DKA. Can someone help. Please?

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Well he is tired of them and absolutely doesnt want to be touched because he thinks something is going to be shoved in his face... he doesnt vomit them but is really sad about getting them. But switching up the syringe food helps him from fighting as much. I just wish I knew why he hasnt eaten
 
I'm sure he is tired of people force feeding him. It’s hard, but very important to get food into him. Kitties with DKA rarely eat on their own because they feel so nauseated and unwell. That’s why he won’t eat. It will take time but he will start eating again. In the meantime he will have to be force fed or tube fed.
When @AliceMeowliss&Cassandra first brought home Alice she was still very weak and Cassandra did an amazing job nursing Alice back to health.
I'm sure it is a comfort to you knowing that the people looking after him know and love him too..
 
Bron and Sheba (GA) said:
I'm sure he is tired of people force feeding him. It’s hard, but very important to get food into him. Kitties with DKA rarely eat on their own because they feel so nauseated and unwell. That’s why he won’t eat. It will take time but he will start eating again. In the meantime he will have to be force fed or tube fed.
When @AliceMeowliss&Cassandra first brought home Alice she was still very weak and Cassandra did an amazing job nursing Alice back to health.
I'm sure it is a comfort to you knowing that the people looking after him know and love him too..
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How much time on average. Weeks? I just want to know if he is going in the right direction. He has been critically ill for 4 days now. Just so tired. Cant get comfortable and just hunched and not lying dow . You can tell he wants to plop over and sleep but kind of sleeps with face down. I wish you guys were close I'd pay you to help. Anything you wanted
 
Aliciakuy said:
How much time on average. Weeks? I just want to know if he is going in the right direction. He has been critically ill for 4 days now. Just so tired. Cant get comfortable and just hunched and not lying dow . You can tell he wants to plop over and sleep but kind of sleeps with face down. I wish you guys were close I'd pay you to help. Anything you wanted
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Every cat is different so there is no hard and fast timeframe as to when they will start eating again. You just have to take one day at a time.
Do you know if they are testing for ketones each day?

There are a few things you can do to help for when he comes home.
Set up your signature and tell us all about Morton. The signature will appear below all your posts and will save people having to ask you tand he same questions every time. It's easy. Here is the link
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/editing-your-signature-profile-and-preferences.130340/

The second thing is setting up Mortons spreadsheet so you can put in all his BG numbers.
Here is the link. If you have any trouble, yell and someone will help you
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/fdmb-spreadsheet-instructions.130337/

The third thing is pick up a bottle of Ketostix from a pharmacy or Walmart so you can test Mortons urimeurineurine when he gets home. It is very important to monitor the ketones to see they are not increasing but decreasing, and if they have gone, they don't reappear during the recovery period.

Then closer to when he comes home buy a variety of low carb canned foods for him to try. He may be choosy with what he wants to eat and may not want to eat anything he has been force fed with.
Here is a link to a food list with low carb foods
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...fEUz9YmzMGMxkmcBk6uRR0/htmlview#gid=113878384

And here is a link to ideas to stimulate appetite when he is ready to try and eat.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/suggestions-on-how-to-stimulate-kittys-appetite.130770/
 
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The most concerning thing is that his white blood cells are headed downward, and the pathologist saw rod shaped bacteria in many of the white blood cells. They used the term relative neutropenia - and this is a pretty scary thing to have."
 
Aliciakuy said:
He is very very concerned
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I'm just catching up... it sounds like there is so much more going on with Morton than "just" DKA. Maybe it would help to get a second opinion or consult an Internist or specialist?
Aliciakuy said:
However, in my years working with cats, in my hands, I have found it unnecessarily troublesome and I prefer not to use it. Even tiny doses of R drops the blood sugar very, very fast, and in my opinion, the blood sugar getting down to normal range - faster - does not equate to them feeling better faster or a better outcome. In fact - it is a higher risk in my view. "
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Sigh... it sounds like the vet is not comfortable using R. Unfortunately, if a vet does not know how to use R effectively, it's use does put the cat at higher risk.

Just my thoughts and opinion... I hesitate to say too much because there are multiple issues/complications going on here... much more than with a typical cat in DKA. We're not vets, nor do we have the training or expertise we expect from our vets. We don't have full access to Morton's history, labs, and daily condition. It couldn't hurt to bring in an Internist or specialist. Given how concerned your vet is, he may welcome some input.

I feel for you. You have a lot on your plate.

:bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
I feel like he might die tonight. he went to the litter box and peed and pooped without me knowing then I heard him fall after and he just lied there limp eyes open. I put him in his window spot now but I really dont think he will make it. I drug him out of the box and held him for about 10 mins
 
Please take him to an ER. Let them assess his condition.

Have you applied for Care Credit - A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care. "Care Credit, the leader in patient/client financing, has helped more than 3 million patients/clients get the treatment or procedures they needed and wanted. With a comprehensive range of plan options, for treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every budget."
http://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

Here's a list of financial aid resources:
Financial Help Links
 
When Alice was critical she could hardly stand, in fact the first poop she tried to have in the hospital she fell over for and she only was able to push out half of it. She could barely walk half a foot to the box, and when I brought her home she could not climb over the sides into regular boxes for awhile.

But I have to say I agree, if he is critical, it may be best to go to an emergency vet. Call them first and let them know you are concerned about his immune system, and make sure you can be back with him. Pack a bag of supplies. You can literally save money by bringing your own syringes or insulin or food or other supplies. You can label everything with a sharpie. You can make a schedule of his ITP related stuff and other instructions, if you’d like.

You asked previously.... how long is recovery.... and it’s true every cat is different. But you should expect days or weeks of care. Even if it was only the DKA, it could take a few weeks for him to build back up to something closer to normal. Not all that care will be this hard, slowly it gets easier through time and recovery.

But right now we just want to get him out of crisis.

I will be looking for your updates and hoping he makes it through the night for you, whatever you decide to do for his care!
 
Aliciakuy said:
"

The most concerning thing is that his white blood cells are headed downward, and the pathologist saw rod shaped bacteria in many of the white blood cells. They used the term relative neutropenia - and this is a pretty scary thing to have."
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I just caught up as well and I’m so very sorry he’s doing so poorly.

Neutropenia can be caused by different things or it can be idiopathic meaning there is no specific cause. One thing that does come up is feline leukemia as a potential cause.

However, as Jill said, we aren’t vets and we aren’t there and, IMHO, instead of just telling you that he has neutropenia and it’s bad, they need to also been trying to figure out why he has it now. Some cases can be resolved. I would push for answers and not just “he has this”. Also....is he anemic? Anemia can really cause weakness as can the potassium being off. It “could” be a reason why he might fall over in the litter box.

Thinking of you all and sending tons of healing light.
 
So... he was very alert last night wanting to do a lot of things. More alert than I've seen him since he got sick. He wanted in the cat tunnel but fell getting up. He wanted on the cat tree. His potassium was less than 2....that's why he was paralyzed... the IM lantus is what is dropping it. Its finally moving his bg but dropping potassium too. They doubled his dose of potassium he has it in an IV and was on 2 tumil k pills a day so idk what one they doubled. It is just so sad because I saw in his eyes he wanted to move around and do things finally but almost was completely paralyzed
 
He is just so hard to force feed now he kicks and moves and then he is breathing fast because he is so worn out from fighting it... it's so sad.

The neutropenia they said he was almost septic from monday from whatever infection he had. They advised completely getting off his ITP meds but if he does his platelets will crash but they want to give his immune system every chance it can get with the metronidazole and zeniquin
 
The fact that he wants to do things sounds like a good sign to me though!!! He has life left in him. He is not ready to give up! :)

I hope they can get his potassium sorted out. Everything you are saying sounds to me like he may be fine if he can just get the right veterinary care. Best wishes for you both.

Edit to add, saw your additional post while I was writing this one..... the fact he is getting upset about the force feedings now, and stressed by them, maybe a feeding tube would be worth it just for a little while, to get him back on his feet? Others can weigh in on this.
 
I think the issue right now is they havent found the right cocktail.. insulin IM seems to be helping a little but its throwing his potassium off. Doc said his electrolytes are screwed up still too his sodium is way low. Just so sad.. he does he kept looking up at the cat tree and you could tell he was trying to find strength to get up and once he sat up he fell back down so he just lied there. And he kept looking over in his cat tunnel and finally got up and stumbled into it half way out.
 
Aliciakuy said:
I thought he was dying because he couldnt move from the potassium level
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Also, I know that must have been so scary for you! When I was rushing Alice to the ER for DKA, I thought she would die in the car. I kept yelling her name and poking her paw, she was sticking out her tongue really far, she was nearly gone it seemed like and I was a wreck.

No matter what happens you are doing everything you can to take care of him. That matters so very much. You are fighting the good fight. I hope that brings some comfort.
 
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Aliciakuy said:
I think the issue right now is they havent found the right cocktail.. insulin IM seems to be helping a little but its throwing his potassium off. Doc said his electrolytes are screwed up still too his sodium is way low. Just so sad.. he does he kept looking up at the cat tree and you could tell he was trying to find strength to get up and once he sat up he fell back down so he just lied there. And he kept looking over in his cat tunnel and finally got up and stumbled into it half way out.
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Hugs. Poor baby. It must be breaking your heart. I was treating Alice with insulin that did not last long enough, watching her body starve from the inside out, feeling so desperate.... I really believe the magic cocktail is out there for him, and you’re such a good kitty mama for sticking this through. You know how many people would walk away, let him go, and never even give him a chance.

Someone told me feline diabetes is a marathon, not a sprint, and that seems applicable to everything else going on with him, too.

My advice to you is to focus on self-care when he is not at home with you, because you can do this and take care of him, but you will need your rest and your sanity to keep on keeping on.
 
I believe that a feeding tube would help in several ways. 1) The additional strength that he would get from the food. 2) The strength that he would save by not fighting the feedings. 3) The ability to give more insulin because he is eating. 4) Easier ability to give additional medications.

A feeding tube sounds scary, and can sound and feel like it is just the "Beginning of the End", but that is really not the case. It can truly be life saving. And sanity saving, for you and for him.

I agree, an Internal Medicine specialist if available, or just a second opinion of another vet if not, sounds critical at this point.
 
I'm transfering him to a 24 he care my boss trusts and says as much as he wants to help him he physically cant not being 24 hrs he needs every minute spent on him that he just cant do. I feel like I'm the one who is dying. His potassium didn't even read this morning. I'm so desperate I'm asking my fans for money and my facebook friends. I'm an entertainer and I've stopped so low to beg them to help with mortons emergency care cost
 
Aliciakuy said:
I'm transfering him to a 24 he care my boss trusts and says as much as he wants to help him he physically cant not being 24 hrs he needs every minute spent on him that he just cant do.
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I'm so happy to hear Morton will be receiving round the clock care. I know it's difficult on so many levels, but given all the issues, it's best.
Aliciakuy said:
I feel like I'm the one who is dying.
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Try to get some rest. You must be exhausted both physically and emotionally.
Aliciakuy said:
I'm so desperate I'm asking my fans for money and my facebook friends. I'm an entertainer and I've stopped so low to beg them to help with mortons emergency care cost
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Try not to look at it as 'stooping low'. You're just doing whatever you have to do to help the little guy.

I don't know if you saw the list of financial aid links I posted earlier: Financial Help Links. Don't leave any stone un-turned. You never know where some help may be available.

We don't allow fundraisers posted on the board without prior approval from our board administrator, Robert and Echo. However, you can always send him a private message to ask permission if you decide to go that route.

Sending white light and positive thoughts...

:bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: :bighug:
 
Jill & Alex (GA) said:
Try not to look at it as 'stooping low'. You're just doing whatever you have to do to help the little guy.
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I couldn't agree more. Besides, you are an entertainer who has no doubt provided your fans with a great deal of joy during your career. They'll likely be grateful for an opportunity to give some of that joy back to you in a meaningful way by helping your beloved Morton.

I hope he's feeling better soon-- please do try to get some rest for yourself while you can. You are a fantastic caregiver!
 
Agreeing with others, it’s not stooping to anything. If you had a human child with cancer you’d be fundraising your butt off if you had to, and no one would think that as wrong! Plus it’s your fans’ own choice to donate or not.

I’m glad he will be getting 24 hour care and I really support the idea of looking into a feeding tube. I’ve seen what happens when a cat gets enough food and fluids, they can bounce back so fast!!!!! Cats have amazing healing abilities with the right treatment, in so many situations.

I hope you are able to get a bit of rest.
 
I messaged the person you guys suggested to ask about potential financial advice/help.

He got diagnosed with pancreatitis today. He is a little less acidic today which is the okay news. So less septic. He can NEVER be on cyclosporine again and that is a shame because it controlled his ITP perfectly. With my fans I've raised 535 dollars alread . I charged 3300 on my credit card last night when I dropped him off and my husband got approved for a care credit card of 5k limit.
Morton has a feeding tube, central line so no more pokes for fluids and blood draws they do it all through the ports. His liver is being damaged from the pancreatitis so it's not a liver issue alone. I dont know what to think
 
Alicia I am so glad to hear from you and hear Morton is in 24 hour care. Pancreatitis is very treatable with the correct care and it sounds as if he will be more comfortable with the feeding tube and central line in.
Please keep us posted as to his progress.
Sending prayers for a full recovery and hugs to you. You are a great mom and so good your husband is so supportive
 
Aliciakuy said:
I messaged the person you guys suggested to ask about potential financial advice/help.

He got diagnosed with pancreatitis today. He is a little less acidic today which is the okay news. So less septic. He can NEVER be on cyclosporine again and that is a shame because it controlled his ITP perfectly. With my fans I've raised 535 dollars alread . I charged 3300 on my credit card last night when I dropped him off and my husband got approved for a care credit card of 5k limit.
Morton has a feeding tube, central line so no more pokes for fluids and blood draws they do it all through the ports. His liver is being damaged from the pancreatitis so it's not a liver issue alone. I dont know what to think
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In all the research I’ve done on pancreatitis, I have not found that it “damages” the liver. What can happen is that some of the hepatic cells might be impacted and perhaps that’s what you mean. But, once the pancreatitis is resolved, the liver cells can regenerate and the liver values can come back down to normal. I’m glad they have gotten closer to a diagnosis and that you elected a feeding tube. If you bring him home with a feeding tube, you might want to consider getting a Kitty Kollar. I know it’s one more expense but, from other members who have used them, it’s really a worthwhile one. We’ve had cats here pull their tubes out or loose and the Kitty Kollar prevents that.

More vines and healing light for Morton. I know you are worried about leaving the cyclosporine behind but I’ve had to use that drug before, too, and it’s not something I’d ever use lightly. I know you didn’t either but with the impact it has had on his liver, it’s probably best.
 
@Aliciakuy you have so many people pulling for Morton now, all over the world. Please keep us updated and get some rest while he has this level of care. A tube is going to take so much stress off of him right now, and pancreatitis is treatable so this is good news. I hope your little baby is back to his old self soon, and thank you for caring about him enough to work so hard. :bighug:
 
Small win tonight:
The night staff told us when we got here he walked earlier...how?? I didn't believe them until they asked about his tail... so since I found him at 4 weeks when he was happy and playful his stick straight baby tail would line up with his spine touching the back of his head. To this day I call his name and you can see his tail becoming erect! :p just the fact they asked what was wrong with his tail and if it was normal made me so happy.... they said most animals would have given up by now but he had a good little evening I wish I could have seen it. They also said he reacted happy to butt scratches and he does love them! They said he tried to drink some water and he hasnt tried to in almost a week... one concerning thing is his BG still is crazy high..they got it under 300 but man why the heck wont it stay down :( he was just getting done with a tube feeding when we arrived and he was facing the wall but I know he knew I was there and the million back kisses i gave him. I saw his head raise when I put my shirt in there and he sniffed it. I was talking to him and saw his ears moving. He fell asleep soon after very twitchy but in sure with all the crap shoved into him that's normal. I'm just glad he finally is sleeping. He hasnt in days.. he could be worse tomorrow but going back there and seeing the staff and getting a little positive update despite this horrible situation I'm happy he had a happy moment with them
 

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Alicia, it so good to get a positive update on Morton.
I'm sure he is much more comfortable being tube fed and not being poked all the time.
He would have been very happy to see you and it sounds as if the staff there are lovely.
 
The impending doom I feel is his ITP that was well controlled on cyclosporine he cannot have anymore and stopped yesterday. It's only a matter of days now before his platelets diminish and he gets covered in petichae. his current state of health is awful yes and it CAN be treated but when you stack ITP on it it's hard to have hope.

It did feel good not to cry seeing him though. I've been crying all day every day. I think I'm just so proud of him that the tears didnt flow. I felt happy seeing him even though he didnt respond to me or turn around or anything. Something in me was happy for him
 
Aliciakuy said:
. one concerning thing is his BG still is crazy high..they got it under 300 but man why the heck wont it stay down
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It’s really unfortunate your vet doesn’t understand how to use R either with or without the Lantus. We use it here successfully...and have been doing so....for a variety of reasons and it’s really a great thing to have in your toolbox; especially if a kitty is DKA Prone or high dose.

There can be reasons why the BG won’t stay down such as he needs more insulin. Because Lantus can’t pull high numbers down quickly and the depot has to fill, it can take six or more cycles to see a result. It’s also possible, depending on when and how often they are testing him, that he’s bouncing and they are only catching the highs. If you can get the BGs they have and when they were taken in relation to the insulin given (we report it in number of hours since last insulin shot), we might be able to give you some thoughts.

There are other treatments available for ITP instead of cyclosporine. It’s really helpful to know the etiology for him (what’s the potential source....some other condition, immune related, idiopathic). If it were me, I’d ask my vet to consult the veteri wry information network (VIN) to see how others are treating it successfully. There’s always hope.

More vines and white light!!!
 
Marje and Gracie said:
It’s really unfortunate your vet doesn’t understand how to use R either with or without the Lantus. We use it here successfully...and have been doing so....for a variety of reasons and it’s really a great thing to have in your toolbox; especially if a kitty is DKA Prone or high dose.
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Wasn't that the original vet/boss that didn't like R, @Aliciakuy ? I would be really surprised if the 24 hour vet didn't use R (?)
 
I am so glad to see the positive reports since I last checked in! That feeding tube sounds like it has made a huge difference for him. It sounds like he is fighting so hard.

Watching Alice walk again was miraculous for me, as well. And now she runs and plays and does all the things again. Cats can really be resilient when they are given the right chance.

I hope for Morton’s continued improvement. :)
 
Hi everyone so sorry. I didn't get any email alerts like I usually do and have been distracted. My husband sent this to me this morning

"Mcchord called. He thinks morton can come home tomorrow. He says his numbers are good and theyre going to be weening him off everytbing today. Hes been eating a bit on his own. Hes still sleepy and bummed but he even said "its unclear if hes even diabetic anymore because his BG is normal." That doesnt mean things wont flip though. But theyre managing the infections and hes on purely oral supplements right now. He said he wanted to keep him another day for observation. Also his platelettes are 700k some how? He doesnt know. He doesnt want him on any immune meds and wants his blood checked in like a week."

His platelets is the thing I'm always the most worried about. How can someone with ITP have very high platelets randomly? Just strange. I feel like that will bite him soon but just have to see. He is sucha mystery boy.

I wanted to tell you guys that last night he was meowing and purring SO loud. So so happy we were there. I'm sure hes not eating much there because hes super bummed and also at home he only will eat out of his special bowl with his favorite food all while I'm stoking his tail and he's by his brother! If you want to look at his very very cute instagram story you can at instagram.com/catxmama
It was so adorable seeing him last night. He kept pulling my hand back to kiss it . He was acting 100 percent normal even grooming himself.
 
What a fantastic update on Morton!!!

I'm sure you're right, once he's home he's going to start eating normally, he'll be so happy to be back. It sounds like he's well on the way to recovery already-- hooray!!!!!
 
I am glad that baby Morton seem to do better and hope he continues to improve becoming all well again.
It must have been wonderful to cuddle with him again and getting his love kisses. I hope he becomes all well and stay well afterwards too.
 
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