Booger admitted to vet 1/16 update

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MartinJA527

MartinJA527

Member Since 2014
Well... Where to begin.. Booger took a turn for the worse and stopped eating.. Totally. I remember reading one of the main signs for pancreatitis was anorexia.. And this is a cat with a normally enormous appetite.. I pressed on her belly.. She tensed up but nothing more.. We called the vet. Took her back in and in house labs that were easily drawn this time show positive for pancreatitis and low nutrophil count.. And what looked like intense pain when he was examining her... Oh my poor sweet girl.. She's spending the night this time..
 
Oh, poor Booger. No two ways about it....p-tits sucks. We're going through it with Trix right now, too. Sending prayers for a quick recovery...
 
I'm so sorry to read this but not surprised. I know people must think I think all kitties get it but when blood tests are pretty normal and the appy is gone it usually is p'itis. Once I realized the correct dose of nausea medication I was able to get him back on track faster many times. Make sure that she comes home tomorrow with plenty of cerenia and a prescription for ondansetron. I just read there is a shortage of cerenia so please get more than you think you need. With pancreatitis Max's only sign was inappetence caused by nausea and it has lasted sometimes for months. I hope Booger recovers quickly. Many do.
 
Thank you, I hope you are right.. You usually are so I'm clinging to that. Ok, I will do that, thank you for the suggestions.
 
Do you happen to know what tests were run? The only blood test that is indicative of pancreatitis is an fPL. If your vet diagnosed pancreatitis from the lipase level, it's not a diagnostic test in cats.
 
i'm so sorry to hear this, but also not surprised. So many of our diabetic cats have at least one bout of pancreatitis. Sending our best well-wishes for Booger to feel better quickly!!!

You might reread through the Pancreatitis Primer so you are prepared with any questions when you go get her tomorrow. Fluids and pain killers (bupe) are typically used as well, maybe an appy stimulant too. I'd want to come home with the whole smorgasboard of meds or prescriptions in case you need them.
 
Thanks all for your replies and suggestions. Yes, sienne, that test was run. I have since learned that she was diagnosed with triaditis. It has been an emotional night.. I have re-evaluated a couple of close "friends" who have suggested the "put her down" solution and I'm already worried sick so it's been an exhausting day. Anyone who truly knows me knows I will do what's best for my pets and "putting her down" because vet care is expensive is not an option.. Sorry.. It's been a long day.. I'll write again tomorrow..
 
((((Jenn)))))

Some people just don't get it. I feel sorry for them and can only think that they've never known the love of an animal like you and I have. My brother in law informed me that he didn't know why i was doing all of this for punkin because there were 100 more just like him at the pound. How pathetic. Fortunately, Booger has you and not Those Kind of People for her people.

There are others here with experience with triaditis. Hang in there. You know we're in your court and standing with you.
 
I couldn't agree more with what Julie said. What would your friends do if they had a sick child or parent? To me, when I bring a companion into my home, I am taking on a responsibility born out of commitment and love. I feel very sorry for your friends. Hang in there.
 
MartinJA527 said:
Thanks all for your replies and suggestions. Yes, sienne, that test was run. I have since learned that she was diagnosed with triaditis. It has been an emotional night.. I have re-evaluated a couple of close "friends" who have suggested the "put her down" solution and I'm already worried sick so it's been an exhausting day. Anyone who truly knows me knows I will do what's best for my pets and "putting her down" because vet care is expensive is not an option.. Sorry.. It's been a long day.. I'll write again tomorrow..
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There are people that get it and people that don't. Another comment I hate is, how old is your cat? I hear that about my mom too!!

Triaditis is more common than you might think. When you have time to digest all this, look at Marje's primer and read the Karen Roberson Round Table Discussion from IDEXX. It explains it all quite well. You and Booger will get through this. :bighug:
 
It is sad when people really don't understand the concept of love and commitment. Everyone - whether they have 2 feet or 4 - deserves the chance for recovery, and deserves love and support through tough times.

You are not alone in this...you are among people who do get it :bighug::bighug::bighug:!
 
Thank you all for the wonderful tears in my eyes.. It feels good not to be alone and to know there are people who have been there and are pulling for Booger to pull though this. Here where we have real "friends and family".. Who understand..
 
We get it. Completely. The time you've spent taking care of miss Booger and being so in tune with her has given you a special relationship like you may never experience with another little furry companion. They are all precious, but these little diabetic kitties are extra close to our hearts.:bighug:
 
:bighug::bighug::bighug: Vyktor had triaditis too, a few days at the vet and he was good as new - hope the same goes for your Booger.
 
Oh if I had a dollar for every time the final solution was suggested for BK; and that includes a couple vets. . .
(check out the "prognosis 6-2008" tab on BKs ss )

Hang in there - and hang in here :cool:
 
Sending strong healing vines to Booger, and hugs to you (((Jenn))) We know what you're going through.
 
Thank you all so much. The vet has called to update saying her labs have improved slightly and that she has eaten about an ounce. They preformed an ultrasound that confirmed pancreatic, hepatic, and bowel inflammation as well as a "possible" abscess. They plan to continue to medicate throughout the day until 5:00 and discharge her to me then (tentatively) with medications and instruction. I'm a little overwhelmed but so happy I have you guys for our new long journey..
 
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This is EXTREMELY awesome, and positive news! WTG, Booger!!! Please continue to keep us posted. I'm sending you both tons of healing vines, and positive thoughts. :bighug:

FWIW with regards to putting down a pet, my husband, and my inlaws all think that I should do the same for Blackie. I, on the other hand, firmly believe that as long as she's still eating, and drinking, there's no reason to let her go yet. She will tell me when it's time. In the meantime, she'll be taken care of to the best of my ability until that day comes.
 
Many vines for Booger and hugs for you. We understand completely. And we, too, were very happy to find this group of crazy cats ladies and gents. It's nice to feel normal. :joyful: :joyful: :joyful:
Liz
 
Heck, even if a kitty stops eating for a day or so, they need the chance to recover. If I let my kitties go at the first sign of them not eating, I wouldn't have any kitties left!

Sending more and more prayers for Booger! Many here have been through similar situations so feel free to ask as many questions as you need, and vent as you need, and lean on us as you need!
 
It's so good that Booger is coming home to be with you.

When Squiggles was first diagnosed with diabetes, my brother said " Don't let her suffer too long will you ? " I was furious & gave him a piece of my mind !

The vet was telling me some people won't even go along with their cat being treated & have them put down when they deteriorate :(
 
Well she's back home now. I think she was really scared at the vet and she seemed to be happy to be home. We have lots of medicines and I'm to give her fluids twice a day for a few days.. But I'm already having problems getting her to eat.. Any suggestions?
 
LynRich said:
It's so good that Booger is coming home to be with you.

When Squiggles was first diagnosed with diabetes, my brother said " Don't let her suffer too long will you ? " I was furious & gave him a piece of my mind !

The vet was telling me some people won't even go along with their cat being treated & have them put down when they deteriorate :(
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julie & punkin (ga) said:
((((Jenn)))))

Some people just don't get it. I feel sorry for them and can only think that they've never known the love of an animal like you and I have. My brother in law informed me that he didn't know why i was doing all of this for punkin because there were 100 more just like him at the pound. How pathetic. Fortunately, Booger has you and not Those Kind of People for her people.

There are others here with experience with triaditis. Hang in there. You know we're in your court and standing with you.
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I'm still so thankful for that.. I think ones exact words were, "Jen.. When is enough going to be enough for that poor cat.. All I can see is $$$ adding up for you". And I responded with.. When she tells me SHE has had enough.. Until then I will do whatever is in my power.. And Poor cat? Exactly! That's WHY I'm doing this! I ended the conversation but then went on to explain I didn't expect everyone to understand, agree or feel the same as me all the time.. But I did expect true friends to support me.. And be there for me when I need them.. Guess what they say is true of real friends.. You find out who they really are... I dunno it was a big deal to me.. She knows better.. I could still lose Booger after this.. I just needed a friend and felt very let down.
 
Her appetite will probably be less than normal because she hasn't been eating so much (stomach shrinks up a little) but if she's not eating at all or really insufficiently then offer her anything she might like to eat, including high carbs if that's all she'll eat at the moment. If she won't take anything or enough then you may have to consider assisted feeding which I haven't done before but there are plenty of beans that have that will be able to give you tips. I would edit your subject line with the problem to get the right eyes on.

So glad she's back home with you :):bighug::):bighug:
 
(((jenn)))

I'm so sorry Booger has been so sick but am glad you got her into the vet and they gave you a diagnosis and a plan. Jill's Alex was extremely ill with triaditis a few years ago. Alex never did well at the vet and Jill nursed her back to great health at home. It can be done. Your love for Booger is very evident and I am confident she will do so much better at home with her loving mama.

Have you ever tried to assist feed her with a syringe? this is the best video I've seen on assist feeding a cat:

 
Marje and Gracie said:
(((jenn)))

I'm so sorry Booger has been so sick but am glad you got her into the vet and they gave you a diagnosis and a plan. Jill's Alex was extremely ill with triaditis a few years ago. Alex never did well at the vet and Jill nursed her back to great health at home. It can be done. Your love for Booger is very evident and I am confident she will do so much better at home with her loving mama.

Have you ever tried to assist feed her with a syringe? this is the best video I've seen on assist feeding a cat:

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Thanks for the kind words, encouragement and confidence. I checked out the video and was able to get some food into her that way.. She tolerated it pretty well. It wasn't a whole meal but it was a start. Thanks for the link. Hopefully soon she'll have some interest in eating
 
Vyktors Mum said:
Her appetite will probably be less than normal because she hasn't been eating so much (stomach shrinks up a little) but if she's not eating at all or really insufficiently then offer her anything she might like to eat, including high carbs if that's all she'll eat at the moment. If she won't take anything or enough then you may have to consider assisted feeding which I haven't done before but there are plenty of beans that have that will be able to give you tips. I would edit your subject line with the problem to get the right eyes on.

So glad she's back home with you :):bighug::):bighug:
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Thank you. I'm assisting her now and that's working. I'm going to get some different foods to see if anything sparks her to eat tomorrow.
 
I'm glad that's working. For assist feeding, I like to use Iams Max Calorie. Unfortunately, it is a prescription food but it's low carb and high calorie and it's not a food that they would normally eat so they won't develop an aversion to their regular food.

More vines and i hope she decides to eat on her own soon.
 
So glad you've got her home.

I don't think most of my friends understood why we went to such lengths for punkin. They just didn't, but fortunately i had friends here on fdmb. Lean on us - we get it and will support you in any way we can.
 
MartinJA527 said:
Thank you. I'm assisting her now and that's working. I'm going to get some different foods to see if anything sparks her to eat tomorrow.
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I'm glad you're managing to get some food down her, hopefully she'll pick up soon. We can only do what we think is right for our cats.
 
A couple of thoughts on assist feeding... Don't use the foods Booger usually loves. Some cats develop an aversion to the food that you use to assist feed. Save the favorite foods until she's feeling a little better so they will tempt her to eat on her own.

Try using baby food. Gerber or Beechnut Stage 2 foods are only meat and broth (Gerber has some cornstarch) and are both in the low carb range and many cats really like baby food. It may tempt her to eat on her own. It's also very easy to go down and is digested easily. However, it is not nutritionally complete for a cat so a solid diet of baby food for a prolonged period isn't a good idea.

There are some liquid foods that may work, as well.

Foods like rotisserie chicken or anything similar if Booger likes 'people' food may also be tempting. Sometimes, all it takes is stimulating a kitty to eat helps to start the ball rolling.

As for your friend, I'm going through a similar issue with a very close friend over an upcoming home purchase. She thinks I'm spending too much. Her initial comments were harsh. At some point, she said she was trying to be protective (it's been a tough year for me). It helped to have an understanding of where her comments were coming from although I did let her know that I found her style of communicating rather off-putting. If this is a relationship you care about, hopefully, you and your friend will find a way to work through her comments.
 
Sienne and Gabby said:
A couple of thoughts on assist feeding... Don't use the foods Booger usually loves. Some cats develop an aversion to the food that you use to assist feed. Save the favorite foods until she's feeling a little better so they will tempt her to eat on her own.

Try using baby food. Gerber or Beechnut Stage 2 foods are only meat and broth (Gerber has some cornstarch) and are both in the low carb range and many cats really like baby food. It may tempt her to eat on her own. It's also very easy to go down and is digested easily. However, it is not nutritionally complete for a cat so a solid diet of baby food for a prolonged period isn't a good idea.

There are some liquid foods that may work, as well.

Foods like rotisserie chicken or anything similar if Booger likes 'people' food may also be tempting. Sometimes, all it takes is stimulating a kitty to eat helps to start the ball rolling.

As for your friend, I'm going through a similar issue with a very close friend over an upcoming home purchase. She thinks I'm spending too much. Her initial comments were harsh. At some point, she said she was trying to be protective (it's been a tough year for me). It helped to have an understanding of where her comments were coming from although I did let her know that I found her style of communicating rather off-putting. If this is a relationship you care about, hopefully, you and your friend will find a way to work through her comments.
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Thanks for the suggestions on the foods. I have tried some home made chicken but she's wanting no part of that either so its time to try new things. I think Elise had suggested the baby food as well.. I will pick up a couple of those too. She ate almost an ounce this am (assisted) and she's kept that down so far.

Yes, I know even friends can be hash.. And I'm no stranger to bad days or criticism myself.. Even when it comes to the lengths I go for pets or abandoned animals.. This just felt like a deeper wound for some reason (probably because I was so overwhelmed at the moment, had had such a rough week, and her prognosis is guarded as it is).. It wasn't so much the words she said, just the lack of support.. We've talked since and I've explained myself and she did apologize but right now I'm just talking to people who care about Booger ( You guys.. My vet.. My husband.. And a select few others) about it.
 
I'm the same way when it comes to my cats....I usually only share so much with people who don't understand, because I know it can lead to unpleasantries.

I have a slightly different approach when I assist-feed Trix, which I've had to do on a couple of occasions this past year thanks to nasty p-titis, including just last week. Anyway, my vet also suggested I use a food that she doesn't like because of the aversion thing. But when I use a food Trix doesn't like, she fights me pretty hard. So just for the heck of it, I tried a food she liked instead....just one syringe as a test. She liked it! She leaned into the syringe to eat, rather than fighting to get away from it! And, she STILL eats that food now, even without a syringe. So you could try just one syringe of a food that Booger likes and see what she says about it. If she fights it at all, I would give up that idea, but it may help make assist-feeding her a little easier if she's on board with it.

Sending more prayers and vines for your girl!!
 
Thanks, I will keep that in mind as well. The strange thing is.. Is that once she starts getting fed she just eats.. It takes a little time but there's no fighting. She just won't make the effort on her own..

Thanks again for everyone sticking with us, all your prayers, thoughts, suggestions and support!
 
I also edit who I say much to about what we did for punkin. Some people, even good friends, might just not get it. You don't need lukewarm or no support when you're giving your all for someone you love. Fortunately, it sounds like you have a network of folks who do get it.

Jill added a new post recently called "Suggestions on how to Stimulate a Kitty's Appetite." Look here and click on the New to the Group sticky, then look in the single topic posts near the bottom of that page. Perhaps there is something there that is new that might help her.
 
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