Bella’s FD journey part 1

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Numbers today are pretty good. Continue with 1.5 u tonight and tomorrow.

As far as crystals go, are you sure it's crystals or an actually UTI? Some cats are very prone to sterile cystitis and those episodes look just like a UTI or crystals - frequent peeing, blood in pee, straining to pee, peeing in the wrong place, etc.

Teasel was very prone to them but they haven't been a problem since his diabetes diagnosis and me adding extra water to all his wet food meals. When he had the episodes he had his urine cultured a couple of times but had a UTI only once. My vet prescribed symptom treatment: cerenia because it has antiinflammatory action, pain meds and an antispasmodic (prazosin) for urethral spasms.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
Numbers today are pretty good. Continue with 1.5 u tonight and tomorrow.

As far as crystals go, are you sure it's crystals or an actually UTI? Some cats are very prone to sterile cystitis and those episodes look just like a UTI or crystals - frequent peeing, blood in pee, straining to pee, peeing in the wrong place, etc.

Teasel was very prone to them but they haven't been a problem since his diabetes diagnosis and me adding extra water to all his wet food meals. When he had the episodes he had his urine cultured a couple of times but had a UTI only once. My vet prescribed symptom treatment: cerenia because it has antiinflammatory action, pain meds and an antispasmodic (prazosin) for urethral spasms.
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He’s not peeing blood, he just goes from 1 box to the other and pees a little bit, I always give extra water to everything, he has had crystals in the past
 
Bellasmom said:
He’s not peeing blood, he just goes from 1 box to the other and pees a little bit, I always give extra water to everything, he has had crystals in the past
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I see that in your signature. If it's not an infection or crystals, stress can bring on these sterile cystitis episodes. Could there be something different going on that's bothering him? Once I learned Teasel's patterns with his episodes I'd just keep a close eye for any signs of blockage but otherwise just let them run their course.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
I see that in your signature. If it's not an infection or crystals, stress can bring on these sterile cystitis episodes. Could there be something different going on that's bothering him? Once I learned Teasel's patterns with his episodes I'd just keep a close eye for any signs of blockage but otherwise just let them run their course.
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So what should I do, I gave antibiotics, pain meds and meds to relax is urethra, I, wondering if he is still having trouble do I need to go to vet or give this some time, also giving
 
Bellasmom said:
So what should I do, I gave antibiotics, pain meds and meds to relax is urethra, I, wondering if he is still having trouble do I need to go to vet or give this some time, also giving
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So do I wait and see what happens or take him to vet, don’t know what to do, so what is the difference between crystals and sterile crystitis, and what should I look for when it comes to blockage, I have not slept much, up and down to see if he is doing ok, been in a panic, I’m only giving the very very wet raw this am and last night
 
With Teasel, I’d watch him to make sure he was still peeing even if it was only small amounts. They can’t pee at all if they’re blocked. You’ll have to use your judgment with Bella. I gave you my experiences with Teasel but if you think Bella’s is a true UTI the vet will need to check him. You could try waiting a while if someone is around to keep a close eye on him.
 
When Baby was first diagnosed she had a UTI. They gave her the antibiotic shot (one that lasts 3 weeks but really isn’t the best one for a UTI) & that did not work. In 3 weeks I took her to my new vet & they gave her another oral 10 day antibiotic (the right one) to get it cleared up. They also gave me the cerenia pills to help with inflammation. She recovered after the second round. Sorry I can’t remember the meds but I can look them up if you need the antibiotic names. She was peeing outside of the box. But peeing small amounts iften is also a sign. That is also when she began peeing straight back & still does this. I think her peepee hole got messed up?!?
 
Here's some reading for you to do on your day off. The first article is one my vet gave me when Teasel was having his episodes. The other articles include some aimed at vets so they're technical and a couple aimed at cat owners. These pretty much summarize everything I've learned about cystitis:

http://www.thecatclinic.ca/uploads/new-medical-support-item/Feline Idiopathic Cystitis Client Handout.pdf?lbisphpreq=1

https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_bladder_inflammation_feline_interstitial_cystitis

http://todaysveterinarypractice.nav...logy-treatment-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis/

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.co...s-with-nonobstructive-idiopathic-interstitial

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/feline-interstitial-cystitis-it-s-not-about-bladder

http://www.nccat.com/cat-health-care/diseases/cystitis/feline-idiopathic-cystitis.html

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat...conditions-a-z/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic

https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic

I'm also tagging another member I know whose female kitty has flares of this: @Rachel She might have some ideas for things you can try.

I hope this helps. :)
 
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Kris & Teasel said:
Here's some reading for you to do on your day off. The first article is one my vet gave me when Teasel was having his episoes. The other articles include some aimed at vets so they're technical and a couple aimed at cat owners. These pretty much summarize everything I've learned about cystitis:

http://www.thecatclinic.ca/uploads/new-medical-support-item/Feline Idiopathic Cystitis Client Handout.pdf?lbisphpreq=1

https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_bladder_inflammation_feline_interstitial_cystitis

http://todaysveterinarypractice.nav...logy-treatment-of-feline-idiopathic-cystitis/

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.co...s-with-nonobstructive-idiopathic-interstitial

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/feline-interstitial-cystitis-it-s-not-about-bladder

http://www.nccat.com/cat-health-care/diseases/cystitis/feline-idiopathic-cystitis.html

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat...conditions-a-z/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic

https://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/feline-idiopathic-cystitis-fic

I'm also tagging another member I know whose female kitty has flares of this: @Rachel She might have some ideas for things you can try.

I hope this helps. :)
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Yes thanks, I decided to take him to vet, better to be safe than sorry and save myself from worrying and not sleeping all weekend long, I will read these
 
Becky & Baby Girl Kitty said:
When Baby was first diagnosed she had a UTI. They gave her the antibiotic shot (one that lasts 3 weeks but really isn’t the best one for a UTI) & that did not work. In 3 weeks I took her to my new vet & they gave her another oral 10 day antibiotic (the right one) to get it cleared up. They also gave me the cerenia pills to help with inflammation. She recovered after the second round. Sorry I can’t remember the meds but I can look them up if you need the antibiotic names. She was peeing outside of the box. But peeing small amounts iften is also a sign. That is also when she began peeing straight back & still does this. I think her peepee hole got messed up?!?
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Thanks for the help I appreciate it, I’m taking him to vet at 11, I’m taking off work early, I don’t want to worry all weekend and not sleep, I have a very long work day on sunday so I need to get some rest
 
I’m glad you are... I always worry that Baby won’t show me a sign & have another one. Or I’m always checking her peeing! Nosy momma! Let us know how it turns out!
 
Hi there! I’m so sorry that Bella isn’t feeling well. A vet visit sounds good...it’ll help you feel better. I can tell you my Tigress has cystitis...flares fairly often. She was diagnosed when I demanded the vet take her and find out why she was always having these UTIs. Turns out they weren’t UTIs at all! My vet took urine and sent it out for a culture and sensitivity (which I recommend) and did an ultrasound to check for stones or other issues. C&S came back with nothing and nothin on ultrasound...now when she flares I don’t even bother with the vet. I give bupe for pain.

Cystitis does wax and wane...and does recur unfortunately. Extra water is good. However since it’s usually sterile inflammation there’s really only so much you can do. I’ve been giving corn silk extract as that’s a natural anti inflammatory...it hasn’t worked great for us but I know others who’ve had major success with it. I’ve also been giving hemp oil which I believe is helping some.

What I’ve learned through Tigresses issues is that this simply will keep happening. When I see her flaring I give pain meds. And I’m trying different things in hopes of lessening the flares...but the major thing I do is try to avoid being stressed as that stresses HER out. If he’s peeing some he’s not blocked...and if he isn’t blocked he'll be okay.

Id request a C&S if they say infection as that can tell you with more certainty and can tell you what meds will work best. If it’s in fact a cystitis flare which I suspect I’d get pain meds (bupe is best) and prazosin for the spasms. I’ll put together some info I have on different things you can try that could help too if you’d like.
 
Rachel said:
Hi there! I’m so sorry that Bella isn’t feeling well. A vet visit sounds good...it’ll help you feel better. I can tell you my Tigress has cystitis...flares fairly often. She was diagnosed when I demanded the vet take her and find out why she was always having these UTIs. Turns out they weren’t UTIs at all! My vet took urine and sent it out for a culture and sensitivity (which I recommend) and did an ultrasound to check for stones or other issues. C&S came back with nothing and nothin on ultrasound...now when she flares I don’t even bother with the vet. I give bupe for pain.

Cystitis does wax and wane...and does recur unfortunately. Extra water is good. However since it’s usually sterile inflammation there’s really only so much you can do. I’ve been giving corn silk extract as that’s a natural anti inflammatory...it hasn’t worked great for us but I know others who’ve had major success with it. I’ve also been giving hemp oil which I believe is helping some.

What I’ve learned through Tigresses issues is that this simply will keep happening. When I see her flaring I give pain meds. And I’m trying different things in hopes of lessening the flares...but the major thing I do is try to avoid being stressed as that stresses HER out. If he’s peeing some he’s not blocked...and if he isn’t blocked he'll be okay.

Id request a C&S if they say infection as that can tell you with more certainty and can tell you what meds will work best. If it’s in fact a cystitis flare which I suspect I’d get pain meds (bupe is best) and prazosin for the spasms. I’ll put together some info I have on different things you can try that could help too if you’d like.
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Thank you so and I will ask doc for those tests, will let you know what doc says, he is eating well and I put tons of water in his food this and he ate it all, he acts fine except for the peeing just a bit at a time
 
Rachel said:
Hi there! I’m so sorry that Bella isn’t feeling well. A vet visit sounds good...it’ll help you feel better. I can tell you my Tigress has cystitis...flares fairly often. She was diagnosed when I demanded the vet take her and find out why she was always having these UTIs. Turns out they weren’t UTIs at all! My vet took urine and sent it out for a culture and sensitivity (which I recommend) and did an ultrasound to check for stones or other issues. C&S came back with nothing and nothin on ultrasound...now when she flares I don’t even bother with the vet. I give bupe for pain.

Cystitis does wax and wane...and does recur unfortunately. Extra water is good. However since it’s usually sterile inflammation there’s really only so much you can do. I’ve been giving corn silk extract as that’s a natural anti inflammatory...it hasn’t worked great for us but I know others who’ve had major success with it. I’ve also been giving hemp oil which I believe is helping some.

What I’ve learned through Tigresses issues is that this simply will keep happening. When I see her flaring I give pain meds. And I’m trying different things in hopes of lessening the flares...but the major thing I do is try to avoid being stressed as that stresses HER out. If he’s peeing some he’s not blocked...and if he isn’t blocked he'll be okay.

Id request a C&S if they say infection as that can tell you with more certainty and can tell you what meds will work best. If it’s in fact a cystitis flare which I suspect I’d get pain meds (bupe is best) and prazosin for the spasms. I’ll put together some info I have on different things you can try that could help too if you’d like.
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Thanks so much for this, Rachel. :)
 
What Rachel does for her kitty is what I used to do for Teasel when he had his episodes. The thing that helped me the most was seeing over time that the bouts would come, slowly resolve on their own over several days and then go. I watched him to make sure he was still peeing even if it was little bits and sometimes in inappropriate places :confused:. I gave bupe for pain and prazosin for spasms only rarely. I learned that this was a thing that would come and go and tried hard not to hover or stress over it. That gets easier once you see how the episodes play out - assuming no blockage of course.
 
Good deal! Since he’s eating and peeing a little you know he’s okay for now. He is able to per and if blocked would probably not eat. Stress really is a major factor in this. Seeing Tigress get better has helped me as Kris said. I know she’ll be fine since I’ve seen it.

Let us know what the vet says!
 
Kris & Teasel said:
White cells in urine? Will he be on antibiotics?
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On antibiotics simplicef,oxybutynn, and lasix
Now Abby is doing same thing, but it seems she’s trying to poop, she’s been to cat box like 6 times, gave her some miralax, I can’t tell if she’s trying to poop or pee, omg
 
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Bellasmom said:
On antibiotics simplicef,oxybutynn, and lasix
Now Abby is doing same thing, but it seems she’s trying to poop, she’s been to cat box like 6 times, gave her some miralax, I can’t tell if she’s trying to poop or pee, omg
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Is Oxy .. a pain killer? Why Lasiz (a diuretic)?
 
Bellasmom said:
Another cat is doing same thing
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Very strange. If both are still peeing and otherwise look/act normal it would be better for your stress level to just quietly observe, give meds and step back as much as you can. That's easier said than done but necessary. Vets will often prescribe an antibiotic "just in case". The best way to know for sure is to culture some urine to see what bacteria, if any, grow. For you, though, you have the peace of mind of having your vet check him. I hope you can relax a bit this weekend. :)
 
You poor thing! Now 2 of them! A culture will tell you which type of infection it is - bacterial... but a broad spectrum antibiotic will treat all kinds. Hopefully this is what he gave you. Bella should show improvement in a few days & hope the miralax helps, if not try a little canned pumpkin mixed in the food. Sorry but glad you have meds now!
 
Becky & Baby Girl Kitty said:
You poor thing! Now 2 of them! A culture will tell you which type of infection it is - bacterial... but a broad spectrum antibiotic will treat all kinds. Hopefully this is what he gave you. Bella should show improvement in a few days & hope the miralax helps, if not try a little canned pumpkin mixed in the food. Sorry but glad you have meds now!
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No, I was wrong she cant pee either , I think, hard to tellso I’m screaming:eek:
 
Kris & Teasel said:
Very strange. If both are still peeing and otherwise look/act normal it would be better for your stress level to just quietly observe, give meds and step back as much as you can. That's easier said than done but necessary. Vets will often prescribe an antibiotic "just in case". The best way to know for sure is to culture some urine to see what bacteria, if any, grow. For you, though, you have the peace of mind of having your vet check him. I hope you can relax a bit this weekend. :)
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I have given everyone meds, they both are eating and acting normal, bella has finally quit going back and forth to cat box, I think the Xanax has relaxed Abby and she’s had antibiotics and bladder relaxant, I’m going to lay on couch and just shut my eyes, doc was mad a me for not bringing in bella more often about his diabetes, told him I joined a forum and he looked at me like I was crazy, he made me cry cause he acted like I wasn’t doing what was the best for bella and I know I try my best everyday, I told him I could not afford to bring him all the time
 
Bellasmom said:
I have given everyone meds, they both are eating and acting normal, bella has finally quit going back and forth to cat box, I think the Xanax has relaxed Abby and she’s had antibiotics and bladder relaxant, I’m going to lay on couch and just shut my eyes, doc was mad a me for not bringing in bella more often about his diabetes, told him I joined a forum and he looked at me like I was crazy, he made me cry cause he acted like I wasn’t doing what was the best for bella and I know I try my best everyday, I told him I could not afford to bring him all the time
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Poor you! A time out is what you need. :(
 
You have experts here telling you what to do! You definitely are doing everything you can for him! Just what would he do differently I wonder? You’re exhausted I’m sure- put a little Xanax in your tea!!! Lol -you need some after this day! Bless your heart
 
Becky & Baby Girl Kitty said:
You have experts here telling you what to do! You definitely are doing everything you can for him! Just what would he do differently I wonder? You’re exhausted I’m sure- put a little Xanax in your tea!!! Lol -you need some after this day! Bless your heart
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I know, and he didn’t even ask about his BG or insulin except to fuss at me, I wasn’t gonna mention it anymore, I’m doing just fine with you wonderful people
 
I know you've had a stressful day but would it be possible to get a +2 or +3 test this evening? Depending on that test as well as the pre shot BG tomorrow morning I might advise staying at 1.5 u one more day.
 
It's been a tough day for you for sure! Don't you wish the vet could prescribe a xanax for you too...I always wish mine could!

I do want to give one suggestion. There's a product called Cantharis that you might find useful. It's supposed to be helpful for pain from bladder issues. HEre's a link to it on Amazon: https://amazon.com/Boiron-Cantharis-30C-80-pellet/dp/B00014GJNM/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20. You can also get it from some health food stores..I get it from the Vitamin Shoppe. It's not as good as bupe from a vet, but it's OTC which is nice...and I can say that when my girl Elektra starts to act funny (yes I've got two cystitis kitties...forgot to mention that earlier) I give her one of these and then another about 30 min later and usually it clears her right up. It might be something to try with your kitties as it's fairly cheap, doesn't require a prescription, and couldn't hurt, right?
 
Kris & Teasel said:
I know you've had a stressful day but would it be possible to get a +2 or +3 test this evening? Depending on that test as well as the pre shot BG tomorrow morning I might advise staying at 1.5 u one more day.
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I, so sorry I fell asleep on the couch I just was so tired for no sleep, working 12 hr days, will do better today
 
Hmm ... that black this AM suggests he might have dropped a bit lower last night or maybe it's from the UTI. I saw your SS note about getting a +4 today. :)
 
@Bellasmom
This thread has become rather lengthy. When threads get this long oftentimes other members won't bother reading because of the length and/or become reluctant to jump in to offer suggestions/advice. Finish up here for the day, but please start a new thread tomorrow.
Thank you very much! :)
 
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