Need help

Status
Not open for further replies.

heatherjo

Member
I just noticed that jinx's poop is red in color. He was just at the vet on monday for having sores and lesions on his belly. He was given an antibotic and prednosone. I stopped using the prednosone only because i know it was affecting his insulin. Just wondering what could be causing this. I called the vet and told him and he told me to stop all medications and he would call me on Sat. The sad thing is that his sores and lesions arent healing and he is tending to just lay under the kitchen table. Not as active as i think he normally is. Sometimes feels off.
 
Hi HeatherJo, and, of course, you too, sweet Jinx who's feeling a bit punky,

Can you tell us more about Jinx? Things like his age, insulin, dose, what he eats/have you changed his diet recently, any other medical condition other than what you just described? Do you home test? My apologies if you have to repeat something. I haven't been on The Board much the last few weeks...

You don't think Jinx is pooping blood do you? That would certainly be cause for concern. Did his vet have any diagnosis regarding the cause of his having sores and lesions on his belly? Is it possible that Jinx could see his vet tomorrow instead of waiting for a call from his vet on Saturday?

Even though we don't want to give prednisone/steroids to a diabetic cat, sometimes they need it for a medical issue. And, yes, it does affect their insulin needs. Both Giz (way back when...) and now Nikki have been treated with Tresaderm for ear issues. Tresaderm has steroids. Giz's BGs flew up 200 points (give or take) within 48 hours of the first Tresaderm dose. Nikki's a bit mellower and her BGs went up about 150 points in the same time frame. With both my furry girls, I just increased their insulin dose until we were done with the Tresaderm. I was able to determine the increase and subsequent decrease because I home test.

I sincerely hope Jinx is feeling better soon. I completely understand your worrying about him. Please keep us posted, okay, HeatherJo? We're worrying with you.

Love and hopeful, healing hugs,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever dancing in my heart...
 
Yeah i am afraid that is it is blood in his poop. I have not changed his food. He has a diabetic prescription food he eats. He is only eight years old and he was diagnosed with diabetes at 5 years old. He is currently on humulin n 3.5 Units twice a day. He always has a glucose curve done every 6 months. The vet is concerned at the way his belly looked and mentioned just to give me a warning that he may posssibly have skin cancer. He did not like the way it looked at all. This is a new vet. I was going to Banfield before but they could never get it to go completly away. This vet is one my roommate uses and is only 5 min from my house. I appreaciate you replying to me. It means alot to know that there are people who care and understand the pain you go through when your animal may be suffering. I will keep you updated.
 
Bright red blood is active bleeding in the colon, usually near the rectum (it hasn't had time to change color).

Is it all through the feces, or just mucousy streaks of it? If the former, I think I wouldn't wait to go to the vet.

Chronic blood loss leads to anemia, which can be dangerous if it goes too low. At a minimum, take in a stool sample for them to check.
 
Dear HeatherJo, and, of course, you too, sweet Jinx,

When I first found the FDMB after Gizzie was diagnosed, I learned four life lessons that I hold to this day.
1. Cats are very resilient creatures.
2. The wondrous people here do understand your worries about your precious furry.
3. The wondrous people here have actually reinforced my faith in humanity.
4. No matter what you may be thinking, feeling, or dreading, you are not alone.
Not necessarily in any particular order except the order that gives you comfort...

Jinx is young, certainly around here, and that's in his favor. I'm with BJM, who also kindly responded, about getting either Jinx or a poop sample to his vet, sooner rather than later. Let's get him through whatever this is, and then we'll tell you volumes about how he doesn't need to be eating prescription food, about other insulins that are gentler than Humulin N, and the value of home testing. But all that can wait. Right now, we're just here for you both, okay?

I know you're scared, HeatherJo. Perhaps the most valuable life lessons I learned dancing with Giz were the lessons she taught me herself. She taught me hope, being stronger than I ever thought possible, and all about loving and respecting an incredibly ornery, one-person cat who returned that love ten-fold at least... (Well, most days...)

Please get either Jinx or his poop to his vet, okay, HeatherJo? And, please know, we're holding you both close in our hearts and prayers. We'll be looking for your updates...

Love and continuing hopeful, healing hugs,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, who made me a better person and mom...

PS: You mentioned Banfield. Are you in the Portland, OR area? There are some people here on The Board who may be close to you and perhaps could either show you how to home test or give you a hug. It's a thought...
 
Do you test at Home? That would help you, Jinx and us to know how the insulin is working especially if you get number a few times during the day. Most of us use PZI, Lantus, Levimur I think is has been mentioned that Humalin is a bit tougher on cats. Most of us have switched our kitties to wet low carb foods or raw. Dry, even/especially vet prescribed as much higher in carbs than classic fancy feast, friskie pate's, and a whole realm of other good canned foods. From the links, look for Janet & Binky's lists Most go for under 10% carbs and some kitty's need even lower. If it is red, it is closer to the end that if dark or black, so I'd at least get a sample into the vet's ASAP. We all love our kitties and will support you in your effort to do your best by Jinx. HUGS
 
Thanks for all the support! It really helps having people who understand. The good thing is that his poop seems back to normal unless he hasnt pooped yet. I have other cats as well. Unfortunely since i have taken him off his meds except insulin his sores and lesions are the same if not getting worse. The worst part about all this is that i lost my job and i dont have money. It takes time for unemployment and to find a job. That is what is killing me the most. I know the vet is going to want to see him again on sat. Hopefully i get a job today. I appreciate everyones time for responding!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top