Kitty is Sick-- thoughts please

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kse

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Kitty is sick and I would like some thoughts, please.

First a little history-- Kitty is 16.5 and dx diabetic last Feb. She has been well regulated the last 6 months. Her kidney values have been elevated, but remained stable for the last year crt 2.3 bun 52. She has been drinking a lot of water of the last few months, but recent blood work showed no issues-- 6 weeks ago she had blood work performed and her crt was 2.2 and bun was 54. She has been DKA and had pancreatitis flare ups during our dance.

Two weeks ago, I noticed she was not feeling well and I thought she was having a Ptitis flare up. I took her to the ER vet--she was dehydrated and her kidney values were elevated--crt 3.7 bun 102. Her lipase was also high and off the chart. The vet gave sub qs and sent me home with them. I took her to her regular vet two days later for follow up and her crt was 3.4 and bun was 101. She also was anemic and had other values that indicated kidney disease--elevated phosphorus 10.5 and low potassium 3.9. So, we started the crf protocal--sub qs daily, binders, Tumil K, diet change, epogen, B12, iron shots...etc....

I noticed a week ago that she was in respiratory distress-- I took her to the vet school ER. She was dx in heart failure. I had been giving sub qs daily 100 mls per the vet's advice-- obviously not good for her. She stayed in the ICU for two days before coming home on heart meds, lasix, blood pressure meds, etc...... Two days later (this weekend) I knew she still did not feel well, so I took her back to the vet school ER ( I only reference the vet school -- to confirm we are seeking treatment at the best available place in my area). Her abdomen looked bloated and she was tender in it. The vet dx pancreatitis-- no ultra sound, just based on past history and the elevated lipase and amalyse. Yes, I know that does not confirm the dx, but I have suspected ptitis the entire time. So, I feel confident in the dx. We were sent home with Bupe and Cerenia. Fluids are not an option, due to her heart. (note--kidney values have come down crt 2.8 and bun 78)

Yesterday, was the second day of the Bupe, Pepcid and Cerenia and she appeared some better. She ate on her own and even went to her food bowl by herself. I thought the meds were helping. This morning, she is back to not eating. Would this be expected with Ptitis-- to eat one day and they regress back to not eating? She is drinking and I have watered her food down, but she is taking in Very little.

I am willing to admit her back into the vet school hospital, but they encouraged me to treat her at home. This is very discouraging and frustrating--- I want to help her, but I feel like I am fighting a losing battle.

Please give me your thoughts. Is this normal with Ptiits-- to eat one day and not the next, or should we see continued improvement? Is there anything else that I can do? My kitchen counter looks like Walgreens now! I have tried tuna, tuna water, boiled chicken etc......

Any thoughts?

Thanks!
 
I can't help with input on the medical issues, but we are sending the strongest healing thoughts Kitty's way!

Celi, Binks, Smudge, and Annie
 
Yes all that you described is normal with pancreatitis. What happened with my Lilly is they would give her an appetite stimulant she would eat for a day then back to not eating again. It was the same at my house I tried everything, Cerenia, Pepcid, Reglan, Mirtazapine. She just would not eat. She would for a day then back to the same thing. I was at the vet every other day with her. My baby was just to sick I think, It was her second flare up of pancreatitis. The first time before she became diabetic almost killed her and she was hospitalized for almost a week years before.
I am not sure but if you are willing and have the money you can put her in the hospital and they need to keep her and give her IV possibly, not sure about that if she has heart issues, pain meds, anti nausea.
I was never really sure if I was helping her at home and felt she should have been in the hospital and the vets did the same thing to me and pretty much told me to treat at home until Lilly got so bad I had to PTS because she was so sick.
If it was my cat and I had it to do all over again I would find some one who is willing to treat in the hospital, at least then you know you did everything you can to help her. I hope she gets better and will be saying a prayer for her.

Terri
 
Hi Kim, I'm so sorry you and Kitty are going through this. Have you/and or your vet discussed any other anti-nausea meds. besides Cerenia such as Zofram (ondansetron) or Anzemet (dolasetron)? I found that Cerenia controlled Harley's vomiting but didn't help as much with his nausea. Anzemet worked great for nausea and got him eating again after 3 full days of fasting. So we've stayed with that drug ever since when he gets p-titis flare-ups. But ECID and some cats do better on the Zofram (ondansetron) it's a lot cheaper, especially if you get the generic and not the brand.

Because I'm at work and posting on the sly I have to be brief, so I'm linking back to my original write up in Kitty's thread when she was first diagnosed with p-titis that has more info. about the anti-nausea meds. their forms, uses and starting dose.

viewtopic.php?f=24&t=47101&p=507030

Hope this helps! Headbutts to Miss Kitty and hugs to you.

(((((Kim)))))
 
Hi

You're doing so much for your Kitty and non could ask for a more loving Mom. :) Please take heart.

Is she on any antibiotics or something for inflammation?

I think it is important to get x-rays from a vet that has one of the new digital machines and an ultrasound may help define what's going on inside.

My Vet said give 1/2 Cerenia tab and 1/4 Chlor-Trimeton tab crushed together and given once every three days..if she has trouble smelling her food this will open her up.

A feeding tube may help if she is strong enough for the procedure.

I wish you and Kitty the best.
 
It sounds like you are on a difficult balancing act. Needing fluids and a heart condition is very tricky. I'm sorry I have no advice but am sending prayers for you and Kitty.
Good luck and all my best,
jeanne
 
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