? Update on Tigger and some advice

[Breanna H]

Hello All!! Long time no talk!! I haven't posted on here in quite a while so I don't really have a previous thread to link but I wanted to stop by and give everyone an update on Acro Tigger and get some advice.

We have been trucking along on our Cabergoline, I upped him to 0.45ml of the 200mcg/ml dose. We have been on it for about 20 weeks/5 months now. I thought I was finally seeing some improvement, I even panicked a few times and gave some high carb, however about the past week and a half his numbers have been steadily high/increasing again.
Do you think this is just the normal progression of the tumor ramping up and down or do you think his dosing needs adjusted? I really can't afford to raise him anymore which is why we've been hanging out around 18-20u (levemir) for so long. I was really hopeful I would be able to decrease his dose there for a while but it appears that is not the case and Tigger does not want to save me any money.

Also, Tigger was at the vet a little while ago for a cyst that is growing on his neck. I am worried that it is going to pop on it's own so he is scheduled to have it removed on July 7th under anesthesia. While he's under, they are going to clean his teeth. Is it safe for him to go under anesthesia with higher numbers?

Lastly, we have some upcoming travel. Several people have volunteered to give Tigger his shots. What do you think is a safe dose to stick with while we are gone if his sugar is not being checked? I know, I know, no dose is safe without checking first, but I have to work with who has volunteered for me and I just don't want to put it on them to also learn to check his sugar. It's just too much already with his mass amounts of cat litter, his feeders, ect. And on top of the expense he already is, I can't afford to hire someone when we have people volunteering to do it. I was thinking 15u? Too high? Too low? One trip is 4 days, the other is 8.

Tigger's neuropathy was getting really bad so we had to move his litter box from the basement into our dining room (so not thrilled, but what are ya going to do?). His legs did improve with the lower numbers, but like I said, they are going up again.

Tigger is so so much work and time and so, so much money. I feel just drained. His cyst removal and teeth will be roughly 800 dollars (US) with the anesthesia. As much as I hate to bring this up and I feel like a horrible human being for even saying it because I love him so incredibly much, how do you know when enough is enough? The time, expense and mess with litter and twice daily litter box cleaning is just so much for my life on top of a full time job and my own health. We've been at this since December 2019 and I'm just mentally and physically drained from the process. I am "jealous" of other people's cats who you just pet, feed and change the litter every other day. I just don't know when to throw in the towel and how to go about it when he is still pretty functional, even though I do so much to keep him there.

Thanks for letting me vent and for the advice. Sorry for the long post but it's been quite a bit since we've been by.

Hope everyone is well and is getting slightly more back to normal with this crazy pandemic life!

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

There is a lot here that I could say, just reading your message. I, too, have an acrocat who has been through a lot and currently is going through a lot more.

First, the diabetic neuropathy can be helped by giving him a daily dose of methylcobalamin. A lot of people use Zobaline and a lot of people use a different brand name of methyl B-12 that is less expensive. Someone recently shared a video of a cat with a SEVERE diabetic neuropathy who took methylcobalamin and it was completely reversed.

But really, it sounds like you are very exhausted taking care of Tigger. Believe me, I can understand that. I can understand the drain on financial resources and I can understand the physical and emotional toll that it takes. I have been through this and am going through it now with my Darcy. Have you considered letting someone else adopt Tigger? I am not an expert in this -- meaning that I am not well connected in this way, but I do know personal stories of cats who are diabetic -- where the owner can no longer care for their cat for various reasons -- being adopted by a very experienced person who has owned diabetic cats in the past or has one or more currently. I think Diabetic Cats In Need may be able to help? I am going to tag @Olive & Paula about this since she adopted a diabetic cat. I'm also going to tag @Wendy&Neko because she may have suggestions. I know that others will come along and talk about dosing help.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Hi Breanna - good to see an update. Pass on some scritches to Tigger from me.

Is it safe for him to go under anesthesia with higher numbers?

Yes, but it depends how comfortable your vet is doing this. There is a anaesthesia protocol for diabetic cats. Neko had her first dental when she started the day at 452. Tigger is no where near that high. But we've heard from some people that their vet wants their cat regulated before doing anaesthesia. If he needs a dental, that might be causing his numbers to be higher.

As for neuropathy, I'd also have the vet check him for arthritis. It's quite common in acros and there are supplements that can help.

Lastly, we have some upcoming travel.

I was thinking 15u? Too high? Too low? One trip is 4 days, the other is 8.

How long until you leave? Dose needs can change over short period of times. Right now 15 units would be too low. You basically want a dose where he's not getting into greens or low blues. And you aren't the first person whose gone away without testing being done. Some cats just won't let a stranger test. You'd be a bit more conservative on dose. Do you think he'll eat fine while you are gone? You can always reduce his dose for a couple days before you leave to see what sort of numbers that dose will get.

I am the wrong to ask about when enough is enough. Neko usually peed just twice a day, so the LB was not a huge chore. I grew very close to her with all her care, though she honestly wasn't a lot of extra work until the end. But I also have a husband who would do some of the care duties and give me a break for a bit. I did it for 5 years and don't regret waiting until Neko told me she had enough. But I'm not in your shoes, I can't see what shape Tigger is really in. All we see is his numbers until you tell us a bit more about how he's acting/behaving. From the Health Links forum: Making "The Decision": Help to know when and how

 

[Breanna H]

Have you considered letting someone else adopt Tigger?

While I have considered it, I am spending roughly about 400 dollars a month on Tigger right now, sometimes more depending on vet visits. I really think it is quite doubtful anyone else would be willing to take that on, haha. I wonder most days what in the world I am thinking spending that much, but then I look behind me on the couch and hear him snoring and know it's worth it.

A lot of people use Zobaline

Also, Tigger has been on Zobaline since roughly February 2020. While I have recently seen improvement with his lower numbers, since he has been high for so long, I think it's just played a toll on his poor feet/legs

a lot of people use a different brand name of methyl B-12 that is less expensive

I've tried to figure out what else to buy, but I heard you also have to incorporate folic acid? and got confused so I just continue to buy the Zobaline.

How long until you leave? Dose needs can change over short period of times. Right now 15 units would be too low. You basically want a dose where he's not getting into greens or low blues. And you aren't the first person whose gone away without testing being done. Some cats just won't let a stranger test. You'd be a bit more conservative on dose. Do you think he'll eat fine while you are gone? You can always reduce his dose for a couple days before you leave to see what sort of numbers that dose will get.

Two weeks yet until the first trip so definitely some time. He will definitely eat fine while we are gone, eating is his favorite activity, haha. I'll try 17 and see how that effects his numbers. I even think he would be fine at the dose we are at now, but I'm not quite so sure what he's going to decide to do with his numbers over the next few days.

I can't see what shape Tigger is really in. All we see is his numbers until you tell us a bit more about how he's acting/behaving.

Like I said, his mobility really has improved the past few weeks with the lower numbers & Zobaline so that's not quite as much of an issue. But still not well enough to move the box back down the stairs I don't think. He is just so messy with the litter and I run the vacuum about 3 times a day and empty the box twice. Other than that (and his numbers), he is a mostly a normal cat. He still is so sweet and so loving. I couldn't image being without him but I don't have any help from my husband (he works a lot), other than an occasional mid day check when I remember to ask him while I am at work. I'm really hoping getting out of the house for a few days on these trips kind of "refreshes" me and gives me a break. With Covid, it really has just been me every day caring for him. I think I'm just feeling a little exhausted so I'm thinking that might help. I don't think Tigger is ready at all. I'm definitely not either but some days I just feel so tired and so does my bank account. I just needed a little pep talk, as usual, haha.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

No worries, we are great at hosting pity parties here.

 

[Olive & Paula]

@Breanna H .

If only you were just a bit closer to me. I'm in Hamlin/Archbald area.

I adopted Olive knowing she was diabetic. Did not know all her other issue at the time. For the most part I was sole care giver. Husband would not test but would give occasional shot. Most her meds were given from AM to +4 hrs so I was always home then. Her pain med @ +8 husband did more than I as I was usually out doing the errands. I set alarms on my phone for her meds. I can't tell you how many times they would go off when I was out. He did scoop the boxes daily, I washed them weekly. Saturday was the only day I worked, so that was my break. A few times I had to bring her with me. I went back to work just to pay for the cabergoline. Olive was not on a high of dose as your giving. I did take up offers when people posted in supply closet as much as possible. I bought oral syringes for her meds in counts of 100 per box. Used oral syringes more than once. My CareCredit card always had a balance. I went to dental specialist for her teeth. It was more expensive but provided me with a tad more ease than just regular vet. Cardiologist gave a list of meds/anesthesia she could not have because of the hcm. I didn't worry (still don't) about house cleaning. Its gets done when I feel like it. My me time was working out in the garden, I work take the frustration and tiredness out in the dirt.

Take the time you need and enjoy it.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Best of luck, Breanna. You obviously have a really special love bug there in Tigger... one who loves YOU very much. Believe me, I don't like to talk about it too much... but I am right there with you with the drained financial resources, drained energy, time... life ruled by this condition (I have multiple conditions to manage right now not to mention foster cats, other "personal" cats, etc..) We have people on this forum with disabilities who are trying to manage on very limited income, we have people with serious injuries, etc.... That's just to say that I think it's okay to vent! Everybody has unique circumstances. Hang in there with the cabergoline. It should make a real difference. My cat was doing fantastic on it (reduced insulin) until he had kidney failure and I cut his dose back... don't know if it was the right thing to do, but I considered it a temporary change until his kidneys recover (I hope). Take it easy!