Mina is very sick

Mina has eaten a whole sachet of food and they have stopped the tube feeding to see if she continues to eat and to digest properly. And her insulin levels are normal. Faith said the vet is amazed and the nurses are literally jumping with joy.

GO MINA!!!!!

What a wonderful update! Oh I hope there are no more setbacks!

Hurrayyyyy! Best news ever!!! 

That's terrific news! Go, Mina!

A bit of a setback today - she was fine this morning, and eating, but then vomited later, so she is back on the anti-nausea meds. But Faith says the vet is not overly worried and just says they must take it very slowly.

This actually doesn't surprise me but I'm glad the vet is putting her back on the meds for now. 

Continued !!!!

She is still vomiting and Faith is very disappointed, She was told that Mina might be allowed home tomorrow, New Years Day, but the vet of course has now said that she must stay in longer. She is eating, though, and seems OK in herself. She apparently trashed her cage on Saturday, and is much more like her old self. But obviously the pancreas needs more time to recover, if it is not too damaged already. I do not know what the signs would be that nothing more can be done, especially as the cat seems so much better, apart fromt he vomiting. She is now back on the enzyme replacers to boost the pancreas. Faith starts her new job next week with the start of term, and will not have so much time to visit her, plus all the other stresses that starting work mean.

That's a shame, but maybe an extra day or two at the vet's will be all she needs. for Mina and that Faith gets to bring her home by the weekend.

I'm so sorry, but maybe just a few more days... Come on, Mina! :rub:

I'm sorry to hear this but it really isn't unusual for what she's been through. The pancreas is a tricky organ. The fact that she trashed her cage though is a great sign! She wants OUT! 

Sending lots of vibes and good thoughts for Mina! 

Yes, more vibes for a complete recovery

Mina is coming home tonight! SHe will retain the feeding tube in her neck, but she is eating well on her own and has not vomited in two days. The vet thinks the vomiting may have been caused by giving her the enzyme meds on an empty stomach - when she has them food she is fine. They have done another blood test and all her levels are fine. I am going over tonight to spend three days with Faith to help her manage as she is a bit nervous. What does concern me is her diet from now on. Typically, the vet has made no recommendations and they are feeding her Whiskas canned and Purina dry! My personal opinion is that she should be on a grain-free, low carb diet to help her stomach and pancreas recover. I do not see the point of putting food inside her and making her damaged system work on stuff with no nutrients in it. Any ideas?

Oh how wonderful!!!!

As to the diet, Jenny, I completely agree. :nod: I think right now a high (animal-based) protein, low carb all wet food diet will be the easiest on her and help her heal. :nod:

And I'm sure Faith will really appreciate the help and support. :heart2:

Continuing the vibes!

Oh - I just thought of something. Once Faith is comfortable that Mina is doing well at home, she really may want to consider adding 500mg of salmon oil. :nod: In all the research I did on omega 3s, I came across information that the addition can be very helpful to healing in cases of pancreatitis. They're good for cats (and people) in general - very anti-inflammatory - but especially in helping prevent a flare-up.

This isn't cat-specific info, but indicative: http://www.livestrong.com/article/481324-does-fish-oil-cause-pancreatitis/

Please be careful with giving too many things for the pancreas! I know what the research on Livestrong says but it's different for cats. It can be easily overdone and pancreatitis in cats is far more tricky than in humans. 

Lisa, you have experience with this, I do not. I'd originally included in my post that "once Mina is stable the salmon oil should be considered..." I changed things around, and see I ended up posting the message without that part, so thanks for the caution.

Jenny I agree, you want low carb, good quality protein with healthy/low fats for the pancreas so yes, I agree that grain free would be good. If you can get something that you can puree in the blender that would be ideal. Natural Balance is a food that has novel proteins and limited ingredients. Maybe try that or Evo which is a good, watery pate. 

Gotcha, no problem Laurie! Just want to make sure to be very cautious when dealing with the pancreas in a kitty. Very different and more tricky than in people as I said. It is a good idea to do oils after she's stable, even krill oil might be good.