Friskies changed formula badly need help finding carb count.

[SammieCat]

We all understand the stress. I can see your spreadsheet. Good job getting it up and running. Next step is a signature so we dint need to look to see pertinent information such as the DKA/ketones, dosing method, type of food, other meds or diseases, etc.

If not too late get Mirataz ointment that you rub on the ear every 24 hours. Some, like me, found the mirtazapine pills to make their cats agitated and extremely vocal. It’s a much less often symptom of the ointment.

thank you for the tip. I added what I could fit but was limited by character count. If there is anything you would add or take out please let me know.

She has never been tested for ketones that I know of. Maybe the vet did it when first diagnosed. Unfortunately the 1.8mg pills are already on there way for Monday. It can’t come soon enough as I’m just at a loss on what to do anymore.

I will keep that in mind about the transdermal. I originally had thought of that but more for ease of use. I didn’t think the pills could cause more symptoms. However we still aren’t used to testing this much. Sometimes it takes 6 pokes or more to get a blood sample. I was afraid it would hurt her ear.

 

[tiffmaxee]

What’s the reason for cerenia?

 

[SammieCat]

What’s the reason for cerenia?

We aren’t really sure. On 10/12 and 10/13 she had dry heaves late evening and early morning. Her levels were good those days around 150 at the highest. This was before the food formula changed as we had old cans left. This was also before our other cat passed. On 10/16 the day after our cat passed she got sick again. This was 3 days after the reformulated Friskies was started. This time however she threw up food and her blood sugar was near 400. That lasted a single day.

The vet said she thought the high blood sugar was due to an unknown temporary illness and not the food as other days her levels where good. That’s why we tried the amoxicillin. We switched to fancy feast chicken and liver that day as the vet didn’t like the dark stool. Now she seems to have gone off that food flavor. Probably because she is sick of us trying to feed her all the time. She was fine till the 24th where she again had dry heaves in the late evening and early morning. The Cerneia is from our other cat. However the vet said to use half a pill if needed for Ebony. I didn’t know what to put in my sign about it. As I am hoping it’s temporary.

I don’t know if I should ask the vet to test for SPECFPL on Wednesday when we get blood work or not. I tired looking up what to expect for price on that but couldn’t find much. It just seems easier to check for everything at once.

Sorry for so much text. I am trying to explain things well but I’m not always that great at it. I feel so scatterbrained these days with so much stress and uncertainty. Thanks again for all your support and advice. It truly is appreciated!

 

[tiffmaxee]

No apology needed and the more info the better. If the appetite is still off and you can swing it, I would test for pancreatitis. If eating like normal I would not because it would only be positive if symptomatic. Even then it’s not 100% reliable but if the number is high with symptoms and everything else checks out it makes sense to be pancreatitis.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

At my vet the Spec fPL is shipped out to IDEXX and costs $177.50. I’m in a rural part of California if that influences price idk.
By comparison (so you can judge things you may have paid for) an exam is $70, a general blood profile done in the clinic is 104.55, and a TT4 and SDMA done in clinic is $80.

 

[SammieCat]

At my vet the Spec fPL is shipped out to IDEXX and costs $177.50. I’m in a rural part of California if that influences price idk.
By comparison (so you can judge things you may have paid for) an exam is $70, a general blood profile done in the clinic is 104.55, and a TT4 and SDMA done in clinic is $80.

Thank you very much for letting me know the cost. I’m also in a rural area. The chem 18 is $76 and the t4 quote is 56 and exam is around $64. Both the chem and t4 are sent out and not in clinic it looks like. Vet tech and needle fee is another $15. I’m not sure what SDMA is and if that is part of the quote they gave me.

Maybe I will have to hold off on the spec one and see if the other blood work shows anything. Even though prices here seem lower I can’t imagine it’s going to be under $100 for that one. I wonder if I could ask them to take the blood and hold it. That way if the other tests show nothing I don’t have to take her in again.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Thank you very much for letting me know the cost. I’m also in a rural area. I wonder if I could ask them to take the blood and hold it. That way if the other tests show nothing I don’t have to take her in again.

That sounds like a good idea. Also ask how much it costs, my vet is always quoting prices even if I don’t ask. I’m sure they understand how things add up and few of us are rich

SDMA is a test for how well kidneys are functioning. BUN and creatinine are other kidney tests that are usually part of a basic panel. I have no idea why the SDMA and FT4 are bundled together like that.

many times blood sent out for testing is spun down in the clinic and the serum shipped so they may be able to process it and hold it. Sometimes after blood is shipped to lab my vet has been able to call and add on another test so I assume once spun the serum is stable and able to be tested for a while. Can’t hurt to ask

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Also while my vet agreed with the member who commented that spec fPL was more specific/accurate (this is true), this info from IDEXX appears to show the SNAP fPL is pretty comparable in identifying pancreatitis.
https://www.idexx.com/files/snap-fpl-test-white-paper.pdf

It’s cheaper I’m sure but I don’t know the price—perhaps discuss with the vet his/her opinion on the usefulness of SNAP vs Spec, and the costs of each

 

[SammieCat]

Also while my vet agreed with the member who commented that spec fPL was more specific/accurate (this is true), this info from IDEXX appears to show the SNAP fPL is pretty comparable in identifying pancreatitis.
https://www.idexx.com/files/snap-fpl-test-white-paper.pdf

It’s cheaper I’m sure but I don’t know the price—perhaps discuss with the vet his/her opinion on the usefulness of SNAP vs Spec, and the costs of each

That is a good idea to ask about price, the difference in tests and if they can hold the blood, Thank you for explaining what SDMA is. So it sounds like to get a good idea on how the kidneys are I need that t4 thyroid test. I gave her a 25mg dose of gabapentin to see if she might feel better if she is in pain. She is shivering even with our last reading of 152. I thought it had stopped after this morning but maybe she has been doing it all day and I just didn’t notice. My wife is better and spotting that. I am going to skip the insulin tonight I think. I don’t think I can get her to eat much or count and it not coming back up.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

That is a good idea to ask about price, the difference in tests and if they can hold the blood, Thank you for explaining what SDMA is. So it sounds like to get a good idea on how the kidneys are I need that t4 thyroid test. I gave her a 25mg dose of gabapentin to see if she might feel better if she is in pain. She is shivering even with our last reading of 152. I thought it had stopped after this morning but maybe she has been doing it all day and I just didn’t notice. My wife is better and spotting that. I am going to skip the insulin tonight I think. I don’t think I can get her to eat much or count and it not coming back up.

The SDMA is bundled with T4 at my vets office but I don’t think T4 is important to figuring out how her kidneys are doing —I’m guessing it has to do with how the tests are done in my vets office. Again I’d say express your concerns and ask your vet which tests are most important and the costs—and see what she/he recommends for best cost and info gained. My poor boy needs blood tests often and I worry about how much is getting taken from him, so I’m always asking her to figure out how to minimize the amount drawn. They’re familiar with costs related to different tests and should be able to help tailor a cost effective plan

I don’t know what would cause shivering but if it’s more like her muscles are trembling (like if she’s standing or walking) that could be a problem with potassium

 

[SammieCat]

The SDMA is bundled with T4 at my vets office but I don’t think T4 is important to figuring out how her kidneys are doing —I’m guessing it has to do with how the tests are done in my vets office. Again I’d say express your concerns and ask your vet which tests are most important and the costs—and see what she/he recommends for best cost and info gained. My poor boy needs blood tests often and I worry about how much is getting taken from him, so I’m always asking her to figure out how to minimize the amount drawn. They’re familiar with costs related to different tests and should be able to help tailor a cost effective plan

I don’t know what would cause shivering but if it’s more like her muscles are trembling (like if she’s standing or walking) that could be a problem with potassium

Here is a short video of her twitching. It feels more like a shiver when you have your hand on her. However it definitely looks more like a tremor on the video. https://streamable.com/1pmdms

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Here is a short video of her twitching. It feels more like a shiver when you have your hand on her. However it definitely looks more like a tremor on the video. https://streamable.com/1pmdms

Do you think she may have a fever or be in pain? Is her blood glucose normal when this happens?
She’s a beautiful girl

ok I see her glucose was normal. I hope you find the cause soon

 

[SammieCat]

Do you think she may have a fever or be in pain? Is her blood glucose normal when this happens?
She’s a beautiful girl

ok I see her glucose was normal. I hope you find the cause soon

I just took her temp with a cheap pet thermometer off Amazon. It showed 99.3 I looked it up and that says that under 100 is hypothermia on petmd. Another place said anything under 99.5. worrying more and more it’s her kidney. I can’t imagine losing another cat so soon.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

I just took her temp with a cheap pet thermometer off Amazon. It showed 99.3 I looked it up and that says that under 100 is hypothermia on petmd. Another place said anything under 99.5. worrying more and more it’s her kidney. I can’t imagine losing another cat so soon.

I hope things get better. Sending positive thoughts your way

 

[SammieCat]

We ended up going to the vets today. We got bloodwork but we won’t know the results till tomorrow.

Her temp was good there and her weight was actually a little bit higher than last time. I was shocked as I thought for sure she would have lost weight. I’m thinking it’s just due to less activity. As she is eating less food and it has less calories. She ate amazing late last night for my wife. Nearly an entire 3 oz can between midnight and 5 am.

The vet liked her insulin numbers and said that shouldn’t be causing these issues. She gave her a pain medication shot. I showed her the video of the tremors. She said she didn’t think a thyroid test would be of much use with her symptoms nor did she suspect pancreatitis. I forgot to get a quote for the price of that test.

In not sure what to do now with the mirrazpine. I’m happy her weight is good but I can keep feeding her so often as it’s not practical.

Now all I can do is wait for the results tomorrow.

 

[SammieCat]

We all understand the stress. I can see your spreadsheet. Good job getting it up and running. Next step is a signature so we dint need to look to see pertinent information such as the DKA/ketones, dosing method, type of food, other meds or diseases, etc.

If not too late get Mirataz ointment that you rub on the ear every 24 hours. Some, like me, found the mirtazapine pills to make their cats agitated and extremely vocal. It’s a much less often symptom of the ointment.

So we had her first dose of mirataz 1.8 mg pill last night. She didn’t become vocal but snuggled and purred for the first time in about a week. She wasn’t agitated but my wife said she wouldn’t settle down nearly the whole night. Going from cat bed to cat bed and not sleeping. I think it helped with hunger however once again she is having constipation. So I’m going easy on the food and adding more water to it. I tried 1/4 miralax today. I might just try it once as last time she ended up with diarrhea. Did you try the pills for a while and the side effects didn’t go away with time?

With her arthritis I don’t want her unable to settle down and cause her more pain. I probably won’t be able to get the transdermal this month. My downstairs neighbor ended up with fleas and with the heat running we have them now. The vet was out of revolution plus so I had to order on chewy and all they had was a 3 pack. Still waiting on the bloodwork from yesterday.

 

[tiffmaxee]

With my cat that was on mirtazapine I switched to cyproheptadine and it worked much better. It’s also what is used if mirt should cause serotonin syndrome so can’t be used together. It’s old school, what gets used before mirt or mirataz existed . I tried mirataz for Chai last year. No side effects but switched to cyproheptadine S it can be dosed every 12 hours and has a much better shelf life. Sorry about the fleas.

 

[SammieCat]

With my cat that was on mirtazapine I switched to cyproheptadine and it worked much better. It’s also what is used if mirt should cause serotonin syndrome so can’t be used together. It’s old school, what gets used before mirt or mirataz existed . I tried mirataz for Chai last year. No side effects but switched to cyproheptadine S it can be dosed every 12 hours and has a much better shelf life. Sorry about the fleas.

ok thanks for the tip. I will keep that medication in mind. It’s good to know there is another drug that is not elura if needed.

 

[SammieCat]

So we got the bloodwork back and it’s all normal. The vet said she can’t say why she is having the tremors/ shaking. I’m so happy the bloodwork was good. I was really scared it was going to be something with her kidneys. Thank you everyone for all the support!!!!!

 

[SmallestSparrow]

So we got the bloodwork back and it’s all normal. The vet said she can’t say why she is having the tremors/ shaking. I’m so happy the bloodwork was good. I was really scared it was going to be something with her kidneys. Thank you everyone for all the support!!!!!

So nice to hear something positive. I hope she gets better soon

 

[SammieCat]

She is struggling a lot it go to the bathroom still. Yesterday I did 1/8 miralax two times. Today I did 1/4 midday. Her poop is round and she ends up laying down in the litter after or giving up. She has gone yesterday and today but very little. She spends all day in the heated bed.

Her numbers last night were under 100 so I didn’t shoot. This morning she barely took the mittazpine and cerinia. She hasn’t ate but is drinking. So I once again couldn’t shoot. Should I try baby food I have some mealtime for baby chicken with gravy. 2% carbs it says. I have also have churus from our other cat. I don’t want to make her feel sick.

She will lick the juice from her food if I add water. She just isn’t eating anything. I’m wondering if the last time I tired mirtazpine it worked because she also had the pain med shot that day. Oncor I think it’s called. Her back lags aren’t strong.

I have the revolution plus on her today. In case fleas are causing this. I’m so sorry to keep adding to this thread. I feel like I’m crying wolf because I can’t find out the issue and some days are better. I sent the vet a email yesterday saying how happy I was with the blood results and thanking her. So I am almost afraid to pester her again with another email.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Yesterday I did 1/8 miralax two times. Today I did 1/4 midday.

my vet started methos on 1/8 tsp miralax once a day. Then twice a day. Then 1/4 tsp twice a day. So there’s probably room to increase if needed although Methos is a big boy. The thing I’d keep in mind is miralax works by drawing fluid out of the body and into the gut to moisten stool. So if she’s behind in drinking it may not work well and may also make her more dehydrated. I’m now giving Methos sub q fluids up to 3x per week and feel more comfortable increasing his miralax if I know he’s got extra fluids on board. In humans sometimes just increasing fluids is enough so I imagine it’s similar for cats.

I sent the vet a email yesterday saying how happy I was with the blood results and thanking her. So I am almost afraid to pester her again with another email.

I feel the same way about bugging my vet. Then I tell myself she can always ignore my text or email and send it

I can’t speak for anyone but myself but as a medical provider I never found emails or calls from patients to be annoying. If they came when I was busy they might wait for an answer but not once in decades of patients did I ever feel pestered.

I think it’s an urgent issue of cats go more than 2-3 days without pooping. This was not a problem for my cats before so I had no idea but when I mentioned in passing my vet said “if no poop by tomorrow bring him in for an enema”.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Also re weight gain despite not eating: if she hasn’t pooped much that may be part of it. Because of struggling to keep weight on him, weight fluctuations and constipation, I now know that 5” of poop is one ounce for my cat (ymmv).

 

[SammieCat]

my vet started methos on 1/8 tsp miralax once a day. Then twice a day. Then 1/4 tsp twice a day. So there’s probably room to increase if needed although Methos is a big boy. The thing I’d keep in mind is miralax works by drawing fluid out of the body and into the gut to moisten stool. So if she’s behind in drinking it may not work well and may also make her more dehydrated. I’m now giving Methos sub q fluids up to 3x per week and feel more comfortable increasing his miralax if I know he’s got extra fluids on board. In humans sometimes just increasing fluids is enough so I imagine it’s similar for cats.



I feel the same way about bugging my vet. Then I tell myself she can always ignore my text or email and send it

I can’t speak for anyone but myself but as a medical provider I never found emails or calls from patients to be annoying. If they came when I was busy they might wait for an answer but not once in decades of patients did I ever feel pestered.

I think it’s an urgent issue of cats go more than 2-3 days without pooping. This was not a problem for my cats before so I had no idea but when I mentioned in passing my vet said “if no poop by tomorrow bring him in for an enema”.

That’s a good thing to remember about the fluids thanks you. She is peeing a ton and drinking a lot. I put the water bowl right by her. I also moved the litter box a few feet from the heated bed. I have never done sub q before myself.

That makes me feel better about her constipation as she has been going. Yesterday she had a small 1 inch and then another two inch or so size one. Today she had another 1 inch round one. I never thought about the fact that if she is backed up some then she could weigh more.

Maybe I’m just too focused on her. Thank you for saying what you did about contacting the vet and your experience in healthcare.

If it was your kitty would you just keep trying her canned food for 24 hours before trying baby food or churu? I mean she did eat 1/2 oz between midnight and 4 am. She also had two pill pockets. I’m thinking tomorrow I need to skip the cerina and mirtazpine to give her system a break. I do have Zofran if she if I think she feels sick as well.

Today I made a week early appointment for her arthritis shot. I’m tempted to ask the vet for some more metacam but with her not eating that would be hard. Also it didn’t seem to help a lot before but it was only 1 7 month old dose. I thought about asking forBuprenorphine but it’s controlled so I doubt my vet would like that. Also from what I have read it’s extremely expensive. I know my vet said tramadol doesn’t help cats that much like dogs. I wish they had better pain control options.

Thank you for your kind and helpful reply. I truly appreciate it.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

That’s a good thing to remember about the fluids thanks you. She is peeing a ton and drinking a lot. I put the water bowl right by her. I also moved the litter box a few feet from the heated bed. I have never done sub q before myself.

That makes me feel better about her constipation as she has been going. Yesterday she had a small 1 inch and then another two inch or so size one. Today she had another 1 inch round one. I never thought about the fact that if she is backed up some then she could weigh more.

Maybe I’m just too focused on her. Thank you for saying what you did about contacting the vet and your experience in healthcare.

If it was your kitty would you just keep trying her canned food for 24 hours before trying baby food or churu? I mean she did eat 1/2 oz between midnight and 4 am. She also had two pill pockets. I’m thinking tomorrow I need to skip the cerina and mirtazpine to give her system a break. I do have Zofran if she if I think she feels sick as well.

Today I made a week early appointment for her arthritis shot. I’m tempted to ask the vet for some more metacam but with her not eating that would be hard. Also it didn’t seem to help a lot before but it was only 1 7 month old dose. I thought about asking forBuprenorphine but it’s controlled so I doubt my vet would like that. Also from what I have read it’s extremely expensive. I know my vet said tramadol doesn’t help cats that much like dogs. I wish they had better pain control options.

Thank you for your kind and helpful reply. I truly appreciate it.

I don’t know much about feeding reluctant cats. Hopefully someone wiser pops on to comment. I asked my vet re:1-2” pieces. She said they count as pooping (as in ‘they shouldn’t go more than 2-3 days without’ but she doesn’t want to see a lot of 1” days. I’m old so forgetful so i started logging who pooped…and Methos’ weight. That’s how I noticed a correlation. Then I weighed 5” since his pattern at the time was “nothing-nothing-5” “ and repeat.

I was scared to start doing sub q—the vet had the techs explain to me how to do it and I think there may be a video on this forum…if not there are plenty on you tube. But still never having done it…I was very anxious. But since they always choose midnight on Saturday to be very sick, I pulled myself together and did it. If I can, anyone can. Even if you don’t do it now you may want to ask for a lesson next time you take in a cat.
I will see if I can find a price (my other cat got buprenorphine last month)…I don’t think vets worry about diversion but it was a pain in the rear (a) being given a teensy amount and needing to draw it up without a needle and (b) actually giving it (Tammuz has jaws and lips of steel if I’m trying to give him something)

 

[SmallestSparrow]

The buorenorphine was $29.60 and I think that was supposed to be about 6 doses I’ll see if I still have the label. Supposed to be because the office manager spilled some of it showing me how to draw up out of this tiny bottle by wedging the syringe into the opening and turning upside down. Which ended up not mattering because I only got three doses in him (mostly on us not in him). It is a pain for them to track an dispense I think but my vet readily prescribed it for ‘Muz (he was breathing rapidly/shallowly and she thought it was bc his pancreatitis hurt him)

edit: re price…

 

[SammieCat]

I don’t know much about feeding reluctant cats. Hopefully someone wiser pops on to comment. I asked my vet re:1-2” pieces. She said they count as pooping (as in ‘they shouldn’t go more than 2-3 days without’ but she doesn’t want to see a lot of 1” days. I’m old so forgetful so i started logging who pooped…and Methos’ weight. That’s how I noticed a correlation. Then I weighed 5” since his pattern at the time was “nothing-nothing-5” “ and repeat.

I was scared to start doing sub q—the vet had the techs explain to me how to do it and I think there may be a video on this forum…if not there are plenty on you tube. But still never having done it…I was very anxious. But since they always choose midnight on Saturday to be very sick, I pulled myself together and did it. If I can, anyone can. Even if you don’t do it now you may want to ask for a lesson next time you take in a cat.
I will see if I can find a price (my other cat got buprenorphine last month)…I don’t think vets worry about diversion but it was a pain in the rear (a) being given a teensy amount and needing to draw it up without a needle and (b) actually giving it (Tammuz has jaws and lips of steel if I’m trying to give him something)

I understand the forgetfulness for sure. I am always writing things down with my cat or I forget. Now I tend to put it on my phone as I can’t always read my writing lol. Thank you for explaining about how your vet told you to think about the poop. That’s a good idea about learning to do sub q. If we ever needed it we would have to do it ourselves. The cost would be too much to take her in regularly.

Thank you for explaining about the pain medicine. I also appreciate very much you finding out how much it cost. While long term it would get too expensive for the short term just to see if it is pain it might be worth asking. She really seemed to think pancreatitis wouldn’t be the issue so that might make her a little more hesitant about the medication. I just worry a lot about metacam and kidneys. I think it was about $10 for our single dose of metacam. I’m sure a bigger quantity would end up not being so much per dose. At this point I just want to know what the issue is. Most of the time it feels like I’m trying to shoot darts on the dark.

 

[SammieCat]

So round 2 of the vet today. Last time they didn’t do a CBC so they did that. They gave elura, buprenorphine, some rescue food with syringe , onsior shot and laxtulose. The buprenorphine is definitely kind of a pain. Because of the small dose they measured 9 doses for me in insulin needles then removed the cap. I need to keep them upright and in the bag to keep light away. They want me to use the miralax 1/2 teaspoon twice a day along with the laxtulose.

I’m really thinking it might be pain. Maybe I am speaking too soon. However once we got home she wanted food. She ate the fancy feast about 1/2 oz. I think the shot kicks in fast.

I’m thinking of seeing how well the shot does first. As the vet was reluctant about using it too much. I’m also kinda worried about how difficult it might be to dose the buprenorphine . It was $67 for the 9 doses. 5 doses of elura was 30. Chewy is so much cheaper.

I need to weigh the water to keep track of intake. Also she said because of ebony’s numbers being good she wants to DC insulin unless her numbers go above 250. However we have to keep checking. She said DKA wasn’t a concern.

The vet said they don’t use the one appetite med Cyproheptadine there. She said she could order it if I wanted but likes elura better.

Vets cost so much but my cat means the world to me.

Thanks again smallestsparrow for all the great advice yesterday! Happy Halloween

I was just excited to see her eat.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

So round 2 of the vet today. Last time they didn’t do a CBC so they did that. They gave elura, buprenorphine, some rescue food with syringe , onsior shot and laxtulose. The buprenorphine is definitely kind of a pain. Because of the small dose they measured 9 doses for me in insulin needles then removed the cap. I need to keep them upright and in the bag to keep light away. They want me to use the miralax 1/2 teaspoon twice a day along with the laxtulose.

I’m really thinking it might be pain. Maybe I am speaking too soon. However once we got home she wanted food. She ate the fancy feast about 1/2 oz. I think the shot kicks in fast.

I’m thinking of seeing how well the shot does first. As the vet was reluctant about using it too much. I’m also kinda worried about how difficult it might be to dose the buprenorphine . It was $67 for the 9 doses. 5 doses of elura was 30. Chewy is so much cheaper.

I need to weigh the water to keep track of intake. Also she said because of ebony’s numbers being good she wants to DC insulin unless her numbers go above 250. However we have to keep checking. She said DKA wasn’t a concern.

The vet said they don’t use the one appetite med Cyproheptadine there. She said she could order it if I wanted but likes elura better.

Vets cost so much but my cat means the world to me.

Thanks again smallestsparrow for all the great advice yesterday! Happy Halloween

I was just excited to see her eat.

I hope she keeps up the eating! She probably won’t need the narcotic a lot—because it was such a fight to get it (maybe) into Muz he only took it a few times. Since it can cause constipation you wouldn’t want her on it a lot anyway. Once she feels well enough to eat, she can regain her strength and may feel better with less pain meds
Chewy’s often is much less expensive. Sometimes i get the initial doses from vet then order from ChewyYou could ask the desk personnel if they price match: my vet does on medication. I’ve never used that for inexpensive meds or ones I only need once but it’s a life saver on his vetoryl. Also great news that she doesn’t need insulin (at least for now)

yes they are our lives.

 

[SammieCat]

I hope she keeps up the eating! She probably won’t need the narcotic a lot—because it was such a fight to get it (maybe) into Muz he only took it a few times. Since it can cause constipation you wouldn’t want her on it a lot anyway. Once she feels well enough to eat, she can regain her strength and may feel better with less pain meds
Chewy’s often is much less expensive. Sometimes i get the initial doses from vet then order from ChewyYou could ask the desk personnel if they price match: my vet does on medication. I’ve never used that for inexpensive meds or ones I only need once but it’s a life saver on his vetoryl. Also great news that she doesn’t need insulin (at least for now)

yes they are our lives.

That’s a good idea about the price matching. I don’t think I will be able to give the narcotic today even if it seems like she is pain. Last night she’s was trying to poop everywhere laying down. She started opening her mouth while she did it. I have never seen that before. We are doing the miralax and laxtuse. She is eating just not much but that’s better than nothing and not getting sick. Wish that pain shot they gave lasted longer than 24 hours. I thought about calling the vet but I don’t think I have a way to get in there today. I know you can’t use human enemas for cats. Ever dealt with a constipated cat like this?

edit I called the vet. They said the lactose should get things moving and didn’t seem to worried. To call on Monday if we she doesn’t go over the weekend. So glad we don’t need to go back in.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

That’s a good idea about the price matching. I don’t think I will be able to give the narcotic today even if it seems like she is pain. Last night she’s was trying to poop everywhere laying down. She started opening her mouth while she did it. I have never seen that before. We are doing the miralax and laxtuse. She is eating just not much but that’s better than nothing and not getting sick. Wish that pain shot they gave lasted longer than 24 hours. I thought about calling the vet but I don’t think I age a way to get in there today. I know you can’t use human enemas for cats. Ever dealt with a constipated cat like this?

edit I called the vet. They said the lactose should get things moving and didn’t seem to worried. To call on Monday if we she doesn’t go over the weekend. So glad we don’t need to go back in.

It does sound like she’s trying to get things moving. Usually mirslax works for Methos. One time recently he went past 3 days and we were both desperate. I’d read on line that pediatric glycerin suppositories could be used for cats (also pediatric glycerine enemas. I got the suppositories since the local pharmacy had them (I’m thinking to order the enemas just in case for future). He had to poop almost immediately afterwards but only the suppository and a small dry poop came out. So he got gabapentin and went in for an enema. (They offered a pet enema I could use at home but it was sodium based and he already has electrolyte problems so I opted for a soap suds enema for him in clinic). I watched them do it although not sure I want to add it to my skill set. She used what looked like a urinary catheter and squirted in warm soapy water. He got put in a cage and within 30 min (long enough for me to run next door to pet supply to buy a bigger box because the ones clinics and hospitals have are tiny for my long boy)—he produced a huge amount of watery poop…still missed the box
Moral of story—good thing i listened to vet who suggested we wait 30 min before heading home.
He tolerated it really well with 75mg of gabapentin on board and I think he appreciated getting all that poop out. He had a couple of loose poops the following day and now he’s back to his every 2-3 day schedule but I feel less like I’m behind in keeping his stool moist with the miralax
Here’s hoping all the kitties stay regular!

 

[SammieCat]

It does sound like she’s trying to get things moving. Usually mirslax works for Methos. One time recently he went past 3 days and we were both desperate. I’d read on line that pediatric glycerin suppositories could be used for cats (also pediatric glycerine enemas. I got the suppositories since the local pharmacy had them (I’m thinking to order the enemas just in case for future). He had to poop almost immediately afterwards but only the suppository and a small dry poop came out. So he got gabapentin and went in for an enema. (They offered a pet enema I could use at home but it was sodium based and he already has electrolyte problems so I opted for a soap suds enema for him in clinic). I watched them do it although not sure I want to add it to my skill set. She used what looked like a urinary catheter and squirted in warm soapy water. He got put in a cage and within 30 min (long enough for me to run next door to pet supply to buy a bigger box because the ones clinics and hospitals have are tiny for my long boy)—he produced a huge amount of watery poop…still missed the box
Moral of story—good thing i listened to vet who suggested we wait 30 min before heading home.
He tolerated it really well with 75mg of gabapentin on board and I think he appreciated getting all that poop out. He had a couple of loose poops the following day and now he’s back to his every 2-3 day schedule but I feel less like I’m behind in keeping his stool moist with the miralax
Here’s hoping all the kitties stay regular!

Thank you for the info and how your cat handled the suppository and enema. I ended you ordering some enemas off chewy. They won’t be here in time for this issue but I will have them on hand. I just gave her 6mg of cerenia 1mg of zofran and 5 mg of Pepcid. Smaller doses as I really don’t think the bigger doses are helping more. She has wised up to pill pockets though. Had to put it in her mouth while my wife held her. I learned that unlike our other cat I can’t put my hands in her month and hold them there lol. It didn’t break skin or anything just a learning lesson.

She is drinking quite a lot but not peeling much. Normally she pees large amounts. It’s probably because of the two laxatives. After the meds kick in my wife wants to try the bupnorphine. I was debating on that or elura. I could try both I’m just not sure how hard it will be when she is upset about getting 1 as it is. I think they both wear of quite fast sadly. She is constipated so I am a little afraid of the pain medication. However she is moving less today even. She only had 2 oz of wet yesterday and maybe 1 at most today.

I’m thinking she is going to need syringe feeding. We have never done it. That’s part of the reason my wife is thinking of pain medication I think. As she is probably going to fight it. Last night I was about to give her elura when we got home with my brother in laws kids after trick or treating. However she ate 1/2 a oz so I didn’t. It does seem like I need to rotate flavors each time to get her to eat.

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Thank you for the info and how your cat handled the suppository and enema. I ended you ordering some enemas off chewy. They won’t be here in time for this issue but I will have them on hand. I just gave her 6mg of cerenia 1mg of zofran and 5 mg of Pepcid. Smaller doses as I really don’t think the bigger doses are helping more. She has wised up to pill pockets though. Had to put it in her mouth while my wife held her. I learned that unlike our other cat I can’t put my hands in her month and hold them there lol. It didn’t break skin or anything just a learning lesson.

She is drinking quite a lot but not peeling much. Normally she pees large amounts. It’s probably because of the two laxatives. After the meds kick in my wife wants to try the bupnorphine. I was debating on that or elura. I could try both I’m just not sure how hard it will be when she is upset about getting 1 as it is. I think they both wear of quite fast sadly. She is constipated so I am a little afraid of the pain medication. However she is moving less today even. She only had 2 oz of wet yesterday and maybe 1 at most today.

I’m thinking she is going to need syringe feeding. We have never done it. That’s part of the reason my wife is thinking of pain medication I think. As she is probably going to fight it. Last night I was about to give her elura when we got home with my brother in laws kids after trick or treating. However she ate 1/2 a oz so I didn’t. It does seem like I need to rotate flavors each time to get her to eat.

I’ve never done syringe feeding either. I’m not sure which will help her eat more but if she ate better after pain meds a couple of days ago that might be the one to try —one dose or a few doses won’t complicate the cosntipation issue any more than it already is—and kitty’s got to eat. Did the vet have an opinion on the order of which to try first? I hope she eats better for you soon—my boys prefer fish flavors when they’re sick. They also like fortiflora sprinkled on their food

 

[SammieCat]

I’ve never done syringe feeding either. I’m not sure which will help her eat more but if she ate better after pain meds a couple of days ago that might be the one to try —one dose or a few doses won’t complicate the cosntipation issue any more than it already is—and kitty’s got to eat. Did the vet have an opinion on the order of which to try first? I hope she eats better for you soon—my boys prefer fish flavors when they’re sick. They also like fortiflora sprinkled on their food

The vet didn’t say what order to try. I believe we got the pain medication in her. Her eyes are big and she tried and failed to poop for the first time today. Also she is not itchy when we touch her now. Before even with the revolution she was not wanting to be touched other than her head.

I was watching YouTube videos about giving the pain medication properly. One video showed how the cat acted after it. They were rolling and purring. It got my hopes up that she would do that. I’m sure she just doesn’t have the energy to do that.

She didn’t want to eat so we tired the elura. She hated that just like our other cat did. It also hasn’t helped her eat so far. The fortaflora was working the other day but for a few days she just licks it off now. I heard back from the vet. The cbc didn’t show much abnormal. She said a few values show signs that can indicate stress but nothing specific to a diagnosis .

I told her about her constipation. She said if she hasn’t passed it by the morning to call and pick up an enema tomorrow morning. We have beef, chicken with liver, chicken, turkey and giblets.

I haven’t tried fish after reading it could be bad. I’m not sure why I think it was due to allergies maybe. At this point I would definitely try. Her old food was fish flavored. Thanks again for your support and good wishes!

 

[SmallestSparrow]

The vet didn’t say what order to try. I believe we got the pain medication in her. Her eyes are big and she tried and failed to poop for the first time today. Also she is not itchy when we touch her now. Before even with the revolution she was not wanting to be touched other than her head.

I was watching YouTube videos about giving the pain medication properly. One video showed how the cat acted after it. They were rolling and purring. It got my hopes up that she would do that. I’m sure she just doesn’t have the energy to do that.

She didn’t want to eat so we tired the elura. She hated that just like our other cat did. It also hasn’t helped her eat so far. The fortaflora was working the other day but for a few days she just licks it off now. I heard back from the vet. The cbc didn’t show much abnormal. She said a few values show signs that can indicate stress but nothing specific to a diagnosis .

I told her about her constipation. She said if she hasn’t passed it by the morning to call and pick up an enema tomorrow morning. We have beef, chicken with liver, chicken, turkey and giblets.

I haven’t tried fish after reading it could be bad. I’m not sure why I think it was due to allergies maybe. At this point I would definitely try. Her old food was fish flavored. Thanks again for your support and good wishes!

Glad her CBC was ok. Yeah I’d heard negative things (that I couldn’t recall exactly) about fish. But kitty’s gotta eat. Desperate times desperate measures. I then deal with weaning them back to chicken by mixing a little fish on top of it.

good luck!

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Also my boys love freeze dried liver and liver is the flavoring in fortiflora so maybe try your liver flavored food.
Tiki cat makes comfort sachets (petco or chewy ) that are 25 calories in just a tiny packet. I think they also are liver flavored. They are mostly fat. Methos would kill for a sachet. They aren’t a complete meal and obviously can’t substitute for one but may be enough calories to at least perk her up enough to try eating a regular meal

 

[SammieCat]

Also my boys love freeze dried liver and liver is the flavoring in fortiflora so maybe try your liver flavored food.
Tiki cat makes comfort sachets (petco or chewy ) that are 25 calories in just a tiny packet. I think they also are liver flavored. They are mostly fat. Methos would kill for a sachet. They aren’t a complete meal and obviously can’t substitute for one but may be enough calories to at least perk her up enough to try eating a regular meal

Thank you I will check that out then. The freeze dried liver I have now is 2 calories per treat ( how they calculate that I have no clue as each piece is vastly different size). 110 calories per 1 oz pouch. She likes them but no way I could get her to eat a oz. I think because they are so full of air a oz seems like a lot more in those.

We did get her to eat 1.44oz of the hills a/d yesterday after the elura. I can’t say if the elura really did anything though. I may try again but after pain medication is out of her system. One thing I noticed though was about 4 hours after the elura her sugar was 240. I can’t say if it was the elura alone or due to the food as well. My wife doesn’t like us to poke her too much. However next time I think we need to check every hour.

I gave 1 1/2 units last night. I was kinda worried about it because in the end she didn’t eat anything else that night. As I was sleeping I don’t know if the numbers dropped too low. I need to start checking by myself vs with my wife. We have different schedules and it’s been hard to test in the morning. This morning we really should have tested. It was bad on me for not doing it. I’m going to test mid day as my wife will be available then. Honesty with everything we have been needing to give her it’s become a little overwhelming.

She finally did poop last night ( yay ) when we were sleeping. So no enema was needed. I did the pain medication late morning again. We wanted it before we tried to syringe feed surprisingly she just licked the hills a/d out of the syringe so we didn’t have to force it. Time will tell if she continues. According to the hills chart she needs 30 6ml syringes a day for her size. That seems kind of unrealistic. When you fill up the syringe it sure seems like there is way more food in it then there acutely is. So I’m going to try every 2 hours. Still 35-40 ml each time doesn’t seem that doable. I would definitely need to force majorly for that much.

I so far have only been doing the pain medication once a day. I’m not sure if that is mean to not be using it more. During the day we are messing with her the most with all the medications and food. So I feel it’s most needed then. It’s harder to say at night. However as she did poop last night when she had no pain medication to help her with moving I figured that was good. It was much easier to tell her pain level when she was more active. She is switching beds on the pain medication and also sleeping more. She had been just keeping her head up most of the day and staying only in the heated bed without the medication.

I hope you’re having a good weekend!

edit she ate more at 1:20 so far today she is now at 2.25 oz. Very good so far

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Yay poop! I may trademark that and put it on T shirts. I praised the heck out of Methos 2 nights ago for the biggest most normal poop he’s done in years. I wonder what they think of us.

it sounds like she may be getting better. Glad she’s eating some more, more or less on her own. Pooping may be a contributing factor. They probably don’t feel like eating when they’re back up in their gut. I hope once she feels better and sees she can eat without being nauseated she starts eating more.

I don’t feed them a meal of liver treats I crumble it on their food. But since you said you have a liver flavored food you might try that one—since they flavor fortiflora with liver I suspect sick cats may instinctively prefer liver, since in the wild their prey’s liver would be rich in iron, vitamins, calories and other important nutrients (so high value in general and if they are sick). When I became anemic while a vegetarian I had an overwhelming craving for liver. But I’m not a cat

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Please start a new thread. We try to cap thread lengths at no more than 50 posts, otherwise, there's way too much to try to read through.

Can I also ask established members to help newer member with regard to thread length?

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Please start a new thread. We try to cap thread lengths at no more than 50 posts, otherwise, there's way too much to try to read through.

Can I also ask established members to help newer member with regard to thread length?

Sorry and sorry this is making it even longer but how do we know when it’s over 50?

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

If you look next to the "Like" button, there's a number. Your last post is #90. (The line starts below your spreadsheet link then has the date/time, several commands -- Edit, Delete, IP, Warn, Report -- a lot of space then the post#, Like, and Reply.)

 

[SmallestSparrow]

Maybe the site doesn’t play well with Apple or I need to do something to allow me to see it