Feel like I'm watching my cat waste away- has IBD also

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nam1026

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suki has diabetes and IBD. Her diabetes has never been under control 200s are good numbers for her. Lately it's been primarily 300s 400s pre shot. She's been up to 5 units lantus numbers don't go down. She has been on steroids for months for chronic diarrhea but I haven't given her any in past week and her numbers haven't changed. She is losing her muscle mass. Her hip area is awful looking. Skin is getting saggy. I started b12 shots 2 weeks ago. Hasn't seemed to help. My vet said it's possible she might have small cell lymphoma instead of IBD. I had a hysterectomy and gallbladder removed 7 days ago. I've been dealing w my own health problems. She has lost 2 lbs since Jan but she was overweight. It's more the sagginess of her coat and bones sticking out I'm more concerned about. I'm trying to recover from surgery I'm single and I also have a cat w renal failure and high blood pressure. I live paycheck to paycheck. Not sure what to do. I feel like she is dying in front of mr. She is more lethargic. I feed her all the approved wet foods. She does sometimes get into my CRF kitties food which is FF grilled w lower phosphorus. Any advice would be helpful. I know my spreadsheet isn't up to date. I just do handwritten ones. 300s into 400s has been the norm lately and when I've done curves her numbers don't go down much. Thank you
 
Hi Deb, I'm so sorry you're going through all of this. I haven't been able to get my cat regulated either, so I know the pain and frustration of that. Then to add your own health problems on top must be extremely difficult for you. I'm new here and can't offer advice about dosing, but I do know that it can take weeks for steroids to get out of their systems. So maybe that's part of your problem. Please don't lose faith and know that we're all here rooting for you and Suki:bighug:
 
Hi Deb, I'm really sorry to hear about everything that's been going on. Sending hugs and positive thoughts.
As Sharon14 mentioned, the steroids do take some time to wash out. So maybe her numbers will get better.
The wasting issue does make me worry about cancer, or at least very severe IBD. Was her diarrhea under control with the steroids?
I know it's expensive, but an ultrasound might help determine if something really bad is going on. When was she diagnosed with IBD? Did they do an ultrasound at that time?
 
Tanya's site is a wealth of information.


Metronidazole is usually given to cats with chronic diarrhea. It can take a week or two to kick in.
also prescription clay. I put it in capsules because mine didn't like any meds in her food.
What steroid is she on?
Sometimes they need budesonide ( ibd) and prednisolone.


we can help more with her bg control if you would update your ss for the last week.... and we start from there.
You may need an increase but most of us need to see the chart. The dose changes, it never just stays the same.
Usually dose of insulin has to increase with use of steroids.

With ibd, new research has shown that it often is a precursor to lymphoma.
 
She was on prednisolone now budesonide. Both make her numbers slightly higher usually 300s. Her diarrhea is finally under control after months of liquid on carpet often. She hasn't had diarrhea in over a week so I'm hoping the probiotics and b12 are helping. She has had digestive problems since a kitten. Chronic diarrhea checked everything finally a depo shot calmed it down but always had problems vomiting w short bouts diarrhea. Last 6 months it's been chronic. No ultrasound done. As I said I live paycheck to paycheck so I do what I can. I spend $250 month alone on their wet food and litter and insulin supplies. I just spent over 600 at vet for their annuals. Also she is very very difficult going to vet. She gets wild bites poops pees. It's a very stressful event so I take her only as necessary. I honestly never though I would ever be able to treat her for any illness. Can't even cut her nails she goes crazy. So the fact I'm poking her 4 times day and pilling her is a miracle. I have given her lactated ringers a couple times since she has been dehydrated. Is that ok? I have the fluids for my CRF kitty. I will enter last week of data now. Thank you
 
nam1026 said:
She was on prednisolone now budesonide. So the fact I'm poking her 4 times day and pilling her is a miracle. I have given her lactated ringers a couple times since she has been dehydrated. Is that ok? I have the fluids for my CRF kitty. I will enter last week of data now. Thank you
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I have two cats on budesonide. I use the flavored tablets from Roadrunner Pharmacy and can crush them on top of their food. They eat it every time. This is much easier than trying to pill either one of them.
 
nam1026 said:
I have given her lactated ringers a couple times since she has been dehydrated. Is that ok?
Click to expand...
Lactated ringers is good for a cat that's dehydrated from diarrhea. Just be careful not to give too much and only as needed. I would do the "tent test" to figure out whether it's needed.
 
I ended her suffering last night bad few days. Ended up w renal failure and a heart murmur too. After struggling with a decision I ended her suffering. Can't stop crying.
 
I am so sorry for your loss. Such a hard decision to make but one made out of the purest love for her. She will live on in your heart forever. Sending you strength and hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug:

Fly free, beloved Suki cat_wings>o
 
It was an act of compassion and love. What a terrible decision for you to have to make, especially with your own health struggles.
I'm sorry... hugs and wishing that it gets easier for you soon.
 
Dear Deb
So sorry for your loss - we all understand the terrible pain you are going through --take it one day at a time -

sending wishes for a peace and healing
 
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