Chronic Pancreatitis - need help and suggestions please

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Lindyloo

Lindyloo

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Hi. I havent been here in a while.

My cat, Fluffy, has had chronic pancreatitis for some time now but it is becoming more and more frequent. I took him to the vet yesterday and his bloodwork is fine. We did the usual Sub-Q fluids, famotidine injections, and buprenex. Can anyone recommend anything else? I hate seeing him not feeling well :-(

He is vomiting occassionally and eating maybe one small meal a day. This has been going on since Saturday. Usually he recovers in 2 days but we are now on day 4. I am worried.

Info on Fluffy:

He is usually well regulated with 1 unit of Lantus bid but when he has pancreatitis his bg goes up to 250-300.
He was recently treated a second time for Bartonella aka Cat Scratch Fever so he may still have that.
He normally eats 4 small meals a day. Wellness grain free wet.

Thanks!
 
Hi Linda,
I don't know about bartonella.... but Cosmo did have CP.

Famotodine injections... how frequently are you giving them? I think it is esp important to give at night when their tummies empty and the tummy acid stews around in there. If Fluffy doesn't have any other medical conditions that would contra-indicate the use of the pepcid, I say give it every 12 hrs. It's cheap. And we're great at giving shots. :)

Also, do you give SQ fluids daily? how much? what kind?

Near the end, Cosmo developed ascites and I could tell when he was going to get a flare. His tummy would get extra bloated. I tried to give prophylactic pepcid and extra SQ fluids to see if I could ward off the attack. Not sure if it was successful or not, and also it might've been the lymphoma (it wasn't definitively diagnosed, but i'm pretty dang sure).

Also, I used injections of anzamet or cerenia (anti-nauseant) when he was vomiting. If he vomited more then once in an hour, I injected. They are tiny doses (about 0.25ml) and last 24 hrs.

Last thought is you might think about trying a lower fat food. I also fed wellness grain free, but it's pretty high in fat; some ppl think triggers CP attacks. Merrick's Grammy's Pot Pie is lower fat and low in carbs (warning- this gives my civvie some really stinky poo).

ps. He's beautiful. He and Doodle (of Michelle and Doodle) should meet, I think.
 
Cyn: thank you so much for your response.

I just got the Famotedine from the vet last night but she did say to give twice a day. Prior to that I was giving Pepcid tablets once a day only as needed.

The vet administered the Sub-Q fluids so I dont know how much or what exactly was given :? I heard them mention 300 something relating to quantity. Did/do you give fluids at home? Maybe I should look into this. That big, thick needle scares me though.

I did ask the vet if Fluffy needed an antiemetic but since he was not vomiting very often she didnt think he needed it. He ate some food last night but hasnt eaten at all today :cry:

I have been wondering if his food is somehow contributing to his CP. I will definitely get him some Merrick's. Stinky poo or not! lol.

Thanks again for your help!
 
Of course!! No problem. I'm not on the board that often anymore, but I saw no one had responded to your post about CP.

Another thing... ask about mirtazapine (remeron). You give 1/4 of the pill and it lasts 72 hrs. It has a small anti-nauseant quality, but it is mostly an appetite stimulant. I always split the pills at the pharmacy (ask to use their pill cutter). It is actually a human med - antidepressant.

I did give SQ fluids at home. Cosmo had CRF (chronic renal failure) so SQ fluids were part of our daily routine. The big needles scared me too, but he didn't mind them at all. I used the 20G UTW (ultra thin wall) Terumo needles, which are the sharpest. He handled them very well... just like hometesting. When I sat down in the chair and put the hand towel on my lap, he knew it was fluids time. He would jump up on my lap, let me shove the needle in. While the fluids ran (helps to prewarm them if it is winter), I would give scritches. When I was done, I would give him some treats. So... he obviously didn't mind the experience at all! In fact, most cats don't, I hear. They begin associating feeling better with getting the fluids.

if you do get SQ fluids from vet, you can ask a vet tech to help you learn how to do it. Or ask here. Plenty of ppl with experience!!
 
Here's a link to jojo's CP post from the old board. Lots of good info...
http://www.felinediabetes.com/phorum5/r ... 722,876722

Charlie had CP too and so I can relate. He needed pepcid 2x a day for the last few years of his life just to hold things to a dull roar. He also got fluids daily and I had bupe on hand always. Lower fat foods make a difference in some cats--I believe Deanie's Boo was an example. You also might need to entice him to eat at this point or even consider syringe feeding.
 
Thank you for that informative link. Unfortunately, Fluffy didnt make it. I had to rush him to the ER early Wednesday morning. His glucose was suddening registering 686+ (had been 302 at pmps, about 8 hours prior), he was vomiting, his white and red blood counts were extremely high (they were fine 36 hrs prior), then he started having trouble breathing. I think his kidneys started to fail.

I am absolutely heartbroken and miss my baby so much. :sad:
 
I am so sorry that Fluffy didn't make it, my heart is breaking right along with you. Please take comfort in your memories of the happier times together and know that he is once again happy, healthy and playing with our other GAs at the rainbow bridge while he awaits the time when you both can be together again for eternity.

Fly free Sweet Fluffy soar high on your lovely angelwings and land softly back in your momma's heart. wings_cat

Mel, Max & The Fur Gang
 
Aw, Linda, this is so sad to read and you have my deepest sympathy. Fluffy was a beautiful kitty and my heart goes out to you.

cat_loss1.gif
 
Oh my...I'm so very sorry. Fly free Lil Fluffy you've traded that sick and failing body for a strong set of wings and a healthy spirit. May you soar high and free and in your mamas heart forever.
jeanne
 
I'm so shocked and sorry to hear that he didn't make it. (((Linda)))

we never have enough time with our furry precious ones.

Fly free Fluffy. Fly free.
 
Thank you all for your kind words. I am at work and too choked up to write too much, but my sweet baby will be in my heart forever.
 
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