update - Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years

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oscarandlucy

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It was almost exactly two years ago that Oscar had his last insulin shot (March 19, 2009).

He has been healthy and symptom-free since then. Diet of just grain-free wet (usually Evo 95%) every four hours via automatic feeder.

At 5:00am, he had a strange episode - screaming, vomiting, hunching over, panting, lost bowel control, shaking....

Took him to the emerg. They don't know what caused the episode, but his blood glucose is 18.

Can relapse present like this? The vet said it was possible but I find that odd.

Also, she said if he had a seizure or asthma attack etc, they won't treat him because the drugs will make his diabetes worse.

Waiting to hear on the fructosamine test.

Confused. Any thoughts?
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

Sounds like a very scary time indeed!

They really need to find out what the cause of this episode was and take steps from there. If it is asthma, to say that they won't treat it is ridiculous. There are aerokat inhalers that work quite well and aren't too likely to affect his diabetes. And if it did, well, he needs to BREATHE otherwise what's the point in worrying about his diabetes? ? Makes no sense to me.

His bg was high but it could be stress or any number of things so I'd slow down and find out what is wrong ok?

Hugs

Jen
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

Thanks for the good wishes.

She advised me to watch him and try to videotape him the next time he has an episode so they can tell what it is! I was so freaked out that I can't imagine videotaping it! He was screaming so loud it sounded like a woman! I was terrified.

What should I do if they want to give him insulin today? I'm worried and scared.
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

if there is something going on and he has consistently elevated BGs then I would guess that a very cautious treatment would be warranted. And I mean cautious, like lantus or pzi, 0.5 units max and see what happens. If he's hospitalized and stressed then you've no idea whether the stress is causing inflated bgs. see what he's like at home first is my suggestion...
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

It does seem reasonable to ask them to give me a few days at home with him to monitor for more attacks and to chart his blood sugars.

I hope they agree.
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

I am assuming you are in Canada and the 18 is 324 for the US, not 18 for the US.....If so, that is not a terribly high number for a cat under alot of stress. Can you test at home or is he still in the ER? If you can test at home, you will have a much better idea of whether he needs insulin or not.

Generally if cats fall out of remission, the caregiver will notice a higher number and maybe return of peeing and drinking . But it is also sometimes accompanied by other complications. With Oliver, it was heart disease. Oscar's symptoms do not sound like diabetic symptoms to me - more like a seizure or a stroke. Will they check him out neurologically?
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

Yes, we are in Canada. Sorry about not doing the conversion.

He is still in the emerg. He was so freaked out today that I'm sure the number is inaccurate.

I haven't tested Oscar in some time because he was doing so very well. Always in the 3's (50-70) and with no behavioural signs at all. There were no changes leading up to this either. I would have noticed.

He has been evaluated for stroke, seizure, heart attack/disease, asthma attack.... they found some inflammation in his lungs but think that it is probably consistent with his long history of wheeziness related to allergies. The vet suggested a transient ischemic attack (a sort of mini-stroke) but said those are rare in cats. At this point, he is neurologically stable. They did give him some sedatives because he was so upset. He's a very vocal cat and wouldn't stop calling out long enough for them to listen to his breathing/heart.

And, yes, I will test him at home again. I feel terrible that I had stopped.
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

No, don't feel bad. If all the other signs are good, it is perfectly normal to stop testing. You knew what to look for and you saw no diabetic signs. And most likely, this is not diabetes.

I was thinking if they want you to start insulin, you can test at home to find out where he really is.
 
Re: Oscar's OTJ may be over after two years - help

This board is so wonderful at making me feel calm and empowered. I had forgotten that and I thank you all.

If Oscar is discharged today (which is the plan), then I will test him over the next week and see where he is really at. If he really is elevated, and has no more episodes, then I will talk with his vet about a short trial of insulin. If he continues to have these episodes, finding out what they are will have to be the focus.

I just wish the vet would call already....
 
So, he isn't diabetic!!! Just the stress of the attack plus the vet etc.

He's medically all cleared and I'm going to bring him home. Nobody knows why he had the attack. There was some blood when they took his temp, so now they are wondering if he passed a foreign object that caused severe pain.

Strange day and I know I'll be hypervigilant for a while, but I'm also very relieved!
 
so his fructosamine came clear?

ok, there are a few things that 'could' have caused what you saw, including epilepsy, hyperethesia (sp?), etc. so please keep an eye on him and perhaps do some googling in your spare time.

:)

Jen
 
Yes, the fructosamine was fine. She figures it was just a spike due to stress and pain. But, it tells her that he has a tendency to be on the edge and she recommended I get him down a pound or two (He weighs 12 pounds).

She also said there are written directions on what to look for and that I am to head straight back there if there is another attack. You can bet I will be doing tons of reading....
 
Just wondering did they rule out a pancreatitis attack? Be sure to get copies of the bloodwork for your own records when you pick him up.

Glad he is feeling better. :)
 
Pancreatitis was ruled out, fortunately.

He had a quiet night. Ate well. Seems good this morning.

Today, I have to learn about weight loss. I weighed him and he's up to 13 pounds. I will start here, looking for a thread on how much to feed.

Thanks everyone for your support!
 
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