New to board, in dire need of guidance. Cat having some issues.

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Meowrissa

Meowrissa

Member Since 2017
Hey everyone... I just found this message board and am so thankful I did. My 11 year old cat, Izabelle, was diagnosed about 6 months ago and was put on Novalin N, 1.5 units in the morning, 1 at night. We've had a really hard time regulating her. She is a super finicky eater and two weeks ago we had an episode of extremely low blood sugar, to the point where she was very confused and disoriented, like she didn't know where she was. Took her to the er and they got her levels back up and sent her home with me. Since then she has been eating regularly, 3 small cans of wet food a day. Originally, the vets gave me very little information about how to handle her having diabetes. No one ever told me not to give her shots if she wasn't eating, etc, which is partially what led to the first episode. This morning, she did not eat. I tried 3 different cans of food, but she showed no interest what so ever. So I skipped her shot. Tried feeding her at numerous points throughout the day to no avail. She did not eat dinner, so again I skipped her shot. Now I noticed this evening that she 's very lethargic, breathing kind of weird, just not being herself. I don't know what to do. I can only assume this is related to her diabetes, but I really have no clue. When she was st the vet 2 weeks ago, they did a full blood work up and showed slightly elevated liver enzymes and white blood cell count but told me it wasn't high enough to be concerned about. I'm at a loss right now, but am very concerned. Ant advice would be greatly appareciated.
 
Hi Marissa, welcome to you and Izabelle. Sorry you're having problems. Are you home testing her blood sugar? Also, not eating and missing shots can lead to the formation of ketones, so you need to test for that. Since she had elevated white cell count she may have an infection too. I think I would take her to the vet this AM. Ketones can develop quickly and be very serious. Has she eaten any at all? Try warming the food, add some parmasean cheese or tuna juice.
 
I agree-- take her to the vet. The symptoms you describe all fit with the development of ketones, which can be extremely serious. The sooner treatment starts at the vet, the better-- things can deteriorate very very quickly, catching it early makes a huge difference in the severity of the illness and the amount of treatment needed.
 
I am not home testing currently. I do bring her to the vet bi weekly to test though. After reading through here, I definitely want to start. As I said, both my regular vet and ER gave me very little information aside from how to gI've her the shots every day. After the last episode is when they told me to not give her the shots if she didn't eat. Would you guys recommend I give her a half dose and see what happens?
 
No-- I'd take her to the vet today, this morning. You've skipped two shots, she hasn't eaten in over 24hrs, and she's showing very worrying symptoms (lethargy, breathing fast). If she has developed ketones, half a dose is not going to be enough to reverse the process-- she will need food and fluids as well as insulin. If this is what is going on, it can progress in a matter of hours to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is life-threatening. Even if it is something else, not eating for 24 hrs is dangerous, and should be checked out.

Here is some more information about ketones and DKA:

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/
 
vet today. Not eating could lead to fatty liver. She might have DKA, pancreatitis, or an infection. All things can be serious.
 
I intended on bringing her today, for sure. I do have work, I was struggling with whether or not I had to call out. Last she was there, the vet didn't believe she's suffering from pancrearitis as she had no other symptoms. We have been monitoring her weight because she went from 12lbs to 7lbs in less than a year. That was initially what brought me to the vet in the first place, which led to discovering the diabetes. He didn't believe that she has hypothyroidism because of her general lack of appetite, but did say if she continues to drop we should do an ultrasound. She has always been a super picky eater and often shuns her meals, which is why it didn't really concern me that she didn't eat yesterday. Her weird breathing is was put me on edge. I've been watching her closely all night and there has been little change either way.
 
I understand. Good luck, I hope it turns out to be something minor.

And fyi, you were doing the right thing and it wasn't bad advice your vet gave about not giving insulin when she wasn't eating-- with a fast-acting insulin like Novalin N, you really do need to have food "on board" before giving a shot, or you risk hypo. So that's good advice if she were just feeling temporarily under the weather but started eating soon afterwards-- this is just a different situation.
 
I agree with the other folks here who urged you to take her to the vet today. She needs attention ASAP. Ketones can develop quickly and turn into full blown diabetic ketoacidosis. I've been there with my guy - it's very serious.

We can give you a lot of help getting Izabelle on track once she's had medical attention.
 
Just got back. She was at 394 so he gave her a long acting shot since she's not eating. He said he doesnt think it's ketones and he's leaning towards an infection. Gave her an injection of antibiotics as well. Going back tomorrow afternoon for a follow up and potential xrays. I've tried feeding her a few more times and she's still not taking anything, more or less in the same conditon, although her breathing might be a little better. And that's where we're at right now. o_O:oops::banghead:
 
Marissa Lynch said:
Just got back. She was at 394 so he gave her a long acting shot since she's not eating. He said he doesnt think it's ketones and he's leaning towards an infection. Gave her an injection of antibiotics as well. Going back tomorrow afternoon for a follow up and potential xrays. I've tried feeding her a few more times and she's still not taking anything, more or less in the same conditon, although her breathing might be a little better. And that's where we're at right now. o_O:oops::banghead:
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Let's hope things improve once the injections kick in. What were the injections? It's good that you have a follow up tomorrow because infection + not eating + high BG = recipe for ketone development. You might try syringe feeding her regular wet food watered down/pureed in a blender. Meat and broth baby food with no added seasonings is another way to get calories in.
 
Marissa Lynch said:
Just got back. She was at 394 so he gave her a long acting shot since she's not eating. He said he doesnt think it's ketones and he's leaning towards an infection. Gave her an injection of antibiotics as well. Going back tomorrow afternoon for a follow up and potential xrays. I've tried feeding her a few more times and she's still not taking anything, more or less in the same conditon, although her breathing might be a little better. And that's where we're at right now. o_O:oops::banghead:
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Did they actually test for ketones, and what was the reading?????
 
Marissa Lynch said:
Hey everyone... I just found this message board and am so thankful I did. My 11 year old cat, Izabelle, was diagnosed about 6 months ago and was put on Novalin N, 1.5 units in the morning, 1 at night. We've had a really hard time regulating her. She is a super finicky eater and two weeks ago we had an episode of extremely low blood sugar, to the point where she was very confused and disoriented, like she didn't know where she was. Took her to the er and they got her levels back up and sent her home with me. Since then she has been eating regularly, 3 small cans of wet food a day. Originally, the vets gave me very little information about how to handle her having diabetes. No one ever told me not to give her shots if she wasn't eating, etc, which is partially what led to the first episode. This morning, she did not eat. I tried 3 different cans of food, but she showed no interest what so ever. So I skipped her shot. Tried feeding her at numerous points throughout the day to no avail. She did not eat dinner, so again I skipped her shot. Now I noticed this evening that she 's very lethargic, breathing kind of weird, just not being herself. I don't know what to do. I can only assume this is related to her diabetes, but I really have no clue. When she was st the vet 2 weeks ago, they did a full blood work up and showed slightly elevated liver enzymes and white blood cell count but told me it wasn't high enough to be concerned about. I'm at a loss right now, but am very concerned. Ant advice would be greatly appareciated.
Click to expand...
Sometimes I sprinkle a little catnip on the food when mines being picky. Works every time.
 
Melissa, glad you got Izabelle to the vet. Please consider home testing her glucose. It's really easy to do and is the only way to see how well the insulin is working. Also please pick up some ketone test strips at the pharmacy. With an infection, high glucose and not eating, ketones can develop quickly and be life threatening. You may want to get some plain meat baby food and a syringe so you can assist feed her until her appetite picks up. Make sure there's no onions or garlic, just meat and broth.
 
No, he didn't do the test. I specifically asked him about them and he was pretty adamant that he didn't think it was an issue at this point. Tomorrow I will request he does the test to be sure. He condition is still the same. She's been spending most of the day under the bed. I will be syringe feeding her tonight to make sure she has something in her system. I would like to begin home testing for sure. What meters donyou guys recommend and can I buy them at aNY drug store? As far as ketone testing, I'm not sure I'll be able to get her pee on the stick. If I even walk past her box whole she's doing her business, she gets freaked out and bolts, but I definitely want to try. As she's been so all over the place, would it be best to test her everyday?
 
Any human meter works. I just use one from my local pharmacy because the test strips are inexpensive and we use a lot of them. You'll need a meter, test strips, and lancets. I recommend you get thick lancets at first because it can make it easier to get enough blood for the test.

(Thick lancets = 26 or 28 gauge)

Also get the ketone strips...and maybe a new vet. Why in the world wouldn't he run that test!?!

Anyway, you might try putting some saran wrap in the litter box, and making indents to catch the pee. The trick is though that you do have to chase her off before she starts kicking litter over it. ;)
 
Any human meter will do. Pick up the ketone strips too, we have lots of tricks to help you get some urine without bothering her while she's doing her business! If you can get these today, that would be great. Not sure why your vet would think it wasn't necessary to test for ketones, given her symptoms.
 
Is there an ER vet in your area? Your vet may be good in some subjects, but, bluntly speaking, I don't think he knows enough about feline diabetes to be relied upon for this. Not testing for ketones is inexcusable with the symptoms Izabelle is presenting-- it's cheap, it's easy, and not doing it could result in a preventable tragedy.

The saran wrap trick works for ketone tests, but if it were my cat, I'd be in the car to the ER right now. They will have equipment to test ketones in blood, whereas you have to get the strips then wait for an opportunity. If you decide not to go to the ER yet, do whatever you have to do to get a ketone test in before going to sleep, and if you get anything above trace, go straight to the ER. Don't even call your regular vet, even if he's open at that hour.
 
I just tried to force fed her some of her food pureed with water. I gave her 20mls and she threw up less than 5 minutes later. Was that too much?
 
If money were no option, I'd bring her to er vet asap, but honestly I just don't have it. I've spent over 2k between the regular vet and the er in the last 2 weeks for her and my chinchilla. I'm trying to do everything I resonably can to keep her safe and healthy. I'm going to buy the meter and ketone strips from cvs now. Her appointment is at 10am tomorrow. I took off from work so I can stay with her and watch her all night.
 
A ketone test is pretty inexpensive and can be life saving. You should find a vet that knows more about feline diabetes or one that will at least do tests that you request.
 
My vet is one of the best rated in my area, not necessarily for diabetes though. I've been going to home for years and he's always been very good to me and my animals. I am disheartened by the oversight and disappointend in myself for not pushing harder. Are there any specific things I should be asking/talking to him about tonorriw?
 
Do you know what shots he gave her? Ask for a copy of her bloodwork and any glucose readings she's had. She may need anti nausea meds as well and maybe an appetite stimulant. What are you feeding her? I know you said you tried several foods, here are some ideas to stimulate her appy.
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/suggestions-on-how-to-stimulate-kittys-appetite.130770/
Let us know when you get the meter and we'll help you get a test. Don't forget the ketone test strips. As Djamila said Saran Wrap in the box can help catch urine.
 
At least the antibiotic might help tamp down any underlying infection. And yes, syringe the food more slowly, to try to reduce the "scarf and barf" effect.

Does your vet suspect something like an intestinal blockage? Has she pooped in the last few days? Was she vomiting at all before she stopped eating? A blockage could also explain the symptoms-- but, again, once something like this gets going in a diabetic cat and she stops eating and receiving insulin, it's a recipe for ketones/DKA, so she still should have been tested at the vet. I have no explanation for why he didn't, and I would definitely be looking for a new vet. Many of us have had vets who were wonderful on 99% of issues, but failed us and our cats on feline diabetes. They just don't get a lot of training on it in school-- literally a few hours, most of it focused on dogs.

Please get the urine ketone test strips and get a test asap. Crossing my fingers and hoping that it is negative, and that whatever is ailing Izabelle is simple and fixable.
 
Anything that is a concern for you should also be a concern for your vet. If anything I'd ask him to do this or that at least for reassurance and piece of mind, you are paying them after all. Infections viral and bacterial can affect a cats appetite as I have also been experiencing this. Have you recently changed her diet? Getting her to eat anything right now is better than her eating nothing. Maybe try an old favorite. If you're feeding her wet food try heating it for just a few seconds.
 
I'm not sure what antibiotic he gave her, I will find out tomorrow as its not listed on my paperwork. She has always eaten wet food a couple of times a week to supplement her dry food, but I have recently started giving her wet food 3 times a day. She is eating fancy feast, nutro loafs, and one other one that I can't recall the name of right now. The dry food is still out as I have another cat and that is her main diet currently. I got the strips, but so far have not been able to get anything. I will keep trying though. She just threw up a little bit again, a small amout of what appears to be bile. She was not vomitting at all prior to me force feeding her. I don't think she pooped today. Not 100% sure about yesterday either, but she definitely did the night before. She was completely fine prior to yesterday morning. Even then she didn't seem like she wasn't feeling well. She took two bites of food and then walked away, which is normal for her. She didn't particularly seem like she wasn't feeling well, not lethargic. That evening is when I noticed the change and now she has zero interest in any food. I've tried giving her everything under the sun. I will continue to attempt to test her. If she declines any further I'll have no choice but to take her to the ER and go from there. I appreciate the help and will continue to update on any changes.
 
Marissa, I can't imagine how stressful this is for you right now. When you said you'll continue to try to test...are you trying to get the ketone test, or the blood glucose, or both? If you have the meter and are ready to try that, we here are some tips that might be helpful. First of all, if you have some uncooked rice, put it in a sock and microwave it to warm it up. Or fill an empty pill bottle with very warm water. Then hold whichever warm thing you chose against her ear for 20-30 seconds to warm it. This helps the blood to flow more easily. Then try to poke here:

upload_2017-4-6_18-56-25.jpeg


After the poke, if you don't see a little bead of blood, squeeze a bit to get the blood to come out.

And here is a great video made by one of our members here (@Sieden) that can show you how to do it:


Please let us know any questions you have.
 
If she isn't urinating she may be dehydrated. Did the vet check for that and/or give her subq fluids? A cat that isn't feeling well and isn't eating well, probably isn't drinking well either. Since it seems you're going back tomorrow? I'd have the vet check her for dehydration and give fluids which are more than likely going to be necessary. A dehydrated cat will turn down almost everything in my little experience with that.
 
Welp, we're at the ER right now. I was unable to get a test and trying to stay awake but I fell asleep for a couple of hours. I woke up to her meowing and breathing very heavily so I rushed her over here. Will be doing an epoc blood test and the ketone test. Will keep you posted on results.
 
It's DKA. I'm so mad at myself for not pushing for the test earlier. Is hospitalization the only way to treat this? Their estimating a minimum of $4000 and it breaks my heart but I just don't have it. So upset right now, you guys were right. Thank you for all your help.
 
Please contact Diabetic Cats In Need. They can often help with costs. I'll try to find the contact info BRB
 
With DKA your kitty needs to be on fast acting insulin, IV to rebalance the electrolytes and constant monitoring. DKA is very serious and requires immediate attention.

tagging @Chris & China for help with DCIN


Sending prayers for you and Izabelle :bighug::bighug:
 
I took her home for the moment. The er doctor said she was stable enough for me to take her for a few hours and decide. I also wanted to give the rest of the family a chance to say goodbye of that's the route we need to go. The said her temp is a little low, but her blood pressure is stable and her respiratory is fine. I'm at a loss, guys
 
Until you can get her back to the ER if DCIN can arrange funds please syringe as much fluids as possible to keep her hydrated and try to flush the ketones out. Some people have done Sub Q fluids at home to help with DKA. Also have you been giving insulin. It is important to give insulin to help with the ketones. If you are able to test at home please do so and post the results. The best place is at the ER. Did the ER vet do any of the basic treatments for DKA? With a lower body temperature this is not a good sign and she needs at least some supportive treatment. See if the ER vet can give you a break on some basic treatment until we hear back whether DCIN can help with the funding
 
Can you check with the ER as to what the cost of the very least they can do to start the treatment right now is that you would be able to afford for the meantime. Time really is so important with starting DKA treatment. She needs to be on IV fluids with electrolyte replacement and a rapid insulin to bring the glucose levels done. Rapid insulin cannot be done at home unless you are VERY VERY experienced and it needs to be checked regularly and IV dextrose given if the numbers go too low.


The entire treatment for DKA can take several days to complete but if they can start the treatment and give you a basic cost for the time being, then hopefully DCIN can be of help afterwards. It is just imperative that some treatment be started.
 
DCIN will help but you do need to get your kitty to the ER as quick as possible. You may have to pay a bit of the initial costs but once DCIN steps in they will contact the ER vet and help with the costs directly.
 
DCIN will help but you do need to get your kitty to the ER as quick as possible. You may have to pay a bit of the initial costs but once DCIN steps in they will contact the ER vet and help with the costs directly.


I have sent you Jenna's phone number in a PM. Check the Inbox at the top of the page. She can answer some questions for you, but she is only available for a short time right now since she is on her way to some tests.
 
I arrived back at the ER about an hour ago and they immediately got her going with some fluids, elecreolytes, full blood work up, etc. I will be meeting with the internal medicine Dr shortly and am in contact with Jenna and Jillian at the DCIN. I can't thank you all enough for all of your support and help. It really means the world to me. Hopefully Izabelle is on the path to recovery and I can get her diabetes under control. Your Insight and guidance has been invaluable and she/we wouldn't have made it this far with out it.
 
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