TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Cat Health › Booboo is confusingly not well
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Booboo is confusingly not well - Page 2

post #31 of 530
3/16/10 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
He has received 200ML of the fluids twice. This was the second day. I have to take him up there each day for the rest of the week for 1 treatment a day. I know I shouldn't jump to saying I can't do it, it is just so terrifying. What if he jerks and I puncture through his ribcage into his lung, or something horrible like that?
That will never happen. The needle is only sub q, under the skin. It's not anywhere near his organs. Yes you might poke a muscle or a bone, but just move the needle if that happens. Or you'll poke the needle clear through out the other side. That happens too.

A few times I would think everything was going well, and when I released Ootay I would find my lap was soaking wet and hardly any got in her! either because I pushed the needle back through, or it fell out and I didn't notice.

Also, the fluids get tight under the skin. Gently lift the surrounding skin as the fluids flow in, to help the fluid disperse, or lightly rub/massage the pouch area.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
I will try to keep my mind open and do it. It also took about 15-20 minutes for the fluid to get in there, and that was after setting everything up.
That is a very long time. With a #18 needle 200 ml should take 7 minutes.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post

I was upbeat when the nurse told me that he could -possibly- get to the point where he only needs it twice a week. They said they would lessen the ML given to under 200 once they think he was getting hydrated enough. But after talking to my friend who just lost a cat to cancer, telling me I need to think "about what is best for the cat," I am just depressed all over again.
Cancer is not at all the same thing as CRF. Many many cats live long happy lives after a CRF diagnosis, with sub q fluids helping them. I know a kitty who is 22 years old, and has been in CRF for 7 years.

Anyway, you can't compare BooBoos case with any other case. Each case is unique to itself

Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
and hopefully his tooshie will become not so tender soon. I know I can't take him up to the vet for the rest of his life, even 2 days a week, I guess I was hoping he would become used to it but it may cause more harm than good with all the stress.. I was told after this week's hydration we will do another CBC and see where the numbers are at, and talk about treatment for BP and everything else.
If it wasn't 200 ML I would be more open to it, 200 took so long it seemed!
.
Why would his tooshie be sore?

As I said 200 ml should not take longer than 10 minutes, and usually less, with a # 18 needle. Some people do bring their cats in twice a week to have the fluids done, but it is much better if you can learn to do it at home, and I feel sure you can.

At home he will be more relaxed, once he gets used to it. You can warm the fluids. And it wil be a lot less money.

When a schedule is established, go to your local pharmacy where you get your own meds and ask them if they can get in the fluids, tubes (called IV sets) and needles there. I saved hundreds a month getting my supplies through my local human pharmacy.

My vet wrote the prescriptions, just ask your vet to do the same. For example: one bag of fluid at the vet is $22. One CASE of fluids (12 bags) through the pharmacy was $22-$24. Each needle was fifty cents at the vet. I got a box of $100 needles for $10.

I still think one week is too soon. IMO two weeks of fluid therapy is better.

Yes, think positive! When you start doing it at home, we will help you.

Cornell has some good instructional videos I'll find the link for you.
Reply
post #32 of 530
3/16/10 at 4:15pm
I agree with what Otto says.
It never takes me more then 7 minutes to give fluids.
I pay the same thing for 12 bags and I.V. set ups as I pay at the vets for 1.

Reply
post #33 of 530
3/16/10 at 4:43pm
Thread Starter 
I am very relieved to hear about the supply prices. I have a new privately run family pharmacy here and they are very nice about ordering special things so I am sure I could do that.
Boo has poo'd a bit, it is runny but his rear is clean (Being shaved certainly helps) As for his rear hurting, I could be wrong, but after his enema, like I said, he was given to me nasty, and he hates to me nasty so I think he was not trying to sit on anything, but when I tried to clean him he became very upset with me (Unlike him usually, he used to like me to clean his rear when I would have to every once in awhile) and now when he goes to sit down on his haunches he acts like his rear is sore, and will readjust two or three times before he settles. If I lift his tail to even try to look he will give me an unpleasant meow. He was already hating his rear area messed with since his P/U. Otto, the vet tech told me exactly what you told me about going through clear through, but I completely forgot to ask about piercing to organs. I am a bit relieved about that.
I could possibly be wrong about the amount of time the fluid drip took, I was holding onto him tightly and so terrified when he jerked (I scared of organ punctures) that it may not have been that long. Frazzled out of my mind! I am a little concerned because he is sitting in a meatloaf position now, not on his side like he was doing.

Thank you all for your help. I will continue updating. You all are so appreciated
Reply
post #34 of 530
3/16/10 at 5:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by otto View Post
Is this a typo? Did you mean 50? 500 ml is an awful lot for a cat all at one time. At least.... I've never heard of giving that much. I would think it could cause edema.
Oops, yes that is the result of me never sleeping. I only got 50 in because I was impatient and stopped the third time the needle fell out.
Reply
post #35 of 530
3/16/10 at 9:37pm
Yeah, vets are something you sometimes have to look around for. I was lucky, we have used the same practice on and off since 1984(the original vet retired but his son and 3 other doctors have taken over) for our dogs. I took Attitude and Nuts there and I like them. They have been comforting about their leukemia, Attitude(I had originally just decided to take her as my pet) being positive was a total shock to everyone. The test was just a technicality that they had to do. The son told me he had an uncle that had a positive cat that lived to 17 and that some cats live long happy lives and die of old age. They have been great, they really kept my Old English Sheepdog going in her final years and they provided such excellence in their care of her I couldn't go to anyone else.

Paul switched to my vet after his vet charged him over $200 to put a 1 lb kitten to sleep. I really didn't like them anyways, I mean the vet was nice but they just weren't like my vet.

When Mama, technically not my cat, she lives outside and I feed her and got her spayed, had her rectal prolapse and the rescue(I had called to see if a rescue would take her just to make her better and get her the treatment I knew she needed even though it killed me to give her up, after all her insides were hanging out of her) told me about the low cost clinic(they were full all the ones that accept FeLV positive, Attitude and Nuts are her grandchildren so I'm sure she's positive, cats are always full) I hated that vet. He was an pompous a-hole and treated me like I was an idiot. He also thought I was stupid for thinking that getting Attitude spayed after she unexpectedly went into heat at 5 months old when I have her un-altered brother inside(I found our when I found him on top of her) was an emergency. He thought this because she could just get a spay/abort so I could take my time getting her fixed.

Um yeah, I want to put my 5 month old cat through a spay/abort instead of having her done the next day, thus making sure she wouldn't get pregnant, and not put her health in danger AND have a much more risky surgery, plus pay more to have it done, after I found out she was in heat, my vet went above and beyond to get Attitude in the very next day after I called and didn't charge me extra to spay her even though she was in heat. Like I said I love my vet.

I called the clinic everyday(sometimes more than once a day if they needed to talk to the vet about something) to check on Mama until she was released. She was there for a week but they only charged me $150. I mean they were nice but the vet really p*ssed me off, I am NOT stupid and I don't appreciate being treated as such, I do what I view as best for my animals. Besides I didn't have to bring Mama in or worry about her, I could have just let 'nature takes it's course' since she wasn't my cat and let her die. She lived with her insides out of her in subzero windchills for at least 4 days(it took me that long to borrow the neighbor's carrier, and finally catch her.) She also was still eating and happy. Anyone that tough deserved everything I could do for her, not that I wouldn't have no matter what. I just couldn't afford to get her treated for what my vet would have charged, but I knew this and was willing to give her up to save her.

Taryn
Reply
post #36 of 530
3/16/10 at 11:25pm
I think, you need to ask your vet to do a test on your cats heart. Not just blood tests, get them to do an ultrasound. Many vets are reluctant to do this, but if I had trusted my intuition with my beloved Zharra and pushed them to do it, she might have still been here today.

What you describe could be Kidney problems, but it could also very well be Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy. It can lay undetected for years, and be an instant killer. You need to request an Echocardiogram for this. Strain on the heart can affect other organs - ie not enough blood flow to them, which can mess with other testing. It's best to be safe than sorry, I wish I had done it with Zharra.

http://www.cat-world.com.au/feline-h...cardiomyopathy

* Lethargy
* Anorexia
* Weight loss
* Rapid, laboured & noisy breathing
* Decreased activity
* Congestive heart failure
* Irregular heart rhythm
* Gagging
* Lameness or paralysis of the hind legs
Reply
post #37 of 530
3/17/10 at 5:47am
Thread Starter 
I am pretty sure we are going to continue fluid therapy, we were just going to do the CBC towards the end of this week or beginning of next, but not stop fluid therapy, as per my understanding (or assumption, I will get that cleared up certainly)
I am very excited this morning as this was the first morning in 2 weeks or more he greeted me at the door when I came home. He wanted to go outside, but it is too cold right now. I will take him out later in the day when it gets up to 60+ (Hoping it doesn't rain first)
I will also ask about the Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy. Thank you for telling me this. Also, he used the bathroom overnight/this morning and had actual firm stool come out. It was in nickel to quarter size and one of them had a bit of a tannish color in it. He also had about a tablespoon of runny. (Sorry, probably TMI!) I easily cleaned his rear up with a baby wipe rinsed in warm water. He wasn't pleased, but not as angry as the last time I tried it. I am going to also ask for planning the miralax when the vet feels it might be appropriate or when he thinks we can start it.. My female tortie may need to be on it too. Goodness so much to remember! I try to bring lists of things to remember to talk about them with the vet, but they seem to always try to sidestep it. Will get to talk to the vet today about the stool incident, but will try to wait until AFTER he gets his fluids so I can be sure (I worry so badly folks, about every single thing it's ridiculous) that they don't get mad and take it out on him. It may not happen, ever, but... I'd just rather not risk it you know??
Again.. I am so greatful for all of your help. You will never know how much!! You have been the only really supportive people during this, and it is keeping me going.
Reply
post #38 of 530
3/17/10 at 6:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
I am pretty sure we are going to continue fluid therapy, we were just going to do the CBC towards the end of this week or beginning of next, but not stop fluid therapy, as per my understanding (or assumption, I will get that cleared up certainly)
I am very excited this morning as this was the first morning in 2 weeks or more he greeted me at the door when I came home. He wanted to go outside, but it is too cold right now. I will take him out later in the day when it gets up to 60+ (Hoping it doesn't rain first)
I will also ask about the Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy. Thank you for telling me this. Also, he used the bathroom overnight/this morning and had actual firm stool come out. It was in nickel to quarter size and one of them had a bit of a tannish color in it. He also had about a tablespoon of runny. (Sorry, probably TMI!) I easily cleaned his rear up with a baby wipe rinsed in warm water. He wasn't pleased, but not as angry as the last time I tried it. I am going to also ask for planning the miralax when the vet feels it might be appropriate or when he thinks we can start it.. My female tortie may need to be on it too. Goodness so much to remember! I try to bring lists of things to remember to talk about them with the vet, but they seem to always try to sidestep it. Will get to talk to the vet today about the stool incident, but will try to wait until AFTER he gets his fluids so I can be sure (I worry so badly folks, about every single thing it's ridiculous) that they don't get mad and take it out on him. It may not happen, ever, but... I'd just rather not risk it you know??
Again.. I am so greatful for all of your help. You will never know how much!! You have been the only really supportive people during this, and it is keeping me going.
Hey, Snickerdoodle, I just wanted you to know I did Tigger's second sub-q last night, and I don't think she even noticed it!!! She didn't notice the needle going in at all. And I warmed the fluids and drained the cooler fluids out of the hanging tubing, and when I opened up the IV thing, she didn't even notice. She just sat next to me eating kitty treats!
Reply
post #39 of 530
3/17/10 at 6:42am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
I am pretty sure we are going to continue fluid therapy, we were just going to do the CBC towards the end of this week or beginning of next, but not stop fluid therapy, as per my understanding (or assumption, I will get that cleared up certainly)
I am very excited this morning as this was the first morning in 2 weeks or more he greeted me at the door when I came home. He wanted to go outside, but it is too cold right now. I will take him out later in the day when it gets up to 60+ (Hoping it doesn't rain first)
I will also ask about the Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy. Thank you for telling me this. Also, he used the bathroom overnight/this morning and had actual firm stool come out. It was in nickel to quarter size and one of them had a bit of a tannish color in it. He also had about a tablespoon of runny. (Sorry, probably TMI!) I easily cleaned his rear up with a baby wipe rinsed in warm water. He wasn't pleased, but not as angry as the last time I tried it. I am going to also ask for planning the miralax when the vet feels it might be appropriate or when he thinks we can start it.. My female tortie may need to be on it too. Goodness so much to remember! I try to bring lists of things to remember to talk about them with the vet, but they seem to always try to sidestep it. Will get to talk to the vet today about the stool incident, but will try to wait until AFTER he gets his fluids so I can be sure (I worry so badly folks, about every single thing it's ridiculous) that they don't get mad and take it out on him. It may not happen, ever, but... I'd just rather not risk it you know??
Again.. I am so greatful for all of your help. You will never know how much!! You have been the only really supportive people during this, and it is keeping me going.

Honestly, you should not have to be worrying about such things with your vet. Trusting your vet, and the practice in general, is absolutely crucial, in my opinion, especially when you have a special needs cat.

So I need to ask you a hard, personal question, please don't take offense:

Is this feeling of yours, this fear that you are taking up "too much" of their time, or that they will hurt BooBoo in some way because they don't like you..rational? I mean...are you just the "paranoid" type, or is there truly a danger of your pets being mistreated at this place?

The people of the vet clinic are there for one reason. To help you take care of your pets, to help you keep your pets healthy, to help your cats live good quality lives. You are PAYING for these services, and regardless of their personal feelings, you should feel assured that: 1) you will be given due respect, and 2) as much time is as needed to answer any questions you may have, with answers you can understand and 3) your pet will receive the utmost quality of care and gentle handling.

If you sincerely feel that your cat is in danger if you aren't meek and accepting, I urge you to find another practice. People who take a proactive stance in their pets care should be respected, not dismissed.

Your vet needs to know that YOU want to know what is going on, YOU want to understand every little thing, YOU are going to be on top of everything involved with BooBoo, YOU are doing research and YOU may question his decisions.

You have every right to say "why did you do this instead of that?" and so on.

You know what? I bring my list of questions to every vet visit. My vet waits for me to ask my questions, answers them, then waits for me to write the answers down. When the session is just about over, she says "did you ask all your questions on your list, is there anything I can clarify?"

And yes, she is a busy vet.

When you have a pet who needs frequent trips to the vet, and frequent consultations (via phone), a treatment plan that may need variations as time goes on, you really really need to have a vet and clinic that you feel comfortable with.

Peace of mind is very important. BooBoo (and any other pets you have) will feel any stress you feel. Stressing over how your vet or the staff think of you should not be one of the things you worry about.

Worrying about whether you are 'bothering' them with phone calls..that's just no good. If you have questions or fears, you need to feel able to call and get answers, not sit there and fret over whether it's a "worthy" question or not.
BooBoo's health and quality of life depends on it.

(as does yours, no one needs that kind of stress!)
Reply
post #40 of 530
3/17/10 at 7:34am
I am with Otto on this one, even if you are being a little paranoid, the fact you heard the staff means others have too and that should be a legitimate issue for the vet - and if it isn't my vet would not be handling my animals (I think every vet in the city knows that about me I have been to so many between my own cats, my ferals and the shelter cats).

Often, the vet (it is the vet or a tech giving the fluids?) has no idea what their staff are doing or saying. I was at my own vet recently, she does not stock Hill's products but her new tech (I think she is a trainee actually) was telling me all about how a certain Hill's diet would do wonders for my cat.

The vet had overheard it, but knowing it was me and I am happy with the food mine get and not about to change to a crappier carb filled version she left well alone knowing I would tell the tech exactly what I thought of the food. The vet did called me later to apologise for the misinformation we were given, because my BF happened to be with me and is one of those people who doesnt question the vet and would want to take them off Orijen. But that tech had never received that info from the vet - she decided on her own to give it out. If she had even looked in the file she would know that my vet and I have had very long discussions on diets since Scully's diet was always a concern and the others have typically eaten the same foods as he did to make it easier on feeding them.

My vet stays late for me, she is happy for me to call and ask her questions when I am worried and even when I have that 'somethings not right but they don't seem actually sick but I am worried' moments or days. Honestly, I wouldn't settle for anything less, especially when you have a special needs cat. When I first used her, I was so impressed that the morning after I took him home from surgery, she called to see how 'her big boy was doing'. She lives locally and I see her in the grocery store - she knows all of my cats by name and asks how they are doing.

Honestly, you could be hurting your cat with your stress level, if you are stressed, they can sense it and I would not want my cat already stressed when undergoing any therapy. Speak to the vet and if you are not happy with their response - find another vet
Reply
post #41 of 530
3/17/10 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 
This is long. I am sorry in advance. Thank you icklemiss and otto, and yes, I know you are correct. In fact, we just got back from the best visit ever. I had a tech doing the fluids (as last time) and her name was Marie. She was absolutely understanding, patient, caring, did not talk loudly like the last one (which stressed him out more I think) and she brought out a denim purse sans straps with baby safety pins, a sort of "sling" to put him in, his head sticks out one end, his tail out the other and his back is exposed for the needle. It worked WONDERS this time, (He is a Mr Houdini with towels!) and when I asked about warming the fluid she was absolutely willing to warm it up a bit before I came in. She agreed the warmer fluid seems to do better. My vet came in and I spoke with him, he agreed I can start the miralax immediately and was happy I asked. He was thrilled with the pooping information and him greeting me at the door, and was very enthusiastic about the near future. He did tell me that they will do a CBC this Friday, I will come in Saturday for fluids again, and if I am still not comfortable doing the needles (I felt a lot better about it today, I will try my hand at it tomorrow) then we could skip Sunday, the Vet said it would not harm him as long as he is eating and drinking (and he is very well!)
He did have to insert a bit of harsh reality and told me that his numbers will still be high Friday (I asked if he wanted to wait until next week, after more fluids to test, and he said no, the #'s would still be high) He said the toxins were coming out of his system, that was good, he is feeling good, and then told me that as this goes on, his numbers will reach a baseline but they will still be elevated. Then he told me eventually they would start going back up no matter what we did, and there would come a point where we would not have any other treatments to help him. I asked him about the Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy, and he told me he did not believe Boo had it, and not at his age.
I WILL ABSOLUTELY ask for Marie tomorrow and any other time a tech can help, she is the best I have come across since the amazing Dr. Schmunk in the next county. I told her I really liked her, it embarassed her and she thanked me. She was so very nice! They are all nice, you know, but me.. yes, I am very paranoid, I am distrustful, but I stayed calm today and Boo did very well. He seemed very calm, and my goodness guys, the fluids went fast today! I told Marie the fluids did not seem to go this fast last time, and she said it could have been the placement of the needle and his jerking around last time.
So. I pick him up when she is done and hold him on my hip, and he was waaaaay more calm than he ever has been. I was calm, knowing he was calm, and I am doing better at this. He is enjoying the sunshine at the moment.
Didn't cry in the carrier at all, there or on the way home. Only hid when we got inside the vet, but after that I truly believe he did astoundingly well!
I have never had an animal injured at this vet. My mother had a falling out with the Vet I currently use years ago, and I still think, on both sides, they are not too fond of each other. Honestly, there is no rational foundation for my fears or worries. I grew up watching my Mom alienate, frustrate and make so many people angry with the way she communicated that I tried my best not to have people mad at me. So thank you for asking and no, no offense taken. I know my stress affects him muchly, and am doing my best to keep calm, now that I understand much more than I did before.
Also noticed that the one I caught (on more than one occassion) discussing other clients is not someone who interacts with the animals. She is purely a front desk/file clerk/customer service person.
I am such an overprotective cat mom that is has caused suspicion, paranoia and second guessing of vets, but yes, I do trust my vet, he saved my cat's life from the disaster at the ER Vet clinic, and I've never had one die there. So, thank you for bringing that to my attention, I suppose I really needed to think about that one, and neglect to think things like that through ... it is much appreciated, and this will help me be even calmer taking him there and working with him at home.
And one last thing. Since my level of anxiety has been going up for the past few years from other unrelated issues (Finances, family passings, etc) I know I need to see my own doctor and speak to him about some course of action for this. And your posts have got me in gear for it. I thank you again so very much. Tough questions have to be asked sometimes!!
Thank you so much Going to treat Boo to some fresh air and sunshine and a nice walk outside on his harness! Talk to you guys later And blessings to you all.
Reply
post #42 of 530
3/17/10 at 8:32am
Thread Starter 
I apologise. Could someone repeat the miralax concentration? I want to try to give the smallest amount first and work up from that if necessary, but how much, how often and mixed with how much water? Going this minute to get some, and hopefully can find a baby syringe or something to make it easier. Thank you!!
Reply
post #43 of 530
3/17/10 at 10:13am
Your Vet should have told you how much of the Miralax to use! I use 1/4 teaspooon in 1.5 cc water twice per day and give it to Sven with an eyedropper. We started with 1/8 teaspoon and that wasn't enough, so moved up to 1/4. If Booboo eats canned food, I think you can just mix the Miralax directly into the wet food without mixing it with water first, but am not sure, since Sven won't eat wet food!
Reply
post #44 of 530
3/17/10 at 10:16am
By the way, too much Miralax CAN definitely cause diarrhea, which you don't want!! and a baby syringe would work great too, if you are going to mix with water and shoot directly into his mouth. Get several syringes, as using twice a day, they won't last too long!!
Reply
post #45 of 530
3/17/10 at 5:18pm
Thread Starter 
I'm sorry. I will confirm what mixture he would suggest tomorrow.. I haven't tried him on him yet, since he pooped earlier and some of it was runny. The past two days he has been on a schedule it seems. During the morning he is waking up, moving around, pooing, eat/drink and early afternoon he is a little active, might poo, eat/drink but into the late afternoon (I went to sleep at 2pm, and woke up now at 8:15pm) he is sleeping hard in his rocking chair and looks to be comfortable. I think he sleeps pretty hard during the night.
I just got the miralax for the future, when things start to get into more of a routine. But I certainly don't want to dehydrate him further with it, of course.
Thank you all again.
Reply
post #46 of 530
3/18/10 at 7:18am
Thread Starter 
I did it! My first try at sub-q fluids. No, it was not as terrifying or as hard as I thought it would be, but will -definitely- need a second set of hands at home. I want to try again tomorrow under supervision at the vet, since he is still not really liking it. He did not growl or hiss this time, only jerked a few times, and I am hoping that has a lot to do with the warmed fluids. They were not lukewarm but actually warm. It was nice. They will do it for me tomorrow too.
I was so scared, the needle was the worst part, but it was like a fork prong going into a slightly thick plastic bag. Not too bad. He jerked once and even though I tried to level my hand on his body so if he moved, the needle would not jab him, I felt the needle touch something and it was not pleasant. It did not hurt him though and he still did not growl or hiss. I will be trying to make a sling like the denim purse they have that really works well. It went quickly again today, not like the first time, and he got 200ML again.
My vet was in surgery today, but he is supposed to call me this afternoon in between or after surgeries. Booboo looks well! His eyes are wide, he is active, but I am concerned about his not eating the K/D. I tried mixing some warm water with it, he still turned his nose up at it. Didn't even get near it. He will eat from a freshly opened, room temperature can but after it has been refrigerated, I think I can just forget it! I've ended up throwing a decent amount of refrigerated wet food away because he just will not eat it, slightly warmed, with water, without water, sat out for awhile, nope nope nope!
He is definitely liking the car rides more. He sits up, looks at me (through the rearview I have pointed at him) and does not claw at the carrier or try to hide under the towels I have in there. He gets nervous once we get into a room, but heck I would, too.
*sighs* I have also been much calmer since this is becoming much more familiar to both of us, and he seems to be happy. Going to try to get him to take a walk outside with me and maybe eat some. I know eating something is better than nothing, but I'd really prefer him eating the wet K/D chicken and not his dry C/D. Maybe I should get him some wet C/D? I will ask the vet about it, and everything else. We get our CBC tomorrow! I am praying for much lower numbers. Thank you for all of your time and support. I know you all have lives outside of this site but I could not be doing any of this without you all.
Reply
post #47 of 530
3/18/10 at 7:39am
Hooray, Good job!!!! It's kinda freaky, but mostly just because it's unfamiliar, huh?
Reply
post #48 of 530
3/18/10 at 7:54am
Thread Starter 
Yes, mostly because it is unfamiliar, and while I know it might be unpleasant for him, I know it will help him, so that helps a little too.
I have a question about his turning his nose up (I will ask the vet this afternoon) I wanted to get him to eat something, and when I took him out he wanted to dive into a bowl of Cat Chow I have out there for an outside cat. I wouldn't let him near it and took him back in after awhile to try and get him to eat K/D. Forcing it in his mouth is not the route I want to go, and so I ground up a few pieces of the cat chow, put it on a paper towel and put it on the floor to see just how excited it would make him. He put his foot on paper towel and wouldn't let me have it back! (So I know he must be hungry but he hates the K/D I guess?) But I got it back before he ate any of it, and dusted a small amount of the cat chow OVER the wet K/D. HE WENT GONZO and ate a good deal of it (I put down a little over a tablespoon of the K/D, and there is probably half of that left) Which may not sound like a lot but it's definitely better than nothing right now. He may eat some more later, I will keep an eye on him. I will not add any more Cat chow right now until I talk to the vet, and hopefully that will be at least between noon and 4.
I am uncomfortable giving him any cat chow, seeing as how that was what he originally ate before he got his urinary crystals, but the vet told me to let him eat whatever food he would eat, it was better than him not eating. So hopefully a dusting didn't hurt? I don't want to make any more mistakes with him
... more later.
Reply
post #49 of 530
3/18/10 at 8:10am
A dusting to get him to eat the food shouldn't hurt him. K/D tastes awful (yes, I've tried it ), so I don't blame him for not wanting it. I would recommend getting some Purina One Urinary Diet and grinding that up and sprinkling it on his food... see if that adds some flavor. Also, try heating it up for 15 - 20 seconds. You can also add a little chicken broth or tuna water to the food to add some smell to it.

Good luck!

Okie
Reply
post #50 of 530
3/18/10 at 8:15am
Thread Starter 
Thank you Okie. I feel guilty enough without ruining his seemingly good mood/feeling trying to get him to eat! I am reading the Feline-Assisted-Feeding yahoo group now and it has lots of great information. I will certainly try the Purine One Urinary Diet. He used to adore his Cat Chow, even liked his C/D, I am trying not to be discouraged that he hates his K/D
And I am also extremely pleased to hear I'm not the only one who has tasted of cat food Thank you!!!!
Reply
post #51 of 530
3/18/10 at 8:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snickerdoodle View Post
Thank you Okie. I feel guilty enough without ruining his seemingly good mood/feeling trying to get him to eat! I am reading the Feline-Assisted-Feeding yahoo group now and it has lots of great information. I will certainly try the Purine One Urinary Diet. He used to adore his Cat Chow, even liked his C/D, I am trying not to be discouraged that he hates his K/D
And I am also extremely pleased to hear I'm not the only one who has tasted of cat food Thank you!!!!
And I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one who tastes their cat's food! (Dog food too! I tried some dog treats a work a couple of weeks ago that were AWESOME! They tasted like sugar cookies! )

Hope he feels better soon!

Okie
Reply
post #52 of 530
3/18/10 at 8:59am
Thread Starter 
My goodness, I've tried dog food too (long time ago) and some of it actually tasted -really- good. Ha ha!!

I got to talk to vet a bit ago and he confirmed the CBC for tomorrow. I am curious about something though, I asked him about mixing a bit of the cat chow with the K/D and he was okay with that, but he said the Purine One Urinary was more for crystals and urinary tract things and he thought I should stick to the cat chow?? What do you guys think about that?

I also gave him 1/2 teaspoon of miralax mixed with 4-5 ML of water, he was NOT happy about it (Vet said he would hate me for it) but hopefully it will soften up his stool a bit.
Now maybe the human can get a bite of lunch and a nap Thank you all for your help (and laughs! ) I will update when I get the CBC results (Will ask for a copy this time like I should've last time) Have a great day
Reply
post #53 of 530
3/18/10 at 9:03am
I have tried my cat's foods too, but since you are seeing the vet anyway, it doesn't hurt to mention the cat chow on top of the k/d personally I would try to use something a little higher quality but its also important to make sure he is eating, at lest for now
Reply
post #54 of 530
3/18/10 at 9:46am
Thread Starter 
He is jumping fine, I put him in the tub to see if he wanted water (He did this morning, apparently not now, he jumped out) But then he walked sort of.. straddle-legged for a few steps and set down. He did that a few more times, then got up on the bed (with no obvious problem) and laid on his side. Is this a "I'm going to have to poop soon" thing, I know it is an on/off thing since he was diagnosed... Will also discuss with vet tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone had any ideas. Thanks again And yes, ickle, I would think a higher quality food would be a better idea.
Reply
post #55 of 530
3/18/10 at 10:32am
Congrats on your first sub-q fluids try!!! I knew you could do it!!!!!

I must say, though, that I am quite surprised by the amount of Miralax that your Vet suggested you use, and the amount of water he said to mix it with. That seems really high. Are doing 1/2 teaspoon TWICE a day, or just once? our Vet told us between 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon TWICE a day, and WE are the ones who figured out the amount of liquid, based on what it took to get it dissolved. Course, maybe he suggesting a higher amount right now just to get him cleared out (if that is a problem currently, even though he's had some diarrhea - who knows, I"m certainly not a Vet!) By the way, I did doublecheck, and you CAN add it to wet food by just dissolving it in a little water, then mixing it into the wet food. If he isn't taking it well, you might try that with about a tablespoon of his wetfood laced with the Cat Chow!!

As to the K/D diet, have you tried him on any of the dry stuff? I know it's not supposed to be as pallatable, but I just bought my guy some IAms Multi-Stage Renal Feline Dry, and he actually likes it! And it comes with a money back guarantee. (just a thought) Something for him to graze on when you're away from home.
Reply
post #56 of 530
3/18/10 at 2:52pm
Thread Starter 
I have only used it once. I think he did suggest it to be that high (It seemed like a lot in the little measuring spoon) because hadn't pooped since last night around 8pm. I am using the Original strength powdered miralax in the white bottle with a purple top. It is a powder. It says "Stool softener" then it also says laxative, and it also says it will help in 1-3 days!!! He seemed to be maybe having a couple cramps from the miralax when he was walking funny? I do not know. He is sleeping super hard right now in his rocking chair, and his head is actually laying on the chair like normal (And turned sideways all funny! That means he is comfortable!) instead of being up. He was twitching like he does when he's in a dream last night, I was glad to see him sleeping so deeply.
I haven't got any of the dry K/D because the vet said he wanted him on the wet only (if at all possible, if he wasn't eating, let him eat anything, but try to get him to eat as much of the wet K/D as possible) for the moisture until we get another CBC. I have caught him eating the dry C/D that is down (for Chick'Sue) I will check on the Iams!!
That is the other thing, the kitten knows something is up with Boo and while she's been seeking extra (or really, ,just any, I've been so busy) from my Mom, she's also been being a tad bit more mischievious. She's only bothered Boo once, and I think she was just trying to see if he wanted to play. She's being really good actually, so I'm going to sit with her while Boo is asleep and comfort her a bit.
While he runny poop was runny, it was also pretty "Solid" You know what I mean? There wasn't any OBVIOUS water (Though I know he lost water in it) but it was kinda of like... the consistency of Nutella? (Oh geez hope I didn't ruin anyone on Nutella. Just ruined myself LOL)

Thanks guys. Going to go keep an eye on my babies.
Reply
post #57 of 530
3/18/10 at 3:41pm
Thread Starter 
Anyone have experience with walking strangely in CRF cats? He has been sleeping in his chair since around 2pm and it is nearly 7pm now. He was awake and I showed him his cat-chow dusted K/D wet. He jumped down for it, no problem, but then took the kitty pan route. He was walking very stiffly on his front legs, and back legs. Very robotically?
I picked him up and rushed him to his pan and he peed a wholeeeeeee lot. But then laid down half in-half out of the pan. I gave him a few minutes to see if he would poo, went out of the room to give him some privacy, spied on him, nothing. He came out of the room walking stiffly and laid down again. I picked him up and took him to the wet food. He ate like before, very enthusiastically. Then went to walk again and same thing. I put him back in his chair. He is resting. ANY Ideas? My vet is closed until 7:30am. Note that he did this, back legs only, on and off since diagnosed, but never the front. It came and went... thank you for your help.
(I am reading about Ataxia on Tanya's Feline CRF center now)
Reply
post #58 of 530
3/19/10 at 1:25am
Low potassium can cause issues with walking, I would definitely mention it to the vet. With food, I would let him have some of the cat chow mixed if it means he gets some of the renal food, and while wet is the best, if he wants some dry, I would let him, as if he doesn't eat, he will feel worse.
Reply
post #59 of 530
3/19/10 at 5:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by booktigger;2840639[B
]Low potassium can cause issues with walking,[/b] I would definitely mention it to the vet. With food, I would let him have some of the cat chow mixed if it means he gets some of the renal food, and while wet is the best, if he wants some dry, I would let him, as if he doesn't eat, he will feel worse.
This was my thought too. Your vet is really flooding him with the fluids, his potassium and other electrolytes may be low. I didn't really understand giving 200 ml every day, that is a LOT. The blood work is tomorrow?

But I'm glad to know you've done it successfully, now you know you can do it at home.
Reply
post #60 of 530
3/19/10 at 5:19am
Thread Starter 
Blood work is this morning. Will be asking why 200 ML for this entire week. He is not walking robotically this morning, but he does have a limp in one of his front legs which I'm worried might be the symptom of a heart condition I read about on Tanya's CRF site. I will certainly be addressing it this morning. I do not know if the CBC Will be before or after his fluids yet.
He did eat again this morning, and was eating dry C/D (This is out for the kitten in the house) When I came home. His wet K/D had sort of crusted over, threw it away, got a fresh lump on a fresh plate and crushed some Cat chow, dusted it, he was not interested. I put the crushed amount next to the plate, showed it to him, he tried to take it from me ( I feel so horrible, I know he is hungry) and dusted K/D with it. He ate, though only a few bites. (Might be worth noting he's always been an "All day nibbler" unlike the kitten who plops down and eats until whenever). He also pooped last night, which I was happy about. Will be taking that little bit of excitement straight to the vet in a ziploc bag so he can see it. It was a solid stool but it was soft, though it was a bit short (Maybe about 1 to 1/2 inches long) I hope this is the miralax working!! I KNOW Boo is happy not to have a bunch of mess clung to his rear.
He drank water this morning too. He was purring big, wanted to go outside, eyes are big, he is actually meowing at me when I say "Hey baby!" Coming into a room, big meows. Like normal. I am still confused about his poor walking, but he jumps like a graceful kitten, and jumps into the rocking chair which is not very low at all to the ground!
I know it will take a little more time to get him back closer to normal, and am trying so hard not to be impatient.
Thank you all for your help. So much.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Cat Health
TheCatSite.com › Forums › Our Feline Companions › Cat Health › Booboo is confusingly not well