Artie very sick after biopsy / Update!

[artiemom]

Ok, more developments.

I got a call from a Vet tech. She said the Specialist is too busy this morning to call, but wanted to touch base with me thru the tech. I explained stuff to tech, she grabbed the Vet in-between patients; and got back to me within a half hour. 

She said as long as he is at least drinking some of the juice, and eating just a bit, to keep things the way they are. She really wants to evaluate him when he is sick, not having medications mask anything. As long as he comes in tomorrow. In the mean time, if he get worse, go to ER. I do not hesitate with going to ER...I know it is there.

While I was waiting, I got out the Feliway diffusers. I put one above his food, and another in the great room. That is where I always have them.

While I was doing that, Artie went to the litter box and pooped!!! finally!! I feel a bit better.

I was washing dishes, so I cleaned up his area and put down some of the Pride Rabbit, for when I am gone. He went over and ate just a tiny bit. He then curled up, not meatloaf, tail strait out, but I knew he was nauseous. 

Now I am in my bedroom, Artie is on the floor, he looks meat loafed, but he goes into that position even when he is feeling good....I know he is not feeling well...

There is a lot of noise coming from the apartment 2 floors above.  They are putting in new floors...saws, hammering, etc...so I know he is stressed. I hope he eventually lies on my bed because it is a bit quieter there. I also have the classical music station on for him.....his past owner said he likes classical music...

Gotta go.. that is all for now....poor baby. It is so strange that this comes on so fast. Unless I am missing the signs of it and are taking it to be his fussiness....sigh

 

[ruthm]

I hope that you are feeling better after your surgery, you have been through so much- I want to send additional healing vibes to you and Artie, and hugs.

My kitty Tiger had the beginnings of either IBD or lymphoma; she did have problems with constipation and was on Miralax, which was a miracle drug for her. My vet said it would be dose to effect, I started with 1/8th a tsp and we got up to 1/2 at the end of her life. I made up bone broth and added it to her wet food, you can look up the simple recipe online or here: http://www.ibdkitties.net/Bonebroth.html.Are you on any of the IBD email lists or this Facebook support group? My Tiger also got 1/2 tsp of pumpkin for it's prebiotic effect. You might ask your specialist if this might help your Artie. I was also wondering if your specialist would consider a switch to Ranitidine instead of the Famatodine(Pepcid ac)  Some people who post on the Tanya's Website Forum say that Ranitidine also has can help with motility, the only downside is that you have to give it twice daily,whereas Pepcid is once. http://www.felinecrf.org/nausea_vomiting_stomach_acid.htm 

Constipation can cause vomiting and nausea.  Are you givng subQ fluids at home? Ranitidine and either Cerenia and/or Ondansetron can be gotten as injectibles for better absorption. Will look forward to an update after your visit tomorrow.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

I agree with discussing a change to Ranitudine, as Pepcid CAN cause constipation, as discussed on that page referenced above (felinecrf).  And definitely constipation can cause a general malaise, loss of appetite, etc.  I would suspect STRESS can bring on an IBD flare-up, for sure

I know Artie seems to get tired of the same food over and over.  Have you tried Venison? 

 

[artiemom]

Thanks guys for you help and support. 

I am feeling down right now. 

I left the house for 3 hours this afternoon. It was luncheon with my 92 year old aunt. I could not re-schedule that. Her other nice was there also. 

When I returned, Artie was in the same position., sleeping on the coach.

I woke him up a couple times, and he went right back..

I fed him some beef baby food with mixed with a lot of water to make a slurry.  I took it over to him. He was so happy, he wants to eat but cannot. He did manage to gobble down 1/2 of the jar. I mixed up some more for him. Artie just took a few licks. I went to return it to the jar for later. I was glad he ate. When I walked into the great room, he had already thrown up and was in the process of eating it.. (it is a disgusting thing to do, but he does)

Now he is back curled up on the coach. 

I feel so bad for him.

The Vet did not have any appointments this morning. It was too late this afternoon to take him in, unless it was ER.

Nothing available tomorrow also, except for a 2:30---first available...So Artie has to wait until 2:30 to be seen.. I feel so bad for him. He is breaking my heart. 

I am not feeling positive for him right now. sigh.. 

He was doing so good...I was so happy we got him on a routine and were going to decrease even more meds...now he has to go back to the Cerenia, probably Reglan, Zofran and maybe the rantidine. 

I did not know Pepcid could cause constipation. I thought it did the opposite, at least for me it does, and I have a 'not common' form of Colitis. I have to stay away from that stuff. 

RuthM, thanks for asking about the surgery. It went as best as was ever possible! it was a fairly large removal site around the lesion, but the surgeon did an absolutely awesome job. It was one month ago. People who see me know cannot even notice I had surgery, unless I point it out to them. I had 25 tiny stitches and many deep dissolvable ones.   The week following surgery was horrible. I could not eat, drinking thru a straw which I had to place in the back of my mouth and pull it up with the muscles of my throat. I could not open my mouth very wide, or purse or move my upper lip at all. The incision went from under and slightly around one nostril and down the crease of my cheek until about an inch above the corner of my mouth...the area is just numb now..but it will be fine...

During my recooperative peridod, ARie would not leave my side.. He was always with me..either cuddling with me on the coach, or down at my feet or next to me when I was sitting up...He is so sensitive to what happens to me. 

I know I was given him for a reason, and I want to do the right things for him....Artie is making that really hard for me to do right now. 

Every time I look at him, my heart breaks...he has lost all the weight he gained. 

I cannot believe he can lose weight so fast. It does not take long at all. A couple of days for him. , but it was only 4 -5 ounces. That is a lot for him...he is a long thin cat. 

thanks again

 

[rubysmama]

Just read through this thread. Seems as though both kitty and Mommy are going through a rough time.  

A couple of months after I got Ruby I took her to the vet because she'd gotten sick several times overnight, then right after eating her breakfast.  She'd also been vomiting a clear liquid a few times a week, and always had pudding-like stools.  The vet suspected IBS/IBD and put her on hypo-allergenic canned duck food, which luckily for me and her solved her problem. 

However, when we were discussing Ruby and what was going on in her life, I asked the vet if it was possible the stress I was dealing with could be affecting her.  He said in the past he used to brush off that suggestion, but over time he saw so many cats that were stressed when their human parents were stressed, that he now believed it was possible.

So just wondering if Artie's relapses ever coincide with the stressful times in your life.

 

[stewball]

Well, I decided to update again..

Artie is not doing very well. He is still having problems with constipation or loose stools; due to the miralax and laxatone need to clean him out.  And not eating, despite taking 1/2 pepcid ac pill and 0.5 cc of prendalsone (sp)....and a probiotic.

He went almost 4 days without a BM. I was addind 1/4 tsp of miralax twice a day to his food. When I came home Tuesday, he had pooped a 6 inch hard piece about 1 inch in diameter. He has also cut down on eating. The past couple of weeks have been very stressful, Last week was a very stressful week around here. I caught him eating while someone was fixing a bookcase, drill went off, he kept eating, but threw up immediately after . That is exactly what he was doing before the diagnosis. 

I can not tell if he is fussy again with his food or sick. I am tending towards the sick. I gave him some Solid Gold cat tuna the other day, He gobbled up 1/2 can and then took 5 more hours to finish the can. That is a far cry from a cat who was eating almost 3 cans a day. Now he is more interested in the broth. I do mush up his food and add more water. 

I have also been giving him more of the NV Rabbit instead of the Pride Rabbit; a bit different in recipes. He will only eat a tiny bit of the NV rabbit; about 1/4 can if I am lucky.

I do not know how much of his probiotic he is getting since he does not finish his food before it goes bad. 
I tried the slippery elm bark, to no avail. I am giving him 500 l-lysine which really helped clear up his eye. I am continuing with it every night. 

I do not think the pepcid is effective anymore. When he is curled up on my lap at night, I hear him burp. Cats do not burp. 

Last week was a very stressful week. I am hoping he is not picking up on my stress. He usually does. 

The specialist is only there wed, thurs, fridays,----sometimes saturdays, and sometimes tuesdays.
There are other specialists there, but she knows his case. 

I left a voice mail message Tuesday for her. I gave her both my home number and my cell number. Last night there had to have been some kind of phone glitch because I was home, was texting on my cell phone. I did not haear a phone ring, but suddenly an hour after I finished texting, I heard the beep on my cell phone indicating a voice mail message. She told me it is unclear what is going on with him, and wants to examine him to see how constipated he is, and to discuss things in person. 

I will gladly bring him in, but I have a big problem. I had planned a month ago, to take my 92 year old aunt (who I rarely see), out for lunch with another cousin. She is thrilled and looking forward to it. That is today, she does not live near me. . The Vet does not have any appointments this morning; she leaves at 5pm (last appointment), lunch is at 1pm..so I will not be able to come home and drive up to the Vet's before 5pm..

Tomorrow, I am going to have lunch with an ex-neighbor (friend). I am driving a couple other neighbors over there. So tomorrow morning is out. I made an appointment for Tomorrow afternoon, (Friday).  I never have luncheon plans, in fact I do not eat lunch. This would be the week....sigh

I cannot cancel the plans...I feel bad for making Artie wait..as long as he pooped some yesterday, I do not feel as bad, but still bad enough. sigh

I also left another voice mail for the Vet. I told her that he had pooped, gave him some laxatone, but his eating is terrible. 

Artie has been doing most of his food intake in the early evening and during the night. 
Yesterday I noticed he was just lapping a bit of the juice. Last night I left him 1.5 cans of food, in case he got hungry. All he did was lap the food. I am up early. He was hungry. I opening up a can of Solid Gold Tuna, thinking he was tired of his food. I added water to it.  All he did was lap the juice.
He later went in and ate some of it. 

I do not know why the pepcid is not working. And he is so bad with food again...I guess, to answer my own questions is that he has gotten to the point where the pepcid alone is not enough, even though he is still getting the steroid,. I wish I could get his bowels under control. I think that would make him feel better. 

He has also been going into his carrier a lot. That is a sign from him, that he is not feeling well. 

I will try some baby food beef, later. He does not like baby food. Actually, he does not care much for food. He did enjoy a bit of the havarti cheese and the  jack cheese I had the other day. But he does not eat people food either. He loves to sniff it, but will not eat it... Artie seems to be allergic to chicken ~~~ I avoid all of it. 
he is even refusing the NV rabbit ltd ingredient kibble, which I give as treats....

Last week he was eating 1.5 cans of food daily. Yesterday was maybe one can...

It is so frustrating...
I never knew cats with IBD could have constipation and not diarrhea or loose stools......any ideas anyone?
thanks...

I have heard of humans with IBD having either constipation or diarrhea. I 'was' a sufferer. Mainly diarrhea but then I became constipated and then it just went away. I wish that would happen to Artie. Poor boy. Hugs to you.

 

[artiemom]

I have heard of humans with IBD having either constipation or diarrhea. I 'was' a sufferer. Mainly diarrhea but then I became constipated and then it just went away. I wish that would happen to Artie. Poor boy. Hugs to you.

Thanks Judy. 

Yes, I also have a form of IBD. I had the diarrhea before diagnosis. What is so strange the prep for the colonoscopy stopped that. Now I have the constipation. I also have days where I just want to stay in and sleep. That is when I know I need a clean out. 

Artie seems to be like that also. But he gets worse that me.  It is so strange..

He turned around a lot during the night. He ate an entire can of food!! and he ate a bit more this morning for breakfast. 

I am still taking him to the Vet. There has to be someway of handling his bowels better; plus the pepcid is not helping him at this point.

Thanks to the person who suggested the side effect of constipation from pepcid. I am also wondering if the probiotic is constipating also... 

 

[stewball]

Thanks Judy. 

Yes, I also have a form of IBD. I had the diarrhea before diagnosis. What is so strange the prep for the colonoscopy stopped that. Now I have the constipation. I also have days where I just want to stay in and sleep. That is when I know I need a clean out. 

Artie seems to be like that also. But he gets worse that me.  It is so strange..

He turned around a lot during the night. He ate an entire can of food!! and he ate a bit more this morning for breakfast. 

I am still taking him to the Vet. There has to be someway of handling his bowels better; plus the pepcid is not helping him at this point.

Thanks to the person who suggested the side effect of constipation from pepcid. I am also wondering if the probiotic is


constipating also... 

I had so many colonoscopys only to be told each time by my gastric doctor that it's IBS
and there's no treatment. Sigh.

 

[mphscat]

Stress can do awful things to pets and people!  Like i had mentioned in a previous post (not sure here or another topic), Rube's symptoms started getting a lot worse when Callie (stray) showed up and he still hates her to this day.  He's not quite so aggressive with her now (but I never leave the two alone together) but the vet that did Rube's ultrasound in a very recent conversation told me that Rube's IBD could also have been triggered by the stress of her showing up (after I had moved (#1 change) and my boyfriend moved in with us (#2 change) and another cat had been adopted (#3 change) and then Callie showed up (#4).

I know that Cerenia and Pepcid both VERY bitter and Rube fights me at night to take them.  Then he starts drooling like crazy so I got the idea to put them in an empty gel cap so last night when I emptied the probiotic from the gel cap to mix in with this slippery elm, I put the pepcid and the Cerenia in there and gave it to him before bed.  SO MUCH EASIER FOR BOTH OF US.

Please let us know what the vet says after his check up.

 

[artiemom]

We are home. 

Artie is doing ok.. He is not constipated anymore. I guess the 6 inch hard poop from Wednesday and the 4 inch long normal texture one yesterday did the trick. 

Last night he seems to begin to pick up when I went to bed at 10:30pm. He was much more alert. During the night, I was shocked to see that he ate an entire can!  This morning he seemed absolutely normal and ate 1/3 of a can. But during g the day, he really broke my heart....I wish I could have taken him to the Vet yesterday instead of today..then she would have seen him at his worst...

He seemed normal. But I still kept the appointment.

I am not feeling it with this Internal Medicine Vet (Dr C). My regular Vet, whom I love and have a great rapport with, thinks this specialist is awesome. I am undecided. 

Based on my Vets opinion, I am trying to give this one a chance. I just do not think we sync..

She feels that I am not giving the miralax properly. She feels I am causing a lot of the issues by doing this.  I disagree!!!  My own Vet never accused me of that!! I think she must have thought of it at first, because he had so many issues, but  then she saw that I really do understand what is going on; and she respected me for it....

Dr C. told me I have to keep on one maintained dose for a long time and not vary from it, no matter what Artie's symptoms (constipation or diarrhea) result from it. She would rather, at this point give him an enema while still raining the same dose of miralax to clean him out, instead of  increasing the dosage (in order to clean him out)...

She wants a baseline. 

We did not seem to be able to understand each other...

I kind of understand what she is saying, but I do not want to give poor Artie an enema..even if I have to take him to the Vet for this. But she is the specialist and she does have so much more experience at this than I do. The Vet tech seemed so much more understanding. she said that it is so hard to understand and deal with constipation because cats cannot tell us how they feel. 

I was shocked to hear that Dr C suggested a motility drug if the miralax, at a sustained dose was not effective. I reminded her that she suggest a motility drug during the last conversation we had in July. 

I was further amazed that she said it was up to me if I wanted the drug now or wait the sustained dose out. 

I immediately  took the drug.. In my heart I know that is what Artie needs. 

Dr C gave me the drug, cisaperide--twice a day, on an empty stomach. I am to keep with the sustained dose of Miralax, 1/4 tsp twice a day; and call in in a week....

if Artie goes 2 days without a poop, then I am to take him in for an enema instead of  changing the dose or giving him laxatone.

Dr C is definitely a "by the book" doctor...so I have to abide by her advice.

As far as the Pepcid. She absolutely does not want to change it. She feels his nausea, burping is from the constipation and subsequent diarrhea. She also said she doe s not want to change too many drugs at one time.. She prefers to do one at a time. it would complicate things too much to change too many things at a time...

"Oookaay",  I said...........

we will see.

ARtie has also lost a lot of weight since his last appointment in July. At that time he weighed 11.3 lbs., Today, he is down to 10.7 lbs.   This is the thinnest he has ever been. I will continue to weigh him and monitor his food intake. If he looses weight, OR if his appetite does not increase, Dr C is getting an immediate phone call and subsequent appointment. AND a piece of m mind....

Artie was starving when we came home! 

I gave him a cisaperide and waited 30 minutes before feeding him. He wanted food so bad!!! He was jumping on the counter, in between my legs, pacing around, etc....

He gobbled down 1/2 of a can and just went over for more....I have to get off my butt and check it out...

I measured out precisely 1/4 tsp of Miralax, mixed it with water, in a separate cup, adding some of it to his food. He will get the rest of it tonight...

I plan to document  and measure out precisely how much of miralax I give him, instead of eyeballing it..

AT this rate of weight loss along with the subsequent sickness Artie is going through; I do not feel very hopeful for having him around another year...just my gut feeling....hate to say it is usually right....sigh

thanks everyone for all you help and support. I really appreciate it...I also have an anxiety disorder. Artie has been so good for me--when he is feeling well...

and I apologize fot monopolizing this entire forum with my and Artie issues....I am so long winded..and long typed....ha Ha...

Yes, this disease is horrible....

 

[stewball]

We are home. 

Artie is doing ok.. He is not constipated anymore. I guess the 6 inch hard poop from Wednesday and the 4 inch long normal texture one yesterday did the trick. 

Last night he seems to begin to pick up when I went to bed at 10:30pm. He was much more alert. During the night, I was shocked to see that he ate an entire can!  This morning he seemed absolutely normal and ate 1/3 of a can. But during g the day, he really broke my heart....I wish I could have taken him to the Vet yesterday instead of today..then she would have seen him at his worst...

He seemed normal. But I still kept the appointment.

I am not feeling it with this Internal Medicine Vet (Dr C). My regular Vet, whom I love and have a great rapport with, thinks this specialist is awesome. I am undecided. 
Based on my Vets opinion, I am trying to give this one a chance. I just do not think we sync..

She feels that I am not giving the miralax properly. She feels I am causing a lot of the issues by doing this.  I disagree!!!  My own Vet never accused me of that!! I think she must have thought of it at first, because he had so many issues, but  then she saw that I really do understand what is going on; and she respected me for it....

Dr C. told me I have to keep on one maintained dose for a long time and not vary from it, no matter what Artie's symptoms (constipation or diarrhea) result from it. She would rather, at this point give him an enema while still raining the same dose of miralax to clean him out, instead of increasing the dosage (in order to clean him out)...
She wants a baseline. The
We did not seem to be able to understand each other...
I kind of understand what she is saying, but I do not want to give poor Artie an enema..even if I have to take him to the Vet for this. But she is the specialist and she does have so much more experience at this than I do. The Vet tech seemed so much more understanding. she said that it is so hard to understand and deal with constipation because cats cannot tell us how they feel. 

I was shocked to hear that Dr C suggested a motility drug if the miralax, at a sustained dose was not effective. I reminded her that she suggest a motility drug during the last conversation we had in July. 
I was further amazed that she said it was up to me if I wanted the drug now or wait the sustained dose out. 
I immediately  took the drug.. In my heart I know that is what Artie needs. 

Dr C gave me the drug, cisaperide--twice a day, on an empty stomach. I am to keep with the sustained dose of Miralax, 1/4 tsp twice a day; and call in in a week....
if Artie goes 2 days without a poop, then I am to take him in for an enema instead of changing the dose or giving him laxatone.

Dr C is definitely a "by the book" doctor...so I have to abide by her advice.

As far as the Pepcid. She absolutely does not want to change it. She feels his nausea, burping is from the constipation and subsequent diarrhea. She also said she doe s not want to change too many drugs at one time.. She prefers to do one at a time. it would complicate things too much to change too many things at a time...
"Oookaay",  I said...........

we will see.

ARtie has also lost a lot of weight since his last appointment in July. At that time he weighed 11.3 lbs., Today, he is down to 10.7 lbs.   This is the thinnest he has ever been. I will continue to weigh him and monitor his food intake. If he looses weight, OR if his appetite does not increase, Dr C is getting an immediate phone call and subsequent appointment. AND a piece of m mind....

Artie was starving when we came home! 
I gave him a cisaperide and waited 30 minutes before feeding him. He wanted food so bad!!! He was jumping on the counter, in between my legs, pacing around, etc....

He gobbled down 1/2 of a can and just went over for more....I have to get off my butt and check it out...
I measured out precisely 1/4 tsp of Miralax, mixed it with water, in a separate cup, adding some of it to his food. He will get the rest of it tonight...
I plan to document  and measure out precisely how much of miralax I give him, instead of eyeballing it..

AT this rate of weight loss along with the subsequent sickness Artie is going through; I do not feel very hopeful for having him around another year...just my gut feeling....hate to say it is usually right....sigh

thanks everyone for all you help and support. I really appreciate it...I also have an anxiety disorder. Artie has been so good for me--when he is feeling well...
and I apologize fot monopolizing this entire forum with my and Artie issues....I am so long winded..and long typed....ha Ha...

Yes, this disease is horrible....

I don't think you can monopolise your own thread.
Poor Artie. Poor You. You must be in a state of tension all the time.
Maybe this woman will bring him back to being a.healthy,happy and heavy dog. Try to stay positive. Hugs.

 

[artiemom]

Thanks Judy....I am trying to stay positive, but it is very hared right now...

BTW check your PM box. I did send your a couple of messages...

I feel people are either tired of hearing from me or are afraid of hurting my feeling by telling me how they feel about the Vet's advice..

 

[LTS3]

Artiemom, are you taking Artie to Angell? Both my cats go there and see one of the senior internal medicine vets, just for yearly check ups. I absolutely love this vet

I had a great experience with this vet caring for my previous cat. PM me if you want the vet's name.

 

[LotsOfFur]

There can be no way to get "tired" of hearing from you. You are one of the most thoughtful and supportive people on here and I bet it would hurt your heart if someone else thought that here. ((Hugs))

As far as vets and their instructions/advice... We are all limited to some degree when it comes to this. You like your regular vet and trust them and they recommended the specialist whom they trust. Sometimes we have to be willing to give it a little more time unless there are an abundance of choices on cat specialists... You know Artie and this has been a roller coaster ride. You are competent and you will know if you should make a change with Vets; I'm sure of it.


The one thing that connects most of us here is the love we have for our kitties. It's so stressful to be dealing with medical issues with our babies and we do the best we can at any given time, that includes knowing when to change vets or give it a chance. We are here to be supportive and I hope everyone who is a receipent of your support and kind words will make you feel supported too.

~ Tina

 

[artiemom]

 
Artiemom, are you taking Artie to Angell? Both my cats go there and see one of the senior internal medicine vets, just for yearly check ups. I absolutely love this vet

I had a great experience with this vet caring for my previous cat. PM me if you want the vet's name.

Thanks, I may take you up on that...

I am currently going to Mass Vet Referral Hospital inborn.. Two of my cousins had very good experiences there. My regular Vet Highly respects the specialist I am going to...The specialist was one of my Vet's instructions in Vet school. Also, the staff at my Vet's office think very highly of her...

I am going to try there out for a bit longer.....  

If/When I decide to change, I will PM you...

thank you...so much

 ((hugs))

 .

There can be no way to get "tired" of hearing from you. You are one of the most thoughtful and supportive people on here and I bet it would hurt your heart if someone else thought that here. ((Hugs))

As far as vets and their instructions/advice... We are all limited to some degree when it comes to this. You like your regular vet and trust them and they recommended the specialist whom they trust. Sometimes we have to be willing to give it a little more time unless there are an abundance of choices on cat specialists... You know Artie and this has been a roller coaster ride. You are competent and you will know if you should make a change with Vets; I'm sure of it.

The one thing that connects most of us here is the love we have for our kitties. It's so stressful to be dealing with medical issues with our babies and we do the best we can at any given time, that includes knowing when to change vets or give it a chance. We are here to be supportive and I hope everyone who is a receipent of your support and kind words will make you feel supported too.

~ Tina

Tina, you are too sweet....I am just being me....

Yes, i am pretty down right now....my heart is breaking for my guy...I think today just put me over the edge...an tonight...

Artie is not eating much, but he did poop...so that is a positive...

He also refused to be brushed, which is something he never does...

I know he wants different food..so that adds to the problem.......

yes, I could go to a completely different hospital.....that is always an option. same amount of travel time///....

Just trying to keep from micro managing the Specialist.   I can do that... you know a little bit of knowledge is dangerous.....

I know this disease is so frustrating...and sometimes things never work out for the kitties....

My own Vet warned me of this...she knows how stubborn Artie is and she knows our bond...

She did tell me that one of her own Vet Techs had to put down one of her own cats because they were so stubborn with food--just like Artie... I will never forget the ..I know she was just trying to prepare me, just in case....She is a very sweet person, but she knows Artie very well.....

thank you.....

 

[stephenq]

 
I was thinking of starting the cerenia, on my own, because I have a box here. But I will see the Vet tomorrow. I just wish she would have called this morning.

Hi

I'm so sorry i missed your reply!!  I'm not sure why i missed it but to be really sure i see it feel free to @ sign me like @StephenQ and then i will be alerted.

So on one point i'm confused.  You said that he was started on Cerenia but then in the quote above it sounds like he is not on it because you;'re thinking of starting him on it your self.  So is he on Cerenia daily?

As to sub Q fluids, yes they can be very helpful, i used to put my Simon in his carrier and then give him the fluids that way and it was easy, once you get over the part about inserting the needle.  It just takes a little practice and a little confidence.  And in an urgent situation liquid cerenia can be given sub q after fluids (so it doesn't sting).

I'm not sure why flare ups happen, but cats with bad IBD can get "tri-itis" which means multiple organ inflammation and that often involves the pancreas and pancreatitis flare ups.  Has he also been tested for pancreatitis?  

 

[artiemom]

 
Hi

I'm so sorry i missed your reply!!  I'm not sure why i missed it but to be really sure i see it feel free to @ sign me like @StephenQ and then i will be alerted.

So on one point i'm confused.  You said that he was started on Cerenia but then in the quote above it sounds like he is not on it because you;'re thinking of starting him on it your self.  So is he on Cerenia daily?

As to sub Q fluids, yes they can be very helpful, i used to put my Simon in his carrier and then give him the fluids that way and it was easy, once you get over the part about inserting the needle.  It just takes a little practice and a little confidence.  And in an urgent situation liquid cerenia can be given sub q after fluids (so it doesn't sting).

I'm not sure why flare ups happen, but cats with bad IBD can get "tri-itis" which means multiple organ inflammation and that often involves the pancreas and pancreatitis flare ups.  Has he also been tested for pancreatitis?  

Hi Stephen, , no matter about missing my post. 

If I confused you, I apologize. Artie started treatment with Cerenia, Reglan, Prendisolone, Zofran, pepcid in June. In late July, he was doing very well on it. He was slowly weaned off of the Cerenia, Reglan, and Zofran. He has only been taking the steroid and Pepcid since August. It may sound strange but I found his bowels were more consistent while he was on the Reglan. 

This specialist has not prescribed sub-q fluids. He has had them numerous times from his regular vet. That was before the diagnosis of IBD. It was to re-hydrate him after vomiting, and bouts of not eating; and one time for constipation. It did help enourmously..

As far as I know he has not been tested for pancreatitis. The IM Vet said she will do more blood work at next visit, in October. From what I understand, the treatment for pancreatitis is pretty much the same as what he has been on.  Is that correct?

Artie has been getting the fluid intake from all the additional water, I add to his food. He rarely drinks out of his water dish. He is a gravy cat. 

Do not feel confused. I get confused so easily,.  Artie is a very complicated, confusing cat. and I may not explain things appropiately. 

He seems to have gotten his night and days mixed up.. He sleeps most of the day, and eats most of his food intake during the hours of sunset to when I get up..but mostly when I am sleeping. 

Over the last 24 hours, he has eaten about 2 small cans of food, and some dry kibble (NV ltd ingredient Rabbit).. He likes dry food when his tummy is not feeling right..It seems to calm the juices in there...but he does not get it every day..just once in a great while. 

The 2 cans was really good for him...

Ok--I will try this: @StephenQ  

thanks fro trying..I really appreciate it... but I am really down about him...trying to take one day at a time..one minute at a time.....unsure if I should change vests now or wait it out a bit longer.....hate to upset what she has done so far...I mean if this is the right path to take or not....sigh

 

[stewball]

I don't think you can monopolise your own thread.
Poor Artie. Poor You. You must be in a state of tension all the time.
Maybe this woman will bring him back to being a.healthy,happy and heavy dog. Try to stay positive. Hugs.

Did I say 'dog' SMH. Obviously I meant beautiful cat. Sorry.

 

[stewball]

Thanks Judy....I am trying to stay positive, but it is very hared right now...

BTW check your PM box. I did send your a couple of messages...

I feel people are either tired of hearing from me or are afraid of hurting my feeling by telling me how they feel about the Vet's advice..

I've only just seen this. I wrote to you yesterday.

 

[stephenq]

 
Hi Stephen, , no matter about missing my post. 

If I confused you, I apologize. Artie started treatment with Cerenia, Reglan, Prendisolone, Zofran, pepcid in June. In late July, he was doing very well on it. He was slowly weaned off of the Cerenia, Reglan, and Zofran. He has only been taking the steroid and Pepcid since August. It may sound strange but I found his bowels were more consistent while he was on the Reglan. 

This specialist has not prescribed sub-q fluids. He has had them numerous times from his regular vet. That was before the diagnosis of IBD. It was to re-hydrate him after vomiting, and bouts of not eating; and one time for constipation. It did help enourmously..

As far as I know he has not been tested for pancreatitis. The IM Vet said she will do more blood work at next visit, in October. From what I understand, the treatment for pancreatitis is pretty much the same as what he has been on.  Is that correct?

Artie has been getting the fluid intake from all the additional water, I add to his food. He rarely drinks out of his water dish. He is a gravy cat. 

Do not feel confused. I get confused so easily,.  Artie is a very complicated, confusing cat. and I may not explain things appropiately. 

He seems to have gotten his night and days mixed up.. He sleeps most of the day, and eats most of his food intake during the hours of sunset to when I get up..but mostly when I am sleeping. 

Over the last 24 hours, he has eaten about 2 small cans of food, and some dry kibble (NV ltd ingredient Rabbit).. He likes dry food when his tummy is not feeling right..It seems to calm the juices in there...but he does not get it every day..just once in a great while. 

The 2 cans was really good for him...

Ok--I will try this: @StephenQ  

thanks fro trying..I really appreciate it... but I am really down about him...trying to take one day at a time..one minute at a time.....unsure if I should change vests now or wait it out a bit longer.....hate to upset what she has done so far...I mean if this is the right path to take or not....sigh

Ah thank you!  It sounds like you are doing everything and thank you for the update on all his treatments.  Yes for pancreatitis you would be doing much of the same stuff, Cerenia and Zofran would be back in the picture too, and likely regular sub q fluids as well.  It is possible that he would benefit from regular sub q fluids given multiple times a week (whether at vet or at home) but it is quite possible the time will come when he will really need fluids every other day or even daily, and unless you want to go to the vet each time, then you may want to consider learning how to do it.  Your vet could teach you over multiple sessions if you wanted to go slowly.  It becomes quite easy with practice provided that your cat isn't a very difficult patient.

Thanks again for all the info, you;re doing great.