Sonja is back home with us today after an overnight stay at the vets for ultrasound, IV fluids, vitamins, and antibiotics...she seemed much perkier and happy from the minute we walked in the door...so super glad she was to be in her home! She ate, she drank, she peed...but at the vets, and here, and ever since she went into her diabetic hypoglycemic shock/seizure on Sunday, we have not been able to keep her temp stable...her body is seemingly still unable to regulate it for her. We have used heating pads, water bottles, a heated mattress at the vet...this is a huge concern if we are to continue to hope for the best...does anyone have ANY recommendations on tricks up their sleeves? We're hoping if can just get her to stabilize that part, all the other issues may fall into place. Any vitamins or supplements that might help? I already give her the b12 methyl...please help!!!
How to get, and KEEP, my cats temp up!
- Thread starter skotnjil
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BJM
Member Since 2010
Doggie/kitty sweater?
Warm her food; test on the inside of your wrist to be sure it isn't too hot.
Warm the water bowl.
If doing sub-Q fluids, warm before giving.
Maybe use low carb kitten food for the extra calories (a bit more fat) to help feed metabolism.
Can you get her to play any? Activity may bring the temp up a smidge.
Warm her food; test on the inside of your wrist to be sure it isn't too hot.
Warm the water bowl.
If doing sub-Q fluids, warm before giving.
Maybe use low carb kitten food for the extra calories (a bit more fat) to help feed metabolism.
Can you get her to play any? Activity may bring the temp up a smidge.
KPassa
Member Since 2012
I am so happy to hear that she's doing better!
It sounds like you've thought of most of the ways to keep her warm. :thumbup I had a previous cat that had similar temperature issues when he was first diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. This kind of hypothermia is generally caused from hypovolemic shock and not usually a side-effect from the underlying condition. So, once the instigating cause of it has been treated, it has a tendency to resolve itself given a little time.
You can also do what's called an "active internal," which is warming her from the inside, since it sounds like she's already on sub-q. Not sure how this is done specifically because my vet did it for my cat, so before trying it, I would wait for someone else to come along to advise.
It sounds like you've thought of most of the ways to keep her warm. :thumbup I had a previous cat that had similar temperature issues when he was first diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. This kind of hypothermia is generally caused from hypovolemic shock and not usually a side-effect from the underlying condition. So, once the instigating cause of it has been treated, it has a tendency to resolve itself given a little time.
- Here are a few more suggestions:
- Let her snuggle with you under the covers.
- Toss some blankets and/or towels into the dryer for a few minutes and then wrap her in them.
- Pay attention to warming her extremities. In fact, steal the sock trick for ear BG testing and directly apply to her ears, head, armpits (all 4), and neck.
You can also do what's called an "active internal," which is warming her from the inside, since it sounds like she's already on sub-q. Not sure how this is done specifically because my vet did it for my cat, so before trying it, I would wait for someone else to come along to advise.
Carol & Yoshi
Member Since 2009
Wool blanket or sweater for her to sleep in/on?
Martica and Fred
Member Since 2010
When my Fred would get cold I would put a heating pad on top of his donut kitty bed...and warm it up, then put hiim on it, then put a towel on top of hiim and/or a blanket, with the heating pad on top of that. Fred was very old by this point 19-20...so he just stayed put and loved it all. If you have a younger cat who is more mobile not sure if she'll stay there. Also I went to the salvation army and bought a bunch of used infant tops---I put them on Fred...much cheaper than official doggy sweaters! The trick is the size but at $0.25 a piece you can buy a bunch of different sizes and not waste money!
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