DKA/FHL/ETUBE- Garland Updates

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Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

:lol: "I flung myself to the phone"
As only a good mom would!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Violet:

What a beautiful, beautiful girl Garland is. I am so happy you got her to the vet. We are sending major prayers for her quick recovery and that she is back in your loving home again soon.
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

She is so beautiful. Her vet picture is truly sad.

And she is going to get better !!!

And come home and be herself again.

Thanks for the update....keeping Garland and you in my thoughts.
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Ms. Violet,
What er is she at> is it in Euless or Ft.Worth?????
I know when Gumpy was in er in Euless, they let me go back and see her...I would take trips there throughout the week end...brought her my shirt and she did seem to love to see me!
Where in Ft. Worth are you? If you need someone to pick up your home item (shirt, pillowcase, small blanket, towel), perhaps I could help out and get to her???
Just let me know!
Wishing healing thoughts to you and Garland!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Hoping for a good update this AM! She is such a beautiful girl...keeping you both in my prayers
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Garland is at VCA of Ft. Worth. I just spoke to an ICU tech.

Garland is depressed and not eating. They are trying assisted feeding, but Garland isn't accepting the help. The tech asked what Garland eats at home, but I don't know.

BG levels from 190 to 224. Potassium low--2.0. She is getting potassium in her IV fluids and may have her dose upped when her bloodwork is redone this evening at 7pm.

I then asked about kidney and liver values and the tech went to put the vet on the phone. The vet told the tech that they couldn't give me info because I am not the owner. (HPPA for animals ohmygod_smile ) So I never got to ask my question about pH level either.

But maybe the "nice" vet will call me back when he is on duty this afternoon.
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

The way I got Garland to eat was to put the baby food on my finger and then smear it on her tongue or the roof of her mouth. Just a small amount each time and she swallowed it all with no problems. Maybe you could call them back and suggest they try that.

Patricia (GAs Fluffy, Mr QT, Murphy, Jonathan, Flannel, Speedy, Angel, Rusty, Bobby, Ash, Moseley, Suzy, Zak, Kobe and Cory) Corky, Oreo & Rufus
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Adding prayers to Saint Francis of Assisi for poor Garland and Violet!

What an incredible show of care and concern on this thread. I am not able to provide a donation at this moment, However I will as soon as I can.

What an amazing group ofpeople!

Theresa and Christian
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Will do Patricia. Thanks for the info!!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Venita and Ennis93 said:
Garland is at VCA of Ft. Worth. I just spoke to an ICU tech.

Garland is depressed and not eating. They are trying assisted feeding, but Garland isn't accepting the help. The tech asked what Garland eats at home, but I don't know.

BG levels from 190 to 224. Potassium low--2.0. She is getting potassium in her IV fluids and may have her dose upped when her bloodwork is redone this evening at 7pm.

I then asked about kidney and liver values and the tech went to put the vet on the phone. The vet told the tech that they couldn't give me info because I am not the owner. (HPPA for animals ohmygod_smile ) So I never got to ask my question about pH level either.

But maybe the "nice" vet will call me back when he is on duty this afternoon.
Click to expand...

Im waiting for a call back. They were all busy when I called earlier to give me an update. They said I should hear back by 1 or 130. Is there certain things/numbers I should ask for?

Thanks for talking with them this morning... so they said shes not doing any better? :( I hope they call me back soon, im soo worried
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Okay, finally a vet tech called me back. She wasnt able to give me much info. She said they cant get her to eat, and shes really depressed. :( The vet I saw yesterday is going to call me when he gets in and re-evaluates her. So im looking forward to hear what he has to say... The wait is so hard.

Venita- I just gave permission for them to give you any info you wanted about Garland and how she is doing. :)

Thanks again everyone. I will keep you all updated!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Violet, why don't you call Shelly. She lives near you. She sent you her phone number and she said she would go today and bring some of your clothes or whatever to your kitty.
The mere smell of you may lift her morale until you can get there.
She is willing....just call her.
Lori
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

As long as her potassium is low she's going to look very depressed. Once it gets above 3.0 - 3.2 she should perk up. When Tucker's was that low we actually thought he passed away becuase he couldn't move at all and barely looked like he was breathing.
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

Hoping Garland starts to perk up here for you soon!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

The medical director of the ER called me. They are pumping R insulin through Garland's IV fluids to combat the ketoacidosis. Garland is more animated, meowing, and showing more spunk that she did yesterday. She is a good patient.

However, Garland still is not eating. (Patricia, I did suggest finger feeding baby food.) If after 48 hours from admission Garland still is not eating, they will consider an e-tube.

Her biggest problem when she came in yesterday was dehydration. As of this morning's blood tests, her kidney and liver values were fine, and her pH was 7.38 (normal range).
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

UPDATE

So I heard back from the vet after he came back in today. He said shes doing better. Her potassium levels are still low, so they think she was much more dehydrated than they had originally thought. But, good news, he said shes being much more vocal. Garland is a very very loud, vocal cat. I hadnt heard her meow once in days. So the fact that shes more alert and starting to meow again makes me know shes getting better! Shes still not really eating. They managed to get a litte bit of baby food in her, but not very much. They are going to try to syringe feed her later.

As I hear more, I will tell everyone!! Thanks for all your kind words and prayers for my baby girl!
 
Re: HELP Ketones are all wrong!! EDIT- DKA kitty in ER now

lori and tom said:
Violet, why don't you call Shelly. She lives near you. She sent you her phone number and she said she would go today and bring some of your clothes or whatever to your kitty.
The mere smell of you may lift her morale until you can get there.
She is willing....just call her.
Lori
Click to expand...

I think Im going to try to drive out there tonight. (fingers crossed) But I didnt see a phone number for shelly?
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Violet, I think Shelly is Ohbell, that might help you find the message. Good luck!
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Come on garland! We are all pulling for you pretty little girl!! Eat up your fuds so you can get better and come home to your family that will do anything for you!!
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

You have my phone number, if you need me to take something to the Vet's office, just call me. I'll be glad to help.

Patricia (GAs Fluffy, Mr QT, Murphy, Jonathan, Flannel, Speedy, Angel, Rusty, Bobby, Ash, Moseley, Suzy, Zak, Kobe and Cory) Corky, Oreo & Rufus
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Come on Garland eat your nom noms...You have a bunch of people you don't even know that are pulling for you, and want to get to hear all about what a wondeful spunky kitty you are and see tons of pictures of you once you are back home with the beans that love you best.

Get well little one.

Still got all 20 fingers, 20 toes and 52 paws all crossed for a speedy and complete recovery.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette & The Fur Gang
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Hope you get in to see your girl tonite! I know it is so hard to not be in there with them.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Can the vet put a feeding tube in? It will be much easier to give a liquid food like Clinicare for nutriton intake as well as give medicines. Dr. Lisa's web site has info about some common types of feeding tubes: http://catinfo.org/?link=feedingtubes

Has the vet tried a little FortiFlora on food (canned, dry, baby, etc)? FortiFlora is really really appealing to cats, even really sick inappetant ones.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

I just called. Shes still not eating... :sad: I think they will start doing more aggressive feeding options tomorrow afternoon
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

sending prayers and healing vines for Garland hope she improves very soon ((((hugs)))) to you
275bfbe84d9a09be7b99c6f0fcea18f1.gif
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

My kitty wouldn't eat while he was in the hospital, and he was there for 8 1/2 days. He did enjoy my daily visits though, and I would bring his favorite foods and favorite treats to try to encourage him. Eventually, he ate a couple treats from my hand, but that was all. He came home with a feeding tube. The day after he was home, he started eating on his own again, just fine.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Violet, I have had someone from the Dallas/FW area offer to bring you SubQ fluids if you need them. Be sure to ask if you need them, and I can put you in touch with the donor.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

I'm not a vet or an expert but this is starting to look like a hypokalemic kitty. Tucker was fine most of his life, it wasn't until he was older that he started to lose potassium.

If your kitty is still low on potassium, under 3 or even 3.5 she might not eat on her own. A strong potassium push through the IV should perk her up, it could take 2-3 days before she does perk. The vet should be monitoring electrolytes and work on getting the potassium up. A kitty with low potassium does look like a DKA kitty in many respects. Lethargy, not eating, limp. Please contact the vet and see where the potassium is now. We almost put Tucker down a year too early because we did not know about Hypokalemia.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

I tend to agree with Jennifer, although I'm not a vet, vet tech, or expert in any way.

Garland's pH is in the normal range, and with DKA you see acidosis--an acidic pH. There were ketones, but not acidosis. It could be that the hypokalemia and ketones are related or associated...I don't know about that. Good question for the ER vet.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

I just spoke to the ICU tech.

Garland is resting comfortably, but still is not eating well. A feeding tube will be discussed this afternoon when Dr. Hill, the medical director, comes in.

Garland's BG level this morning was 211 and she got 2U of insulin. I didn't ask what kind, but I am assuming her long-lasting insulin, Lantus.

This morning's bloodwork is about the same as yesterday. Potassium still down (at 2) and other values in range. I asked about ketones, and was told they test ketones through urine, and haven't done a urine test recently. The tech said she would mention that to Dr. Hill and he might order that this afternoon.

I also asked about whether this could be hypokalemia. The vet tech said she would relay that question to Dr. Hill. The vet in the ER right now is busy with another patient, and not available to answer that question.

I am taking my Jacks and Nellie to their vet this afternoon, so it will likely be early evening before I can update on my talk with Dr. Hill.

Thanks all for continuing to pray and send well wishes for Garland and her family.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Its been an uber busy day. Just wanted to pop in quickly to say the vet tech really didnt have any new information for me this morning. She is still not eating. The vet will get there this afternoon and they will consider a feeding tube. So I am on pins and needles waiting for his phone call. He will be able to give me more information hopefully.

Thanks again for all your prayers. It means the world to me!! ((hugs))

Venita- I think they mentioned to me they had Garland on a short acting insulin.. but I never asked what kind?
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//First day updates

Venita and Ennis93 said:
I tend to agree with Jennifer, although I'm not a vet, vet tech, or expert in any way.

Garland's pH is in the normal range, and with DKA you see acidosis--an acidic pH. There were ketones, but not acidosis. It could be that the hypokalemia and ketones are related or associated...I don't know about that. Good question for the ER vet.
Click to expand...

I dont know what I would do without all of you! I would not have even known to ask all these questions. Thanks!
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

The last time Payne was in ER after 4 DKA's she was just as sick but because her pH was in the normal range, they called it a DK .... I worry more about the not eating right now.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

Hi everyone! Im so tired. I think I may even fall asleep as I type this. I havent really slept in days and the kids are being extra wild this week...

I talked to the vet... I wish I had more to tell you guys.. Basically, her BG numbers are staying steady at about where they always were at home since getting diagnosed (around 200ish) Her potassium is still very low. They have upped her dose in her IV as well as started her on an oral supplement. She still isnt eating. They have managed to force feed a bit to her, but not very much at all. He discussed with me several options that we may have to consider come tomorrow.... Maybe even an Xray to see if there is another reason shes not eating (tumor was mentioned) He did say she seemed to feel better based on shes much perkier than when she was originally brought in though, so thats good

Im just getting so sad... It hit me hard today how much Ive missed her. Its been almost 3 days since I took her in, and she doesnt seem to be close to coming home. I guess I was being optimistic with a speedy recovery, and now it seems its going to take longer than I hoped... I wish she would start eating.. She has me worried

Thanks again for all the support! I will update you in the morning when I talk with them again ((hugs))
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

Sending out healing hugs and much love! come on let's eat! (please ......)
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

BIG HUGS back to ya.
Perkier is good. I'm only going by what my kitty went through, but the first couple of days at the vet he could barely lift his head up when I visited him, and then, very slowly he got better. And he never ate by himself while he was in the hospital. The feeding tube saved his life. That was 5 years ago. What a scary time that was for me. I think I kept my fingers crossed in my sleep.
I'm just saying, don't give up hope. Keep praying.

Sending feel even better tomorrow, vines to Garland. :YMHUG:
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

Come on pretty girl - eat!

Prayers and hugs for MamaBean....a big looooong, head on shoulder, don't let go yet...hug....and lots of ankle rubs.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

violet826 said:
Hi everyone! Im so tired. I think I may even fall asleep as I type this. I havent really slept in days and the kids are being extra wild this week...

I talked to the vet... I wish I had more to tell you guys.. Basically, her BG numbers are staying steady at about where they always were at home since getting diagnosed (around 200ish) Her potassium is still very low. They have upped her dose in her IV as well as started her on an oral supplement. She still isnt eating. They have managed to force feed a bit to her, but not very much at all. He discussed with me several options that we may have to consider come tomorrow.... Maybe even an Xray to see if there is another reason shes not eating (tumor was mentioned) He did say she seemed to feel better based on shes much perkier than when she was originally brought in though, so thats good

Im just getting so sad... It hit me hard today how much Ive missed her. Its been almost 3 days since I took her in, and she doesnt seem to be close to coming home. I guess I was being optimistic with a speedy recovery, and now it seems its going to take longer than I hoped... I wish she would start eating.. She has me worried

Thanks again for all the support! I will update you in the morning when I talk with them again ((hugs))
Click to expand...
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: Hugs to you, and prayers for Garland, you and your family.

Roberta
and Casey
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

I just spoke to Dr. Hill also. (What a gentle man he seems to be. And willing to spend time on the phone.)

Besides what Violet said, all of which he told me except the X-Ray and possible tumor thing...

We talked about how some cats simply won't eat in a hospital setting and that Garland might start eating once she gets home. Dr. Hill agreed that is common. They are syringe feeding Garland Royal Canin Recovery and have started her on an appetite stimulant (although Dr. Hill has seldom seen that work, nor have I).

Putting in an e-tube for assisted feeding is still on the "possible" list.

They are not checking ketones. Dr. Hill doesn't believe that is as important in a situation such as this as are electrolyte (esp. potassium) level and eating. No real answer to my question about hypokalemia vs. DKA. Just a sort of "what is, is" answer.

The price estimate the ER clinic gave Violet anticipated treatment through tomorrow at 8pm, and Dr. Hill said that is still the price target through that time. The price may go up if a feeding tube is needed. Dr. Hill is back in tomorrow morning. He hopes to see a much-improved Garland then.

So do I.

Violet, I am so sorry about your fatigue. I understand; stress can do that. And I am so sorry that you are getting sad missing Ms. Garland. My experience with watching these kinds of situations is that it often is in Day 3 that the cat just suddenly turns around and starts to ***** about going home. May Ms. Garland hold to that "average."
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

Sending more healing vines and prayer for sweet Garland. And some comfort and peace for you, Violet.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

Has Violet been able to visit with Garland in the hospital ?

That might perk Garland up if she sees her mommy.

I visited Smokey each day when he was in the hospital for 4 days.

I got him to take food from my finger (baby food turkey) and he
started to eat on the third day.
 
Re: HELP Ketones//DKA kitty in ER now//Day 2 updates

I just talked w Dr Hill.. its not looking good

Garland is still not eating and has developed fatty liver disease. I cant even begin to explain all the medical stuff he was telling me, as I barely understood it myself. He said even if we did everything possible there is still only a 50/50 chance she will pull through. He said he was going to call Venita next, I will let her explain the medical side of it. I dont know what to do. This is heartbreaking and sad. Ive missed her so much, and I also feel like I wish I had spent more time with her over the last few weeks. I wish I could have taken some video of her recently, acting herself, meowing at me when she wanted to eat, our snuggly time after the kids were in bed.. I just never even thought she would get sick so sudden like this... she was fine just last week :( I wish I had done more snuggly time that wasnt just my usual routines...He wants to put in a special tube (peg?) and keep her for a few more days. But he didnt seem very hopeful... he said its a hard disease to overcome. Im going to talk with my husband and see what he thinks. I will be back later... :(
 
Re: DKA- Garland Update... Its not looking very good....

i'm so sorry. don't give up yet is my gut response. 50/50 is still a decent chance i think. i'm not sure why they're waiting so long on the tube though. i would have thought they would have done it days ago so as to avoid developing the fatty liver but maybe they felt they were getting enough food in her perhaps.
 
Re: DKA- Garland Update... Its not looking very good....

I'm so sorry but don't give up! Every time Payne had DKA I got the "talk." That's four talks! I said get her through this and I will keep her alive .... and I have. This is where faith comes in, believe that all the love and good wishes will tip the scale.
 
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