Seizures

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Mags920

Member Since 2018
Houston had a seizure this am about 45 min after getting his insulin. He was a little off when I went to feed him but hoped the food & insulin would perk him up. Anyway, we were at the vet's at 8:05. His sugars were 21 & he had 2 more seizures. Poor guy. Told the vet & tech I want to start checking his #'s at home & both agreed I should. This was a different tech than the 1 from 2 wks ago who told me they prefer to have it done at the office. I left him there for the day so they could observe him. His sugar was up to 125 when I left & he was sedated. Every time I have a day off something happens. I'll let you know what happens when I go pick him up later today. In the mean time I need to find a way to pay the $1200 in pet care bills that have occurred in the past 2 wks.
 
So many vets and their staff tell people not to test. For anyone who sees this whose vet has told them the same... don't listen to them. Let this be a warning to you!

I am glad you were home to see the seizure and take action. I hope poor Houston is feeling much better.
 
The vet just called & Houston's not doing well, his # dropped back to 21, he won't eat & he has a glucose IV. Looks like I have to PTS :-(
 
Mags920 said:
The vet just called & Houston's not doing well, his # dropped back to 21, he won't eat & he has a glucose IV. Looks like I have to PTS :-(
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The glucose IV is more important right now than the cat eating. I wouldn't want to eat either with all the drama of this morning. The cat will start to eat when it is feeling better.

The vet can increase the amount of glucose to bring the numbers up.

I'm not on the board much these days, so I don't know the background. However, if it were my cat, I'd wait until the numbers have stabilized before making any kind of decision.
 
He's been on the IV for several hrs, his # went up to 125 then dropped to 20 & now they can't get a read. She doesn't think it will be easy, cheap or even possible to stabilize. She feels that because his # dropped so low even being on the IV. I'm the one that brought up euthanasia & she felt that would probably be the best way to go. I also mentioned that I felt this could have been prevented had the tech not told me I had to bring him there for testing.
 
Mags920 said:
In the mean time I need to find a way to pay the $1200 in pet care bills that have occurred in the past 2 wks.
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Hi there,
I hope your kitty pulls thru - they are resilient being!

Many members of this Forum use Care Credit to pay vet / dental expensive procedures and manyclinics are only happy to accept it as payment method. They won't charge interest if you pay the balance off in 6 mo.
https://www.carecredit.com/apply/

I agree with Red and Rover - wait until the clinic stabilize him. No one wants to eat if the BG keeps going up and down.
My cat went severe hypo with seizures, admitted to ER with BG 22 :)eek::eek::eek:) but she did well on the IV glucose. She was almost comatose.. it was 15 months ago, she is fine.:)

Best of luck to both of you.
@Mags920
 
Thank you Tanya and Ducia & Red and Rover, you are getting me to reconsider the pts. I know about CareCredit, I was an Accountant at an animal ER & we offered it to patients. I don't make much & have too much debt right now. I know they approve just about everyone. I do have cc's I can use, just don't have the funds to pay.
 
Lantus is a long-lasting depot insulin, so it seems that it would take awhile to get through this. Surely they can 'crank up' the glucose being given to him to get him through this.

I hope it all turns out okay.
 
Vet just called again. His # is up a very small amount - from 22 to 27. He is more alert & eating a little but still can't stand. She is going to do some blood work & urinalysis to check his ketones which were high at the initial diagnosis. I've delayed the decision to pts until I have more info. The results will determine the next step. Was approved for Care Credit which is a relief but I still have to pay the bill. I really need to move back home to get a decent paying job. Thank you Red & Rover for the info on DCIN. I really appreciate all the posts, support & info you are all giving me.
 
Good that everything is looking slightly up.

It seems that Chris is getting her keyboard fixed today and is probably not online.

If you go to this page http://fdmb-cin.blogspot.com/p/our-missionactivitiespeople.html and scroll down, you will find email links for other managers. Since this is an emergency situation, I'd suggest as well as filling out the form that you contact them through the email addresses listed.

(Sorry for the delay in getting this information to you. The power went off and I had no internet access.)
 
Spoke too soon, just got another call & Houston had another seizure. Just when I was starting to feel positive. I'll try that link. Thanks again.
 
Mags920 said:
I also mentioned that I felt this could have been prevented had the tech not told me I had to bring him there for testing.
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If you feel Houston is not getting adequate care don't be intimidated by someone in a lab coat. Is he in emergency or your local vet?
This has happened to me on a Friday when staff are watching the clock. Sad but true.
 
Really hope all goes well. I never get the same answer from different vets but at emergency they're bound to be more invested and educated. If they have the right equipment they can do blood and urinalysis right there. There should be a lot more people logging on soon, do you have a smart phone or is this a from-home only thing?
Do they think the seizures are neurological or strictly a result of diabetic side effects?
 
Houston could go up and down for quite sometime because Lantus is a long acting insulin and had a depot built up. I would wait at least 24 hrs before making a decision, unless there are other issues going on. ER would be advisable for over night if not now. Houston should be having a continuous sugar drip going and if at the proper rate he shouldn't be dropping any lower.

When things settle down, maybe a visit to your vet to discuss them reimbursing you for some of the cost.
 
Thanks Paula.
If you're going to do the emergency clinic thing remember to take care of yourself. Depending on the distance some people feel the need to not leave and clinics aren't made for human comfort. Having a go-bag helps if you have to make decisions at 3AM. I've been there. :bighug:
 
Vet called for the last time. She actually called the ER for me & discussed his situation & the Dr on duty there did mention that the Lantus is long acting & they were not surprised at his seizures or anything going on but feel he will pull out of it. Going to pick him up in 1 hr & should be at the ER before he is due (or not) for his next dose. All also believe he may be going into remission due to the change in diet. I feel so much better. I did bring Houston to this ER when he was first diagnosed in May so they have him on file, unfortunately the original Dr that treated him isn't on duty tonight. It's about 40 min from home but it is Fri & people are getting out of work & I'm driving from the country to the city. Let's hope traffic is going the other way. Forgot to mention his # is going up & there are no ketones - yeah!
 
I'm on my own, don't really know anyone down here. Thanks Olive & Paula, will bring corn syrup w/me. I know he shouldn't get insulin but they still want me to bring it in case he spikes later as he's spending the night. BTW are you in Quebec? Most of my relatives live there.
 
Mags920 said:
Going to pick him up in 1 hr & should be at the ER before he is due (or not) for his next dose.
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he certainly does not need any more insulin today!
I hope your Dr understands it but I've seen all types of vets.... some held rather peculiar convictions about feline diabetics.
You need to advocate for the best care for Houston.
Olive & Paula said:
If you are driving him, bring along a bottle of honey or Karo syrup with you. He can still drop while you are driving.
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I could not agree more with that!

Please keep us posted.
@Mags920
 
Mags920 said:
I'm on my own, don't really know anyone down here. Thanks Olive & Paula, will bring corn syrup w/me. I know he shouldn't get insulin but they still want me to bring it in case he spikes later as he's spending the night. BTW are you in Quebec? Most of my relatives live there.
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I'm in the States. Olive came from Quebec. Houston will probably spike, but could now be super sensitive to insulin. I would not bring it and tell them you forgot it. Ask your vet when you pick him up for some syringes filled with glucose water in case you need it for the drive. I would plan on stopping every 10-15 minutes and give him some or rub syrup on his gums. Honey would be better than corn syrup.
 
No more insulin for Houston any time soon! The poor boy may not even need insulin at all at this point. This was a super bad hypo episode! I hope that vet's office has learned their lesson and will start encouraging people to test rather than telling them not to.

I am so glad he is doing better. :bighug:
 
re bringing insulin with you. Don't say "I read it on the internet". I barely squeak by with feline medical knowledge and yet I know more than the techs at my vet. The truly smart people here speak from years of experience and sometimes tragedy.
Earlier you said "I'm on my own, don't really know anyone..." but you know us. It's not just to cheer you up, it really means something.
 
The vets may try to talk you into using a pet meter (alphatrak is the most common one). The strips for this meter are very expensive.

Most people here use a human meter just fine. The Relion Confirm at Walmart is a good meter for cats, and it is inexpensive.

Glad that things are looking up for you and Houston. It's been quite a day.
 
Houston has been delivered & was doing great when I picked him up, talking up a storm - something he has never done at home. He has eaten a lot this afternoon. The ER vet agreed, no insulin for up to 24hrs. She also tried to talk me out of home testing but as I said to both vets "Had I been home testing, this could could have been prevented." Both vets wanted me to get a pet meter but I stood my ground. I'll pick one up at Walmart tomorrow when I go get him - that's my plan. I'll call to check on him at 11p if I'm still awake. Been a long stressful day! Thanks again all for your help & support.
 
Noah & me (GA) said:
Really hope all goes well. I never get the same answer from different vets but at emergency they're bound to be more invested and educated. If they have the right equipment they can do blood and urinalysis right there. There should be a lot more people logging on soon, do you have a smart phone or is this a from-home only thing?
Do they think the seizures are neurological or strictly a result of diabetic side effects?
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Seizures appear to be diabetes related. I'm using my home computer, rarely use smart phone.
 
My last post for the night as I'm exhausted & need some sleep. Just called the ER & he's doing great, # is up to 62 from 42 @ 5p. He's getting 5% glucose which they will lower to 2.5% once they feel he is stabilized enough. Still eating well & was sleeping until I called. I brought one of my cat beds so he would feel at home & it has helped. Til tomorrow, thanks for your support.
 
I'm just reading this thread, I am so sorry to hear you and Houston have had such a rough day. I'm glad he's doing better, and I hope you have had some rest by the time you read this. Hugs and healing/recovery energy to Houston, hugs and peace to a bruised and worried human heart and mind. :bighug::bighug:
 
ER Dr called a while ago, Houston's # is 162, he's been off glucose & LRS since 7am, eating & alert. He had a mild heart murmur when he arrived but now it's more pronounced which is why he's off the fluids. Another issue which has been going on for years is his constipation. They gave him 1 enema & were going to give another - poor guy. Very good chance I'll be able to pick him up around 5pm. Absolutely no insulin for at least another 48 hrs - glad to hear that, need to clear his system of it. She thinks if I feed him a DM he may not need insulin for a long time if ever. They are feeding him that now & he's eating, he'll eat anything you put in front of him. I will pick up a meter when I go get him. I may have a new vial of Lantus to sell :-)
 
Mags920 said:
ER Dr called a while ago, Houston's # is 162, he's been off glucose & LRS since 7am, eating & alert.
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:):) How good to hear that!:) Thanks for the update!

Mags920 said:
She thinks if I feed him a DM he may not need insulin for a long time if ever.
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fingers crossed and anti-jinx - several cats had gone off insulin after the food switch so it is possible.
BTW, you do not have to feed DM exclusively - any wet low carbs - below 10% per 100 Kcal - would do just fine. HERE is the food chart w /calor composition.
Petco sells Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau and Koolina Luau which have no carbs at all and very good quality.

Whilst off insulin for the next 48 hours please keep testing the BG throughout the day and get some random nightly tests in (some cats go lower at night naturally, not to worry: no insulin= no Hypo) and keep record at what/ when and how much you fed - if he stays between 50 and 120 on human meter eating low/ no carbs foods he won't need insulin.

Good start imho would be taking a test, then feeding and then taking another test in 3 hours. If 3 hours later Houston is lower than he was before eating then it is possible that his pancreas is working. Future record keeping will help understanding it.

Mags920 said:
They gave him 1 enema & were going to give another - poor guy.
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I'd ask the clinic to give me an enema to keep at home just in case. Being constipated raises the BG in some cats and it is better for dosing assessment to rule out any possible causes of the elevated BG - and constipation is the usual suspect here.

Please keep us posted on Houston's progress. Ask any questions.
I do hope he'll do fine w/o the dose!
@Mags920
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
:):) How good to hear that!:) Thanks for the update!


fingers crossed and anti-jinx - several cats had gone off insulin after the food switch so it is possible.
BTW, you do not have to feed DM exclusively - any wet low carbs - below 10% per 100 Kcal - would do just fine. HERE is the food chart w /calor composition.
Petco sells Tiki Cat Puka Puka Luau and Koolina Luau which have no carbs at all and very good quality.

Whilst off insulin for the next 48 hours please keep testing the BG throughout the day and get some random nightly tests in (some cats go lower at night naturally, not to worry: no insulin= no Hypo) and keep record at what/ when and how much you fed - if he stays between 50 and 120 on human meter eating low/ no carbs foods he won't need insulin.

Good start imho would be taking a test, then feeding and then taking another test in 3 hours. If 3 hours later Houston is lower than he was before eating then it is possible that his pancreas is working. Future record keeping will help understanding it.


I'd ask the clinic to give me an enema to keep at home just in case. Being constipated raises the BG in some cats and it is better for dosing assessment to rule out any possible causes of the elevated BG - and constipation is the usual suspect here.

Please keep us posted on Houston's progress. Ask any questions.
I do hope he'll do fine w/o the dose!
@Mags920
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I did mention the other food options but she thinks the DM would be the best to keep him stable right now. Problem is I can't get it around here, have to wait for it to be shipped to me, the nearest PetSmart doesn't have it in stock. No Petcos near me, the only 1 I know of closed.
I will start a chart on everything. Not sure about giving him an enema, will give him Miralax, hopefully the 2nd enema flushed more out him. If you could see what comes out of him you would be amazed. Last week it was so big & long I initially thought a black snake had gotten into the house, lol. Insulin does seem to cause constipation, my father is diabetic & has had issues since starting insulin.
Stopping at Walmart before I pick him up & getting a meter, strips & more Miralax.
 
Mags920 said:
If you could see what comes out of him you would be amazed. Last week it was so big & long I initially thought a black snake had gotten into the house, lol.
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:joyful::joyful::joyful:
i hope Miralax will do its job just add some extra water to his food whilst he on it - Miralax will soak up a lot moisture from the body and staying well hydrated helps the BM. I add 1 teaspoon of warm boiled water per each teaspoon of solid food I gave - I cannot even remember when was the last time Ducia was plugged up.(knock knock)
Mags920 said:
Stopping at Walmart before I pick him up & getting a meter, strips & more Miralax.
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you might want to get Neosporin with pain relief - ointment is better than cream to apply on his ears after testing.
Once a day maybe?, just a dab on the pokey site.
Some cats have allergic reaction to Neo but most do fine. It helps prevent infection and soothes the ear.

Have you heard of Chewy.com? They sell almost all the foods in Dr. Pierson's food chart and have nice promo/ discounts from time to time.
 
Tanya and Ducia said:
:joyful::joyful::joyful:
i hope Miralax will do its job just add some extra water to his food whilst he on it - Miralax will soak up a lot moisture from the body and staying well hydrated helps the BM. I add 1 teaspoon of warm boiled water per each teaspoon of solid food I gave - I cannot even remember when was the last time Ducia was plugged up.(knock knock)

you might want to get Neosporin with pain relief - ointment is better than cream to apply on his ears after testing.
Once a day maybe?, just a dab on the pokey site.
Some cats have allergic reaction to Neo but most do fine. It helps prevent infection and soothes the ear.

Have you heard of Chewy.com? They sell almost all the foods in Dr. Pierson's food chart and have nice promo/ discounts from time to time.
Click to expand...

Miralax does work on him, been giving it to him off & on for 4 yrs now. Thx on the Neosporin w/pain relief suggestion, will add to my list.
Chewy.com? lol, I placed an order earlier for the DM to make the vet happy, also got my "wild child" his FortiFlora - he's addicted. I had a coupon for $15 & they gave me an additional 40% for auto ship that I'll cancel later.
I told the vet that I will be stopping at Walmart on my way to get a meter & supplies & we can each do a test w/our meters & compare readings. I'll do the same next week my my local vet - should make them all happy.
Leaving now to get him.
 
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