Thunder is 12 years old. 3 years ago, he had cholangiohepatits and IBD. With care, prednisolone and other meds, and a feeding tube, we got him through that. He was on a maintenance dose of pred until about 5 months ago. At that time, he let us know he was tired of being pilled.
We thought any problems would be slow to manifest. We got his lever values checked regularly. Then I realized he wasn't eating (despite interest in food) and was losing weight. So off to the vet we went. Bloodwork showed pancreatitis. In went another feeding tube. He had an ultrasound, which showed the inflamed pancreas and bowel thickening (consistent w/ the IBD). No obvious tumors or suspicious shadings on the ultrasound. We were very hopeful that he could make a full recovery (and then be on pred for the rest of his life).
But he wasn't (and still isn't) gaining any weight. After a week, we did a urine test and found out he was diabetic (dumping sugar). So he's on Lantus again. We did a paw stick to get a blood number, and adjust his dosage. We'll do another tonight. He's been on the insulin for 6 days now.
Thunder's feces are wonderful, actually, which makes it less likely that he has intestinal cancer. It may be that he just needs longer on the insulin. But whenever the pain meds wear off, he is definitely uncomfortable. And the lack of weight gain really worries us.
I'm adding digestive enzymes and L-Glutamine to Thunder's food since Wednesday.
Carol (my spouse) and I think there is more going on with Thunder than just pancreatitis (i.e. cancer). We don't want to do anything heroic for him. He's let us know that he's tired of not feeling good. We're giving him until early next week to rally, if it is possible to do so. We don't want to keep him here just to keep him here.
I guess what I'm looking for is any information from others who have had a kitty with pancreatitis. Did you experience similar issues? Do you have any suggestions? Is there anything I can do, either to help him get better or ease his time with us? We are giving him Reiki, as much as he can stand. His quality of life is reasonably good, as long as he's on the pain meds. He is interested in life, and I don't think he really wants to leave (when he's feeling good). When he's not feeling good, he's given us "the look".
Thanks for any ideas, and for the support I know is out there from other cat lovers.
Kalynnda
We thought any problems would be slow to manifest. We got his lever values checked regularly. Then I realized he wasn't eating (despite interest in food) and was losing weight. So off to the vet we went. Bloodwork showed pancreatitis. In went another feeding tube. He had an ultrasound, which showed the inflamed pancreas and bowel thickening (consistent w/ the IBD). No obvious tumors or suspicious shadings on the ultrasound. We were very hopeful that he could make a full recovery (and then be on pred for the rest of his life).
But he wasn't (and still isn't) gaining any weight. After a week, we did a urine test and found out he was diabetic (dumping sugar). So he's on Lantus again. We did a paw stick to get a blood number, and adjust his dosage. We'll do another tonight. He's been on the insulin for 6 days now.
Thunder's feces are wonderful, actually, which makes it less likely that he has intestinal cancer. It may be that he just needs longer on the insulin. But whenever the pain meds wear off, he is definitely uncomfortable. And the lack of weight gain really worries us.
I'm adding digestive enzymes and L-Glutamine to Thunder's food since Wednesday.
Carol (my spouse) and I think there is more going on with Thunder than just pancreatitis (i.e. cancer). We don't want to do anything heroic for him. He's let us know that he's tired of not feeling good. We're giving him until early next week to rally, if it is possible to do so. We don't want to keep him here just to keep him here.
I guess what I'm looking for is any information from others who have had a kitty with pancreatitis. Did you experience similar issues? Do you have any suggestions? Is there anything I can do, either to help him get better or ease his time with us? We are giving him Reiki, as much as he can stand. His quality of life is reasonably good, as long as he's on the pain meds. He is interested in life, and I don't think he really wants to leave (when he's feeling good). When he's not feeling good, he's given us "the look".
Thanks for any ideas, and for the support I know is out there from other cat lovers.
Kalynnda
