Melissa and Sassy

Status
Not open for further replies.
A thought: 250 on a human meter is above the renal threshold. Glucose spillover is going to put the kidneys under more pressure.

@Meya14 - Are you online at the moment? Could you look at this thread please if you are (Melissa and Sassy's new 911 thread).
 
Shiloh & Rhonda said:
since Sassy is not eating, it is just the diabetes that is making the BG go up
Click to expand...
Inflammation/infection/pain can also increase the numbers, as can stress. I had a civie register over 220 at the vet and 53 at home the next day.

Will she be able to assist feed and get any food in Sassy tonight? Will she be able to test her?
 
From what testing I can see on Sassy's SS, the 2.0 units is too much insulin. Do you know if she got any insulin yesterday at all or how much? There is a 95 listed on a test last night too. Sorry to be asking so many questions.
 
Did she manage to test the night before last? That data - if available - would help.


ETA - Ignore the above. Just saw the spreadsheet link. (Thanks, Wendy.)
 
I don't think Sassy has had any insulin for at least 24 hours. And I feel absolutely horrible for this, but I have got to get some sleep. Long night last night, long day today and longer tomorrow. I am keeping my phone with me, and will post any updates that I get. I will check on the shot.
 
If she can't test much after any shot, we don't know how much food she can get in her, she can't post here for help, and green numbers possibly 24 and 36 hours after her last shot, I wouldn't shoot - provided there are no ketones.
 
Need to feed my furry child. Will check back when done.

Just a thought: it did take Sassy a fair bit of time to climb back up to tonight's PS level.
 
My concern with not trying to lower the BG even a fraction is the concern about Sassy being over the renal threshold and that putting a further strain on her beleagured kidneys.
 
If Melissa can test for at least 4 hours after the shot and is pretty sure she can get some food in her, then I'd try for somewhere between 0.5 and 1.0 unit. Has she gotten any food into her?
 
Unforunately, I get up at 530 am, out the door within an hour and a half, I drive 45 minutes to work.
Reminder, I am in a rural community and there is nothing that is close to me.
I work until 530 pm and have another 45 minute drive home. I stopped at the store for baby food after work.
I have had about 9 1/2 hours of sleep in the last two days combined and all on top of starting a new job.
I am doing what I can, but I can't test her frequently throughout the day if I am not here.
My fiance is keeping an eye one her but has no knowledge of testing her, shooting her or any of her medical care.
We have both tried to force feed, we have tried many foods, grinding, chopping, you name it.
Her only interest is in water. But she is not always keeping that down.
I have decided to give her a half dose, at this point it cannot hurt her.
My decision is based on the fact that she is already suffering and in pain and she is going into renal failure.
Her elevated BG will only make all that worse.
I need to get rest. I will update with her numbers on the spreadsheet in the morning, that is the best I can do that early in the a.m.
Thank you for all your support, prayers and well wishes.
 
(((Melissa)))

I feel for you.

If you could manage it, getting some Pepcid AC or Zantac 75 might help Sassy with the stomach acid. Cerenia might help her with the vomiting if you were able to get hold of some and that might help her with drinking and maybe eating a little. Any fluids she can hold down might hydrate her a bit and make her a bit more comfortable.

If you have any lab test results from the vet visit it would be great to know a bit more when you're able to post again. Also, does her breath smell of urine/ammonia at all?


ETA - I hope you manage to get some bit of rest.
.
 
Last edited:
Can you teach your fiance to test? I know this is all less than ideal, but if he could learn it quickly and can keep an eye on her for you while you're at work (and maybe for a bit tonight too so you can sleep) it would surely help. I know my hubby got the testing at his very first attempt - you never know, he might find it easy to do.

Our CRF girl, Shadow, has been in crisis with renal failure twice (once when she was first diagnosed and a second time when she needed more medication but it wasn't identified as a problem quickly enough). Although Sassy no doubt feels pretty rough right now, Shadow is 19 - she's been CRF for 3 years (diagnosed at stage 3, so she must have had it longer than that overall) and pulled through beautifully both times. She's now a happy, although very obviously senior kitty. Never give up - renal problems can make them feel horrible, but they also recover quickly once they get leveled out. :bighug: :bighug:

I would agree with the Pepcid AC. And if you have a copy of the blood work results, those would really help too. :)
 
I've got to take a sleeping tablet and try to sleep (tired/wired brain & body is shattered). I'll check back when I wake.

Hoping Sassy has as comfortable a night as possible and that the insulin might trigger a little interest in food (and that she can keep something down).
 
I just got home, and saw this new thread. I would have given the insulin as well, how much depends on the current situation with BS and eating and monitoring, so I feel like it's dose-by-dose.

There are two types of renal failure. Acute renal failure is a temporary issue that can occur from infection, dehydration, DKA, or other issue that causes decreased blood volume to the kidneys. Treatment for ARF is supportive IV or subQ fluids to maintain the blood pressure/hydration so kidneys can recover. Some permanent damage happens with ARF, but a (mostly) full recovery is possible once out of the acute phase. Lack of insulin will not allow the organs to work properly, so insulin supports recovery.

Chronic renal failure is usually a slow process, but can be a cause of ARF. Others here probably know more about treatment of CKD and crisis.

I think at this point what I would do:
- Keep giving insulin. Use small amounts of honey on the inner cheek every couple hours to keep blood sugars up so you can give insulin. Sugars can absorb right through the gums if she's not swallowing. Careful not too much at a time in the mouth if she's not swallowing.
- Keep trying to feed. Any little bit is good. If she's still drinking water, then mix either wet or dry food into the water to make soup.
- Ask the vet if you can give SubQ fluids at home and how much to give. A bag and set is around $20. They are pretty easy to give.
- Get some anti-nausea meds. This makes all the difference sometimes.


Praying for your baby.
 
The renal failure I know - better than I'd like to with Shadow, and now Rosa just confirmed as diagnosed in the early stages of CKD today. I would agree with giving small doses of insulin - you really want to keep Sassy under the renal threshold so that there isn't any more pressure on a system that's already struggling. I know less about acute renal failure, but I believe the treatment is generally the same as for a crisis in a CKD cat (or at least that's what was done with Shadow when she was in crisis).

SubQ fluids should really help - while her kidneys are in crisis, she can't concentrate urine so she'll dehydrate without being given fluids. The recommendation is usually hospitalization and IV fluids, but when you want Sassy at home with you, SubQ can be done instead. Depending on her blood results, she might also need supplementation of one mineral or another - with our Shadow, it's always potassium that she's low on but that can vary depending on the cat although low potassium is a fairly common problem for kidney kitties.

Food is really important. Even if you have to syringe baby food - or anything you can mix with water to help with her hydration levels too. We haven't had to do anti-nausea meds with Shadow - she does get Pepcid AC, but that's to stop the possibility of the potassium she's on upsetting her stomach, not because it's already happened. But if you want a gentle option, the Pepcid AC can be given long term and is easy and not too expensive to buy.
 
Just a quick post, she is more alert this morning, took a nibble at the baby food, and has been getting up to drink water on her own.
She was at 286 and I give shot her this morning. I am taking it day by day. I was in bed by 10pm and back up at 5:30 so a little more sleep than I have been getting.
Unfortunately the vets office has not given me much at all. No test information, (what they tested for or the results).
Not real happy with her care there, probably will not go back.
 
Yeah, sounds like it's time to go vet shopping... A good, caring vet will happily give all of the information you need to be able to give your fur baby the best possible care. BJM has some good tips for interviewing a new vet.
 
The vet interview topics are in my signature link and were compiled from many of the questions members suggested asking the vet when looking for a new one (credit where credit is due and all!).
 
manxcat419 said:
with our Shadow, it's always potassium that she's low on but that can vary depending on the cat although low potassium is a fairly common problem for kidney kitties.
Click to expand...
Low potassium could contribute to severe lethargy and could hinder eating. There have been some people who have used plain pedialyte, the one without sweetener and without artificial sweetener, to support the electrolytes until tests can be done to check for the need for supplements. Also, if you haven't, call your vet if you can, and ask if the test results showed a low potassium and if your should supplement. The pills can be crushed and added to the food you are syringing.
 
Thank you for updating us, Melissa. I'm glad you managed to get some bit of rest - you have so very much on your plate. :bighug:

I was heartened to hear that Sassy was nibbling at some food. If you could manage to get some Pepcid AC or Zantac 75 for her today, maybe that might help her a little. I wish I was nearer to you so that I could get some to you. Also Meya's suggestion about unsweetened Pedialyte is maybe something you could find today. Tanya's Site recommend that, too, but they don't give any guidance on dosage (they say to discuss with a vet). Maybe someone here might be able to give you an idea about using it.

@Meya14 , @manxcat419 - Would some B12 supplement mixed into Sassy's food help? I know from Saoirse that it helped her to eat.

Sending positive vibes to little Sassy...

.
 
Last edited:
I use unflavored Pedialyte when my cats are dehydrated/vomiting/not eating. It doesn't take the place of subQ fluids but can assist with the lethargy and low electrolytes/potassium. I was never given a set dose; the vet instructed me to give as needed. You'd want to give it throughout the day, as much as Sassy can tolerate but you also want to be sure Sassy is eating as well. You can find Pedialyte in the baby food aisle at any store. I stock up on it for emergencies.
 
Last edited:
If you are going to call the vet, I would start writing all the questions down and then ask away. I would make sure that they answer all your questions. One of the questions would be giving Pedialyte and how much. I think that is a great suggestion. I recently had to give my 31 year old horse electrolytes daily and it has made a world of difference. At least have the vet send you in the mail all of your test results and Sassy's records. They are yours and should have it all in your possession especially if you are going vet shopping after this has all settled down. If you request it tomorrow, you should get it the next day being so close. Maybe they can scan and send via email or even fax the test results to maybe at your work. But be sure to get all her records too. Other questions may be performing SubQ fluids at home, what CRF stage, potassium level, etc.

So glad that Sassy had a little to eat last night. What baby food did you end up getting Sassy to eat? Just curious as I think I am going to get a jar of it (just in case).

Melissa, you are doing great. I can't imagine all this happening while starting a new job. My prayers go out to both of you. Be sure to take care of yourself so you can take care of Sassy.
 
Hugs to you and Sassy, Melissa. I've been thinking about you during this very difficult time. Hang in there. You are doing a great job of taking care of Sassy.
 
Great news that Sassy started to eat a little. :joyful: I noticed that you shot the full 2.0 units today. On the night of July 20th, you shot 2.0 units and she was 46 the next morning. That earned her a reduction. You might want to try reducing her regular dose a little, down to 1.75 units or maybe 1.5 units. Let's see how she does today.
 
@Merlin I have baby food in the house for giving things like probiotics and Viralys and "just in cases". I get turkey or chicken only with nothing else in it. It's pretty easy to find in the baby food aisle of any grocery store. I try to pick the one that has the least salt. I have learned that the cat won't eat it if it's been open for longer than about 4 days.
 
Critter Mom said:
Would some B12 supplement mixed into Sassy's food help? I know from Saoirse that it helped her to eat.
Click to expand...
I guess it might - we've never used it, but anything that's helped another cat is worth a try. I can't imagine it doing any harm since diabetics tend to be a little low in B12 anyway.
 
S
BJM said:
The vet interview topics are in my signature link and were compiled from many of the questions members suggested asking the vet when looking for a new one (credit where credit is due and all!).
Click to expand...
Sounds good to me, shoot me those questions, it certainly can't hurt
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top