(LOL! Sheila and OI posted at the same time. ;-) )
Hi Mami,
I don't mean to monopolize the thread...others will be along as they can this afternoon, I'm sure.
I wanted to address what I "hear" you writing from your vet.
It is common among our experiences here on FDMB to encounter vets similar to yours, with the relaxed attitude you describe and the fatalistic thing- "oh, he is old and sick, so this is normal"... Nonsense! Our animals are part of our lives and our family and old, sick or perfectly healthy, we want what is best for them!
It is a rarity when one of our members has a vet as concerned as we ourselves are. I think it is common for many animal owners to do minimal effort to keep the animal comfortable, so when folks like us come along- the proactive and involved caregiver willing to go to special ends to meet our cats needs, they don't know what to do with us, or might not even recognize we WILL do these things.
It is my opinion that YOU know your cat...you are with him 24/7 and are familiar so you will know BEST what he needs. Tests are parameters to go by- heavy suggestions, but if you look at the individual, he might need more or less of whatever...
In this case, your Akane may be experiencing a mild Pancreatitis attack among other issues, even with such a low indicator, and so may need some comfort measures like pain meds, pepcid AC, syringe feeding, and yea, sub Q fluids.
You may be able to get subQ fluids without Vet Rx, but I would want my vet involved just in case. You want to be sure to consult them about how much fluid is needed...a Vet that visits here on FDMB says to divide the daily subQ ration into 2 or 3 parts so that cat receives constant rather than one big overload that pees out anyway. Many vets will say just once a day, but again I think they don't know we'd be willing to do it more often if needed. Generally between 25ml and 100ml at a time depending on the cats needs...again to consult your vet would be ideal.
When you decide on fluids, we can help guide you with specific supplies that work better than many vets will guide you towards and there is a great web page with lots of hints and tips to make it easier and more comfortable.
Is it possible to "request" the vet prescribe the fluids? and the pain meds? Buprenex is good, but not sure what you have there and buprenex is a controlled narcotic, too, so some are hesitant to Rx...usual dose of buprenex that I have seen between my vet and this board is .05ml/cc to .3ml/cc (that is in hundreths and tenths of one ml/cc, not a full ml/cc or 3 whole ml's) , however one of my old skinny civvies gets .03ml/cc or less, so it is a very small amount but works very well...most say to give twice a day, but my PK needed it 3 times a day through the worst parts.
Most vets here seem to prefill syringes, but my vet will Rx a vial for me to pull from as needed...you'll need a 18-22g needle to attach to end of 1ml syringe with hundreths and tenth markings, remove needle after you pull dose and put dose under tongue. I understand you can shoot subQ as well, but the tongue works well here. or inside cheek .Consult your Vet for best procedure. ( I just squirt and run before I get bit or scratched!..it works)
As far as binders, I have 4 old kitties in various stages of renal failure and treatments. I do NOT use the binders for various reasons, but try to get foods with the lower content and provide water and subQ as needed...occassionaly one needs pain meds to get over a bout of cystitis.
If you really would like to use the binders, I don't think you need a Rx- I could be wrong about that, though, and again there are some great sites we can link you to for more information. It would be great if your vet could be on board- maybe you can request instead of waiting to be advised?
I don't suggest you rush into vet with bad attitude or mean, but rather to remember that your Vet works for you, not the other way around. YOU pay them...it IS okay to request things and the worst that happens is they refuse to meet your request....If they think poorly of you after your request, that is the Vets shortcoming, not yours.
Maybe you can learn more about the several issues that bother you and take some copies of the information or email them to your vet if that works and see if they will discuss with you.
You may also mention that you are aware the vet feels these are end stage issues (not that I agree or think that, but you said your vet does), but enforce that you insist your cat be as comfortable as possible and this is how you want to make that happen...subQ's, binders, pain meds., etc...
Hopefully you can be assertive without offending the vet and you two can come to some agreements.
If all else fails, you can explaine to your vet that although your vet may feel it is a waste of time or money, it is YOUR time and YOUR money and you'd prefer to do it anyway.
I think as long as you are not dragging on a life that isn't sustainable- and Akane sounds NO WHERE near that, I would think your vet would just think you are too protective, shake their head in wonderment but prescribe these things anyway...that's what mine does! :lol: LOL!
What do you think about all that?
Also, remember others will be along soon and see what they say, too, before making rash decisions. ;-)
