Update 11/1 4:00 PM ET: Luna bouncing back from DKA

Latest update from the Vet. They said Luna handled the first feeding well and there weren't any issues. Next electrolyte test is in a few minutes and they'll call with results. They want us to be there for one of the feedings today to start teaching us how to do it on our own. She'll eat every 4 hours until they know she's ok, and then move it to every 3. I think it's way too soon to talk about coming home, but this is a complete turnaround from this time yesterday morning.
 
For_Luna said:
Latest update from the Vet. They said Luna handled the first feeding well and there weren't any issues. Next electrolyte test is in a few minutes and they'll call with results. They want us to be there for one of the feedings today to start teaching us how to do it on our own. She'll eat every 4 hours until they know she's ok, and then move it to every 3. I think it's way too soon to talk about coming home, but this is a complete turnaround from this time yesterday morning.
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Good news. Hope she'll feel stronger as she gets food into her. Thank you so much for keeping us updated so well. I know this is not easy for you and your wife. Big hugs to you both.
 
This is such AMAZING news :bighug:!! It will definitely help for you to be there for the feeding—Luna will like that ❤️. It sounds like they just want to start to get you comfortable with the feeding tube process vs that they are thinking of a discharge soon. However, always hold your ground with discharge. I tell caregivers & patients, & it applies equally to fur babies, that everyone must be on the same page & be comfortable with the plan when it comes to discharging a patient. This may be an opportune time to set expectations & tell them you will need a reasonable amount of notice & a meeting beforehand to discuss the care that will be necessary when that time comes.

More thoughts and prayers being sent your way!
 
Latest news: electrolytes holding around where they were earlier this morning and they're adding b vitamins to her supplements. They took her out of her ICU cube and brought her to the visiting room. They said they won't release until her electrolytes stabilize without the supplementation and she could be using a feeding tube for 2 weeks. Depends on how she's progressing. Hoping we'll see improvement in electrolytes after a full day of food.

Waiting to hear back from nutritionist before they feed again, so we're a little behind the next feeding.
 
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SO glad things are improving. I'm sure electrolytes will be fine, the worst is over hopefully. Food will heal her. As long as she gets pain medication and anti-nausea, and then she'll start eating on her own again. Fingers crossed! Please take care of yourself and have some rest. In these situations, it's so hard not to go into complete madness and despair.
 
For_Luna said:
Latest news: electrolytes holding around where they were earlier this morning and they're adding b vitamins to her supplements. They took her out of her ICU cube and brought her to the visiting room. They said they won't release until her electrolytes stabilize without the supplementation and she could be using a feeding tube for 2 weeks. Depends on how she's progressing. Hoping we'll see improvement in electrolytes after a full day of food.

Waiting to hear back from nutritionist before they feed again, so we're a little behind the next feeding.
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This does my heart good to hear.:bighug:
 
So thankful to hear good news!!! Luna is such a fighter. Thank you for these updates, you are in my thoughts and prayers :bighug:
 
More healing vines coming Luna's way! :bighug:

Bubba was only in the low 200's when he developed ketones. The advice to withhold insulin by the vet because she wasn't eating was bad advice. The perfect storm for a cat to develop DKA is :
in appetence + a system stress or infection ( ie. pancreatitis) + not enough insulin

Keep on getting better! And kudos to your wife to stay home from the wedding to be with Luna. Moma radar was working overtime! :)
 
I think you'll find the feeding tube a real blessing -- it will dramatically reduce the stress of trying to get enough food and meds in easily. Still keeping all fingers and paws crossed for you, but everything sounds great! (anti-jinx)
 
Update from vet before bed:
Electrolytes basically the same as last test except potassium is down from 3.3 to 3.0. BG still in the low 200s.

Just got another tube feeding at 8:00 and handled it well. Next one is at midnight.

I'm going to visit tomorrow during lunch and my wife is going to go after work.

Is there any reason the potassium and other electrolytes are still low normal or anything that would cause the potassium to drop?
 
Oh Dan I'm so happy to hear such encouraging news. Sweet little Luna is not about to give up. I will be praying for your sweet girl. Thanks for all the updates. Hoping you and your wife get some rest. Gentle hugs
 
Thank you for the great update. So glad you both will be able to be with her again tomorrow. Lots of vines, prayers and emotional support heading your way. Please try to get some rest tonight. Luna, you are a star!!! And you have quite the fan club -- Team Luna!
 
Thank you for the update! So happy there continues to be progress :bighug:!! Definitely get some rest. You guys are doing such an amazing job. More love, prayers & healing energy being sent up to PA!
 
Adding to the vines for little Luna. We've been through DKA, too, and it's sad and exhausting. I'm so glad she's on the right track, and I look forward to hearing that she's home and healing.
 
Overnight update:
She's still handling tube feeding well. Her calcium is low and potassium is dropping. Red blood cell count is their concern now. It's getting low and they talked about doing a transfusion if it gets worse. We're going to visit when we can throughout the day
 
Sending more prayers Dan :bighug:! The blood transfusions can make a huge difference if they need them. Will he thinking about you, your wife & Luna.
 
Glad to hear feeding is going well!! I hope everything else resolves soon :bighug:

We're still cheering for you Luna!!! get better soon girl!
 
Just got back from visiting. Spent the hour trying not to cry. Always considered myself pretty stoic, but this little cat gets me. She looked alert and held her head up a little bit when they first brought her in. Still really weak and just wanted to sleep. Going back in a few hour during my lunch break to see her again and my wife is going to go after work. I'll get some test results next time I'm there.
 
Dan, my heart is just breaking for you, poor little Luna. What an unbelievably tough time you and your wife are going through. Continue to believe and trust, she IS going to come out of this very soon. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
This brings tears because of your tears, Dan. I am believing she will get better. The recovery is so much slower than our hearts want it to be.
I have an adorable little toy/stuffed sloth that I named Luna, after your kitty, a couple months ago.
Even though you barely know me, I'm one of Many who care deeply, and are beside you in spirit.
I survived DKA 40 years ago, and I believe Luna can too. You and your wife are excellent for Luna.
 
My heart is with you -- such a difficult situation. Hang in there and know that even if she wants to sleep during your visit, she feels loved and cared for and that will speed her healing.
 
Dan, like so many, my heart & spirit continues to be with you, your wife & Luna . It is ok to cry....at this point it would probably be helpful after all that you have been through. Let it out and know that even if Luna is sleeping and you are in tears, your love & presence still mean the world to her ❤️! Tears don’t take anything away from the strength, love & hope you are bringing to Luna—-she feels all of that positive energy.
 
Just got back from a visit. They let me stay longer than the hour we scheduled...but really I think they just forgot about us.

No new big tests since this morning. BG still in the low 200s and I guess they're ok it being there. Next major update from them will probably be later tonight.

She seemed more alert and was looking around but eventually got tired and planted her face in the blanket again and slept.

The tech said she was standing at the front of her cage this morning for a little bit. She hasn't stood for more than a second or two since we've been visiting, so that's a good sign despite the alarming call from the vet this morning. He needs to throw in some good news too.

They increased her meals from 6ml to 12ml at the same frequency, which I think is every 3 hours. No BM yet, but needs to happen eventually now that she's getting food. Our regular doctor was worried about old poop in her colon, but the emergency docs didn't think it was a big deal.

Our doctor sent Luna's info to a critical care specialist they work with down in South Carolina. They sent back some changes to her plan, so hopefully that will help. There were different bags and tubes and instructions this afternoon, so I guess they already implemented them. Hoping to see an improvement in red blood cell count and electrolytes.

My wife is visiting after work tonight, and then I'll take the morning and afternoon shift again tomorrow.
 
It is so good to hear that Luna is alert & even came to the front of the cage with those sweet marshmallow cheeks:p!! It’s nice you were able to get extra time with her :bighug:. It is also really great to hear that the vet reached out for some additional advice/thoughts regarding treatment. It is a awesome when a provider understands the importance of teamwork, knows when they are able to use some additional help & reaches out for the additional thoughts/recommendations—especially outside of the facility/clinic. Collaboration makes a world of difference with diagnosis and treatment!! That is really fantastic news for Luna :)!!

More prayers & positive energy your way :bighug::bighug:!!
 
We don't have test results yet from tonight, but this is the first time she's looked somewhat comfortable since she's been there. I haven't seen her do anything other than squat and let her head hang until it hits the floor. My wife sent from the visiting room. She's wrapped up in her blanket
 

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