Casey's numbers - any ideas?

[ohiogal]

Hi all,

Well, after her bout of pancreatitis last week, Casey's still doing really well - eating, pooping, etc. - and I think she's starting to gain some of her weight back.

But I'm confused about her numbers. If you look at her chart you'll see that for a few days there, her AMs were in the low 100s. She's NEVER been that low since she was diagnosed. She was eating fine and everything, so I'm trying to figure out what was happening that her numbers were so low - basically because they're going up again and I'd like to see if there's any way I can get them back down without increasing her dose!

Any ideas? Is that common with pancreatitis, that the numbers go down after the kitty is better? She was eating Hills a/d, i/d, and DM at the vet's - should I put her on that diet? Or was it just some strange aberration that I can't repeat?

Any ideas would be helpful, thanks! At least she seems to be doing pretty well, although I'm concerned about her getting dehydrated again. Maybe I should ask the vet if I should give her some sub-Q fluids...?

 

[BJM]

Many cats do go lower at night.

Pancreatitis may alter insulin and digestive hormone and enzyme production, which may alter digestion and resultant glucose production.

If any infection was present, that tends to elevate glucose. Resolution may lower glucose levels.

You might start posting in one of the Lantus forums, where you will get more focused feedback on using it.

 

[ohiogal]

OK, thanks. Should I copy this post there, or post there and delete this one?

 

[BJM]

Copy the web link and link back to this and any relevant prior posts.

Put the date, Casey, and pancreatitis Qs in the heading. Those whose cats have had that will be able to share their experiences.

 

[Blue]

Hi all,

Well, after her bout of pancreatitis last week, Casey's still doing really well - eating, pooping, etc. - and I think she's starting to gain some of her weight back.

But I'm confused about her numbers. If you look at her chart you'll see that for a few days there, her AMs were in the low 100s. She's NEVER been that low since she was diagnosed. She was eating fine and everything, so I'm trying to figure out what was happening that her numbers were so low - basically because they're going up again and I'd like to see if there's any way I can get them back down without increasing her dose!

Any ideas? Is that common with pancreatitis, that the numbers go down after the kitty is better? She was eating Hills a/d, i/d, and DM at the vet's - should I put her on that diet? Or was it just some strange aberration that I can't repeat?

Any ideas would be helpful, thanks! At least she seems to be doing pretty well, although I'm concerned about her getting dehydrated again. Maybe I should ask the vet if I should give her some sub-Q fluids...?

Some cats are prone to pancreatitis; my Shadoe was one of them. You may well find that Casey will have more flares. so it's best to have what's needed on hand.

You don't need any fancy diet for a cat who has issues with pancreatitis, but giving 1/4tab of regular strength 10mg Pepcid AC twice a day will help with any upset stomach issues. I found it helped to give Shadoe 1/4tab about 30min before her am and pm shots meals. Daily max for pepcid (famotidine) is 5mg, so 2.5mg a couple times a day is helpful.

For hydration, many people add water to their cats' food; it helps the cats and you can always check your cat for dehydration..... pulling up your cat's skin then watching how slowly it sinks back to the body will tell you a great deal...you can have your vet to show you how to do this checking the next time you are there.

While we know that all cats are diff, you'll see higher BG during flares.
Watch for signs and you will be able to handle them with pepcid for a bit of nausea, fluids to hydrate and flush, and definitely keep pain meds on hand. If you ask any human who has suffered with pancreatitis attacks, you will be told they are very painful. Keep a supply of buprenex from your vet on hand.

some info for you.
Most cats w/ p-titis flare experience a degree of nausea-- which could explain the inappetence. Although
pepcid can help in mild cases, it often isn't enough for nausea of p-titis.
I had great luck w/ ondansetron for kitties w/ ptitis and lymphoma. it is very inexpensive prescription med. it comes in either pill or injection. I had easy pillers, so I went that route. The *big* p-titis vets ( zoran,marks, scherk) all recommend its use. If your vet is unfamiliar, i would be happy to post the dosing ranges for you .
If there is vomiting -- then cerenia shots can really help. They can only be used so many days in a row though.
and to note, they can be used along w/ the ondansetron. ( and yes you can give the pepcid with both of them. )

If your kitty is not eating, appetite stimulants are often used.
mirtazapine is a very effective medication and only has to be dosed every 3 days.
note: appy stims will not work if your cat is nauseous.

Pain control for p-titis is extremely important. buprenorphine is a med that is commonly used for kitties with this problem and is very effective. If your cat has p-titis it is generally assumed to be in pain. Sometimes the only way to know if treating pain will be effective is by trying. Please talk to your vet about this.
You can refer him or her to this by margie scherk, dvm:
Feline Pancreatitis: Underdiagnosed and Overlooked
Margie Scherk, DVM, DABVP (Feline)

Sub Q Fluids are a key component in treating p-titis flares. (s. Marks, dvm has it on top of his list, as does scherk who states : "Therapy for pancreatitis is determined by the type of pancreatitis. Fluid therapy and pain relief are the cornerstones in supportive care. Sustain blood and plasma volume, correct acid-base and electrolyte disorders."

Chronic pancreatitis (or does my cat have a pepcid deficiency?)
Idexx Treatment for Pancreatitis