What to do?

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Sue and Polly

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Hello

I am new to the Forum having had Polly, my 12 year old cat, diagnosed last week. She had blood levels of 20 (360 in the US, I live near London) and was put on 1 unit of Caninsulin morning and night. She went to the vet originally because she was losing weight and drinking more frequently. She was not ravenously hungry but other than that appeared normal and cheerful. That was last week. She started on the insulin on Thursday and went back to the vet yesterday. her blood sugar level had dropped to 3 rising to only 8 last night when she was collected. She hasn't had any insulin since but is refusing to eat or drink - and is not herself. The vet says other than that she is extremely well and has no signs of any other illness and was in fact quite bright and cheerful through her stay. As well as the blood work she had a B12 injection, anti-vomiting and painkillers (just in case). I am beside myself with worry. She will obviously go back to the vet today but I would really appreciate hearing any advice or suggestions.

Regards

Sue
 
Hi Sue, and, of course, you too, sweet Polly,

Normal non-diabetic range is roughly 70 to 120 (US), or roughly 4-ish (3.8...) to 7-ish (6.6...), if I did the math correctly... So, her reading of 8 (144 US) when you picked her up is slightly in the diabetic range. Could be from her being at the vet. We call it vet stress.

I'm sorry Polly is feeling mopey and not eating. It could be from the painkiller meds. I don't have any personal experience with them; but, have read about some cats here who've been, well, mopey, after receiving them... And, also, she did spend the day at her vet's...

Is there some kind of treat that Polly particularly loves? You know, that you can entice her with? It can be sinful, just no chocolate or onions. Trust me, I was owned by one of the pickiest furry eaters... Sometimes sprinkling parmesan cheese on their food works because it sort of stinks it up, making it more interesting to their nose and tummy... People tuna or the juice/water from same also works... Giz, the aforementioned picky furry eater, also liked deli meat -- turkey, chicken, ham, and the occasional pastrami... She also had a fondness for extra sharp cheddar cheese and yogurt -- preferably peach, although blueberry and raspberry worked in a pinch...

I can feel your worry, dearest Sue... I know it. But, please don't think the worst, okay? Just raid your fridge or pantry and get creative to entice Polly's appetite and see how that goes. And, please keep us posted, okay? We worry with you...

Love and hopeful, encouraging hugs from across the pond,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, who just reminded my heart how much she loved the shrimp from Yung Chow fried rice...
 
You might try a bit of "momming" her, with a warm, wet washcloth and gently grooming. The massage and attention sometimes help them feel better.
 
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Regrettably Polly is a very stubborn cat who has never in her life eaten anything other than her biscuits - not even a mouse! No vet has even managed to get her to take a worm tablet. Despite that knowledge I spent yesterday evening and quite a lot of the night trying a variety of foods including parmesan, as indeed had the vet during the day. Given that I just couldn't watch her starve herself to death she has gone off to the vet hospital for more tests and hopefully some nourishment and is likely to be there fore the rest of the week. She is, according to the vets, reasonably cheery just not eating. She hasn't lost any more weight since her initial visit 10 days ago but presumably her blood sugars are increasing to the levels seen before she started the insulin. Please keep her in your thoughts and send encouragement from across the Atlantic. Whatever happens I know I am doing the best I can for her.
 
Sometimes, it may be necessary to place a feeding tube to ensure enough calories are consumed.
 
Just wanted to pop up and say Hi from a fellow Londoner! Hope your little kitty starts to eat very soon, the house feels empty without her I bet.
 
Dearest Sue -- sorry Polly, but this is mom talk...

We, who have had the privilege of being owned by stubborn, extra-sweet cats, know you are doing your best for Polly. There is no doubt! You found the FDMB, after all...

Now that Polly is being taken care of at the vet spa, it is time for you to do the same for you. Bubble baths, wine, and chocolate come to mind... Okay, and cheese toast. You know, for when you get mopey, because you will. I personally prefer doing mopey in my jammies with cheese toast on the side.

She's going to need you when she returns.

Can you bring her biscuits to her at the vet's? And, maybe something that you've worn so she smells you? Or, a favorite toy? It's comforting. Kind of like cheese toast...

My hopeful, healing, hungry thoughts and prayers continue for your precious Polly.

Love and continued hugs from across the pond,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever dancing in my heart...
 
Re: What to do? Update

Just to let you all know that today Polly came home from hospital. She is eating and cheerful and back on insulin albeit at a reduced dose. I'm very relieved and happy even as she scratches the carpet by my feet...
 
What wonderful news! I am so glad you have your kitty back home.

Have you thought about testing at home so you can be sure she is in safe ranges for insulin?
 
I have indeed thanks to the information available on the internet. I have ordered a glucometer and the vet is going to teach me to use it next Monday (and check measurements against her's) when Polly goes in to have glucose curve. The vet is very keen for me to be able to do it. I am apprehensive but determined to do my best. Wish me luck!
 
That sounds wonderful, Sue. Let us know how it goes. We all have tips that helped us. I spent a weekend poking poor Oliver before I got a drop of blood. The thing that really helped us was to warm the ear with the rice sack.
 
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