Diabetic cat hasn't eaten since breakfast yesterday - Help??

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Awww it truly does feel like i've gained an extended family!! And that's a good idea, I will see if the vet would let me try to feed him tonight after ive spent some time with him to see if that helps! And vet agrees he cannot go home until he has his steady appetite back. I am so fortunate to be able to be giving him the care he really needs as otherwise, i could have never done this for him. my heart is so swollen with appreciation and thanks for all of you who have been helping us along this difficult time! Including emotional support for mama! (;
 
The news sounds very encouraging. FDMB vines (vibes) are very powerful. Once we get them cranked up, they can work miracles! We'll keep them coming, along with all the emotional support you need. Many of us have been there, and those that haven't know how easily they could have been in your shoes. :bighug:
 
Just got home from a wonderfully long visit with Socks! The nurse was able to unhook him from his iv for almost two hours so we were able to spend some time with him, snuggle, and ultimately were trying to get him relaxed to get him to eat... But unfortunately, socks had no appetite, no want to eat... Vet advised she has him on an appetite stimulant that lasts about 3 days but takes about 24 hours for full effect? So vet said they will try to feed a few more times but if he doesnt eat breakfast around 9am, they will call to go over options such as a nasal tube.. He has been just shaking any food out of his mouth, so cheek feeding hasnt worked.. Very much hoping he eats tonight.. As they said hes been very relaxed at night when lights are off and its quiet. Besides not eating, he's otherwise so much more relaxed, awake, and cognitive.. Definitely seems like he wants to be home!! Very much hoping he doesnt need the tube but its just been so long since he's eaten, besides the few tablespoons last night.. I will keep you guys posted.. We surely wish there was something we could do, very bummed that we couldnt get him to eat...
 
Justyn said:
Vet advised she has him on an appetite stimulant that lasts about 3 days but takes about 24 hours for full effect?
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If you can make a point of phoning in to the vets in the morning to find out from the vets the names of the appetite stimulant and the anti-nausea medication(s) Socks is receiving and then post the details here we might be able to give you more info on them.

Here is an article by Lisa Pierson DVM on feeding tubes.

Sending appy-stimulating vibes and lots of scritches to Socks.

:bighug:


Mogs
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Sounds to me like they gave me Mirtazapine. I always had more luck with Cyproheptadine. I'm sure they are giving him calories through his IV, so try not to worry too much about the not eating. That's what they did with my Harvey. Feeding tubes are not fun, but they are manageable, and they can save his life. It's a great sign that he's alert and engaged. Hang in there!
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
Feeding tubes are not fun, but they are manageable, and they can save his life.
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I agree completely. I think that it is somewhat natural to have an almost visceral reaction to the thought of a feeding tube, but I would completely welcome that at this point if I were you. It would be one less thing to worry about so that you can focus on something else, and it truly can save his life!

Other than that, I can't tell you how happy this report makes me!

Best,
Sandi.
 
Yes I believe it was mirtazapine.. Ive heard good things about the short acting but hadnt been given the option. And yes i am open to the ng tube as long as thats the next best option! Im sure we will manage but just want him better and back to feeling good!
 
My experience with a feeding tube - yours might be very different: I had a non-diabetic cat years ago that stopped eating and ended up with a surgically inserted feeding tube through her side into her stomach. I treated her at home. There was a length of external tube kept under a surgical wrap with a short end piece with valve exposed on her back where she couldn't reach it. I had to mix up a watery sludge of food to slowly syringe into the open valve multiple times a day for three weeks. It sounds awful but it wasn't as bad as you might think. Yes, it was time-consuming and frustrating when the valve clogged with food and had to be rinsed but I did it. She handled it very well and recovered.
 
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Kris & Teasel said:
My experience with a feeding tube - yours might be very different: I had a non-diabetic cat years ago that stopped eating and ended up with a surgically inserted feeding tube through her side into her stomach. I treated her at home. There was a length of external tube kept under a surgical wrap with a short end piece with valve exposed on her back where she couldn't reach it. I had to mix up a watery sludge of food to slowly syringe into the open valve multiple times a day for three weeks. It's sounds awful but it wasn't as bad as you might think. Yes, it was time-consuming and frustrating when the valve clogged with food and had to be rinsed but I did it. She handled it very well and recovered.
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Hi there, and wow that definitely sounds like a lot, but nothing out of the craziness that we couldn't handle! I believe they were thinking of an Nasal tube rather at least to start to see if it will get him going! I will try anything to get him better - DCIN even suggested to see if we can take him home to see if he can get relaxed and maybe eat then! So we're going to talk to the vet today and see what they think! I miss my little guy and I am so blessed that he's on a road of recovery, although it may be a bit difficult im sure he'll forget all about this nonsense once he's back at home in his favorite boxes in front of the fireplace.. and the only reason that's a possibility is because of the wonderful humans of DCIN... cannot feel more thankful for them giving us this chance of recovery.
 
But I did confirm they have they are giving him the long-acting appetite stimulant, ALONG with Cerenia. So he's on a double-whammy, and anti-nausea and stomach protectants, but still gagged at the smell of food last night... Just so confused..
 
Hello everyone, so i just got off the phone with the vet, and she's confirmed Socks' appetite still has not increased... They say they may be ok with letting us take him home but as the days keep continuing that he doesn't eat, as if he doesn't eat tonight or tomorrow, he is definitely starting to be in risk for fatty liver - so vet reccomends placing a tube. However, they are giving me the option between the nasal tube and esophegeal tube, but wanted to run them by you all first. The advised that the nasal tubes are a bit hard to manage at home and normally don't send patient's home with them, but advised we can definitely try. Otherwise, she more reccomends the esophageal tube, as she advised he would/should be able to come home tomorrow and we would still try offering only normal food first, but then feed through the tube if needed. I'm unsure about the pros/cons of each, do any of you have a suggestion for what you think he would benefit from more? I'd like to get him home, but having the tube as a back-up seems like the safest thing as a back-up... Obviously concerned it will upset/annoy him, but getting him home may be the best thing for him as other levels have still been looking good.
 
Justyn said:
Please help... I'd like them to start something soon but don't know what to do...
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I've described my experience with a feeding tube. I can see where a nasogastric tube would be hard to manage at home. How does an esophageal tube work? Does it go down the throat? Would Socks be able to pull it out easily?
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
The the esophageal tube would be much easier to manage at home and more comfortable for Socks. I will tag @Critter Mom and see if she is around. I believe she used a the esophageal tube.
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That's exactly what i'm leaning towards, and they advised with the ng-tubes, since it's a liquid diet, they may have issues like diarrhea. I'm trying to figure out as soon as possible so they can get the procedure going!
 
Kris & Teasel said:
I've described my experience with a feeding tube. I can see where a nasogastric tube would be hard to manage at home. How does an esophageal tube work? Does it go down the throat? Would Socks be able to pull it out easily?
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It would go through the side of his neck and is wrapped in a bandage, vet said only 2 cats in her 9 year career have been really bothered by it play with it, but most cats respond well as its not in their face like the ng tube, as he could sneeze the e-tube out as he's been sniffy as it is already...
 
Justyn said:
That's exactly what i'm leaning towards, and they advised with the ng-tubes, since it's a liquid diet, they may have issues like diarrhea. I'm trying to figure out as soon as possible so they can get the procedure going!
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Although I have not used it myself, from posts from other members...and I can't remember all who have used it....the esophageal tube would be easier to work with and is not as bothersome as the nasal tube. Just imagine if it were yourself...a tube through your nose and down your throat, or a tube in the side and into the stomach. With the esophageal tube you syringe food into the tube opeing on the side rather than having to deal with the head area. You would have to be extra careful about keeping the esophageal tube area clean, but hopefully it wouldn't be for too long a period of time. Hope this helps and others who have used the tuve can give their opinions soom
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
Although I have not used it myself, from posts from other members...and I can't remember all who have used it....the esophageal tube would be easier to work with and is not as bothersome as the nasal tube. Just imagine if it were yourself...a tube through your nose and down your throat, or a tube in the side and into the stomach. With the esophageal tube you syringe food into the tube opeing on the side rather than having to deal with the head area. You would have to be extra careful about keeping the esophageal tube area clean, but hopefully it wouldn't be for too long a period of time. Hope this helps and others who have used the tuve can give their opinions soom
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I agree... I'm thinking about posting a 911 thread or just telling my vet to go ahead with the e-tube. everything I'm hearing is leaning more towards that for a steady recovery....
 
Justyn said:
I agree... I'm thinking about posting a 911 thread or just telling my vet to go ahead with the e-tube. everything I'm hearing is leaning more towards that for a steady recovery....
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I would agree with the e tube. There is also a special collar/wrap that you can buy that looked really handy that I thought would be good if we ever need one again. I will see if I can find it and will post it later.

Sandi.
 
Sandi & Whisper said:
I would agree with the e tube. There is also a special collar/wrap that you can buy that looked really handy that I thought would be good if we ever need one again. I will see if I can find it and will post it later.

Sandi.
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Yes... haven't seen any feedback for rooting for the nasal tube as I think it would bug him more especially, and it's not meant for more than a few days, and as he hasn't eaten, we're unsure if that would be the solution - and to have to come back for a e-tube... I'm leaning towards e-tube... just concerned if he pukes, does that cause any issue with the tube? I'm sure the vet had considered but just unsure....
 
This seems to be neck version of what my cat had years ago. Maybe that's the preferred technique now. If my experience is any indication, it's doable at home and Socks will likely tolerate it. My cat didn't vomit but the vet at the time warned me to syringe feed small amounts and very slowly. As she recovered, she began eating on her own while I continued tube feeding. Once she was eating better, I phased out the tube feedings and it was eventually removed. Be prepared for it to take some time.
 
Kris & Teasel said:
This seems to be neck version of what my cat had years ago. Maybe that's the preferred technique now. If my experience is any indication, it's doable at home and Socks will likely tolerate it. My cat didn't vomit but the vet at the time warned me to syringe feed small amounts and very slowly. As she recovered, she began eating on her own while I continued tube feeding. Once she was eating better, I phased out the tube feedings and it was eventually removed. Be prepared for it to take some time.
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Gotcha, and yes, I just got off the phone with vet and was advised the pros/cons... Asked them to start getting paperwork together for e-tube... As i haven't seen any reason not to place the e-tube vs the nasal tube as we have to place a tube really... I just want my guy to have the best chance of the easiest recovery for himself!
 
I also opt for the e-tube. They are well tolerated. Some cats have had the same e-tube for over 6 months. A nasoesophageal tube is for short-term use only and are not well tolerated by many cats. The diameter is also smaller so that limits what can be fed through the tube. The advantage of the nasoesophageal tube is that only local anesthesia and maybe sedation is required vie general anesthesia for the e-tube.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
I also opt for the e-tube. They are well tolerated. Some cats have had the same e-tube for over 6 months. A nasoesophageal tube is for short-term use only and are not well tolerated by many cats. The diameter is also smaller so that limits what can be fed through the tube. The advantage of the nasoesophageal tube is that only local anesthesia and maybe sedation is required vie general anesthesia for the e-tube.
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Exactly, the placement process has seemed like the only benefit to it so far for us, as the vet thinks he'd benefit more from e-tube with more-normal-consistency food rather than liquid... and definitely it's longevity in comparison to the nasal tube..
 
Read the info... unfortunately still difficult to confirm.. i'd like to bring him home without any tubes to see if he would eat, but as i spent time with him yesterday for 2 hours - he had no interest in food, even gagged at the smell, when it was just me and him... so worried another 24 hrs without eating is really not what he needs....
 
Justyn said:
Read the info... unfortunately still difficult to confirm.. i'd like to bring him home without any tubes to see if he would eat, but as i spent time with him yesterday for 2 hours - he had no interest in food, even gagged at the smell, when it was just me and him... so worried another 24 hrs without eating is really not what he needs....
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He may eat better at home but please don't risk it by bringing him home without a feeding tube. Once you leave, if he is not eating at home, then you would have to go back and have it done anyway. If Socks starts to eat well at home for a few days, then you can ask about having the tube out. With everything Socks has been through the last while, you certainly don;t want to be worried about fatty liver disease on top of everything else.
 
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Justyn - please, please, please ask your vet ASAP about treating Socks with ONDANSETRON.

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Cerenia helps more with vomiting and some nausea. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea med used in humans for nausea caused by chemotherapy. Ondansetron is usually very effective and well-tolerated in cats. (It saved Saoirse's life when she was treated with it.) It is recommended by IDEXX Laboratories as a treatment for nausea. (See their Pancreatitis treatment guidelines for their recommendations on nausea treatments.)

My vet prescribed 2mg ondansetron twice a day for a 10lb cat. (@Marje and Gracie - do you know the maximum dose a cat can be given for ondansetron per day?)

I've not used an e-tube. One of my cats developed hepatic lipidosis and the vet treating her at the time put in a nasogastric tube temporarily. She told me they are not as effective as e-tubes in terms of delivering sufficient nutrition and that e-tubes are easier to manage in a home nursing situation. (Unfortunately she delayed the procedure to put in the e-tube and I lost my girl as a consequence.)

Sending more prayers for Socks to eat.

:bighug:


Mogs
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Yes.... and things are just very complicated because it's impossible to know what's exactly best for him... DCIN was thinking getting him home without a tube may be worth a shot, but as the ER vets wouldn't be able to place e-tube tomorrow (as not emergency service so it would have to wait until monday) - i feel only safe option is to get tube as he has had no interest in food as the day has continued... but if we can get him stable after the e-tube, DCIN thinks getting him home is going to be the best thing for him with less stress... Vet is partially disagreeing but says they will try to do e-tube as soon as they can in hopes of us being able to get him home today... so, so stressed... i haven't eaten a normal meal probably as long as socks hasnt... i just dont know what to do and am pulled in so many directions.. just want him to get better...
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
He may eat better at home but please don't risk it by bringing him home without a feeding tube. Once you leave, if he is not eating at home, then you would have to go back and have it done anyway. If Socks starts to eat well at home for a few days, then you can ask about having the tube out. With everything Socks has been through the last while, you certainly don;t want to be worried about fatty liver disease on top of everything else.
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Wow, absolute yes to all of that and exactly why ive asked the dcin to allow us to go ahead with the e-tube, and as they understand my concern and worry, theyve allowed the vet to start the procedure so he should be under right now. The issue is the er vet doesnt place e-tubes on weekends so that was also another factor. I will try everything to get him to eat on his own, but having the tube as a back up is a god send.. I am so fortuante for these ladies at dcin...
 
Critter Mom said:
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Justyn - please, please, please ask your vet ASAP about treating Socks with ONDANSETRON.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cerenia helps more with vomiting and some nausea. Ondansetron is an anti-nausea med used in humans for nausea caused by chemotherapy. Ondansetron is usually very effective and well-tolerated in cats. (It saved Saoirse's life when she was treated with it.) It is recommended by IDEXX Laboratories as a treatment for nausea. (See their Pancreatitis treatment guidelines for their recommendations on nausea treatments.)

My vet prescribed 2mg ondansetron twice a day for a 10lb cat. (@Marje and Gracie - do you know the maximum dose a cat can be given for ondansetron per day?)

I've not used an e-tube. One of my cats developed hepatic lipidosis and the vet treating her at the time put in a nasogastric tube temporarily. She told me they are not as effective as e-tubes in terms of delivering sufficient nutrition and that e-tubes are easier to manage in a home nursing situation. (Unfortunately she delayed the procedure to put in the e-tube and I lost my girl as a consequence.)

Sending more prayers for Socks to eat.

:bighug:


Mogs
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I will ask vet as soon as possible but i know he is already in for surgery. Luckily were getting e-tube as a precaution but i hope to bring him home tonight..
 
Thank you all, so so so much... I would have had NO idea about which tube but at least have a bit of confidence with none of you opposing as it just may be what he truly needs at this point.. sucks that it DID have to get to his point..
 
Just make sure that your make sure the bandages around the neck are changed regularly and the insertion site cleaned and inspected for infection. Sometimes the insertion site gets infected and the tube can be pulled out.
My Mario had an e-tube inserted and I put off changing the bandage too long. When I finally came back from getting bandaging supplies he pulled the e-tube out.

I recommend you join Yahoo's assisted feeding group
https://beta.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/info
for info on tube feeding
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Just make sure that your make sure the bandages around the neck are changed regularly and the insertion site cleaned and inspected for infection. Sometimes the insertion site gets infected and the tube can be pulled out.
My Mario had an e-tube inserted and I put off changing the bandage too long. When I finally came back from getting bandaging supplies he pulled the e-tube out.

I recommend you join Yahoo's assisted feeding group
https://beta.groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Feline-Assisted-Feeding/info
for info on tube feeding
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Oh wow, absolutely understandable.. I will ensure to read up on everything and do everything as to-the-book as possible...
 
My Kisa had an e-tube. The hint I have is to only give a little food at a time, and wait a while to make sure he doesn't throw it back up. I made the mistake of giving too much and not waiting long enough, and Kisa did vomit. That did not cause any problems with the tube. You do need to make sure it stays clear, again by not putting too much in it at one time, and making sure the consistency of the food isn't too thick. Another benefit is you can put liquid meds or crushed pills into it, as well as water (which you use to flush the tube). I think this was the best choice, and I'm glad you went ahead with it.

Another hint - be careful if they give you MaxCal as the food you will be giving him. It's very high in calories, but also very rich, so it could cause tummy upset. Definitely go slow with that. Hill's a/d is lower in cals and not as rich, but is a better consistency - doesn't take as much water to get it thin enough to use.

We're praying for Socks. You're doing all the right things, Justyn. Deep breaths. You can do this!
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
Hill's a/d is lower in cals and not as rich, but is a better consistency - doesn't take as much water to get it thin enough to use.
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I agree with using the Hill's a/d. I used it for a few weeks for oral syringe feeding one of my kitties and it was very easy to work with. A little higher in carbs, about 12% but still in an acceptable range at this point.
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
My Kisa had an e-tube. The hint I have is to only give a little food at a time, and wait a while to make sure he doesn't throw it back up. I made the mistake of giving too much and not waiting long enough, and Kisa did vomit. That did not cause any problems with the tube. You do need to make sure it stays clear, again by not putting too much in it at one time, and making sure the consistency of the food isn't too thick. Another benefit is you can put liquid meds or crushed pills into it, as well as water (which you use to flush the tube). I think this was the best choice, and I'm glad you went ahead with it.

Another hint - be careful if they give you MaxCal as the food you will be giving him. It's very high in calories, but also very rich, so it could cause tummy upset. Definitely go slow with that. Hill's a/d is lower in cals and not as rich, but is a better consistency - doesn't take as much water to get it thin enough to use.

We're praying for Socks. You're doing all the right things, Justyn. Deep breaths. You can do this!
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Oh gotcha, thanks for sharing as im definitely concerned about his vomitting... but glad to hear that didnt mess up the tube.. i will be very careful... and im sure they'll want to keep him on a low carb food.. still have to learn so much about the tube as i know nothing... if anyone has any articles/resources for e-tubes that would be appreciated! Thanks for the support...
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
I agree with using the Hill's a/d. I used it for a few weeks for oral syringe feeding one of my kitties and it was very easy to work with. A little higher in carbs, about 12% but still in an acceptable range at this point.
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only issue with that is we tried giving to socks last night and made him gag... i really dont think he likes the smell/taste.. worried it'll make him nauseas.. ill definitely check with the vet what food options i have.... the food i had him on is almost the same consistency of the a/d so ill check with vet if that would work...
 
They need to keep Socks on a food that will allow him to get the right amount of insulin to keep him clear of ketones, Justyn. Work closely with the vet on the food side of things.

Be sure to ask about the ondansetron.


Mogs
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Just another "fan" sending more good vines and prayers for Socks! I'm following Socks journey from the sidelines as I can't add anything to the wonderful advice you are getting from others! Chin up Justyn, and please look after yourself because Socks is going to need you in good shape when he comes home. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
Just another "fan" sending more good vines and prayers for Socks! I'm following Socks journey from the sidelines as I can't add anything to the wonderful advice you are getting from others! Chin up Justyn, and please look after yourself because Socks is going to need you in good shape when he comes home. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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Thank you for the kind words... it's so hard, i can't even relax as i've had so much anxiety even about bringing him home and not being able to give him as good of care as they are.. but i know im just beating myself up..just cant seem to stop the worries..
 
With anything new and unknown with my kitty, I find my imagination gets carried away and things are never as hard as I initially imagined them to be. When I get myself tied up in knots about kitty stuff, I always remind myself of this. Like testing and giving injections..... have confidence in yourself and Socks will have confidence in you and you'll do just fine! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
MrWorfMen's Mom said:
With anything new and unknown with my kitty, I find my imagination gets carried away and things are never as hard as I initially imagined them to be. When I get myself tied up in knots about kitty stuff, I always remind myself of this. Like testing and giving injections..... have confidence in yourself and Socks will have confidence in you and you'll do just fine! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
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yes, exactly how it was with the overwhelming diagnosis of Diabetes... so i sure hope so!
 
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