Gandalf CP update

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

Going to vet in few minutes. He still has diarrhea, which is unusual so I want to rule out something else. Acting restless and meowing overnight like he did with first P-tits round last Oct. Third eyelid showing when closing/opening eyes. Perhaps feverish because he lays on the cool air vent all day, even though it's been the same temp in house most of the summer and he only occasionally did that previously.

Also had first 450 BG since June last night after 243 +6. I had dropped dose to .75U, returned to 1.25U, syringe fed 1 oz overnight every 3 hours. 352 this AM. Also makes me suspect infection, but maybe just because I dropped dose? Only food he's getting is syringe fed raw now. Yes, straight raw. It worked before on the diarrhea but not this time, also makes me wonder what's going on.

So armed with yucky stool sample, we are off after I retrieve him from under the bed. Sick and yet he can read the "we're going to the vetty place," signs.

 

[Vicky & Gandalf (GA) & Murrlin]

Vet visit/bloodwork

This time, instead of his amylase being high, it's his lipase, but vet says either/both can indicate pancreatic issues, so we're going with pancreatitis flare as diagnosis as clinical signs also indicate probability. Lipase was off the chart - 4539U/L compared to 1400 as high normal. No bugs in his stool at least, so that's good. With Leahpold's recent issue I was worried we might have worms on top of whatever else.

What's also different and more disconcerting is that he slightly anemic, at 29.1% hematocrit, normal is between 30-45. His normal has been above 40 though. So I'm to watch for lethargy and paleness, although his gums are grey so it's hard to tell. Cats in end stage renal failure become anemic because the kidneys stop doing what they do which contributes to red blood cell production. I forgot exactly what, but she did explain it. His kidney values have really not changed in a long time though.

He has possible colitis as he has a lot of gas in his bowels (took Xray). So we are going with metronidazole for that, cyproheptadine for appetite - I opted out of mirtz, I really don't like the idea of a drug so strong you only have to give it once every 3 days, but I might consider it another time. I don't see how making him eat hugely, which seems more possible on the mirtz as I've read it is really good at stimulating appetite, could help his diarrhea. Also, continue the pepcid AC and buprenex - which has gone up in price. $60 for 3ml, they gave me 1.5ml for $20. Bill is over $300. At least I got generic famotidine at Wal-Mart for less than $8 for 90 tabs.

Received the first, but probably not last, hug from our vet today. I lost it when she began speaking about quality of life issues regarding his arthritis. She was concerned when he tried to get up from the table, which is slick and his back legs splayed out severely. He NEVER tries to get up or walk when he's there (this is testament to how restless he is) so they have never seen him actually walk, which he does fine at home. We looked at his Xray together and she explained why she thinks that at such point as it becomes a quality of life issue for him, that we consider using Metacam. I know that strikes fear in most of us because of what we've read, but some cats have done fine on it and when it becomes a question of life issue, can you justify the risk against not using it and him having no quality of life anyway? I see her point and agree we will consider it at such time.

But we are not there yet by any means. He still jumps as high as the couch and although he has some difficulty getting up if he is lying on me and has to get up, he doesn't struggle to get up from his basket. She asked about Omega-3's and I told her what we are doing with the salmon oil and Dasuquin.

 

[Melissa&Paul-Kyle]

Vicky, it all sounds okay, really. You are doing a fine job dealing and treating. G has the best furmom ever. (((hugs)))

I can't speak for all of you, but I always hate that moment one of my babies shows thier mortality....it sucks and I am sorry G man was showing his today Vicky.

Just breath.

Would you consider glucosamine before the metacam? it has benn SO helpful in both my dogs and myself....life alteringly so for 'ol Jack and for me, healing for Caleb Luis, just another yummy snack for ShoutAnthony, though it did heal a leg issue he'd had for a long time.

You can get cosequin or dasequin for cats...I know dogs can take the human form, not sure about the cats, but I would choose a liquid or chewable over a pill for better absorption.

metacam will have a time and place, but maybe it is later where the gluc is sooner?

Keep us posted- thinking of you often through the day and will touch base late tonight after road meeting.

((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

 

[pamela and tigger]

Re: Vet visit/bloodwork

This time, instead of his amylase being high, it's his lipase, but vet says either/both can indicate pancreatic issues, so we're going with pancreatitis flare as diagnosis as clinical signs also indicate probability. Lipase was off the chart - 4539U/L compared to 1400 as high normal. No bugs in his stool at least, so that's good. With Leahpold's recent issue I was worried we might have worms on top of whatever else.

I am sorry Vicky. At least you have a definitive dx now and know pretty much what you are dealing with.

So no more tapeworm either for Leahpold? My neighbor is still having a heck of a time getting rid of them. Her cat is still throwing them up after a number of treatments. Ugh

What's also different and more disconcerting is that he slightly anemic, at 29.1% hematocrit, normal is between 30-45. His normal has been above 40 though. So I'm to watch for lethargy and paleness, although his gums are grey so it's hard to tell. Cats in end stage renal failure become anemic because the kidneys stop doing what they do which contributes to red blood cell production. I forgot exactly what, but she did explain it. His kidney values have really not changed in a long time though.

Can you let him out to eat some grass? Wouldn't hurt and might settle his tummy anyway. "In his book, "Cat World" Desmond Morris points out that it is the juices of the grass that cats are interested in. It is known that these juices contain folic acid, a vitamin that is vital to cats as it helps in the production of haemoglobin. For a cat to be deficient in folic acid would stunt its growth and may cause anaemia."

He has possible colitis as he has a lot of gas in his bowels (took Xray). So we are going with metronidazole for that, cyproheptadine for appetite - I opted out of mirtz, I really don't like the idea of a drug so strong you only have to give it once every 3 days, but I might consider it another time. I don't see how making him eat hugely, which seems more possible on the mirtz as I've read it is really good at stimulating appetite, could help his diarrhea. Also, continue the pepcid AC and buprenex - which has gone up in price. $60 for 3ml, they gave me 1.5ml for $20. Bill is over $300. At least I got generic famotidine at Wal-Mart for less than $8 for 90 tabs.

Received the first, but probably not last, hug from our vet today. I lost it when she began speaking about quality of life issues regarding his arthritis. She was concerned when he tried to get up from the table, which is slick and his back legs splayed out severely. He NEVER tries to get up or walk when he's there (this is testament to how restless he is) so they have never seen him actually walk, which he does fine at home. We looked at his Xray together and she explained why she thinks that at such point as it becomes a quality of life issue for him, that we consider using Metacam. I know that strikes fear in most of us because of what we've read, but some cats have done fine on it and when it becomes a question of life issue, can you justify the risk against not using it and him having no quality of life anyway? I see her point and agree we will consider it at such time.

But we are not there yet by any means. He still jumps as high as the couch and although he has some difficulty getting up if he is lying on me and has to get up, he doesn't struggle to get up from his basket. She asked about Omega-3's and I told her what we are doing with the salmon oil and Dasuquin.

That is tough. Again, I am sorry. Regarding using the Metacam. Larry posted a new guideline for using NSAIDS for pain in cats (not the OTC kind - has to be a special small dose for individual cats). Just something to maybe consider. Your vet might be interested in the pdf anyway:

http://www.isfm.net/toolbox/info_sheets ... elines.pdf

I hope he starts perking up soon. Poor Gandalf and poor you! Too much worry!

 

[Sheila & Beau GA & Jeddie GA]

I agree its not time for drugs that may cause more harm than good. Why treat one thing and make another worse?

Pamela, that's interesting about the grasses. Maybe that is why Gandalf would want grass - he senses that he is anemic. I got seeds and a container to plant cat grass, but Charlotte has been sleeping in the container since I brought it in the door. Its very funny and I took a picture, but since its a window box container (long and narrow) she looks like she is in a coffin! Maybe I can swap it with a show box and she won't notice.

Vicky, you are doing everything you can for Gandalf. I don't think it matters if it is the food or the med that helps his digestion return to normal. He needs what he needs right now. Glad he is eating on his own a bit.

Melissa, is glucosimine safe for cats?

 

[Sheila & Beau GA & Jeddie GA]

Pamela, thanks for the article. I skimmed it and saved it on my computer.

I keep mentioning that Beau is "grumpier" than he used to be. I wonder if he is developing degenerative joint issues?

 

[pamela and tigger]

Pamela, thanks for the article. I skimmed it and saved it on my computer.

I keep mentioning that Beau is "grumpier" than he used to be. I wonder if he is developing degenerative joint issues?

You are welcome Sheila, it is a great article. To have alternatives is always good. And thanks to Larry for posting it. Venita said that as it got buried on the Health forum she was going to move it to Think Tank. It needs more attention. Just so people don't think it is the OTC kind (not saying you are).

I wonder the same thing about Tigger. He doesn't jump up or down on furniture as much as he used to. His favorite place to lay is on the patio pavers in the shade where the heat from the pavers must feel good for his joints. He is fifteen and I have just started noticing these things more this year. In the winter his favorite place is in front of the fireplace.

 

[Melissa&Paul-Kyle]

Sheila, I thought you had actually used the cosequin before...MANY people on the site do- both for arthritis/joint/muscle stuff and for kidney stuff.

Cosequin, dasequin and happy hips are three cat gluc supplements I know of right off...more links at bottom.

http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/vet/products/Cosequin-for-cats.aspx

"Cat Joint Health Products:
Cosequin® for Cats | Dasuquin® for Cats
Cosequin® for Cats#1 Veterinarian recommended brand*
125 mg FCHG49® glucosamine and 100 mg TRH122® chondroitin sulfate per capsule
9 out of 10 cats over 12 years old have joint problems,† however joint problems can start at any age
Cosequin is also recommended by veterinarians to support bladder health
U.S. Patent No. 5,587,363
What is Cosequin for Cats?
Cosequin plays an important role in maintaining optimal joint function. Healthy articular (joint) cartilage is crucial to joint utility. Cosequin helps support cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown. Cosequin is the only joint health supplement brand shown effective, safe, and bioavailable in published, controlled U.S. studies. Cosequin is manufactured following standards similar to those practiced by the pharmaceutical industry.

There are not many joint support options available specifically for cats. There are some products used in dogs that are not as safe in cats. Cosequin has been shown to be safe in cats. Cosequin, a nutritional supplement, safely and effectively provides joint cartilage support while maintaining your cat’s comfort level.

Some veterinarians also recommend Cosequin to help support urinary bladder health. The inner lining of the bladder wall is protected by a layer, which contains some of the same compounds as are found in cartilage. This layer prevents urine and the waste products contained within it from seeping into and damaging the lining. Since the low molecular weight chondroitin sulfate found in Cosequin is available to more than just cartilage cells, the bladder may use it to help support this protective layer."


http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/vet/product ... -cats.aspx


http://www.catswell.com/happy_hips/chicken_breast_jerky