My cat has pancreatitis and now has a feeding tube-please help

[portia]

Well...since she got a good check-up, I'd say she is just not happy right now with everything that is going on, doesn't like the feeding tube, I'm sure she really doesn't feel like her old self, etc.  Some cats don't mind being "assist fed", but apparently Portia isn't one of them.  Maybe with time she will get used to it.

Are you warming her food?  Not too hot, just warm, like for a baby?  And are you just very slowly injecting it into her tube?  If she is struggling, have you tried wrapping her up in a blanket (like a burrito) to keep her still and warm? 

What did the Vet say about the fact that she seems to be uncomfortable when you feed her, as if she might have an ulcer or something?  Did you mention that to him?  Did he recommend Pepcid A/C or anything?  Many of us have given our cats that, but mainly because they throw up froth, which is an indicator of over acidity.  I wouldn't think she would have that if you have feeding her 5 times a day.

that she starts feeling better soon and has a complete recovery

Thanks for your wishes. We need it!!! As for the feeding: I inject about 2 ml at a time, wait for 10 seconds or so and then inject 2 more mls. I only feed her 45ml of slurry at a time.  Shes stopped moving around when I feed her but she looks at me with hatred when I come next to her with the food. I also warm up the food. Its at room temperature but maybe I should warm it up a little more.

I did ask the vet about an ulcer and he gave her pepcid A/C -10mg and asked me to give her 1/4 tablet everyday. Does that sound about right? I started that today. Im also going to start her back on the buprinex. I had read somewhere that since its an opioid, cats can addicted and so I had stopped giving it to her but when we went the specialist, he felt that she was experiencing a little pain when he touched her belly so i started buprinex again. Im hoping that it will make her more comfortable. 

Do you have any experience with things like feliway? Do you think that would reduce her stress levels? If so,I can buy some from Amazon. 

Im really hoping that in the next week she'll start eating on her own and start behaving normally. Feeding her so often is really disrupting my work. I dont know how much longer I can keep up this schedule. I suppose I have to do what I have to do to make sure she gets better soon. Its really hard seeing her lie down and be so unresponsive. Makes me wonder if she'll ever be normal again

 

[denice]

Feliway seems to depend on the cat.  Some cats have a noticeable positive response to it and others don't seem to.  I have never heard of a cat having a negative response so other than the cost you have nothing to lose with trying it.  I take my cats to a cats only vet and they have one plugged in each of their exam rooms.

 

[portia]

Thanks Denice. Would you buy the spray or the wall plug-in?

 

[denice]

I would buy the plug-in instead of the spray because it would be constant.  I don't remember how many square feet one covers so you will need to check that.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Yes, I have used the Feliway plug-ins too, I have had 4 plugged in at the same time, in a 2 story house, just to make sure I had all the areas covered.  Don't know if they worked, but I wasn't taking any chances

.

As to the Pepcid AC, 1/4 of a pill sounds about right.  Only we gave it to our guy twice a day because he wasn't eating much at all, so he really did have an over acidic stomach.  (this was a different cat than was on a feeding tube, this was our CRF cat

)

And, yes, I would warm her food a little warmer than room temp.  Like I said, not too hot, but as if you were feeding a baby, more like body temperature. 

Poor, poor Portia.  Hopefully she will feel better soon

 

[finnlacey]

It sounds to me like she's got serious malabsorption syndrome and needs to have weekly B12 injections. Please ask the vet about this next week when you go in. Pancreatitis and HL can cause severe malabsorption of nutrients and although it's not the cause of her behavior, it certainly helps with her recovery. I'd also ask the vet about a medication called Ursodiol. It works well to help with the pancreas and liver. Good luck and we're sending you positive vibes! I've been through all of this, I know how hard this is! 

 

[portia]

It sounds to me like she's got serious malabsorption syndrome and needs to have weekly B12 injections. Please ask the vet about this next week when you go in. Pancreatitis and HL can cause severe malabsorption of nutrients and although it's not the cause of her behavior, it certainly helps with her recovery. I'd also ask the vet about a medication called Ursodiol. It works well to help with the pancreas and liver. Good luck and we're sending you positive vibes! I've been through all of this, I know how hard this is! 

Hi Finnlacey. We checked her B12 levels and they were normal. We also contemplated giving her ursodiol but since her jaundice was going away, the vet decided against it. Shes going in for more blood work on tuesday. If her bilirubin is still high then they'll start her on ursodiol. Why do you think she malabsorption. Can this still be a problem if her B12 levels are normal?

 

[portia]

I have some good news today. Portias been eating a lot more than before. She's eaten a little more than half a can (5.5oz) of friskies chicken in gravy. This is a lot more than before. Shes also not hiding as much and not protesting to being fed. She sits very still but doesnt protest at all. She's still very inactive and antisocial but atleast shes eating. She also sat on my lap for a whole 10 minutes while I stroked her and brushed her. No purring but Ill take it I guess either the pain medication or pepcid A/C is working. Is it normal for a cat to need pain medication so many days (10 days) after getting the feeding tube in? I feel like thats very long but maybe thats normal. Im going to continue her pain medication because I want her to conitune eating. Hopefully she'll finish a whole can tonight

. Thank you all for the vibes. This has really been an eye opening experience for me and Portia, and hopefully one we wont ever have to face again. Ill keep you all posted on her progress.

 

[finnlacey]

It's actually not because of the feeding tube it's because of the pancreatitis which is extremely painful, even for humans. So glad to hear this good news!!! Keep it up little Portia! 

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Yes, I agree.  The pain is not from the feeding tube.   The real issue appears to be the pancreatitis and why it is reoccuring.  Now that she is on pain meds, she is obviously feeling better.  I wonder if using OTC digestive enzymes would help or hinder the pancreas?  That might be something you could ask your Vet, since I read that pancreatitis has something to do with the body's reaction to how it processes it's natural digestive enzymes, but I didn't quite understand how it all worked

. 

Anyway, glad to hear things are getting a little better

 

[finnlacey]

You have to be very careful with digestive enzymes during pancreatitis because the pancreas is actually consuming itself and sometimes digestive enzymes can make it worse. It's a tough call and when my Alex had pancreatitis in her particular case the vet didn't want to chance it so I'd be sure to ask the vet first. it's different for each kitty but because of the dangers of it, I'd never do it without talking to the vet. 

 

[portia]

I've heard pancreatitis can be extremely painful which makes me really mad because when I initially took Portia to the vet in Dec (at which time she was diagnosed with pancreatitis), they only gave her the appetite stimulant and metronidazole to bring down the inflammation. They dint give her any pain medication!!!

 At the end of Jan, when I took her back becasue she had almost completely stopped eating, her fPL levels were back down to normal which means her pancreatitis had resolved and should not be causing her any more pain right?? Now on the ultrasound, the vet said her pancrease still looked a little inflammed but not a whole lot. When the specialist and her regular vet gave her a physical exam, they noticed that she flinched a little so obviously something is still hurting her but I dont know what is since biochemically, her pancreas were (and hopefully still are) functioning normally. Can hepatic lipidosis itself cause general body pain and lethargy that lasts a few weeks?

Maybe its the pain medication but she looks awfully sedated to me. She is wide awake in the nights though and wants to be let out into the corridor all night. I feel bad because obviously thats not an option. So I stay up with her till about 1:30am and then bring her back in. But when shes out of the house, shes back to her usual self. She purrs and rubs herself on me. The minute shes in the house, she walks away like she doesnt know who I am and doesnt care. Strange strange behavior. On another note, shes continuing to eat. She ate 3/4 of 5.5oz can of friskies yesterday. Shes continuing to eat a little today as well. Hope this keeps up. 

Thank you all for the good vibes. This forum has really helped me vent my frustration and worry. you are all awesome so thank you so much for just listening 

 

[portia]

You have to be very careful with digestive enzymes during pancreatitis because the pancreas is actually consuming itself and sometimes digestive enzymes can make it worse. It's a tough call and when my Alex had pancreatitis in her particular case the vet didn't want to chance it so I'd be sure to ask the vet first. it's different for each kitty but because of the dangers of it, I'd never do it without talking to the vet. 

Thanks finnlacey. I did ask the vet and he said he wouldnt give them to Portia. Maybe we can revisit it when shes back to normal!

 

[finnlacey]

This business of vets giving Metronidazole for things other than diarrhea is puzzling to me. it's an antibiotic specifically for problems with diarrhea, it's not an anti-inflammatory. If anything, it should never be given with an inflamed liver and pancreas! They did that with my Alex and she ended up with a seizure!! And yes, an inflamed liver can also be painful, you're talking about two very important organs with the pancreas and liver and they work off of each other. The Buprenex is an opiate painkiller so of course it's going to have a sedative effect. I know it stinks to see her like that, it really does. but you won't have to give it to her forever, just until she's healed more and food is the answer for that! But she won't eat if she's in terrible pain, it's a catch 22.

 

[portia]

Just an update, Portia's been eating welll today. She dint eat as much yesterday but shes almost finished half a can of food already. Yayyy!!! I ran out of pain medication so I couldnt give her the meds last night and this morning she was hiding under the bed so Im guessing she's still in pain.I picked up some more meds and gave her some this morning. Now shes fast asleep

I noticed this morning that at the incision site, there seems to be some brown liquid oozing from her skin.. Its not a lot but its thick and goopey. It doesnt smell and theres no green or pus. Do any of you know if thats normal or do you think she may have an infection? I dont want to take her back to vet so if there is anything I can do at home to help it heal, that would be best. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know. The vet said he would call back in an hour or so.

 

[finnlacey]

I really don't know about that liquid. I'm glad you called the vet though, please let us know what he says.

 

[victoria kat]

My cat Portia who adopted me about a year ago suddenly started eating less. Other than that she was behaving normally. I took her to the vet and it turns out her fPL was at 20 and was diagnosed with pancreatitis. She was put on metranidazole and mertazapine to control the inflammation and increase her appetitie. She was ok for about 3 weeks or so and then stopped eating. She was eating barely any food at all. I rushed her to the vet who said she was looking a like jaundiced. They were afraid she might develop HL so they put a feeding tube in. After they ran the blood work and did an ultrasound, it looks like she did not have HL after all. Her bilirubin levels were at 3 (which explains why she was yellow). Her fPL was down to 1.4. Its been about a week and shes slowly recovering from the surgery. Shes on mertazapine, metranidazole, buprinex (for pain) and predisolone. She hasnt thrown up since the surgery but she wont eat by herself. Ive also noticed that she gets extremely quiet and almost sleepy while i feed her. I think the buprenex also makes her very sleepy. She still looks yellow and I think she may be constipated as she barely poops. She pees 7-8 times a day. I started her or miralax for the contipation yesterday. Its helped a little but she hasnt pooped today. Does anyone have any similar experiences? How long before the yellowness goes away? Do they usually get listless when you feed them? Does anyone know what she might have thats making her bilirubin levels be so high. Shes my precious baby and Im so scared ad worried. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

My kitty was dx with pancreatitis about 2 weeks ago. The vet hydrated her with sub q fluids, pain killer, and vitamin b12. When I brought my kitty home she looked like a new cat. She was ok for a few days and the. She relpased. She was inappetant. Well, I started dosing her with something called Denamarin. It detoxifies the liver. My vet said it's very good stuff. It is a standard treatment for pancreatitis. It's a frustrating disease because the kitties will relapse from time to time. It is like bringing hem back from the brink every time. I understand the frustration of watching your cat suffer. There have been times when I have despaired and wondered if my cat should be PTS. But, then she rallies and starts eating. BTW, in order to I induce her to eat, I have fed my cat human food. I got her started eating again by feeding her deli ham slices. So, it's a weird disease and will make your cat seem near death, but do give it time and do give the Denamarin. It's day at a time and as long as the cat is healthy otherwise, he or she will probably be okay.

 

[portia]

Portia and I have had a very interesting weekend thus far!! Yesterday, she managed to pull out her feeding tube 5 minutes after getting back from the vet. She was rolling on the ground and rubbing herself against the carpet and I guess that was enough to yank the tube free. Even though the clinic was officially closed, her vet was nice enough to see her again. She tried for about 45 minutes to re-insert the tube and failed miserably. Th vet ended up pulling out the rest of the tube, cleaned the site and sent me home with a very happy kitty:-). She ate quite well last night (more than half a can of food) and even played a little more. Much to my surprise she even cuddled with me this morning , something she hasnt done since her tube insertion. If she continues to keep her appetite up and consumes at least 1/2 a can a day, the vet said we wouldnt have to er-insert the tube. So far, shes eating relatively well (knock on wood). Her blood work will be back on tuesday so Im hoping everything looks good there as well!! Hopefully, she's out of the woods. I will ask my vet about giving her regular supplements for the liver like denovarin or keeping her on a low dose of prednisalone for the rest of her life. Im sooo happy to have a near normal Portia now) Just hope everything goes well on tuesday.

 

[portia]

My kitty was dx with pancreatitis about 2 weeks ago. The vet hydrated her with sub q fluids, pain killer, and vitamin b12. When I brought my kitty home she looked like a new cat. She was ok for a few days and the. She relpased. She was inappetant. Well, I started dosing her with something called Denamarin. It detoxifies the liver. My vet said it's very good stuff. It is a standard treatment for pancreatitis. It's a frustrating disease because the kitties will relapse from time to time. It is like bringing hem back from the brink every time. I understand the frustration of watching your cat suffer. There have been times when I have despaired and wondered if my cat should be PTS. But, then she rallies and starts eating. BTW, in order to I induce her to eat, I have fed my cat human food. I got her started eating again by feeding her deli ham slices. So, it's a weird disease and will make your cat seem near death, but do give it time and do give the Denamarin. It's day at a time and as long as the cat is healthy otherwise, he or she will probably be okay.

Im sorry to hear about your cat. Its incredibly tough Have you tried mirtazapine? Its an appetite stimulant that I found worked really well for Portia. You could ask your vet about that. Shes started eating a little now so I hope she stays ok. Im going to ask my vet about denamarin when we go back on tuesday. Is this the first time your cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis? If not, how quickly do they typically relapse?

 

[finnlacey]

I'm so happy to hear this about Portia!!! I was worried because we weren't hearing anything. Keep up the good work little Portia!