? Prayers Please: Saoirse Not Well at All | UPDATE Wed 6th: Recovering from Severe Pancreatitis Flare

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Larry and Kitties said:
Leukocytes are white blood cells.
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Yes, but the chemsticks are used to detect any blood in the urine, then the centrifuging and microscopic observation is done. So rather than using the leukocyte patch as an indicator the Chemsticks are useful for detecting blood ( in general) and then further testing if indicated.
 
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Larry and Kitties said:
The strips I have used in the past have had a pad for leukocytes and another pad for red blood cells
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The strips I use are Bayer Multistix 10SG and they, too, have separate test panels for red cells and leukocytes. I always ignore the LEU test. Saoirse's urine test the other day was unequivocally positive for red blood cells. I gave the vet part of the sample so that he can do further analysis.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Hi all,

Not been around because I needed to concentrate on Saoirse and my own health is very bad.

Saoirse had been doing really well (other than regular (managed) chronic pancreatitis stuff - overall eating quite well). Hot spot resolved, fur all grown back, proper pigmentation returning, BG in good numbers, back to being affectionate and sociable. Her blood pressure was creeping a bit high so she was started on benazepril last month and I think she may have had an adverse reaction to it. On Thursday Saoirse showed signs of pain so I got the vet to check her over. (I've discovered that ACE inhibitors can cause arthritic pain, hypertonia, and they can worsen inflammatory conditions.) She was diagnosed with arthritis and the vet thought she might also have a stress-related UTI. The vet prescribed pain meds for her and an antibiotic. In spite of the note on her records that she was NEVER to be treated with Convenia the vet gave her an injection of same. My heart sank when he told me. I still can't believe it.

Saoirse has been up and down for the last few days but tonight she's not been well at all; very lethargic and depressed most of the time but then she perks up and wants her grub; she has been eating well the vast majority of the time since Thursday but she has had some diarrhoea and loosish, tan stools. I am really scared. I can't bring myself to type the words for my fear right now, nor can I adequately express my anger and frustration about the error.

I would be grateful if you could send prayers and/or good thoughts to my beloved girl. I'm in bits.


Mogs
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Haven't been around here much lately, Mogs, but just catching up now...
Don't have any helpful advice (sorry...) but please know that you are much loved, and are receiving cyber hugs by the truckload (or whatever the cyber equivalent of a truck is...)

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
:bighug::bighug::bighug:
:bighug::bighug:
:bighug:!!!

Eliz
 
tiffmaxee said:
How long did she get amlodipine? It bothered Max at first but he got used to it. Of course now he's on it and his BP is a little higher than Saoirse's. But he's been on it for a few years.

How is she now?
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She was on a small dose of amlodipine for eight days (less than the dose for her weight - she's very, very med sensitive in general so things are introduced very slowly). I had to stop it because I couldn't get her to eat and she spent a lot of time trying to hide. It made her absolutely wretched.

I gave Saoirse the Nutracys supplement earlier today and she has been somewhat subdued since getting it; don't know whether it's the supplement or the warm weather (not excessively hot in the house, just warmer than normal). She hasn't peed all day since she received it. She's bloated again and I think she may have had some GI tract spasms earlier (twitching in the abdominal area after one meal after the supplement was given).

Have you ever found anything to help with the bloating, Elise? I think this is part of what's making Saoirse uncomfortable. How I wish she could speak to me to tell me what helps and what doesn't. <sigh>

I hope your mouth is feeling a bit better today. :bighug:


Mogs

EDITED TO ADD:

Saoirse's appetite is good and she is eating well and steadily for me. BG was 13.7 (Alphatrak) at AMPS. I got a new Lantus cartridge from the vets today so as to determine whether or not viability of Saoirse's insulin is part of the problem. I don't think the high numbers are helping matters one iota. :(

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I know what you mean about wishing they could talk. I'm really scared about Max's uncontrolled BP. I still wonder if it's really that high or its elevated due to vet stress. I'm so scared he will go blind.

Max doesn't have the bloating problem so I can't help you with that. Sorry.:bighug:
 
[QUOTE="Critter Mom, post: 1728976, member: 10789". How I wish she could speak to me to tell me what helps and what doesn't. <sigh>
.[/QUOTE]

I don't know if this is your thing, Mogs, but have you ever considered consulting an animal communicator? I know opinion is divided on such matters. I think if I was desperate for some clues I might give one a try... there are some well regarded ones out there.

Just a thought.
Hugs
Diana
 
tiffmaxee said:
I know what you mean about wishing they could talk. I'm really scared about Max's uncontrolled BP. I still wonder if it's really that high or its elevated due to vet stress. I'm so scared he will go blind.
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My heart well and truly goes out to you, Elise, especially after what happened to Saoirse. :bighug:

Have you ever tried getting the vet to measure Max's BP at home? Is your vet using a Doppler unit or an oscillometric unit to measure BP?


Mogs
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He uses an oscilometer which given that Max weighs nearly 16 pounds is okay. I thought about getting a reading with a Doppler but since it would be a one time thing have decided not to do it. It makes more sense to me to be consistent and my vet likes his way. In order to check him at home I would need to find a traveling vet and pay for a vet visit plus test each time. I just can't do that. Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Mogs, I still don't have any advice, but I wanted to stop and give you some more hugs. Know that we're always thinking of you....
 
@tiffmaxee -

I got an oscillometric monitor for Saoirse - just wish I was near you so that you could use it to get a better handle on Max's BP. It's at times like this I really wish we all lived round the corner from each other.


Mogs
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PMPS 14.8
PM+3.5 13.4

(Alphatrak)

That's with the new vial of Lantus. Saoirse normally nadirs early. She's never not responded to insulin before. I am so worried ... can't seem to do anything to help my girl.

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Do you have a spreadsheet? I'm not familiar with world numbers and don't use an AT. Is this a one say issue or a trend?
 
If Saoirse does have a UTI that can certainly keep her numbers higher. Did the vet get a report back yet on the urine sample?
 
Tuxedo Mom said:
If Saoirse does have a UTI that can certainly keep her numbers higher. Did the vet get a report back yet on the urine sample?
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The UTI could be causing the new symptoms. This is day two of the antibiotic right? It should start to help by tomorrow.
 
She's had a UTI before but she still showed a response to her insulin at that time. @Tuxedo Mom - not got anything back from the vet about the urine sample yet. @tiffmaxee - The 72-hr mark from time of antibiotic dose admin will be tomorrow afternoon.

US BG Values in this tab of Saoirse's spreadsheet (Alphatrak meter). Her numbers have been going pear-shaped for the last couple of weeks. (ETA - custom colour coding - see key at top of spreadsheet.)

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...khkFFt-aTWdJxS6Di7H4/edit?pref=2&pli=1#gid=16

She's very bloated. She is still eating OK and she's a bit cranky tonight. I am wondering whether the bupe is feeding into the bloating.

I'm getting really panicky.


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BJM said:
The bupe may slow the GI tract which may back stuff up.
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That's what I'm worrying about, BJ. (Thanks for your reply.) Would it be an idea to give her a one-off dose of metoclopramide tomorrow? She seems really uncomfortable tonight (nearly 24 hrs since she had a poop).


Mogs
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AMPS - 10.7 then food plus skinny 0.5 of new vial of Lantus
AM+2.5 - 14.3
AM+3.5 - 17.2 - ate a bit then had a poop - one part tan, a bit gooey/marshmallowy and a bit whiffy. Previous poop was between 4am and 6:30am and was normal. I think she's pooping too much.

Saoirse's lethargic again today. Room is quite warm and that's not helping.

Tears and panic here.


Mogs
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Breathe, Mogs...it IS very warm indeed and even the healthiest kitty finds that hard-going. I'm sure BGs can rise when it's this hot. Is it worth putting in a quick call to the vet to ask for their comments...?

(((Mogs)))

Diana

ETA: a good tip to cool a room down is to place a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan. Really quite effective and worth trying if it helps to make Saoirse more comfortable.
 
Diana&Tom said:
Breathe, Mogs...it IS very warm indeed and even the healthiest kitty finds that hard-going. I'm sure BGs can rise when it's this hot. Is it worth putting in a quick call to the vet to ask for their comments...?

(((Mogs)))

Diana

ETA: a good tip to cool a room down is to place a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan. Really quite effective and worth trying if it helps to make Saoirse more comfortable.
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Mogs

Just as Diana suggested the heat could certainly be playing into Saoirse's numbers. It has been very hot and muggy here the last few days ( 40C with the humidex) and both my kitties are much more lethargic and their numbers are wonky as well. Tuxie, as usual is eating fine, but Maxie is very peckish about her food..unless I add some tuna to it :rolleyes:. The heat can play a big factor in how Saoirse is feeling.
 
Mogs, I too can attest to the BG levels going up when the weather gets hot. I have A/C but hate it so I don't set it too low and I've noticed Menace's BG seems to rise with higher temps and all my furkids get sluggish/lethargic. If there is a removable cushion in the bottom of Saoirse's favourite bed, putting a soft icepack or two under the cushion might keep her a little more comfy. Sending more hugs and healing vines! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Diana&Tom said:
Is it worth putting in a quick call to the vet to ask for their comments...?
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Nope. I've come to the inescapable conclusion that, with very rare exceptions, asking vets about anything but the basics when it comes to insulin dosing is an exercise in utter futility - at best. :banghead: As I've said before, I don't think I'd have been able to do anything like as much for Saoirse were it not for FDMB members and all I've learned here.

Numbers thus far today (Alphatrak):

AMPS - 10.7 then food plus skinny 0.5 of new vial of Lantus
AM+2.5 - 14.3
AM+3.5 - 17.2 - ate a bit then had a poop (one part tan, a bit gooey/marshmallowy and a bit whiffy.)
AM+5.5 - 17.8 - +1.5 postprandial. Mini-meal after this test.
AM+7.0 - 13.3 - +1.5 postprandial. Keen appetite and a good bit perkier. Fed after test.

I am wondering whether the new vial plus the possibility of the antibiotics starting to kick in might have resulted in Saoirse now getting too much insulin? Her curve is completely upside down. At times like this I wonder whether it may be better to have a cat on an in-out insulin so that one might respond more dynamically to rapidly shifting insulin needs; dealing with a depot in these circumstances is highly problematic.

Saoirse perked up a fair bit just after the AM+5.5 test. She was really hungry and ate well for me after this test. She's still stressy. Sitting on the sofa beside me but her tail is swishing like crazy. :(


Mogs

EDITED TO ADD:

@tiffmaxee, @Chris & China,@Marje and Gracie - if any of you are around is there any chance you'd have a look at Saoirse's numbers for me over the last few days, please? I'm at a loss for what to do about her insulin. For info, when I tried to take her up to 0.75 recently she became really lethargic and dysphoric; much like she was when she was being treated with Caninsulin. I'm thinking of asking the vet about switching Saoirse to ProZinc; I've got do something to sort this situation out for Saoirse. [ETA - further numbers below.]

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I am also fairly new, but I have noticed that since Callie's UTI has responded to the antibiotic, her numbers have dropped a lot. Now I have to worry about herj going Hypo. Any infection can mess with their numbers.

I hope things get better at your home.
 
Curve latest (Alphatrak):

AMPS - 10.7 - food plus skinny 0.5 from new vial of Lantus.
AM+2.5 - 14.3
AM+3.5 - 17.2 - ate a bit then had a poop (one part tan, a bit gooey/marshmallowy and a bit whiffy.)
AM+5.5 - 17.8 - +1.5 postprandial. Mini-meal after this test.
AM+7.0 - 13.3 - +1.5 postprandial. Keen appetite and a good bit perkier. Fed after test.
AM+9.25 - 10.7 - +2 postprandial. Fed after test. Perkier, giving me nuzzles and speaking to me while I got her food ready.

Completely upside-down curve.


Mogs
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Completed curve data (Alphatrak):

AMPS - 10.7 - food plus skinny 0.5 from new vial of Lantus.
AM+2.5 - 14.3
AM+3.5 - 17.2 - ate a bit then had a poop (one part tan, a bit gooey/marshmallowy and a bit whiffy.)
AM+5.5 - 17.8 - +1.5 postprandial. Mini-meal after this test.
AM+7.0 - 13.3 - +1.5 postprandial. Keen appetite and a good bit perkier. Fed after test.
AM+9.25 - 10.7 - +2 postprandial. Fed after test. Perkier, giving me nuzzles and speaking to me while I got her food ready.

Very hungry at around AM+10.75 - +11 (not fed at this time).

PMPS - 11.8 - c. +2.5 postprandial.

As stated earlier, curve is pretty much the perfect inverse of how Saoirse normally responds to a good dose of insulin (she tends to have quite early onset and nadir). For right or wrong, I've reduced the dose tonight to skinny 0.25 Lantus.


Mogs
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Mogs, I'm sorry you're going through all this stress, and sending feel better vines to Saoirse :bighug: and to you.
J.D. used to get bloated and gassy with pancreatitis, and I would get all worried and take him to the vet and they always said it was just gas and that I could try an infant gas X formula (Simethicone). I don't know if it helped J.D. He was also on Ondansetron, Bupe, and got pumpkin, etc.
I wish you luck and think positive thoughts for Saoirse.
 
 :bighug::bighug::bighug:hopefully Saoirse will be feeling better real soon!
Im sorry that you both have to experience all the other issues that arise. It' s hard enough with FD!
Prayers for healing!
 
The odor and lighter color to the feces suggests that the enzyme producing cells in the pancreas may not be working optimally. That is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI. A blood test taken when fasting may diagnose it. Or, you might check with the vet about doing a trial of enzyme supplementation to see if it helps.
 
Thursday morning:

AMPS: - 9.8 - Two goes at brekkie (after AMPS and finished it at onset +1). Quite perky and alert after AMPS feed. Not as warm this morning.
AM+2 - 10.9 - +50 mins postprandial. Fed after test. (NB: test just before +2 - done early because Saoirse was hungry.)
AM+3 - 12.2 - +1 postprandial. Fed. Quite sleepy-lethargic after this meal (room warmer so that might be an additional factor).

Fingers and paws crossed for a better day today. Due a vet visit for next amoxycillin and B12 jabs.


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
Thursday morning:

AMPS: - 9.8 - Two goes at brekkie (after AMPS and finished it at onset +1). Quite perky and alert after AMPS feed. Not as warm this morning.
AM+2 - 10.9 - +50 mins postprandial. Fed after test. (NB: test just before +2 - done early because Saoirse was hungry.)
AM+3 - 12.2 - +1 postprandial. Fed. Quite sleepy-lethargic after this meal (room warmer so that might be an additional factor).

Fingers and paws crossed for a better day today. Due a vet visit for next amoxycillin and B12 jabs.


Mogs
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Looking better today, Mogs :-) I do think the heat is making life difficult for all of us. I am sleepy and can barely move myself so dread to think what it must be like with a thick fur coat on...
Paws crossed for an upturn...

Diana
 
@Dyana -

Thanks for the tip about the simethicone and, even more valuable, for telling me about J.D's regimen and bloating issues, especially as the regimen is so similar to Saoirse's. Will ask the vet about the simethicone today. I really do think it would help Saoirse feel so much more comfortable if I could find something to reduce the bloating. I have IBS myself, and I know how very uncomfortable - and sometimes how painful - abdominal bloating and trapped wind can be.

Thank you also for sending healing thoughts to my darling girl. I'm very grateful for them.

:bighug:


Mogs
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Critter Mom said:
@Dyana -

Thanks for the tip about the simethicone and, even more valuable, for telling me about J.D's regimen and bloating issues, especially as the regimen is so similar to Saoirse's. was so close to Saoirse's. Will ask the vet about the simethicone today. I really do think it would help Saoirse feel so much more comfortable if I could find something to reduce the bloating. I have IBS myself, and I know how very uncomfortable - and sometimes how painful - abdominal bloating and trapped wind can be.

Thank you also for sending healing thoughts to my darling girl. I'm very grateful for them.

:bighug:


Mogs
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I'm. praying that Saoise and you has a good day today.
 
Sorry I wasn't around much yesterday. Amoxicillin is not sitting well with me. I'm having the opposite problem that Saoirse is having. How is she this morning or night for you?
 
Critter Mom said:
Bonjour, Sophie! Si bon de vous entendre, mon amie. :) Comment allez vous? Et Capoo, aussi? (Très bien, j'espère.)

:bighug::bighug::bighug:


Mogs
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Bonjour @Critter Mom , je vais très bien, et c'est bientôt les vacances, donc tout va pour le mieux.

And great news, Capoo is OTJ for nearly two months now!!!!

I just can't thank you enough for your great advises about home testing, insulin, food, management of pancreatitis....:kiss::kiss::kiss:

My fingers are crossed for you and your beloved kitty :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Critter Mom said:
@Dyana -

Thanks for the tip about the simethicone and, even more valuable, for telling me about J.D's regimen and bloating issues, especially as the regimen is so similar to Saoirse's. was so close to Saoirse's. Will ask the vet about the simethicone today. I really do think it would help Saoirse feel so much more comfortable if I could find something to reduce the bloating. I have IBS myself, and I know how very uncomfortable - and sometimes how painful - abdominal bloating and trapped wind can be.

Thank you also for sending healing thoughts to my darling girl. I'm very grateful for them.

:bighug:


Mogs
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I don't know if this would be okay for a cat or not, but for myself peppermint has helped. Perhaps some peppermint tea may giver her relief?

Update: It seems that tea would be okay, just not peppermint oil. A couple of links in case this is useful:
http://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_multi_herb_n_living
http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-build-homeopathic-and-herbal-first-aid-kit-pets
 
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Sending love to you both. I wish I had any answers or suggestions, but just hoping for some relief and purrs.
 
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