Hello, and Questions About My Sasha

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Susan D

Susan D

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Hello,

I am new to this wonderful forum, though I have been reading posts for quite a while. My own little boy, Sasha, is 15 and has had diabetes for more than five-and-a-half years. During most of that time, he thrived and did quite well, until recently. Since late October, he has had two hypoglycemic episodes and was hospitalized twice and treated for pancreatitis.

One difficulty, as many know, is the interaction of pancreatitis and diabetes, and controlling the blood glucose. Recently, Sasha has appeared to be recovering well -- his BG has stabilized along the usual curve for him, he has been gaining a little weight, and his latest chemistry profile showed normal numbers for his pancreas, liver, and kidneys. All good! Since last night, however, he has had some diarrhea and he vomited his food this morning. Because he didn't keep down the Fancy Feast when I gave it to him this morning before his injection, I skipped the injection. (Note: I do not do home monitoring. I tried to learn it but did not do very well at it. I bring him to the vet's for constant monitoring.)

I am wondering if the pancreatitis is erupting again. It did not manifest before in vomiting and diarrhea, but through the hypoglycemic episode and some soreness in his abdominal area. I am trying not to panic but of course want to do what is best for him. If the diarrhea keeps up in the next few hours, I will probably take him to the emergency vet clinic since my own vet's clinic is closed to tomorrow evening.

Background: He has been getting 4 units of Humulin N. Also, we just took him off a short course of prednisone about a week ago, tapering the amount over a two-week period...he was getting the pred for the pancreatitis treatment.

Does anyone have a suggestion for the diarrhea and vomiting? Have you had this manifestation in dealing with pancreatitis? I am availing myself of the links and info, and have also read up on pancreatitis a lot. I know how difficult this condition is, but I am seeking to do all I can for him, so long as he has good quality of life. Thank you very much!
 
When Simba had severe pancreatitis he didn't vomit, he was just in a great pain. After wards he was put on w/d by the vet and then he got diarreha but that stopped when I changed his food.
 
Important note: My partner just noticed a terrible odor in our tap water, which was like strong chlorine. (We use a filter for our water system that has a chlorine bleach component.) I just tasted the water and it was horribly tainted with a chlorine flavor, and I am wondering if this may have sickened the kitty.

Thank you for any insights and help. I love my little boy!
 
I can't comment on the tap water, but when I had a CRF cat I would buy him jugs of spring water. Just the store brand .97 cent gallon, but he showed a clear preference for it.

Did your vet mention using pepcid for stomach upset? Since my Sasha's pancreatitis episode, the vet has advised me to use it as my first line of defense for any sign of GI trouble. He didn't present with vomiting or diarrhea either, but once you have pancreatitis I think you have to be very aware of anything that looks like stomach upset. 1/2 a Pepcid AC (or generic famotidine) in a pill pocket usually does the trick.
 
The absolute max dose of Pepsid AC is 0.5mg (half of a 10mg tablet) twice a day. Most vets recommend 0.25mg (1/4 of a tablet).

You may find this post on pancreatitis helpful.

You might check in with your vet about the chlorine in the water. Bleach can be pretty toxic.
 
Half of 10 mg is 5 mg and 1/4 of 10 mg is 2.5 mg

Sienne and Gabby said:
The absolute max dose of Pepsid AC is 0.5mg (half of a 10mg tablet) twice a day. Most vets recommend 0.25mg (1/4 of a tablet).

You may find this post on pancreatitis helpful.

You might check in with your vet about the chlorine in the water. Bleach can be pretty toxic.
Click to expand...
 
All,

Sasha is better today, following his vet visits and treatment. His diarrhea has eased, and he has not vomited. He is eating, and much more alert and bright. Still keeping a close eye on him, as always.

Thank you so much for the suggestion about the Pepcid AC. I had read about this, and I will buy some and keep it on hand For Sasha. I'll also speak with my vet about the Pepcid AC. Sienne, I'll also check out the post on pancreatitis tonight.

It turned out that the chlorine in the water was a system maintenance in our filter system that usually takes place in the middle of the night, but a power outage had thrown off the set time (we have corrected it with a reset). Their water, in their bowls, wasn't compromised for that flushing. However, the spring water is a good idea, and I'm going to follow up on that.

Again, thanks! I'll post some notes about Sasha's vet visit when I have some time later on or tomorrow. (Have to head out to the pharmacy now to pick up a prescription of Sasha's syringes.) I appreciate everyone's help!

Warmly,
Susan
 
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