Shoes has a little diarrhea and not eating much.

[Shoeskitty-GA]

It's been 4 hours since AM shot. He has only eaten about 1/4 of his morning food. I don't know if he just doesn't like it or if something else is going on. He will eat the Orijen Wild Boar Freeze Dried bits and his tiny bits of chicken so I have tried to entice him to eat meal using these. I don't know what to do about this. Should I leave him alone and see what happens the remainder of the day or give him something to try to firm up stools and get him to eat or feed something else? He is drinking and seems to be normal other than the diarrhea and not eating food.

 

[Mum of two felines]

Has he ever eaten beef before? My Buzz threw up and had diaherra within 2 hours of eating FF beef pate. Some cats has a intolerance for beef.

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Sandi,

Here's information on nausea symptoms and treatments. Is Shoes showing any of the symptoms?

Very important: test his urine as soon as possible to make sure he's not throwing ketones. If you haven't got ketone strips, I strongly recommend you get some rapid fashion. A trace result means you need to call the vet straight away for advice (and post here, too). If anything more than trace then you'd need to get Shoes to a vet immediately for emergency treatment so that he does not tip over into DKA.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

Keep a close eye on his clinical signs (good idea to keep a notebook handy to write down anything odd you might notice - even small things can help you to work out what might be up).

Try to keep him eating even a little. Try raising his food and water bowls up a few inches and also try warming his food a little. Watch him to see if he can smell the food properly. (A cat wont' eat what it can't smell.)

Other members may have further suggestions for you to try. Be sure to keep us updated with how he's doing: it's such a worry when our little ones are off their grub.


Mogs
.

 

[Mum of two felines]

Hi Sandi,

Here's information on nausea symptoms and treatments. Is Spike showing any of the symptoms?

Very important: test his urine as soon as possible to make sure he's not throwing ketones. If you haven't got ketone strips, I strongly recommend you get some rapid fashion. A trace result means you need to call the vet straight away for advice (and post here, too). If anything more than trace then you'd need to get Shoes to a vet immediately for emergency treatment so that he does not tip over into DKA.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

Keep a close eye on his clinical signs (good idea to keep a notebook handy to write down anything odd you might notice - even small things can help you to work out what might be up).

Try to keep him eating even a little. Try raising his food and water bowls up a few inches and also try warming his food a little. Watch him to see if he can smell the food properly. (A cat wont' eat what it can't smell.)

Other members may have further suggestions for you to try. Be sure to keep us updated with how he's doing: it's such a worry when our little ones are off their grub.


Mogs
.

That's why it's so nice to have the spreadsheets up. critter Mom has vast experiences and sees things much different than I do, because I've never had experience with my kitties throwing ketones. But her advice seems like something I would take and do over mine!!!!!!

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

Has he ever eaten beef before? My Buzz threw up and had diaherra within 2 hours of eating FF beef pate. Some cats has a intolerance for beef.

Yes he has eaten it many times.

Hi Sandi,

Here's information on nausea symptoms and treatments. Is Spike showing any of the symptoms?

Very important: test his urine as soon as possible to make sure he's not throwing ketones. If you haven't got ketone strips, I strongly recommend you get some rapid fashion. A trace result means you need to call the vet straight away for advice (and post here, too). If anything more than trace then you'd need to get Shoes to a vet immediately for emergency treatment so that he does not tip over into DKA.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

Keep a close eye on his clinical signs (good idea to keep a notebook handy to write down anything odd you might notice - even small things can help you to work out what might be up).

Try to keep him eating even a little. Try raising his food and water bowls up a few inches and also try warming his food a little. Watch him to see if he can smell the food properly. (A cat wont' eat what it can't smell.)

Other members may have further suggestions for you to try. Be sure to keep us updated with how he's doing: it's such a worry when our little ones are off their grub.


Mogs
.

Thanks Mogs. His ketones are negative. Just tested. He really is not displaying any of the nausea symptoms listed above in your link. His food bowl is always raised and his water bowls are up high. He won't drink if they are near his food or level on the floor.

 

[Critter Mom]

Very glad to hear ketones are negative.

How is his coat condition? Is there any other way he seems off-colour? Also, have you got any 'stinky' food (e.g. tuna) to see if he is more interested in stronger-smelling food?


Mogs
.

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

Very glad to hear ketones are negative.

How is his coat condition? Is there any other way he seems off-colour? Also, have you got any 'stinky' food (e.g. tuna) to see if he is more interested in stronger-smelling food?


Mogs
.

I gave him 1 measured tablespoon of diced baked chicken and he ate it up! His coat is really good right now. He's up stirring around now, looking out the front door and the patio doors. Will keep watching him and hopefully, he just doesn't like that food. Thanks for helping!

 

[Critter Mom]

That's the sort of news we like to hear!

Keep a record for future reference of the ingredients in the food Shoes didn't seem to like. Having a log of information like that can help you to spot patterns which may point to ingredients that he doesn't like or which disagree with him.


Mogs
.

 

[Louellen]

Hi Sandi,

Here's information on nausea symptoms and treatments. Is Spike showing any of the symptoms?

Very important: test his urine as soon as possible to make sure he's not throwing ketones. If you haven't got ketone strips, I strongly recommend you get some rapid fashion. A trace result means you need to call the vet straight away for advice (and post here, too). If anything more than trace then you'd need to get Shoes to a vet immediately for emergency treatment so that he does not tip over into DKA.

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...oacidosis-dka-and-blood-ketone-meters.135952/

Keep a close eye on his clinical signs (good idea to keep a notebook handy to write down anything odd you might notice - even small things can help you to work out what might be up).

Try to keep him eating even a little. Try raising his food and water bowls up a few inches and also try warming his food a little. Watch him to see if he can smell the food properly. (A cat wont' eat what it can't smell.)

Other members may have further suggestions for you to try. Be sure to keep us updated with how he's doing: it's such a worry when our little ones are off their grub.


Mogs
.

Mogs....I am having a similar problem with Morrigan yesterday and today (of course, when the vet isn't in). Morrigan only ate about half of her normal amount through the night and has "vomited" 2 small amounts between yesterday and today. She had a lower than usual number last night for her so, I only shot 1U (instead of her usual 3). Because she'd not really wanted to eat much this morning, I texted her vet (off for the weekend) and he texted back. He said to NOT shoot insulin this morning (she was at a 15.7) and see how she does today then, test and shoot tonight, instead. She's been nibbling a bit but, sure as heck wants her Luv's treats! (Tried to see if it was appetite related. She gobbled those down and is nibbling on her usual m/d kibble).

I've never tested for ketones and don't have anything to test with. How does one test for ketones? (Vet said not to worry at this level but, not having given insulin today and only a partial shot last night, I'm concerned.)

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Louellen,

I'm really sorry to hear that Morrigan's off her food and vomiting. Does she show any signs of nausea (see the symptom checker/treatments link above)? I don't know much about colitis. Does that affect her appetite?

Re the vomiting, is Morrigan fasting longer between meals at night? That could cause stomach acid build-up. Again see the Tanya's Site page for suggestions about treatments. I don't know whether a timed feeder might help to dispense food at different times during the night to make sure Morrigan always has food available to graze on. Have you tried crushing up some of Morrigan's treats and sprinkling them over her regular food to encourage her to eat more?

How does one test for ketones?

I think it's a good idea for you to test for ketones - worth it for the peace of mind alone. You need to get urine test strips (e.g. Keto-diastix or Relion ketone test strips). You dip them into a fresh urine sample and wait the specified time before reading off the result. I think some members sneak the test strips under their kitties when they're peeing or catch samples using a ladle or similar. When I test Saoirse's urine I use a litter tray liner over the top of her regular litter and I put some non-absorbent litter into it then wait for her to use the box.

I hope you'll be able to find out what's up and how to sort it out very soon.


Mogs
.

 

[Louellen]

Hi Louellen,

I'm really sorry to hear that Morrigan's off her food and vomiting. Does she show any signs of nausea (see the symptom checker/treatments link above)? I don't know much about colitis. Does that affect her appetite?

Re the vomiting, is Morrigan fasting longer between meals at night? That could cause stomach acid build-up. Again see the Tanya's Site page for suggestions about treatments. I don't know whether a timed feeder might help to dispense food at different times during the night to make sure Morrigan always has food available to graze on. Have you tried crushing up some of Morrigan's treats and sprinkling them over her regular food to encourage her to eat more?


I think it's a good idea for you to test for ketones - worth it for the peace of mind alone. You need to get urine test strips (e.g. Keto-diastix or Relion ketone test strips). You dip them into a fresh urine sample and wait the specified time before reading off the result. I think some members sneak the test strips under their kitties when they're peeing or catch samples using a ladle or similar. When I test Saoirse's urine I use a litter tray liner over the top of her regular litter and I put some non-absorbent litter into it then wait for her to use the box.

I hope you'll be able to find out what's up and how to sort it out very soon.


Mogs
.

Thanks Mogs! No Morrigan is a grazer so she always has food available for her. I texted her vet who is off for the weekend and he said to skip her AM shot...which I did. Keep offering her fresh food and see what happens. As long as she is eating something and seems normal otherwise, just wait and I can text him back if I need to. The next trial are the treats powdered and sprinkled. I managed to get a little under half her daily calories into her at this point. I am watching her like a hawk. I think I will pop into a pharmacy and pick up the ketone diastix if I can. I am sick right now too so not a great time for any of this!!! Thanks Mogs and Happy Easter XO XO XO

 

[Critter Mom]

I'm sorry to hear you're feeling poorly too, Louellen. As I know only too well it makes things a lot tougher to contend with. Sending you some special therapeutic Easter hugs:




Mogs
.

 

[Critter Mom]

@Shoeskitty -

Hi,

Just checking in to see how Shoes is doing today. Is he eating?


Mogs
.

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

@Shoeskitty -

Hi,

Just checking in to see how Shoes is doing today. Is he eating?


Mogs
.

Hi Mogs. Thanks so much for asking! Still has some mucousy and soft stools, but eating good today and dropping lower from his bounce. I did get some plain yogurt with active cultures and have pumpkin but not sure how to use this. Any advice?

Sure hope you and Saoirse are doing well!

 

[Louellen]

Hi Mogs. Thanks so much for asking! Still has some mucousy and soft stools, but eating good today and dropping lower from his bounce. I did get some plain yogurt with active cultures and have pumpkin but not sure how to use this. Any advice?

Sure hope you and Saoirse are doing well!

Pumpkin can be mixed in with Shoes' wet foods. They tend to like it. I think the amount is usually about 1 tsp to start off with. Yogurt...hmmm...not so sure about that one. Never tried it. I usually use FortiFlora (probiotic in powder form), sprinkled over her food. Hopefully, someone with experience will chime in here.
As for the mucousy, loose/soft stools, it's a form of "colitis". Try not to switch foods around too much. Cats and dogs can get digestive upsets just from changing too much...even if it's the same type of foods (i.e.;, wet to wet or dry to dry). But, I also know that you're doing all that you can to get Shoes to eat so, it's 6 of 1 and half a dozen of the other, huh?

Usually, what's helped Morrigan in the past with this (trying to get her over to canned foods, which never worked as this kept on happening ) was Flagyl/Metrondiazole (sp?) then, getting her back onto eating a food that didn't upset her digestive tract again and letting it all smooth out with some FortiFlora (probiotic). But, if you can do that with Pumpkin....great!

BTW...not sure about this but, did you happen to notice on the yogurt if it was "lactose free"??? Even though it has the bacterial cultures/probiotics in it, the lactose *might* make it worse. Maybe, try just the pumpkin for today and tomorrow, when stores are open again, try either a Lactobacillus-Acidophilus probiotic from the health food store or any good pharmacy? Or, perhaps, picking up some FortiFlora from a vet's office?

ETA: Merrick can be pretty rich food so, if Shoes isn't used to it...it can cause this no matter what flavour you have.

Hopefully, someone with more experience with this will chime in. Shame that it's a holiday weekend for everyone as people are busy right now with dinners but, hopefully...someone will be by soon.

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

Pumpkin can be mixed in with Shoes' wet foods. They tend to like it. I think the amount is usually about 1 tsp to start off with. Yogurt...hmmm...not so sure about that one. Never tried it. I usually use FortiFlora (probiotic in powder form), sprinkled over her food. Hopefully, someone with experience will chime in here.
As for the mucousy, loose/soft stools, it's a form of "colitis". Try not to switch foods around too much. Cats and dogs can get digestive upsets just from changing too much...even if it's the same type of foods (i.e.;, wet to wet or dry to dry). But, I also know that you're doing all that you can to get Shoes to eat so, it's 6 of 1 and half a dozen of the other, huh?

Usually, what's helped Morrigan in the past with this (trying to get her over to canned foods, which never worked as this kept on happening ) was Flagyl/Metrondiazole (sp?) then, getting her back onto eating a food that didn't upset her digestive tract again and letting it all smooth out with some FortiFlora (probiotic). But, if you can do that with Pumpkin....great!

BTW...not sure about this but, did you happen to notice on the yogurt if it was "lactose free"??? Even though it has the bacterial cultures/probiotics in it, the lactose *might* make it worse. Maybe, try just the pumpkin for today and tomorrow, when stores are open again, try either a Lactobacillus-Acidophilus probiotic from the health food store or any good pharmacy? Or, perhaps, picking up some FortiFlora from a vet's office?

ETA: Merrick can be pretty rich food so, if Shoes isn't used to it...it can cause this no matter what flavour you have.

Hopefully, someone with more experience with this will chime in. Shame that it's a holiday weekend for everyone as people are busy right now with dinners but, hopefully...someone will be by soon.

Thanks for this! Colitis, hmmm, never considered that. He's been on Wellness and Merrick for a while so it must have been the Friskies that I gave him. Won't happen again for sure! He has eaten well today so hopefully most of it is gone! I did give him about 1/2 tsp. yogurt tonight but it said that it contained milk. Hope that doesn't set it off tomorrow. I have pumpkin and will use it tomorrow if the stool is not resolved. Thanks again so much!

 

[Critter Mom]

Hi Sandi,

Thanks for the update. Really glad to hear Shoes is eating well today.

If his stools are a bit mucousy perhaps his intestines were a bit uncomfortable yesterday and that maybe put him off his grub a little?

Good information on dietary fibre, etc., at the following link:

http://felineconstipation.org/prevention.html#FiberorPrebiotics

Saoirse is eating well, thank goodness (and anti-jinx) but her breathing is a bit bunged up since her op. Am in dialogue with the vet about it and she's back on antibiotics and bupe again.


Mogs
.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

Mogs... your the best! How are you doing?

 

[Critter Mom]

@jayla-n-Drevon - Thank you for asking after me. I'm a bit wobbly and desperately tired. Finding it difficult to eat at the moment - all the stress has my GI tract in a heap and I've not got much in the way of an appetite.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

@jayla-n-Drevon - Thank you for asking after me. I'm a bit wobbly and desperately tired. Finding it difficult to eat at the moment - all the stress has my GI tract in a heap and I've not got much in the way of an appetite.

I take ordanestrom myself... does it help you ?? Have you tried it?
I hope you can get some rest ... I know I have challenges sleeping myself, I took some meds to sleep this afternoon
I haven't been checking too many condos as I have ben crazy busy at work--how is Saoirse doing?

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

@jayla-n-Drevon - Thank you for asking after me. I'm a bit wobbly and desperately tired. Finding it difficult to eat at the moment - all the stress has my GI tract in a heap and I've not got much in the way of an appetite.

I am so sorry about this!