Elevated Respirations

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carsoncassidy

carsoncassidy

Member Since 2012
I was laying down for a nap with Kate and Shadow and I noticed that Kate was breathing really fast. I googled cat respirations and they said about 45 or so a minute. I clocked her at 100!!! :shock:

I quickly read a few things and it said that she could be hot... she did jump out of bed and move to the living room on the hard wood floors and it's slowed some.

I tested her BG at 4:45pm when I got home and it was 301 at a fasting state. I then gave her a can of the Purina Pro Plan Chicken and Liver Entree. (just detailing this incase it even matters...) She is purring, laid out relaxing just like usual. Her nose is cold and wet. Her ears are a little warm but not roasting.

Thoughts, ideas?

My vet is open tomorrow, but there is a 24/7 vet around the corner just in case. Oh, when we were at the vet for the testing at the beginning of August, she did say that she heard a small heart murmur.

What do I do? What do I look for?
 
Does it also seem to be labored breathing?
You are counting correctly, right? One exhale and one inhale is one respiration.
Can you measure her heart rate?
Can you measure her temperature?
It it really is 100 that would mean an ER visit for me.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
Does it also seem to be labored breathing?
You are counting correctly, right? One exhale and one inhale is one respiration.
Can you measure her heart rate?
Can you measure her temperature?
It it really is 100 that would mean an ER visit for me.
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No, she seems to be taking shallow breaths.
I believe so... I counted every time her chest went up. She was laying on her side.
I can try to measure her heart rate... I need a stethescope!
Not sure about the temp.
I'm giving her a few minutes just in case she was hot and then I'm checking her again.

I read on WebMD (I know... when you read that, you're dying of everything) that it could be a sign of ketoacidosis, but when we were at the vet her ketones were fine. Well within the normal range.
 
The next time you go to the pharmacy (like tonight, if you don't go to the vet), I would pick up some ketone test strips and a digital thermometer.
Sometimes I see my civie breathing fast after running and playing. Was your kitty being exceptionally active at the time or just before?
I can sometimes hear my J.D.'s heart when he lays by my head and I can it. Just some thoughts.
If she keeps having elevated respirations, I would go to the ER just for my own peace of mind. I've done that many times.
 
Ok, I checked her again. It's down to 65 rpm now. I couldn't find her femoral pulse and she won't stay still long enough for me to find it in her ribs.
Maybe she was hot... when she was on the bed her nose was warm and dry. Once she went to the living room its cold and wet. She hasn't been running around or anything. We were just laying in the bed.
There's a 24/7 pharmacy down the street, so I'll pick some up... but how do I test it? We use the Breeze system. Her urine goes into the absorbant pads.
I am going to monitor her closely over the next few hours and if it changes, I'm taking her to the ER.
I'm also leaving a message for my vet... that we will see her tomorrow!
 
That's nice that you can leave a message for your vet, like that.
You just dip the end of the strip in the urine and wait for 15 seconds and compare the strip to the guide key on the outside of the bottle. It's easy. I always write the date that I opened the strips on the bottle, because they are only good for 6 months after opening. To check the temperature, I just put some vaseline on the end of the thermometer, and insert about an inch (I usually put J.D. up on the counter for this, and kind of keep him still with my arms loosely around him) and wait for the beep.
If she breathes fast again, I would go directly to the ER.
 
I would just try anyway. I don't think they get diluted with water (or other cat's pee), but I may be wrong. I would just try with what you have, and then remove the pad like Larry said, and watch it like a hawk for when Kate uses it. She's probably okay, but better safe (and have a sigh of relief), than sorry.
 
Yeah, I think I'm heading to the pharmacy now...

Here's a question... with ketoacidosis it says that its her body burning fat for fuel instead of glucose. If her BG is 301, shouldn't her body burn the glucose?

Her rpms are down and she's drinking and interested in what's happening in the house. Like, my BF just walked across the house and she went to investigate. Still watching her like a hawk though.
 
Still watching Kate like a hawk.
Temp was 101.1 (she was NOT happy about this...)
BG just now was 283.

How often should I get up to check on her? Every hour?

If she does go pee and I don't see it right away, can I still test it for ketones? Does the "sample" go bad?
 
I would check the urine as soon as you see her coming from the box, if possible. Some cats will tolerate you sticking the strip under them while they are peeing, although Payne will give me the look sometimes :) it is important to know if she has ketones because ketones can move quickly and do a lot of damage. Others have put a ladle under their cat and then tested, however it works for you. Good luck.
Nancy and Payne ......
(who does not like ketone talk :)
 
I get a urine sample by sneaking a flat bowl or ladle underneath my cat while she is going. I just follow her in to her lb. Then dip the ketostix in the sample and compare it to the chart. A urine sample is good for 24 hours if refrigerated. If not, it should be good for a few hours but the sooner the better.

Melanie & Racci
 
If the uring is dilute the reading will be lower. The strip measure concentration.
Dyana said:
I would just try anyway. I don't think they get diluted with water (or other cat's pee), but I may be wrong. I would just try with what you have, and then remove the pad like Larry said, and watch it like a hawk for when Kate uses it. She's probably okay, but better safe (and have a sigh of relief), than sorry.
Click to expand...
 
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