update on Louis with DKA need help ASAP

Status
Not open for further replies.
A

agg1966

Member
spoke to the vet this morning. Louis' glucose was off the charts this morning when the vet opened. They have increase his insulin this morning. He has been able to stand because he is peeing in the litter box...which he had not been doing. But, he will not eat. My mother took some food from home to him this morning, but he won't eat. It has been 48 hours since he was diagnosed with DKA. If his glucose level hasn't come down by this afternoon, the vet wants to speak with me about "options." I think I know what option she has in mind. I think the fact that he is able to use the litter box is a good sign...don't you? Some have mentioned feed tubing....should I mention that to the vet? For those of you who have gone throgh this, please respond, as my talk to the vet will occur this afternoon. 48 hrs....is that enough time? How long should it take to get Louis' insulin to be regulated....is 48 hrs long enough. Right now, Louis is just laying there, not moving, but we know he has some energy or he couldn't be getting to the little box. What questions do I need to ask the vet this afternoon when I talk to her. Also, I think I need to point out that right now, the vet where he is, closes at 5:00, so there is no one there at night to check his BG and give him insulin if needed. There is a ER vet here that opens at night when the other ones are closing. Should I transfer him there at night for monitoring so he can have 24 hour care? I just want to make sure I have done everything I can for Louis before the vet suggests that I put him down, and I do believe that is what she is going to do!! I see her this afternoon, so I'm running out of time. Thanks for you help.
 
Louis needs more time to recover, and his chances are improved if he is in the 24-hour facility. They should be syringe-feeding him around the clock. Is he on IV fluids?

They don't eat because they don't feel well, and sometimes, it takes awhile for the appetite to return even when ketones are cleared from the system.

In a 24-hour ER they normally have DKA cats on an insulin drip to get the numbers down. Regulation is really not what you need at the moment - you need Louis to fight and the vet to be proactive, and you can work on regulating him when he gets home as he improves.

It doesn't sound like you and Louis are ready to give up - so, give him the chance he needs if you can. If you are able to keep him in the 24-hour ER that is the best place for him at this time.

DKA is hard on you and your cat...but can be overcome.

Best,
Pam & Layla
 
I also vote for the ER, and not just for the evenings. All sorts of tricks to taking care of a DKA that a GP vet doesn't have the time to do, but the ER staff do.

Dr. Lisa has a page on feeding tubes. Someone willing to syringe feed him may be enough at this point though.

I just want to make sure I have done everything I can for Louis before the vet suggests that I put him down
Click to expand...

If this is what you want, the ER is where Louis should be.
 
My Kitty was was dx with DKA last week. She transferred to the Emergency Vet for the first two nights for continued therapy and fluids, after that she stayed at the "regular" vet during the night. She remained in the hospital for 6 days.

I would take Louis to the Emergency Vet at night.

She is home and recovering nicely. She also had a UTI.
 
One more thing from my experience---Kitty's BG was over 600 the first 4 mornings. It wasn't until 5 days that her levels dropped. She is now in the mid 300s this week.

Good Luck!
 
Dearest agg1966,

Please do not give up on Louis.

Yes, he needs 24-hour ER vet care right now. Why? Because DKA cats need a very short acting insulin given and monitored. They also need IV fluids which contain things like nutrients, electrolytes, potassium, and probably other stuff...

As shaken as you are right now, let me tell you that cats can come back from DKA. Giz did. Mike's Tigger did. Pam's Layla did. And, there are many others who did, and do.

But, also please understand, dearest agg1966, this will not regulate Louis. It will stabilize him. And stabilizing is where Louis needs to go right now. We can help you with the diabetic part once Louis comes home. And, he will. I believe in you both.

Much love and countless hopeful, healing hugs,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, who came back and continues to dance in my heart...
 
Louis' BG was 200 this morning and the vet seems pleased. It has been off the charts since Sunday. He still won't eat. They put a feeding tube in this morning and gave him 10cc of food. When will he perk up.....if at all. What should I expect? If his BG stays low, he should begin to feel better, with the feeding tube, right?
 
What's Louis' status this morning? Does he still have ketones?

What is the treatment plan?

What treatment is he getting other than the insulin injections?

A feeding tube is good in that you can monitor exactly how much food he gets. This will help him heal. Now, is this feeding tube a nasal tube (temporary) or is it an e-tube (will last longer)?
 
Such a hard thing for both you and Louis. I would give Louis some more time with more proactive treatment, maybe 24 hr ER vet you mentioned. Sending you and Louis healing thoughts and prayers.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top