Concerned after vet visit

[William Rufo]

They were taking a pancreatitis test and the vet got concerned cause he bled a bit more than usual when drawing blood. She said it was a very long word I can't seem to remember and that she suggested x rays and full blood work. Unfortunately I can't afford that. I'm hoping this is all side effects of the possible pancreatitis since it's more manageable.

Background info:
Diabetic 14 year old male
Took to the vet cause he had diiarreha last week, has refused to eat his normal foods and is a tiny but lethargic.

 

[Critter Mom]

They were taking a pancreatitis test and the vet got concerned cause he bled a bit more than usual when drawing blood. She said it was a very long word I can't seem to remember

Thrombocytopaenia? [ETA: it may occur secondary to pancreatitis.]


Mogs
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[JanetNJ]

So what treatment are they giving him? What was the result of the pancratitis test? Is he anemic? Maybe you can post the labs for us to see.

 

[William Rufo]

I get the results back Monday. They gave me bland food to feed, he has Pepcid once a day and something for nausea to help his appetite.

 

[JanetNJ]

If he's lethargic sometimes b12 can help.

 

[Critter Mom]

Janet's tip about B12 is very good: a course of B12 can help with appetite and GI issues, and give a kitty a bit of a 'boost.'

Here are some resources I've found very helpful when dealing with pancreatitis:

Nausea symptoms and treatments

IDEXX pancreatitis treatment guidelines

Persuading your kitty to eat

Tips for stimulating appetite

The IDEXX document is very comprehensive and it contains details of all the meds and other treatments which can help.

Adding a little water to meals can help with hydration. Also raising food and water bowls a few inches can make it more comfortable to eat.


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[William Rufo]

Thanks for the advice! I was feeling down after the vet made be worried about how much he bled when she extracted blood, but I'm thinking that is a side effect of the possible pancreatitis

 

[Critter Mom]

Here's an article about thrombocytopaenia:

http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pe...le/animal-health/thrombocytopenia-in-cats/350

It does mention pancreatitis as a possible cause of low platelets. Malabsorption of nutrients can also cause vitamin K deficiency, something which can also cause problems with clotting. The only way to find out what's happening would be to have diagnostics run.

I hope it's not a serious thing. I've no experience with this problem, just did a web search to find information on it.


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[William Rufo]

Thanks a ton! He is eating his fancy feast again after these pills, so that's a good sign.

 

[Critter Mom]

It's great that he's eating! Half the battle!! Long may he keep it up!!

The good thing is that he's getting fluids as well as nutrients from the wet food and proper hydration helps a great deal when trying to manage a pancreatitis flare. Small, frequent feedings can help with the nausea management, too.


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