Hi Bron and Sheba, I really appreciate your writing back. By the way, he's 17 years old and has been diagnosed diabetic since approx 7 years ago. His diabetes has been hard to manage but for the most part it's well regulated. That's on average what the vets have said. In the past I've done the BG curve and about a year ago he had a fructosamine test.
The wound: It's about a small button size (approximately) size wound. It's surrounded by a very dark area around it in a circular fashion. It happened on Monday 7/15, about 2 weeks ago. It was bleeding (enough for approximately two 4" x 4" spot of blood on my bed and enough to leave some on the floor. I took him to the vet right away that morning.
It's not a cat/animal fight b/c he lives indoors and for the most part never sees other animals (not since 1 year ago, a dog briefly). It' been bleeding a little on and off. This time about a 3"x3" round mark on my bed.
It looked like it was healing the day after, on Tues. 7/16. Since it looked as if it was healing on Tues 7/16 and I am required to travel for work, I had no way of cancelling.. I had to go out of town until Saturday 7/20. The cat sitter was very attentive and I stayed in touch with his vet and cat sitter very frequently
The cat sitter sent a photo of the wound Friday 7/19 and it looked like it was healing well. When I got home 7/20 Sat. it started bleeding a little again. The bleeding is not gushing blood it's a little but enough to be concerned and alarmed. I texted his vet and then Sunday 7/21 evening it started again. Monday 7/22 I brought him back to the vet.
Since he's been off of Chlorahexdrine liquid medical cleanser and Muriproc ointment (anti biotic) as per the vet, stopped since Wed/ 7/24 the bleeding has stopped and it seems to be scabbing over well.
There's a semi hard area surrounding the (now healing) wound. I don't know if it's from an infection, I think the vet might think so since she prescribed him antibiotics the first time he came in Mon. 7/15. But she doesn't know what it is with out diagnostic tests (high estimate:$2000) I'm in a very bad financial situation, it's cost a significant amount of money to bring him to the vet recently. He's precious to me and a family member but I'm stuck in a horrible situation with the lab diagnostic estimate. I made an appt for a new vet for a second opinion this monday. 7./29 . I can barely afford this vet visit but it's only for a second opinon so I can see if this vet agrees with the diagnostic tests advised from the 1st vet.
 
Also at first when I saw the wound I thought it was over grooming but later i realized it probably wasn't as with the very aggressive over grooming he has made little scratches on his stomach but not bleeding and he has licked all the fur off his stomach and hind legs about 7 years ago, and it's been a problem for him but he's never had a wound like this before. Thank you.
 
So sorry but I gave no ideas. Let us know what the second vet says.

What tests does the vet want to do exactly? I would want a written estimate so you can compare with what the new vet says. I understand diagnostics probably are needed. Does she want a biopsy? I dint think that would cost $2000.
 
oh my. That does sound worrisome. I am so sorry your baby is going through this. I have never had an unexplained abdominal wound bleeding. I hope it will heal. I do think the vets will want to sedate him and get a tissue sample and send it to a pathologist.
 
tiffmaxee said:
So sorry but I gave no ideas. Let us know what the second vet says.

What tests does the vet want to do exactly? I would want a written estimate so you can compare with what the new vet says. I understand diagnostics probably are needed. Does she want a biopsy? I dint think that would cost $2000.
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Hi Tiffmaxee, thank you really. And sorry all for the late response. The vet wanted to do lab tests, an aspirate etc to see if it’s a mass.

Am I allowed to post :

1. A photo of the wound (or too graphic and upsetting for members? ) ℹ completely respect that and is why I’m asking if it’s allowed
2.) can I post of the currently healed wound (same one) scabbed since about last Tuesday to now Saturday
3.) can I post the $2k estimate and his specific treatment for both vet appointments when he first bled and then again?

Yes absolutely you’re completely correct

I have a printed copy of the proposed estimate that I’m showing the new vet Monday
The new vet appt is $108 paid upfront I already did this and I’m having a very serious financial situation …

I’m going to the new vet
1.) since I’ve lost confidence in this past vet, I’m hoping to see if the new vet sees anything else, if he potentially was misdiagnosed etc A second opinion in general
2.) if there’s a more affordable estimate for tests

I was going to Bond Vet which I didn’t know but is apparently on the expensive side .

I’m exhausted and of course I would do anything for my sweet Taco. That said, this morning I literally spent what seemed like an hour on the new vet clinic intake form online and got WiFi booted off it when I was nearly done. Etc etc not meant as excuses

the past vet (I will not work with her anymore) she’s nice but I don’t think good for my cat also after I asked for all his medical records to be emailed to me

she was supposed to text me the next day when she was back in the practice and nothing no text, call — she was technically still his vet and under his care I think she’s exceedingly unprofessional and not putting Taco’s Health before what might be her personal reactions. I never said I was changing vets and have requested his full medical history in the past with no problem.

yes I think the old vet said a biopsy it’s on the estimate I have to go over it with the new vet Monday

I was distraught when the old vet said it could be a mass

thank you so much
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
oh my. That does sound worrisome. I am so sorry your baby is going through this. I have never had an unexplained abdominal wound bleeding. I hope it will heal. I do think the vets will want to sedate him and get a tissue sample and send it to a pathologist.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much Suzanne and Darcy yes I think they will sedate him for the tissue sample
I’m at a loss for the abdominal bleeding
I was wondering if it could at all be related to his diabetes and if diabetes has been disregulated… he’s been very good on 3 units of Lantus for I believe 3 years now ?

A vet saw him at a different Bond Vet clinic and said he was doing very well and I believe that was the same info the last time he had a Fructosamine test

I’ll read his medical history to be accurate
 
It’s fine to post the suggested tests but I would black out all personal information and also the vet’s name as this is an open forum so anyone can see what you post. If it were me, I would see what the second opinion vet thinks and then show him what your vet wrote.

Were you sent your file with all tests? You paid for it and are entitled to it. I would be looking for a new permanent vet but I know how hard that can be. I hope you like the new one.
 
tiffmaxee said:
It’s fine to post the suggested tests but I would black out all personal information and also the vet’s name as this is an open forum so anyone can see what you post. If it were me, I would see what the second opinion vet thinks and then show him what your vet wrote.

Were you sent your file with all tests? You paid for it and are entitled to it. I would be looking for a new permanent vet but I know how hard that can be. I hope you like the new one.
Click to expand...
Thanks for all that’ great information! I’ll post all the info soon and will follow up with the info from new vet
 
Just a point for consideration... Diabetes can have an effect on wound healing. It may be a matter that whatever caused the wound is now taking it longer to heal because of the underlying diabetes.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Just a point for consideration... Diabetes can have an effect on wound healing. It may be a matter that whatever caused the wound is now taking it longer to heal because of the underlying diabetes.
Click to expand...
Hi Sienne and Gabby

I haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Can you pls lmk .. Is this a good testing very very basic curve

First thing in morning (before breakfast?)
One in the middle of the day
and before dinner meal

Also what are the healthy range numbers for BG?

he was 200 last night
Thank you!!
 
lovemycat444 said:
Thanks for all that’ great information! I’ll post all the info soon and will follow up with the info from new vet
Click to expand...
tiffmaxee said:
It’s fine to post the suggested tests but I would black out all personal information and also the vet’s name as this is an open forum so anyone can see what you post. If it were me, I would see what the second opinion vet thinks and then show him what your vet wrote.

Were you sent your file with all tests? You paid for it and are entitled to it. I would be looking for a new permanent vet but I know how hard that can be. I hope you like the new one.
Click to expand...
Hi Tiiffmaxee,
Thanks again. Also I’m asking everyone bc I know everyone’s busy
I haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Can you pls lmk .. Is this a good testing very very basic curve

First thing in morning (before breakfast?)
One in the middle of the day
and before dinner meal

Also what are the healthy range numbers for BG?

he was 200 last night
Thank you!!
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
Yes I can see it. Thank you. We are very happy to help in any way. If we see the message we will ‘like’ it then you know we have seen it. I hope you get your issue sorted out:)
Click to expand...
Hi Bron and Sheba. Thanks again!
I’m asking everyone bc I know people are busy over the weekend etc …

I haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Can you pls lmk .. Is this a good testing very very basic curve

First thing in morning (before breakfast?)
One in the middle of the day
and before dinner meal

Also what are the healthy range numbers for BG?

he was 200 last night
Thank you!!
 
First, a picky point. A "curve" is a very specific term. It typically means you are testing every 2 hours over a 12 hour period.

We typically suggest that members test their cat a minimum of 4 times/day. You should always test at AMPS and PMPS so you know if it's safe to give insulin. You enter the results of the test in the respective AMPS or PMPS column on your cat's spreadsheet. These two pre-shot tests are before you feed your cat AND you should make sure that Taco hasn't eaten during the 2 hours prior to shot time. (The exception being if you happened to test and found that his numbers were low and you needed to intervene with food.)

You want to get at least one additional test during both the AM and PM cycles. When this is depends on your cat and your schedule. Ideally, you want to be able to test close to nadir (the lowest point in the cycle). However, the only way you know where in the cycle your cat's nadir falls is if you do a curve and even with a curve, nadirs can (and do) move around.

With Lantus, you are adjusting the dose based on how low the insulin brings your cat's numbers. If you are following the Start Low Go Slow method, you reduce the dose if numbers are below 90. Given that Taco is a long term diabetic, if you are following the Tight Regulation Protocol, you would reduce the dose if numbers dropped below 40. We consider normal blood glucose as between 50 - 120. A healthy range would have Taco's numbers below renal threshold which is approximately 200.
 
haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Are you giving a treat after every ear prick? I found a freeze dried treat Max loved and it made testing so much easier.
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
First, a picky point. A "curve" is a very specific term. It typically means you are testing every 2 hours over a 12 hour period.

We typically suggest that members test their cat a minimum of 4 times/day. You should always test at AMPS and PMPS so you know if it's safe to give insulin. You enter the results of the test in the respective AMPS or PMPS column on your cat's spreadsheet. These two pre-shot tests are before you feed your cat AND you should make sure that Taco hasn't eaten during the 2 hours prior to shot time. (The exception being if you happened to test and found that his numbers were low and you needed to intervene with food.)

You want to get at least one additional test during both the AM and PM cycles. When this is depends on your cat and your schedule. Ideally, you want to be able to test close to nadir (the lowest point in the cycle). However, the only way you know where in the cycle your cat's nadir falls is if you do a curve and even with a curve, nadirs can (and do) move around.

With Lantus, you are adjusting the dose based on how low the insulin brings your cat's numbers. If you are following the Start Low Go Slow method, you reduce the dose if numbers are below 90. Given that Taco is a long term diabetic, if you are following the Tight Regulation Protocol, you would reduce the dose if numbers dropped below 40. We consider normal blood glucose as between 50 - 120. A healthy range would have Taco's numbers below renal threshold which is approximately 200.
Click to expand...
Thank you Sienna & Gabby, This is unbelievably good to know / can’t thank you enough for all the detailed and thorough information
I truly thank you for it all and taking the time to explain this to me.
 
tiffmaxee said:
haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Are you giving a treat after every ear prick? I found a freeze dried treat Max loved and it made testing so much easier.
Click to expand...
Thank you Tiffmaxee yes my cat hates it too that’s why I haven’t done it or and even able to do it. Also bc I was told if they’re in high distress the numbers can be not accurate. Yes I give a treat after - good idea! Thank you so much
 
lovemycat444 said:
Thank you Sienna & Gabby, This is unbelievably good to know / can’t thank you enough for all the detailed and thorough information
I truly thank you for it all and taking the time to explain this to me.
Click to expand...
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
First, a picky point. A "curve" is a very specific term. It typically means you are testing every 2 hours over a 12 hour period.

We typically suggest that members test their cat a minimum of 4 times/day. You should always test at AMPS and PMPS so you know if it's safe to give insulin. You enter the results of the test in the respective AMPS or PMPS column on your cat's spreadsheet. These two pre-shot tests are before you feed your cat AND you should make sure that Taco hasn't eaten during the 2 hours prior to shot time. (The exception being if you happened to test and found that his numbers were low and you needed to intervene with food.)

You want to get at least one additional test during both the AM and PM cycles. When this is depends on your cat and your schedule. Ideally, you want to be able to test close to nadir (the lowest point in the cycle). However, the only way you know where in the cycle your cat's nadir falls is if you do a curve and even with a curve, nadirs can (and do) move around.

With Lantus, you are adjusting the dose based on how low the insulin brings your cat's numbers. If you are following the Start Low Go Slow method, you reduce the dose if numbers are below 90. Given that Taco is a long term diabetic, if you are following the Tight Regulation Protocol, you would reduce the dose if numbers dropped below 40. We consider normal blood glucose as between 50 - 120. A healthy range would have Taco's numbers below renal threshold which is approximately 200.
Click to expand...
Also would you suggest only giving him dried salmon treats so it’s protein not carbs? He is extremely finicky and I’ve had to put a lot of dry Tempations treats squashed in his pate Friskies to get him to eat breakfast and dinner so that I can give him his shot.
he was eating “weight” wet food Royal Canin but then now hates it and won’t eat it at all. so I give him friskies pate and then bc of his chronic very extreme constipation it got very bad these past two years I have to give him pumpkin organic no sugar , Miralax and Metamucil as per vet - and this helps him tremendously.
he’s had 2-3 enemas at the vet bc of such intense constipation
Also I give him Friskies gravy beef bits it has a lot of gravy so that he gets liquid for the Miralax and Metamucil as vet said these two things require water . I
water down the pate but he won’t eat it if there’s too much water . I know the gravy is probably very bad with prob sugar and or carbs but I’m at a loss how to give him water I can’t afford right now to do subtaneous shots at home maybe next month I can afford it But definitely not if I decide to pay the $2000 for the diagnostic tests to see if he has cancer. I’ll have to live on barely any money but if I spend most of my monthly paycheck I might be able to pay the $2000 . I’m only mentioning the cost of diagnostic tests bc I also think it’s too high . But hopefully the second opinion vet tomorrow will have a better idea. Also sorry for the learned helplessness— can you please advise how do I upload photos of his wound and the vet high estimate and his recent treatment ? ** as told here I appreciate it I’ll blur out my name address personal info. Thank you !
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
First, a picky point. A "curve" is a very specific term. It typically means you are testing every 2 hours over a 12 hour period.

We typically suggest that members test their cat a minimum of 4 times/day. You should always test at AMPS and PMPS so you know if it's safe to give insulin. You enter the results of the test in the respective AMPS or PMPS column on your cat's spreadsheet. These two pre-shot tests are before you feed your cat AND you should make sure that Taco hasn't eaten during the 2 hours prior to shot time. (The exception being if you happened to test and found that his numbers were low and you needed to intervene with food.)

You want to get at least one additional test during both the AM and PM cycles. When this is depends on your cat and your schedule. Ideally, you want to be able to test close to nadir (the lowest point in the cycle). However, the only way you know where in the cycle your cat's nadir falls is if you do a curve and even with a curve, nadirs can (and do) move around.

With Lantus, you are adjusting the dose based on how low the insulin brings your cat's numbers. If you are following the Start Low Go Slow method, you reduce the dose if numbers are below 90. Given that Taco is a long term diabetic, if you are following the Tight Regulation Protocol, you would reduce the dose if numbers dropped below 40. We consider normal blood glucose as between 50 - 120. A healthy range would have Taco's numbers below renal threshold which is approximately 200.
Click to expand...
And so sorry for this question also … the alpha trak test strips say 2023/06 expiration ** I had no idea of this! I just read Alphatrak pamphlet says do not use expired strips . I’ll order new ones on Amazon but I’m extremely financially strapped until the beginning of the month to get paid from my job. Again I’m only mentioning the financials as I’m hoping it’s apparent that I am very committed to Taco’s health. I can see clearly everyone here are so dedicated to their sugar fur babies . Thank you
 
If you're giving Taco canned food, can you add water to it? Both of my cats (who are not diabetic) get water added to their food. It's good for their kidneys! Cats do not have a great thirst drive so adding water (or broth) to their food is helpful. If Taco doesn't like water, do try broth as long as it's not too salty. You can always throw chicken wings or whatever is on sale into a pot (no veggies) and make broth.

I would discourage you from using the AlphaTrak meter. The cost of the strips is ridiculous. Many members here use the Walmart meter and strips. The cost for the AT strips is about $1.00 each. The cost for the Walmart Relion strips is about $0.17 each. That's a BIG savings!
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
Given that Taco is a long term diabetic, if you are following the Tight Regulation Protocol, you would reduce the dose if numbers dropped below 40. We consider normal blood glucose as between 50 - 120.
Click to expand...
Please note that the BG readings that Sienne quotes above were for a HUMAN meter, not a pet meter (such as the AlphaTrak). “Normal” on an AlphaTrak is approximately 70-130. If you’re following the Tight Regulation protocol, you reduce at 68 (not 40).
tiffmaxee said:
haven’t done the BG ear testing in awhile bc my cat absolutely hates it . And I’ve gotten so many different instructions for timing from vets, online etcc

Are you giving a treat after every ear prick? I found a freeze dried treat Max loved and it made testing so much easier.
Click to expand...
Just for clarification, I believe Elise (tiffmaxee) was quoting you in the first paragraph and then asking if you offer a treat after the tests. Cats are pretty good with association and treats can help encourage a cat to accept testing. By the way, BG testing is really, really important and even if Taco doesn’t like it, it’s important to persevere and do it anyway (the “stress” of testing isn’t likely to spike your kitty’s BG but testing might very well save his life).
 
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