Civie, Phoebe, having intestinal issues

[Jill and Remi]

Took her to the vet this afternoon because she had vomitted 3 out of the last 5 days. She is in crf and has been for some time. They sent her blood work off to get more precise numbers than in house so won't have her most recent work up until tomorrow. The vet felt some hardness in her abdomen so we agreed to take x-rays. They showed some thickening of her intestinal walls in some places. Could be IBS, lymphoma or nothing. Will follow up tomorrow with more x-rays to compare after she fasts the rest of today. They gave her fluids and cerenia. Wanted to keep her overnight on an iv but I opted to wait on that until after all the results are back...hope that was the right thing to do. Vet thinks she is hyperperistaltic(sp) as her stomach makes gurgling noises sometimes and there was nothing farther down her gi tract. But she does not have loose stools, quite the opposite, she takes mirilax to help with constipation. I guess I am looking for any insight or questions I need to ask tomorrow. And, of course, always looking for good vibes that it isn't lymphoma. Looks like I will be learning how to do sub-q's at home soon so will ask for hints on that as well. Thanks in advance.

 

[MommaOfMuse]

No advice just lots of prayers that it is something that is easy to fix and not the dreaded C word.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang

 

[BJM]

Biggest difference between insulin and doing subQ - the needle needs to stay in position for an extended period of time. Also, the needle is a much wider bore - 22 gauge vs the 30-31 we use on insulin syringes.

Wrap her up in a comfy blanket, in case she gets squirmy and you need to restrain her. Plus it helps keep her warm.

Hint for subQs: slightly warm the bag before administering as the fluids may chill the cat otherwise.

If you place the bag under your armpit, you can slightly squeeze it to increase the flow rate and get it done faster.

Practice turning off the flow quickly - if the needle slips out you'll have fluids everywhere! (been there, done that, got an extra shower or two.)

 

[Jill and Remi]

Thanks Mel and BJ.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Adding my prayers for Phoebe. Hoping for the best.
jeanne

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

No advice to give, but sending lots of positive vibes your way (and praying that it's not the 'C' thing....)

(((Hugs))))

Eliz

 

[Jill and Remi]

Thanks Jeanne and Eliza. Her x-rays were better today but the vet is still suspicious that something else is going on besides her kidneys. Her kidney values were about the same as the last few times so we aren't going to start fluids yet. Sent off more blood to Texas which should tell us more....vet says it will show everything but lymphoma. Actually hoping they find something in the blood work so we know it isn't lymphoma. Should know in a few days. Thanks for the good thoughts.
One of the other vets came back from a nutrition seminar for cats and is handing out paperwork to all of the cat clients. Guess whose info it is? Dr. Lisa Pierson. And Dr. Zoran. Had the link to catinfo.org. Finally!!