Our Little Zoey

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gishstar

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Here's an update on our little Zoey.
She's 9 or 10 years old, was diagnosed with diabetes in August '12. Yes, we missed a few shots over the last few days, but that wasn't the bigger issue. When we took her to the Vet ER on Sunday (Nov 25th), she was 8% to 10% dehydrated. The vet wanted to keep her overnight to put fluids in her, re-test her blood, and get her back to normal. She had signs of a kidney disease.
Her blood sugar was at 548, I don't have to explain the norms here, but it was ridiculously high. Everything else for her blood work was insanely higher than the norms, not good. I'd post her numbers here, but I'm out of town on business, and I don't have the info on me at this time.

They put an IV in her right away, and she started to perk up, be super affectionate, and even ate a little. That was our news on Monday morning when my husband had to pick her up from the pet hospital and take her to our regular vet's office for her continued care.

Our vet continued her fluids, but then she wouldn't eat anymore. He ended up having to tube feed her. He said he put 2 liters of fluids through her which is a ton of fluids for a cat, he just doesn't know what's wrong. She's barely responsive, totally limp, and won't eat or drink at all on her own. Our vet tried every single kind of food he had. Wet. Dry. Everything. We normally feed her science diet, senior formula. Another cat of ours can only eat that kind because of his previous health issues.

She was tested for Ketones at the hospital, and the tests came back negative.

So now... my husband calls me tonight, (Tuesday), and says that we're going to have to make a decision. We're both hoping that one of the following happens... she either makes a miraculous recovery, and bounces back, or she passes on her own terms overnight, or she waits until I get home on Friday and then we can make the decision together to put her down, and we can all be together.

I hate feeling so helpless being so far away. If I wasn't here on business I'd totally just go home. My husband said that this would be a little easier too if I were home. He was so upset when he called me tonight that he started to cry, which is something he never does.

If you have any ideas on what else we can try to suggest to our vet, or offer up some good vibes, prayers, whatever... it'll be really appreciated. I never grew up with animals and I never thought that I could become so attached to that cute little fur ball, but here I am... getting teary eyed and seeking out help from friendly strangers all over the globe to try and either save her, or just offer up some words of comfort.

Thanks.

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Test for pancreatitis -the fPLI test

Learn how to give subcutaneous fluids for dehydration.

How to check for dehydration.
1) if you gently pull up the scruff and it doesn't snap back, the dehydration may be moderate to severe.
2) if you lift the lip, press your finger firmly on the gums for a moment, then release, and the area stays blanched pale, there is dehydration at some level.
 
no experience here except that BJ is very smart...Sending prayers for guidance and strength and positives for support.
jeanne
Our kittties share names...Zoe says mew I hope you get better.
 
Vet told us this morning that her kidneys are failing, so we have to put her down.
Since I'm out of town until Friday it would be selfish of me to want her to be kept alive until I returned. My husband went to the vet's office over his lunch break and was with her until the end.

She was the sweetest little kitty you could ever ask for. She loved sitting in anyone's lap, and loved being held, snuggled, cuddled, laying under a blanket, the list goes on and on. She was so incredibly laid back, and even when having to give her her insulin she was so great about it. She'd just lay down in front of the fridge and politely wait for her shot. After the shot was administered she'd rub up against us and thank us for the shot.

I don't think we acted soon enough to diagnose why she was drinking so much water, but from the sounds of all the testing she was suffering from kidney disease and it would have eventually landed us where we are here today.

I thank you all for your advice, your concern, your passion, and your sympathy. Even though I was only here for a few days, this board and website is a very good resource for all things related to feline diabetes. I will be recommending this website to my vet's office so that they can pass this on as a reference for all their feline diabetic patient's parents. :)

I'll get a picture of Zoey up later tonight. She was a short-haired domestic with tortie coloring. Quite literally the most laid-back cat I had ever seen, and the most people-needing cat I've ever encountered too. I'm glad that my husband rescued her from the shelter and that we got 7 years with her. We probably won't be adopting for awhile because we already have 3 cats, but I do want to foster.

Anyways... thank you again. I'll share some photos as soon as I get back to my hotel later tonight.
 
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful girl. Again my condolences.
Thank you for rescuing a kitty from the shelter.

Terri
 
My heart goes out to you. I just went through it Monday! I just keep reminding myself Samantha is in a better place and out of her misery! Zoey and Sammy are painfree now. We did what was for the best. ((((((((((Hugs))))))))))))....
 
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