-
Too many ads? Join our community of cat lovers now to reduce ads by 90%! Click here to join for free!
I'm so frustrated and upset right now.
- Thread starter zoeysmom
- Start Date
I don't have experience or advice either, but I do have good thoughts and vibes!
Me too!Originally Posted by LDG
I don't have experience or advice either, but I do have good thoughts and vibes!
Robin
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #24
Well, I think we'll be heading back to the vet tomorrow. I'll be calling first thing in the morning. I really don't want to take her in (if I could just get new meds, I would), but I think she's going to need fluids, as she's appearing at least somewhat dehydrated to me (although she does continue to take very occasional sips from the water bowl).
No real progress today. She did vomit a couple of times...once was a direct reaction to smelling food and getting worked up.
Our evening feeding was dreadful! Belle was covered, I was covered, my boyfriend was covered. I gave her extra, since much of it didn't get into her mouth. Luckily, she allowed me to clean her with a wet cloth and give her a comb and brush afterward.
She went over to her dish and I really THOUGHT she might take a couple nibbles....but instead she proceeded to "cover up" the food. "Make it go away Mommy...it's stinky and makes me feel yucky."
I keep telling her what a brave girl she's being and how we're doing all of this to help her get better. I'm just so afraid I'm going to lose her. It would be one thing if she has some terminal illness that we knew of (not better, likely), but it's so hard when the tests showed NOTHING wrong and she just won't eat.
No real progress today. She did vomit a couple of times...once was a direct reaction to smelling food and getting worked up.
Our evening feeding was dreadful! Belle was covered, I was covered, my boyfriend was covered. I gave her extra, since much of it didn't get into her mouth. Luckily, she allowed me to clean her with a wet cloth and give her a comb and brush afterward.
She went over to her dish and I really THOUGHT she might take a couple nibbles....but instead she proceeded to "cover up" the food. "Make it go away Mommy...it's stinky and makes me feel yucky."
I keep telling her what a brave girl she's being and how we're doing all of this to help her get better. I'm just so afraid I'm going to lose her. It would be one thing if she has some terminal illness that we knew of (not better, likely), but it's so hard when the tests showed NOTHING wrong and she just won't eat.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #25
Anyone have any experience with Cerenia? Belle and I are headed to the vet at 10:45 today and I had a decent chat with the vet this morning about her options.
We're going to try to get some sub-q fluids into her (vet's not too sure how she'll take to being poked and having to sit for 5 minutes) and she'll get an injectable anti-nauseant. I mentioned Reglan and she seemed open to the possibility but said that it was an "older school" treatment and that they tended to use Cerenia now. She said often they will give an injection of Cerenia and send home Reglan, but that Reglan has to be given 2-3 times per day while Cerenia would just need to be given once. 2 times a day is manageable for us....3 times a day is less manageable just because it's a two person job. I'll chat more with her about it while we're there.
She seems reluctant to put her on steroids, but did mention that it was a possibility - perhaps if today's treatment doesn't get her beginning to eat. As a prednisone user myself, I understand the reluctance, but also know what a wonder drug it can be (I can go from bed-ridden to normal and starving within hours of a small prednisone dose.)
Thankfully, we both agreed that it would be best if Belle does not STAY at the vet again. Apparently she made quite the impression last time. I suppose if they find that IV fluids are absolutely necessary, she might have to stay over the course of the day, but the vet was reluctant for me to bring her in even for a visit since she's such a stress-y cat.
So, hopefully I have some good news when we come back from the vet this morning. Please cross your fingers and hope that Belle cooperates for sub-Qs!
Also, if anyone has experience with Cerenia, I'd love to hear whether it worked for you or not. Most people here seem to suggest Reglan and I'm fairly inclined to go with was has been proven successful to others who have have been dealing with gastro problems (seems to be a lot of use these days!).
ETA: The vet also mentioned that the Cerenia could help a bit if she's feeling a bit constipated (and since I don't think she's pooped in days, I imagine she probably is), whereas Reglan can have the side effect of constipating. After the vet, I think I'm going to set Belle up in the bedroom with a litterbox and some food and water so that I can better monitor her eating and litterbox habits. It's hard with two cats, especially since both are "closet-eaters" who eat at night.
We're going to try to get some sub-q fluids into her (vet's not too sure how she'll take to being poked and having to sit for 5 minutes) and she'll get an injectable anti-nauseant. I mentioned Reglan and she seemed open to the possibility but said that it was an "older school" treatment and that they tended to use Cerenia now. She said often they will give an injection of Cerenia and send home Reglan, but that Reglan has to be given 2-3 times per day while Cerenia would just need to be given once. 2 times a day is manageable for us....3 times a day is less manageable just because it's a two person job. I'll chat more with her about it while we're there.
She seems reluctant to put her on steroids, but did mention that it was a possibility - perhaps if today's treatment doesn't get her beginning to eat. As a prednisone user myself, I understand the reluctance, but also know what a wonder drug it can be (I can go from bed-ridden to normal and starving within hours of a small prednisone dose.)
Thankfully, we both agreed that it would be best if Belle does not STAY at the vet again. Apparently she made quite the impression last time. I suppose if they find that IV fluids are absolutely necessary, she might have to stay over the course of the day, but the vet was reluctant for me to bring her in even for a visit since she's such a stress-y cat.
So, hopefully I have some good news when we come back from the vet this morning. Please cross your fingers and hope that Belle cooperates for sub-Qs!
Also, if anyone has experience with Cerenia, I'd love to hear whether it worked for you or not. Most people here seem to suggest Reglan and I'm fairly inclined to go with was has been proven successful to others who have have been dealing with gastro problems (seems to be a lot of use these days!).
ETA: The vet also mentioned that the Cerenia could help a bit if she's feeling a bit constipated (and since I don't think she's pooped in days, I imagine she probably is), whereas Reglan can have the side effect of constipating. After the vet, I think I'm going to set Belle up in the bedroom with a litterbox and some food and water so that I can better monitor her eating and litterbox habits. It's hard with two cats, especially since both are "closet-eaters" who eat at night.
Sending hopeful vibes for Belle
Callie got a shot of Cerenia on Friday. It did seem to help her and it apparently is supposed to last for a couple of days. Other than that, we're giving Pepcid to help settle her tummy and I read you can give Slippery Elm Bark rather than pepcid. I'm not sure of the dose yet, but have emailed someone to find out the recommended dosage. SEB is also good for constipation, so that might be a good thing to add to your regiment.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #28
Although there were no answers from the vet (didn't really expect any), they did exactly what I wanted (mostly without me telling them!).
Belle got an injection of Cerenia and some sub-Qs while she was at the vet. She came home with Reglan (two tablets
- they have to be broken into eighths) and prednisolone. When we spoke earlier on the phone she was planning to hold off on the steroids, but when speaking with her, she decided that, because another long weekend was coming, we'd go ahead a little more aggressively).
She was a trooper at the vet. I'm glad I ended up taking her instead of just getting the meds to pick-up.
I thought I just heard her vomiting, but it just ended up being Delilah. Hopefully it's a one-time thing...I don't need another sick cat.
Thank you to those who have sent vibes for Belle. Please keep sending them as we're not out of the woods yet...although I'm feeling a little more optimistic after getting some more aggressive meds.
Belle got an injection of Cerenia and some sub-Qs while she was at the vet. She came home with Reglan (two tablets
She was a trooper at the vet. I'm glad I ended up taking her instead of just getting the meds to pick-up.
I thought I just heard her vomiting, but it just ended up being Delilah. Hopefully it's a one-time thing...I don't need another sick cat.
Thank you to those who have sent vibes for Belle. Please keep sending them as we're not out of the woods yet...although I'm feeling a little more optimistic after getting some more aggressive meds.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #30
After coming back from the vet today, Belle didn't feel like doing much. I was hoping she would perk up, but she just wanted to hang out.
We gave her her first dose of prednisolone around 5 and another around 10. A little close together, but she didn't get the full dose either time (spits it out), so hopefully between the two, she'll be OK. Tomorrow we'll go to the regular AM/PM schedule and add the Reglan in as well.
Does anyone know how long it takes prednisolone to stimulate appetite? She's on 0.35ml 2x/day.
I offered her some chicken baby food a couple times today. At one point, she did lick a little bit off my finger. Not much, but it's the first time in days she's done anything but turn her nose up on me. We still syringe fed her some tonight...hopefully for the last time, as it's really not working well.
She's currently locked in the bedroom with my boyfriend for the night. She has a bed, blanket, wet and dry food, water, and a litter box. She's a daddy's girl, so hopefully she doesn't mind being stuck in there. I'll spend the night with Delilah, who is feeling a little neglected these days. I'm crossing my fingers that, when the door is opened tomorrow morning, there is at least a BIT of food eaten (I don't expect a lot...I know it will be slow going at first), and maybe even some poop in the litterbox!
So, while we're not making the progress I hoped, I'm still trying to stay optimistic....tomorrow's a new day with a whole new med. Pilling will be new for Belle (the tiny morsel that it is), so I'm hoping we can get it in.
We gave her her first dose of prednisolone around 5 and another around 10. A little close together, but she didn't get the full dose either time (spits it out), so hopefully between the two, she'll be OK. Tomorrow we'll go to the regular AM/PM schedule and add the Reglan in as well.
Does anyone know how long it takes prednisolone to stimulate appetite? She's on 0.35ml 2x/day.
I offered her some chicken baby food a couple times today. At one point, she did lick a little bit off my finger. Not much, but it's the first time in days she's done anything but turn her nose up on me. We still syringe fed her some tonight...hopefully for the last time, as it's really not working well.
She's currently locked in the bedroom with my boyfriend for the night. She has a bed, blanket, wet and dry food, water, and a litter box. She's a daddy's girl, so hopefully she doesn't mind being stuck in there. I'll spend the night with Delilah, who is feeling a little neglected these days. I'm crossing my fingers that, when the door is opened tomorrow morning, there is at least a BIT of food eaten (I don't expect a lot...I know it will be slow going at first), and maybe even some poop in the litterbox!
So, while we're not making the progress I hoped, I'm still trying to stay optimistic....tomorrow's a new day with a whole new med. Pilling will be new for Belle (the tiny morsel that it is), so I'm hoping we can get it in.
Originally Posted by zoeysmom
After coming back from the vet today, Belle didn't feel like doing much. I was hoping she would perk up, but she just wanted to hang out.
We gave herher first dose of prednisolone around 5 and another around 10. A little close together, but she didn't get the full dose either time (spits it out), so hopefully between the two, she'll be OK. Tomorrow we'll go to the regular AM/PM schedule and add the Reglan in as well. Make sure to give the Reglan 20-30 minutes before her am and pm meals... That will not only take care of nausea, but aid her digestion as well...
Does anyone know how long it takes prednisolone to stimulate appetite? She's on 0.35ml 2x/day. Pretty fast, you should see her appetite increasing tomorrow already
I offered her some chicken baby food a couple times today. At one point, she did lick a little bit off my finger. Not much, but it's the first time in days she's done anything but turn her nose up on me. We still syringe fed her some tonight...hopefully for the last time, as it's really not working well. Please, please... Only stop syringe feeding her when you are confident she is eating enough. She has to eat, no matter what... I know it is hard, I know it sucks, but the last thing you want is to add liver problems to her list of issues, and if that happens, it will be a long battle to recover... This can happen in a short 4-5 days with inappropriate eating... So if she doesn't eat on her own, take a deep breath, and feed her a good amount of food - aim for a normal amount - about 3/4 to a can a day, divided in 4 feedings, or if you you want to do smaller feedings, 5.
She's currently locked in the bedroom with my boyfriend for the night. She has a bed, blanket, wet and dry food, water, and a litter box. She's a daddy's girl, so hopefully she doesn't mind being stuck in there. I'll spend the night with Delilah, who is feeling a little neglected these days. I'm crossing my fingers that, when the door is opened tomorrow morning, there is at least a BIT of food eaten (I don't expect a lot...I know it will be slow going at first), and maybe even some poop in the litterbox!
So, while we're not making the progress I hoped, I'm still trying to stay optimistic....tomorrow's a new day with a whole new med. Pilling will be new for Belle (the tiny morsel that it is), so I'm hoping we can get it in.
I wish you and your little one well. Having lost two cats now last two years and mad vet costs with no real answers on either one I can relate to the frustration. I dont think I'd run to the vet so much knowing what I know now, they just seem to guess too much while taking your money and stressing out already ill animal. If they don't give you clear answers and solid test results with a clear battle plan that is.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #33
I went back to bed this morning after giving Belle her meds feeling not very optimistic about her progress. She hadn't eaten anything overnight and she seemed nauseaus again in the AM. The prednisolone went in pretty easily, but getting her to keep her mouth open long enough to get the Reglan pill in was was horrible. Since it was just an eighth of a pill, it was really difficult to find once she spit it out and started desinigrating as soon as you started messing with in. Pill popper didn't work as it just crumbled the tiny little morsel when pushing it out.
So, I was just feeling that if she spits out all the food we give her and won't take her meds, getting her better was going to be a pretty hard to get her any better. When I woke up later and couldn't find her (she "hides" in a new place everytime she disappears...there are lots of places to look), I was almost expecting to find her with a pile of vomit containing the pill next to her.
However, I found her pretty much the same as she's been. I tried to give her some chicken baby food and she really had no interest. I remembered we had some canned chunked chicken and opened the can, through the contents in a dish and stuck it in front of her. She started lapping up the juice! She hasn't lapped anything, including water, in days (she'll take sips of water), but it's very slow going.
She came up to me a few minutes later telling me she was hungry.
I took a couple chunks of chicken and a little bit of juice in the blender to flake it up a bit, stuck it on a plate, and this is what happened:
She was mainly licking the juice, and didn't seem too fond of the chunks, but at least she was showing interest in food! She did this for quite some time and still seemed to want more (although there was plenty of chicken still on the plate...the easy juice was gone, I guess). I tried some more chicken baby food - nope. I tried blending some baby food with some of the juice fromt he chicken - nope. Latest attempt was pureeing up the chicken even further with some juice. She hasn't eaten any yet, but I'm hoping next time she wakes up wanting food, I can convince her to eat it.
She'll still be getting her syringed A/D this evening before bed. Hopefully the Reglan goes in a bit easier next time. She's a little brat!
So, I was just feeling that if she spits out all the food we give her and won't take her meds, getting her better was going to be a pretty hard to get her any better. When I woke up later and couldn't find her (she "hides" in a new place everytime she disappears...there are lots of places to look), I was almost expecting to find her with a pile of vomit containing the pill next to her.
However, I found her pretty much the same as she's been. I tried to give her some chicken baby food and she really had no interest. I remembered we had some canned chunked chicken and opened the can, through the contents in a dish and stuck it in front of her. She started lapping up the juice! She hasn't lapped anything, including water, in days (she'll take sips of water), but it's very slow going.
She came up to me a few minutes later telling me she was hungry.
I took a couple chunks of chicken and a little bit of juice in the blender to flake it up a bit, stuck it on a plate, and this is what happened:
She was mainly licking the juice, and didn't seem too fond of the chunks, but at least she was showing interest in food! She did this for quite some time and still seemed to want more (although there was plenty of chicken still on the plate...the easy juice was gone, I guess). I tried some more chicken baby food - nope. I tried blending some baby food with some of the juice fromt he chicken - nope. Latest attempt was pureeing up the chicken even further with some juice. She hasn't eaten any yet, but I'm hoping next time she wakes up wanting food, I can convince her to eat it.
She'll still be getting her syringed A/D this evening before bed. Hopefully the Reglan goes in a bit easier next time. She's a little brat!
Hi I am Melissa Ruthyb's daughter I am so sorry to hear that I don't have any solutions I have 2 though here they are:
1.Take Belle to the vets and have her examined
2.Tell people to send her lot's of vibes.
Here are my vibes though::vi bes::vibes :
1.Take Belle to the vets and have her examined
2.Tell people to send her lot's of vibes.
Here are my vibes though::vi bes::vibes :
Reglan stomach motility pills, they give that to cats? I was on that for two days, had to be the worst drug in the hundreds I been on in my life and most of my gastroparesis group cant tolerate it either. It turned the world bleak, gave me very bad thoughts/outlook on life, uncontrollable body movements and extreme fatigue. It affects the nervous system apparently, watch your cat closely for any signs. Best wishes.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #36
So...I now have a hungry cat who can't seem to find something that smells tasty to her.
She's still nibbling away on the chicken and if that's what gets her over this hump, I'll happily go out and buy 10 more cans of it. However, I know this is not a long-term solution (I am supplementing with a vitamin paste, which actually, of all things, seems to be the easiest thing to get in her - it's sticky, so if I put it on the roof of her mouth, she can't flick it out).
I can tell she's hungry because she's acting much more like her piggy self towards food. When I was eating, she kept trying to get to my plate or pull my fork down to her mouth. I said "Do you want treats" and she did...but she just sniffed and walked away.
I think she's developed an aversion to food. Really, baby food and some cat food don't smell all that difference. She won't go near the a/d or the i/d and didn't want any Friskies (what they usually ate in wet....because it's the only one they can accept). I think it's that cat food smell she is having a problem with. Anyone know a good food to introduce next? Something with more of a "real" smell rather than a cat food smell?
I'm a bit desperate here so I'm thinking maybe Fancy Feast or Meow Mix Market Selects. I'm guessing pates are going to be out for the the time being - something with juice of gravy would probably work best.
I've opened and thrown out so many cans of cat food in the last week!
She's still nibbling away on the chicken and if that's what gets her over this hump, I'll happily go out and buy 10 more cans of it. However, I know this is not a long-term solution (I am supplementing with a vitamin paste, which actually, of all things, seems to be the easiest thing to get in her - it's sticky, so if I put it on the roof of her mouth, she can't flick it out).
I can tell she's hungry because she's acting much more like her piggy self towards food. When I was eating, she kept trying to get to my plate or pull my fork down to her mouth. I said "Do you want treats" and she did...but she just sniffed and walked away.
I think she's developed an aversion to food. Really, baby food and some cat food don't smell all that difference. She won't go near the a/d or the i/d and didn't want any Friskies (what they usually ate in wet....because it's the only one they can accept). I think it's that cat food smell she is having a problem with. Anyone know a good food to introduce next? Something with more of a "real" smell rather than a cat food smell?
I'm a bit desperate here so I'm thinking maybe Fancy Feast or Meow Mix Market Selects. I'm guessing pates are going to be out for the the time being - something with juice of gravy would probably work best.
I've opened and thrown out so many cans of cat food in the last week!
Fancy Feast! Try blending it on the food processor if she doesn't eat it and warming it up a bit in the microwave... Also spoon-feeding is a hit here with Bugsy!
Gosh, you probably did not dare to breathe so that would not bother her eating! I have been thinking of her a lot.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #40
So far, food of choice is Fancy Feast Grilled Tuna in Gravy from Mom's finger. I just opened up 3 cans and let her choose which one she wanted. Of course, the one she chose was the one I only bought one can of, so I'll have to run back out to the store a bit later. She didn't eat lots, but she was even eating the chunks (not just licking the gravy).Originally Posted by Carolina
Fancy Feast! Try blending it on the food processor if she doesn't eat it and warming it up a bit in the microwave... Also spoon-feeding is a hit here with Bugsy!
Anyone know if it's normal for a cat who hasn't eaten in a while to grind their teeth while eating...she seems to be working extra hard to "chew" her food. The vet did look in her mouth and at her teeth. I seem to recall Zoey doing this to her food too.
