Please send vibes

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tari

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Well...

She can only keep down about 1/2 ounce at a time. She threw up the full ounce that I first gave her last night.
I gave her 1/2 ounce before bed, though, and she kept it down. DH just got home, though, and it looks like she threw up what I gave her this morning. We're picking up A/D this afternoon. Hopefully she'll be able to keep that down.

Unfortunately, both DH and I have to work during the day, and there's not anybody who could come and feed her while we're gone, so we have to get her feeding done in the morning and evening. Also, I have to leave on a business trip tomorrow. I feel just awful about it, but I don't have a choice...I can't afford to lose my job right now. To miss this meeting at this point would be that serious...they've been great through the medical crisis I've had for the last 8 months, but I just can't push it any more. DH feels confident that he can handle it, and I know he'll do his best, but I just HATE that I won't be there.

I kind of felt like the vet was a bit doubtful about her responding to the syringe feeding when I talked to her today. She says if this doesn't work we'll have to decide whether to hospitalize her or euthanize her. I'm not sure how long we can afford to hospitalize her if it comes to that. The timing on this stinks...we've had to deplete much of our savings to deal with my hospital bills and his mother's death in June.
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Tari

Well...

She can only keep down about 1/2 ounce at a time. She threw up the full ounce that I first gave her last night.
I gave her 1/2 ounce before bed, though, and she kept it down. DH just got home, though, and it looks like she threw up what I gave her this morning. We're picking up A/D this afternoon. Hopefully she'll be able to keep that down.

Unfortunately, both DH and I have to work during the day, and there's not anybody who could come and feed her while we're gone, so we have to get her feeding done in the morning and evening. Also, I have to leave on a business trip tomorrow. I feel just awful about it, but I don't have a choice...I can't afford to lose my job right now. To miss this meeting at this point would be that serious...they've been great through the medical crisis I've had for the last 8 months, but I just can't push it any more. DH feels confident that he can handle it, and I know he'll do his best, but I just HATE that I won't be there.

I kind of felt like the vet was a bit doubtful about her responding to the syringe feeding when I talked to her today. She says if this doesn't work we'll have to decide whether to hospitalize her or euthanize her. I'm not sure how long we can afford to hospitalize her if it comes to that. The timing on this stinks...we've had to deplete much of our savings to deal with my hospital bills and his mother's death in June.
Tari, get some nausea medication - an injection would be good, and some to take home - Cerenia, Centrine or Reglan
Also do as many small feedings in the am and in the PM - feed 1oz, then in another hour feed another oz. At night, feed 1oz every hour until you go to bed - it will suck and you will go to bed late, but if you have only the morning and night, that's what you will have to do.... The nausea medicine will have to be given 1/2hour prior to the first feeding session so she keeps the food down. You give it 2x a day.
 
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tari

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Thanks, Caroline. We'll pick up the nausea medicine tonight.

On the bright side, DH just got her to eat a bunch of treats on her own. It's not a replacement for the feeding, but at least she's eating something on her own.
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Tari

Thanks, Caroline. We'll pick up the nausea medicine tonight.

On the bright side, DH just got her to eat a bunch of treats on her own. It's not a replacement for the feeding, but at least she's eating something on her own.
Good! Try getting an injection... I know most people don't like giving injections, but as a first time it works great to "kick in" - it is very easy to apply injections on cats, as long as it is SubQ. I've done tons of time - you just scruff them and apply it quickly - done. It works in minutes, and it is just the first dose - the three meds I told you are available in injection and in pills, to take home.
Centrine and Reglan you give 2x a day, Cerenia you give once a day.
Good luck hun, keep going, keep strong, we are here for you
 

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Tari, I will say that for Lazlo (who was vomiting a lot), the Cerenia (anti-nausea) med made ALL the difference.

You can also buy the 10mg pepcid a/c over-the-counter at a pharmacy.
We give him 10mg every night. He weighs 10 pounds. You may want to shave off a little if she weighs less.



I know this is heartbreaking, but hopefully it will be worth it.
 
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tari

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No luck on the injections...I'm not sure if it was the vet that didn't want to do it or DH. (After I had such a hard time with the SubQ fluids the other night he's pretty reluctant to put another needle in my hand. It was WAY harder on me than Grace...she got through it fine, I was shaking for a good four hours.) But we did get Reglan. I gave her the first dose when I first got home and let it work for a little while before we tried the first feeding. Does anybody have a trick for splitting those things? We're supposed to give her 1/4 pill three times a day, but they're tiny pills and they just crumble when you split them...even with the pill splitter.

The vet's recommended 15 ml (about 1/2 oz) of A/D at a time. (She's a little cat...just barely over 7 lbs.) For the first feeding I gave her half the amount to see how it sat. She kept it down, so I just gave her another 15 mL. So far so good. Hopefully the Reglan will help her feel better and the Mirtazapine will help get her appetite back.

I'm still really upset about having to leave tomorrow, but DH and I had a lengthy discussion about it earlier tonight and I feel a little better. I really have no choice, though. My job is pretty flexible most of the time, but there are certain meetings every year that I simpy cannot miss. I feel like DH understands how important it is for her to eat. He's going to take some vacation time at work so he can be here to do regular feedings. If she's still not eating next week when I get back I can work from home or arrange my schedule to be here to feed her. I hope she's eating on her own by then, though.
 

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Reglan works really well - just make sure to give it 1/2hr before the main feeding times. feed her as many small meals as you can... Start the first 2 days of A/D by diluting it 3/4 of A/D to 1/4 of water, as it is very rich and she might have tummy problems - this is the last thing you want now.... Cats do not keep food in their tummies for long, so as long as you space out the feedings in between 1-2hrs, you are a-ok.
Good luck on your meeting, and tons, tons of vibes for your little girl :vi bes:
 
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tari

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I was surprised that the vet didn't say anything about diluting it...but that's what we've done. I'm hoping to squeeze in one last feeding after I'm done packing. (Which is more complicated than it sounds when you consider I've got the help of two big orange tabbies.
) Speaking of which, I'd better sign off here and get going with that.
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Tari

I was surprised that the vet didn't say anything about diluting it...but that's what we've done. I'm hoping to squeeze in one last feeding after I'm done packing. (Which is more complicated than it sounds when you consider I've got the help of two big orange tabbies.
) Speaking of which, I'd better sign off here and get going with that.
Well... apparently some vets leave quite a few things out - how, when , how much to force feed, what to do about nausea, proper info about A/D... We gotta really keep on top of it.... Unfortunately it happens very often when it comes to feeding
I've seen cats die because of it.... For some reason their attitude is quite relaxed about it, which I don't get it.
I am really fortunate to have the vet I have now, but in the past I had one that God, If I followed his instructions (or lack thereof), I think Bugsy and Gracie would be long gone

My current vet is VERY attentive thank goodness! For him, there is no going past 24hr without eating the proper amount of food without assisted feeding... And he will do whatever it takes to ensure the kitties are getting that nutrition - medication included.
Have a good trip tomorrow Tari, Here is a HUGE
for you and your hubby
 
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tari

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Well, DH learned how to medicate and feed Grace this morning. We got off to a rough start...he didn't get the Mirtazapine in quick enough and it dissolved before she could get it down. He did it at the end of the feeding and she was pretty ticked off by then. She threw up the whole feeding...I'm guessing the meds must taste pretty bad. I waited an hour and gave her the meds and the feeding again. She kept it down after that.

I just talked to DH, though, and since then so far so good. We got five feedings into her today, and she only threw up a little bit of one. DH is still perfecting his feeding method, and has some trouble keeping hold of her, but he manages. I think part of his problem is that he's really afraid of hurting her...he's a big guy, and she's a tiny girl. I'm sure he'll figure it out with practice.

She growls through pretty much the whole feeding, but seems almost eager for the food. She actually growls in such a way that it really sounds like she's saying "nom nom nom nom nom". I know it's not a happy noise, but it really is kind of funny.

I'm in New Hampshire now, so it's up to Grace, DH, and God at the moment. The Reglan really seems to have helped a lot, though, so I feel somewhat calmer about being gone. Thanks so much for the tip, Carolina!
 

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Originally Posted by Tari

Well, DH learned how to medicate and feed Grace this morning. We got off to a rough start...he didn't get the Mirtazapine in quick enough and it dissolved before she could get it down. He did it at the end of the feeding and she was pretty ticked off by then. She threw up the whole feeding...I'm guessing the meds must taste pretty bad. I waited an hour and gave her the meds and the feeding again. She kept it down after that.

I just talked to DH, though, and since then so far so good. We got five feedings into her today, and she only threw up a little bit of one. DH is still perfecting his feeding method, and has some trouble keeping hold of her, but he manages. I think part of his problem is that he's really afraid of hurting her...he's a big guy, and she's a tiny girl. I'm sure he'll figure it out with practice.

She growls through pretty much the whole feeding, but seems almost eager for the food. She actually growls in such a way that it really sounds like she's saying "nom nom nom nom nom". I know it's not a happy noise, but it really is kind of funny.

I'm in New Hampshire now, so it's up to Grace, DH, and God at the moment. The Reglan really seems to have helped a lot, though, so I feel somewhat calmer about being gone. Thanks so much for the tip, Carolina!
Oh Tari, sounds like they had a great day
I am so Glad the Reglan is working

Your hubby sounds like quite the sweetheart, it is so heartwarming to read about him being so careful with her

Once he notices that he wont hurt her, he will get more and more confident and things will get easier - you will see how the cat bag is a life saver too, when it gets there
There is no struggling to keep on hold of her, and you have both hands free.... It is the best invention for this type of situations....
I think you are on the right track now.... I will keep the vibes going your way
 
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tari

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DH has gotten four feedings in to far, with another one to go before bed. She also ate some dry food on her own today! I think that's got to be a good sign. We will, of course, continue the syringe feeding until she's taking in enough food on her own to sustain herself, but I think the return of a bit of appetite must be a good sign.

Carolina, DH is the best.
He's this big, tough guy who's just a big softie with animals and children. Really, is there anything sexier than a tough guy cuddling a kitten?

He's having an easier time with the feeding. Hopefully the bag will get there soon and make it a little easier on him.

Thanks for all the vibes! Keep them coming...I think they're working!
 

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yeyeye Tari!!!
Wonderful news!!!

All that and no throwing up? So maybe her lack of appetite was due to the nausea....... and if all goes well, soon she will be eating on her won again!

Awesome awesome awesome!!!!
I am thrilled to hear these news - made my night - all these TCS kitties making a fantastic turn around are filling my heart with Joy Joy Joy! Yuppie!!!

(and yeah, and big guy being all lovey dovey with a tiny kitty sounds quite sexy, I got to admit
)


 

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Sorry to be late seeing this, but just wanted to add my vibes and thanks for all you're doing to help Grace.
 
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tari

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I talked to DH this morning. He says that the feedings are going well, and Grace is definitely more accepting of them. He's able to get 4-5 in a day. She started on the full strength A/D yesterday and is keeping it down. She also continues to eat a little dry food between feedings...not enough to stop the syringe feedings, but it's good to know she's got some appetite back. He did have some trouble getting the appetite stimulant into her again, but at least she didn't throw up this time. She's still on the Reglan for nausea. He says she seems perkier today...more interested in playing and exploring than she has been, and she's started hissing again when she sees the other cats outside the door.
DH took her into our bedroom with him last night to give her a little time out of the room we've had her in. He watched TV with her and says she purred and snuggled with him on the bed a bit. So I think there's some evidence that she's feeling a bit better.


Thanks, again, for the support and vibes, everyone. I know that TCS magic is helping!
 

carolina

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Originally Posted by Tari

I talked to DH this morning. He says that the feedings are going well, and Grace is definitely more accepting of them. He's able to get 4-5 in a day. She started on the full strength A/D yesterday and is keeping it down. She also continues to eat a little dry food between feedings...not enough to stop the syringe feedings, but it's good to know she's got some appetite back. He did have some trouble getting the appetite stimulant into her again, but at least she didn't throw up this time. She's still on the Reglan for nausea. He says she seems perkier today...more interested in playing and exploring than she has been, and she's started hissing again when she sees the other cats outside the door.
DH took her into our bedroom with him last night to give her a little time out of the room we've had her in. He watched TV with her and says she purred and snuggled with him on the bed a bit. So I think there's some evidence that she's feeling a bit better.


Thanks, again, for the support and vibes, everyone. I know that TCS magic is helping!
Wonderful, wonderful news Tari!!! I am so glad to hear this!!! Go Grace! Go Grace!!!!

for you and hubby - awesome job!!!
 

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I agree with Carolina!


It's amazing what some TLC (and anti-nausea) meds can do! She's starting to get her strength back because of the nutrition - and is obviously feeling better for it!


Continued for all of you!!!!!!!!
 
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