Red & Rover (GA)
Member Since 2016
Continuing to send my best to Ajay and Chester. I hope things are getting better.
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Squalliesmom
Member Since 2015
Same here, more prayers and vines for Chester and AJay, hoping things are looking up a bit.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Chester Update:
Acro test came back negative but they are re-running it to be sure. AJay doesn't know if they did the IAA test but is going to inquire and ask to have it done if they haven't done so. (RVC doesn't do IAA testing and it may have to be sent to Michigan.)
Apparently Chester has very thin skin on his abdomen and a pot belly despite needing to gain some weight so they are testing for Cushings. The first low dex test came back positive but that is not conclusive in cats so they are running a high dex test. While doing this they also plan to do an MRI and will check both pituitary and adrenal glands. Vet thinks one of his adrenal glands is enlarged based on examinations to date. They started Chester on Trilostane for Cushings. He's been fairly perky with AJay the last couple of days, but today since starting the medication, he was quite flat and a bit grumpy. The vet checked him over and thought the change in demeanour was from the medication.
They've tried to switch Chester over to PZI from regular insulin several times and each time his BG soars after about two cycles and the ketones return. They had him up to 5u of PZI but I think they've gone back to "R" again now to keep the ketones at bay.
AJay is visiting Chester daily. The vet is 45 minutes away and AJay is exhausted between the travelling and worry. She apologizes for not posting on the forum but she is just too overwhelmed at the moment. She is very grateful for all the support and prayers for Chester.
Acro test came back negative but they are re-running it to be sure. AJay doesn't know if they did the IAA test but is going to inquire and ask to have it done if they haven't done so. (RVC doesn't do IAA testing and it may have to be sent to Michigan.)
Apparently Chester has very thin skin on his abdomen and a pot belly despite needing to gain some weight so they are testing for Cushings. The first low dex test came back positive but that is not conclusive in cats so they are running a high dex test. While doing this they also plan to do an MRI and will check both pituitary and adrenal glands. Vet thinks one of his adrenal glands is enlarged based on examinations to date. They started Chester on Trilostane for Cushings. He's been fairly perky with AJay the last couple of days, but today since starting the medication, he was quite flat and a bit grumpy. The vet checked him over and thought the change in demeanour was from the medication.
They've tried to switch Chester over to PZI from regular insulin several times and each time his BG soars after about two cycles and the ketones return. They had him up to 5u of PZI but I think they've gone back to "R" again now to keep the ketones at bay.
AJay is visiting Chester daily. The vet is 45 minutes away and AJay is exhausted between the travelling and worry. She apologizes for not posting on the forum but she is just too overwhelmed at the moment. She is very grateful for all the support and prayers for Chester.
Squalliesmom
Member Since 2015
Thanks for the update, Linda. I'm so glad he seems to be doing reasonably well, all things considered. What a shame the PZI didn't work out for him. Are they using any other insulin along with the R? Hope he adjusts to the Trilostane and it stops making him grumpy. Poor boy, he's got a lot to deal with, I guess he's earned the right to be grumpy from time to time, lol!
I can well understand that AJay must be beyond exhausted! Please send her love and hugs, and soft scritches and gentle smooches for Chester. Keeping them both in my prayers!!!
I can well understand that AJay must be beyond exhausted! Please send her love and hugs, and soft scritches and gentle smooches for Chester. Keeping them both in my prayers!!!
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Will do!
Tuxedo Mom
Member Since 2014
The thin skin and pot belly are two signs of Cushing's, although with PDH Cushing's both adrenals are enlarged. I hope the MRI can determine whether there is a tumour on the pituitary. With ADH Cushing's only one adrenal is enlarged and the tumour is on the adrenal rather than the pituitary. ADH Cushing's does not respond to trilostane, so I do hope they get it figured out.
Continuing to send prayers and positive energy for Chester and AJay.
Continuing to send prayers and positive energy for Chester and AJay.
Kris & Teasel
Member Since 2016
Thanks for the update, Linda. Keeping fingers crossed for Chester and Ajay.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
Chester is acting a tad better today although apparently the intern covering for the weekend (who doesn't seem to know much according to AJay) went to take his femoral pulse and nearly got his hand taken off! Chester got really riled at him, screaming and hissing etc. Poor guy. Sounds like the intern needs to hone his bedside manner! I suppose Chester's attitude with the vet could be taken as a good sign that he is still fighting back!
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
My apologies ladies........ should have updated yesterday.
Chester's BG dropped down to 14 yesterday on 7u of PZI which had AJay and the vet rejoicing however he's climbing again today and he is again anemic. Vet doesn't seem to be giving AJay much hope given the rise in BG again. 2nd Cushing test came back right at the threshold of positive/negative so Dx still up in the air. MRI to be done today and while I don't know the extent of what they will be looking at, it sounds like at minimum it will be pituitary and adrenal glands. Vet is also pursuing test for IAA as she may need to start him on regular insulin again and is looking for any and all reasons for his stubborn numbers. Of course with the higher BG again (20's to 30's in mmol; 360 to 500's US).
I just hope the higher BG today is simply a bounce from going lower yesterday. Chester and AJay need our continued prayers as that little guy is proving to be a very tough nut to crack.
One thing AJay is having an issue with is that the vet insists on feeding Chester twice daily only. I sent her copies of both the AAHA and ISFM guidelines to show the vet to try to get his meals split into at least 4 servings a day in the hopes that perhaps some of his high BGs might be stress from hunger.
Chester's BG dropped down to 14 yesterday on 7u of PZI which had AJay and the vet rejoicing however he's climbing again today and he is again anemic. Vet doesn't seem to be giving AJay much hope given the rise in BG again. 2nd Cushing test came back right at the threshold of positive/negative so Dx still up in the air. MRI to be done today and while I don't know the extent of what they will be looking at, it sounds like at minimum it will be pituitary and adrenal glands. Vet is also pursuing test for IAA as she may need to start him on regular insulin again and is looking for any and all reasons for his stubborn numbers. Of course with the higher BG again (20's to 30's in mmol; 360 to 500's US).
I just hope the higher BG today is simply a bounce from going lower yesterday. Chester and AJay need our continued prayers as that little guy is proving to be a very tough nut to crack.
One thing AJay is having an issue with is that the vet insists on feeding Chester twice daily only. I sent her copies of both the AAHA and ISFM guidelines to show the vet to try to get his meals split into at least 4 servings a day in the hopes that perhaps some of his high BGs might be stress from hunger.
Red & Rover (GA)
Member Since 2016
Good thinking, Linda. Thanks for the update.
Ajay and Chester continue to be frontmost and foremost in my heart and thoughts.
Ajay and Chester continue to be frontmost and foremost in my heart and thoughts.
MrWorfMen's Mom
Member Since 2015
MRI and Ultrasound have been done . The update from AJay is not good news. Here's AJay's note on FB.
Chester is to be seen by a neurologist to determine if surgery is a possibility and if so he would be cared for at RVC. The vet is going to go over his scans with AJay on Friday and depending on the neurologist evaluation, a decision will be made whether to pursue treatment or take kinder action to end his suffering.
Please keep the prayers and healing vines coming. Chester and AJay really need them right now!
"My precious Bear is on my mind. Not great news from the vet. He's one VERY special cat for sure. Meningioma on his cerebellum and pituitary mass
One MAY cause insulin resistance, the other MAY be Cushings - very rare in cats and his high dex test was borderline.
I'll know his options tomorrow hopefully
In the mean time, please keep us in your thoughts.
My heart is breaking"
I'll know his options tomorrow hopefully
My heart is breaking"
Chester is to be seen by a neurologist to determine if surgery is a possibility and if so he would be cared for at RVC. The vet is going to go over his scans with AJay on Friday and depending on the neurologist evaluation, a decision will be made whether to pursue treatment or take kinder action to end his suffering.
Please keep the prayers and healing vines coming. Chester and AJay really need them right now!
PPCW
Member Since 2017
MRI and Ultrasound have been done . The update from AJay is not good news. Here's AJay's note on FB.
"My precious Bear is on my mind. Not great news from the vet. He's one VERY special cat for sure. Meningioma on his cerebellum and pituitary massOne MAY cause insulin resistance, the other MAY be Cushings - very rare in cats and his high dex test was borderline.
I'll know his options tomorrow hopefullyIn the mean time, please keep us in your thoughts.
My heart is breaking"
Chester is to be seen by a neurologist to determine if surgery is a possibility and if so he would be cared for at RVC. The vet is going to go over his scans with AJay on Friday and depending on the neurologist evaluation, a decision will be made whether to pursue treatment or take kinder action to end his suffering.
Please keep the prayers and healing vines coming. Chester and AJay really need them right now!
My heart aches for both AJay and Chester. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Squalliesmom
Member Since 2015
Prayers, prayers, and more prayers for Chester and AJay, and more prayers on top of that, that the outcome is a happy one. Chester has fought so hard, and AJay so hard for him, I don't even want to think about any other outcome.Hugs to AJay, gentle scritches to Chester, and much love to both of them. 
Beenie (GA)
Member Since 2017
I'm at a loss for words. I pray for little Chester and AJ for having to go through this.
Tuxedo Mom
Member Since 2014
This is so so much for Chester and AJay to deal with....my heart is crying for the struggle they are facing. Continuing to send prayers and strength for both.
Kris & Teasel
Member Since 2016
Tragic news ... keeping positive energy going their way.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
Positive thoughts and energy being sent and that there is a way to help Chester.
Phoebes (GA)
Member Since 2017
praying for them both.
T
TempestsMum
Unfortunately it's not good news folks. As far as I know it's a matter of time. They found tumours, and those tumours are the bad kind. So I think the plan going forward is to try to stabilise him, get him home and give him some quality of life for however long he has.
Kris & Teasel
Member Since 2016
I'm so sorry this is what Ajay and Chester are facing.Unfortunately it's not good news folks. As far as I know it's a matter of time. They found tumours, and those tumours are the bad kind. So I think the plan going forward is to try to stabilise him, get him home and give him some quality of life for however long he has.
Tracey&Jones (GA)
Member Since 2016
Hugs to Ajay and sweet pets to Chester.
Red & Rover (GA)
Member Since 2016
@AJay You are a tremendous warrior. Your time with Chester has been life changing for the better for both of you; and a part of Chester will be in your heart always. Enjoy every single minute of the physical time you have left together.
And thank you @TempestsMum and @MrWorfMen's Mom for your unbelievable support.
And thank you @TempestsMum and @MrWorfMen's Mom for your unbelievable support.
Tuxedo Mom
Member Since 2014
This is such a sad update....just not right...just not fair. Praying for some quality time for Chester and AJay to spend together.
Wesley and Spicoli
Member Since 2017
Hugs for you AJay and lots of chin scritches for Chester. I'm so sorry for what you're both going through
Noah & me (GA)
Member Since 2016
Love
Olive & Paula
Member Since 2015
So sad. Hugs, scritches, and prayers to both of you.
Squalliesmom
Member Since 2015
Oh no, my heart is breaking for AJay and Chester. Not the news I was hoping to hear; I am so, so, sorry. Like Linda, I am praying that AJay and Chester are able to spend some quality time together. Their bond is so strong, there is so much love there. I hope that will buy them a little more time. AJay, you and Chester are always in my heart and in my prayers. Thank you, Tara and Linda, for keeping everyone updated.
Thank you, Tara and Linda, for keeping everyone updated. 
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