Fiona - how to dose non-eating cat

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Sharyn & Fiona

Member Since 2009
Unfortunately fiona still not eating. I'm having to force feed her. Waiting on test results but not expecting any real news. Gave her pain meds last night in case it was pancreatitis did you make any difference in her behavior. Of course her bgs are way up. And she has liquid poop, like water liquid poo.

What do you dose a cat that is being force fed?!
 
Sharyn

I know you are a long time member but do you have a spreadsheet for Fiona that we can see please?

Sending her healing vines.
 
I'm not sure what to answer. I am at work, and will have to log off in a couple of minutes. What dose is she currently on? I have asked for more eyes on this condo.

I am sending Eating Vines to Fiona, right now.
 
does Fiona have a history of DKA? Are you testing for ketones?

If she starts showing any hint of ketones, then you have to get insulin into her, even if it means syringe feeding high carb food. What are you feeding in the syringe, her normal food or something higher carb? How much food are you getting into her each day?

I would say that she probably needs insulin (you're probably the only one who can tell how much to dose Fiona). And she needs food. Fluids might help, so ask your vet about that. Check for ketones and if she gets even a trace, then you'll have to increase the insulin and increase the carbs to counteract the insulin.

Come on, Balloonie, fight!
 
In addition to Libby's point about HC food, if you are needing to assist feed, it's often best to use a food that is not among Fiona's favorites. Sometimes, cat's will develop an aversion to a food that's been used for assist feeding purposes. Karrie/Maverick is our resident expert on assist feeding. She frequently recommends the Yahoo assist feeding group to people.

Liquipoo and not eating sounds like there's something going on. I hope the vet has results back quickly for you. You might want to consider FortiFlora or some other probiotic which will help solidify the poo situation. It has the additional benefit of being something that most cats like.

You could also try baby food (varieties with only meat and broth like Gerber Stage 2). It's easily digested and if something is going on with Fiona's GI track, is easy on the system.
 
BG 303, BKK 1.4 so ketones are up but not too bad yet. They don't show up in pee until 3.0. Nothing of significance on bloodwork (no surprise). Stupid vet thinks pancreatitis just because. I gave pain meds yesterday but no change. She is not acting like she is in pain. She did nibble a little Evo dry and chicken earlier today - very little but it's a start. We just feed the dry as a treat. I syringe fed 20ccs AD thinned with KMR half an hour ago. So she's getting HC. Whatever Lola wants... My goal is aprox 20cc food 3-4 times a day. I started her on Metronidazole (AB) today. I have a cat rescue and lots of drugs on hand. Vet confirmed when we spoke later that the Metro was worth a try. Just gotta be able to ride out whatever is causing this.

We don't have a spreadsheet any more. I got tired of trying to figure out how to write down doses like "9.5units one drop short of fat" which is her current dose that I have a hard time replicating consistently. One drop too much and she's in the 30's, a drop too little and she's 260'ish. Princess Enigma. She's been as high as 29u and not that long ago we were at 5.5u.

I thought there might be a rule of thumb for non-eating cats and dosing. I'll try 5u tonight and see.

Good idea about not using a food she likes. I don't know if she likes the AD or not, but it's not her reg food, which is FF classic chicken/liver. I'll pick up some baby food later tonight. Fiona is one of those rare cats that doesn't like FortiFlora, but I've got some Culturelle I can add.

I just figured out why this is happening now. 4 years ago, I was to go see my sister and her kids when Fiona's IAA journey began. I had to cancel that trip to treat Fiona (bad ketones at the time) and I haven't seen my family since then because Fiona is so brittle and ketone prone. The kids ask me throughout the year if Fiona is better yet. Guess who's coming to town TOMORROW!?!?! I kid you not! Fortunately, they're staying at a hotel at the beach so they can entertain themselves while I force feed Balloonie. I live in Pensacola. The timing is unbelievable! For cryin' out loud! :roll:

thanks for all the vines, etc... keep 'em coming as well as suggestions. All appreciated.
 
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