T.R | Title | User | Personal Name | Date | Lines |
---|
711.1 | Maybe allergy | BPSOF::EGYED | Per aspera ad astra | Mon Feb 28 1994 02:55 | 11 |
| I have heard rumors about tetracycline allergies in humans, it might be
something like that. All antibiotica *may* cause special allergies, I
have heard about people severelry vomiting from penicyllin e.g.
Trust the problem to the vet, mayhaps consult another vet too.
I do not think it helps much, I just wanted to help...
I wish bettering to your baby.
Nat
|
711.2 | | SUBURB::THOMASH | The Devon Dumpling | Mon Feb 28 1994 06:22 | 12 |
|
Penicilin makes me really sick.
You shouldn't give other drugs for at least 24 hours after a reaction.
What could happen is that the stomach muscles are strained after being
so sick, so eating a little feels uncomfortable, eating a lot makes you
feel sick again.
Eat little and often, make sure you take liquids.
Heather
|
711.3 | yogurt? | ISLNDS::WHITMORE | | Mon Feb 28 1994 09:07 | 15 |
| I'm allergic to tetracycline - very very wierd reaction - my pupils
dilate to the point where they look like someone dropped belladonna in
them (like they do when you go to the eye doctors), and my skin on my
hands and feet peels. I get very very warm and a slightly nauseous
tummy (althop all antibiotics make me slightly nauseous - more of a
reaction to the flora in your gut being killed off than anything else).
My doctor says that my reaction can get worse over time if I am exposed
to it again, so its offlimits completely for me.
One thing that helps me whenever I'm on an antibiotic is to eat yogurt
- the active cultures in yogurt supposedly help recolonize the gut with
the buggies that help you digest food. Possibly this might help your
poor kitty?
-dana
|
711.4 | | AKOCOA::LEINONEN | | Mon Feb 28 1994 09:59 | 18 |
|
Tetracycline is a general/all purpose antibiotic so it tends to rid
the system of all types of bacteria. Some of the bacteria it combats
are necessary to digestion and "normal" life. Maybe the dosage is a
little too high? Vets try to gauge the amount by body weight, etc.
but it doesn't always work out right. My 18lb kitty could only handle
the dosages for a 5lb or he was always sick.
Maybe you could discuss cutting the dosage back a little with the vet?
I used to alternate times of dosage (ie. if it said twice a day, I
only gave it once, or every other day, etc.).
The yogurt is a great idea! My kitties love the stuff and it will
certainly help her digestion.
Paws are crossed for the both of you!
Heidi
|
711.5 | Do what you will, but I say no to yogurt. | STOWOA::FALLON | | Mon Feb 28 1994 12:43 | 15 |
| If you want to take the route of adding good bacteria, enzymes back
into the stomach:
1. In general give after medication is finished (in this case now might
be good, otherwise if you take it while still on the meds it is killed)
2. Better than yogurt, you can get acidopholis cultures in capsule form
at any GNC or health food store. Some of them contain more than one
form of enzyme. You can even get them mixed with powdered goats milk.
I would caution the use of the actual yogurt because of the fat content
and also because of the possibilty of lactose intolerance. You can
take a sick cat and make it much worse!!! If the cat is already
stressed and sick, it certainly won't be helped when the diahrhea
starts. The powdered form of the enzymes is much safer with no side
effects.
Karen
|
711.6 | Good News this AM!!! | EMASS::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Feb 28 1994 15:53 | 28 |
| Everyone, thanks for all the info and support. Someone spoke about eye
puples getting real big; this happened to Eirene,too. And someone
mentioned the dosage; the vet had prescribed a dosage about 1/2 what
was reccommended for her size. She must be *very* sensitive.
well, Eirene seems to have gotten a lot better after I wrote that note.
Sunday night she started eating moist food by herself (just a little
but it was a start. she woke me at 3:30 this Am because she was hungry
again, and once again she ate a couple of spoonfuls. She also ate a
couple of spoonfuls this morning. And last night she was drinking the
pedialite like there was no tomorrow; between Sat & sunday she drank
nearly .75 liters. (Pedialiyte is available in the baby food asile; it
is basicly sugar water with a few minerals that you give babies after
vomiting or diarreha so their electrolites don't get screwed up should
the V&D cause dehydration.) I took a chance last night and didn't give
her sub-q fluids, and this morning she was still hydrated, not wobbly
and very alert (though a bit tired). And her mouth/tounge is still pink
And she used the box!! (she had been putting her front feet in it and
must have thot she was there since she would then start urinating. I
had plastic down around the box in her "range".) **She still seems a bit
sensitive when I pick her up, however. Is this to be expected?**
Please keep your fingers crossed that everything is OK when I get home!
Deb
P.S. I think that this pedilyte stuff is great! I suggest that everyone
keep some around in case to prevent dehydration. Eirene is getting
flavorless, but it comes in various flavors, too.
|
711.7 | paws crossed OK! | BPSOF::EGYED | Per aspera ad astra | Tue Mar 01 1994 08:45 | 1 |
|
|
711.8 | She seems to have turned the corner! | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Mar 07 1994 12:39 | 30 |
| thanks, Nat.
I took last week off to nurse her back to health, and I think that we
have made progress. She can eat on her own now (although she prefers
to be spoon fed). She is putting on weight and purring. She isn't
wobbly anymore when she walks, and she can bath herself without falling
over. She has a bed which is a fake fur "tube" that is closed on one
end. I realized she was feeling better on Saturday when I noticed she
had rolled the tube so that the opening was directly in front of the
open window, and that her little tail moving to the beat of the oldies
music I had on the radio.
Last night she decided to make her first trip outside of my
bedroom. She went across the hall and sat on my weight bench. Then at
some point, she went down stairs (all I know is that I was awoken at
3AM by a loud crash in the living room next to a guilty looking Billy
and Artie). Eirene was on the kitchen counter looking out the window. I
brought her back up stairs with me, and when I got up at about 7, she
was gone. I found her hanging out in the garden window chirping at the
squirrel on the corn feeder.
Anyhow, I think that she has turned the corner. Now all I have to be
concerned about is that her next blood test comes back ok. If the last
one wasn't a lab screwup, it could have pointed to hemobartonella,
which is why she got the tetracycline. Does anyone know anything about
this disease?
thanks for all the good thots,
Deb
|
711.9 | Great News! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Mon Mar 07 1994 12:44 | 10 |
| Hi Deb,
So nice to have good news on a Monday! Thanks for the update, I'll
Look up this blood disease and if I find it in my texts, will post some
info some time this week!
Feline Glad that Erienne is better!
Sue & Panther & Spots & Cinnyman
|
711.10 | Jo wrote a note about it. | STOWOA::FALLON | | Mon Mar 07 1994 12:51 | 5 |
| Hi Sue!! I haven't seen your name in here in a dogs age!
Back to the program,
Jo had written a note in here specifically on hemo bartinwhatsis.
If you go back you can find it in this version.
Karen
|
711.11 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Mar 07 1994 13:02 | 4 |
| in this conference or FELINE_V1?
thanks,
Deb
|
711.12 | Haemobartonella Felis | JULIET::CORDES_JA | Four Tigers on my Couch | Mon Mar 07 1994 13:43 | 3 |
| Deb, I found it. It's note 251.0 in this file.
Jan
|
711.13 | HI DEB - How is the FIRM? | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Tue Mar 08 1994 16:14 | 6 |
|
Way to go, I don't have to post anything unless it is in addition!
Feline Fine,
Sue (Who is glad to be back!)
|
711.14 | Eirene's status | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Mar 21 1994 13:23 | 33 |
| The past couple of weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster with
Eirene. Her PCV is up to 27 (and seems to be holding there), which is
borderline of normal and anemic. The blood smears show no sign of
the haemobartonela (or anything else abnormal). The recurrent mouth
infection has cured on Saturday. Her mouth had a horrible stench, and
she had been on anti-biotics for almost 2 months. I've been cleanign
her mouth nightly with a wash cloth, and applied a hot compress on
Friday night. To make a long story short, now with the absess reduced
in size, the vet ws able to really look at the tooth at the gumline and
found a bone sliver wedged between Eirene's tooth and gum.
(Interstingly enuff, about 3 weeks ago I called KalKan to complain
about howmany bones I've been noticing in their food lately, as Eirene
stopped eating cat food on her own when she bit ont a bone.) Anyhow,
she seems like a new cat; alert, playing, purring, friendly to Billy
and Arty (whom she used to hate) and EATING.
Naturally, there is bad news, too. She also has kidney problems
(cronic renal failure), and the anemia is a symptom of it. Her urine is
like water (Specific Gravity =1.014), but she is drinking well, not
vomiting and her stools are solid and well formed. Because of the SG of
her urine being so low, her prognosis is not good. If I take real good
care of her, the vet thinks she might have 1 or 2 years left in her,
but I am going to do everything I can for her. She is now on K/D, and
I will give her sub-q fluids once a week (for now). Eirene has always
had this habit of drinking water after urinating, so as a result, she
keeps herself pretty well hydrated. She will also get a monthly PCV
check (in case she gets real anemic so we can transfuse ASAP), and a
biannual CBC. Anyhow, I will do everything I can for her.
Deb
P.S. Does anyone how if Tufts or Angell do dialysis ?
|
711.15 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Mon Mar 21 1994 13:36 | 6 |
| Deb, I'm sure Eirnene will thrive under your care. She is certainly in
the best hands possible right now! Please keep us udated, and hang in
there!
-Roberta
|
711.16 | I may even get a good night's sleep tonight ... | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Mar 21 1994 16:19 | 8 |
| Thanks Roberta. I know you have done a lot of business with Tufts; do
you know if they do kidney dialysis?
And Sue, the FIRM seems fine now (finally). They have been having their
ups and downs since Thanksgiving but (knock on wood) I think that
things will settle down for a little while.
Deb
|
711.17 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Mon Mar 21 1994 16:25 | 6 |
| Hmm, I'm not sure if Tufts does dialysis, but I have a hunch they do.
Contact the small animal hospital... someone there would definitely
know.
Good luck!
|
711.18 | | DSSDEV::DSSDEV::TAMIR | | Tue Mar 22 1994 09:35 | 6 |
| Ah, ya, they do....you want to talk to Dr. Linda Ross. She's the best there
is. She pulled Blue thru a very rough time. She's an internist and is
Chief of Staff at the small animal hospital. Phone # is (508)839-5395. Ask
for the front desk...
Mary, who has reserved seating at Tufts....
|
711.19 | I'm confused | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue Mar 22 1994 11:41 | 8 |
| Mary,
I'm hearing from an internet friend that sub-q fluids is the
kitty eqivalent of dialysis. Is that true, or did they hook Blue
up to a machine like they do with a human on dialysis?
thanks
Deb
|
711.20 | My Understanding | LJSRV2::FEHSKENS | len - reformed architect | Tue Mar 22 1994 13:03 | 15 |
|
Subcutaneous fluids are used to rehydrate a cat that's become
dehydrated; dehydration stresses the kidneys, alters ion balances
(which has adverse neurological consequences), and other similar bad
things. Dialysis involves "filtering" blood through an artificial kidney,
in order to remove accumulated metabolic toxins (which is what properly
functioning kidneys do). Subcutaneous fluids can only dilute these
toxins (which may allow failing kidneys to do an adequate job of
removing them), it does not remove them as dialysis does. Dialysis and
rehydration via subcutaneous fluids are not equivalent therapies,
though they may be therapeutic options for the same clinical condition;
dialysis is a much more aggressive intervention.
len.
|
711.21 | Eirene is doing real well! | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu Mar 24 1994 14:04 | 28 |
| Thanks for the info. I think that I will check with Tufts just in case
we ever need to do it, and in the interim continue with 1 to 2 sub-q
therapies /week.
However, I must say, that in the last week since she was diagnosed and
we have made the dietary changes she is looking and doing fantastic.
The backbone area is filling in, as are her leg muscles; she is
remaining hydrated entirely on her own; to look at her, she doesn't
look like a cat that is in kidney failure (i.e., you can't see her
backbone). And she is playful and more friendly to the other cats than
she has ever been (and interacts with the others more than she ever
did, too)
I'm giving her w/d krunchies in the morning (the vet says that they are
similar enough to K/D dry not to matter that much and that way I don't
have to buy a 3rd prescription diet), and canned K/D at night. I wind
up hand/force feeding her at night (she doesn't like the taste), but
she does eat the dry on her own with no problem (so at least I am able
to get to work a bit earlier now).
I do have one question, though. I've heard that when a cat is anemic,
s/he doesn't have a large appetite. Eirene eats on her own only about
1/2 as she needs (i.e., she needs a full cup of food a day, but will
only eat 1/2 on her own). What can I do to make her want to double her
intake (other than a transfusion)?
thanks,
Deb
|
711.22 | Maybe meds? | STOWOA::FALLON | | Thu Mar 24 1994 14:09 | 7 |
| Deb,
You may want to ask your vet if it is appropriate to give her
medication to increase appetite. Valium works very well as does
another calle cy...blah blah. I have the name at home. But it starts
with a "C"! Sometimes just once is enough to kick in the good ol'
appetite. Don't let your guard down at any rate.
Karen
|
711.23 | Believe Hill's Prescription Diet A/D is also supposed to boost the appetite | PTPM06::TALCOTT | | Thu Mar 24 1994 15:24 | 7 |
| It comes in a single variety for dogs and cats. We got a sample box from
Hill's a while ago. Haven't seen many animals particularly excited about it,
however. Usually when they're sick enough to stop eating we go for baby food,
cheese, chicken, or in the case of the vet's resident cat, my wife, myself and
our mascot each get 1/3 of a sirloin steak every month.
Trace
|
711.24 | Eirene is being transfused again | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Apr 11 1994 13:48 | 35 |
| To make a long story short, Eirene is baing transfused again today.
Last week she was throwing up a lot, and i think it was due to my
forcefeeding her too much. Anyhow, Thursday night she fell out of her
perch and brised her arm; it was so swollen I took her to the vet on
Friday. The vet suggested she get some additional fluids this week end
and ironiclly, as I was heating up her lactated ringers, she fell off
the bench and went into shock. Luckily, I was moving her bowl of
pedylite on to her bench when I saw it happen. I quickly grabbed an
oral syringe that was there (that I had been feeding her with) and
pumped 4 tsp of pedylite into her mouth and it seemed to ressurrect
her. I called the vet at home and he told me to dive her 200 lactated
ringers, and if she seemed ok, bring her in on monday first thing (as
luck had it, she had a 9am appointment for her PCV anyway). (if that
didn't help I was to either rush her into Angell or call him back and
he'd see her, which ever I felt more comfortable with. He said that the
fact that she responded to the pedylite indicated her electrolytes were
out of balance. Anyhow, she made it thru the night quite well, but her
PCV was down to 19 (no surprize; we had thot we might need to transfuse
her on Thursday when we were going to elevate her bad tooth out). So, I
brought her twin brother Panther in as a doner and they will transfuse
her this noon time. She was stable and looking good when I left her.
I beleive that when she collapsed she was in a medical state of shock.
She fell on her side, her limbs straight out and couldn't move; her
pupils wide open. She was totally limp when I picked her up, and I had
to pry open her mouth to get the pedilyte in. I am thankful I was there
when it happened, and that I know how to give subcutaneous fluids, and
that I had them on hand to give.
Anyhow, since she has been transfused before from the same doner, and
she is in pretty stable shape right now, the vet isn't too worried
about the procedure (unless of course he just told me that so I
wouldn't worry).
Deb
|
711.25 | | ELWOOD::FEASE | Andrea Midtmoen Fease | Tue Apr 12 1994 08:15 | 6 |
| Oh, Deb, what a weekend you had!
Here's sending healing kitty vibes to Eirene (and Panther too, the
brave soul he is 8-) ). Hope Eirene is feeling better soon!
- Andrea
|
711.26 | | MAYES::MERRITT | Kitty City | Tue Apr 12 1994 09:15 | 10 |
| Hugs to you and Eirene. Thank god you reacted so fast...and thank
god she pulled through once again. Please keep us posted.
I bought Mr. Meow some Pediolite this weekend...but the old man
wouldn't even lap it!! I kept putting it under his nose..and
he would turn his head and walk away with disgust!! I'm going
to keep a unopened bottle just for emergency cases.
Deb...is it true that once you open it you need to use it all
up within 48 hours??
|
711.27 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Tue Apr 12 1994 10:15 | 7 |
| Deb, I think God sends you these cats for a reason... because you take
such great care of them!
Glad Eirene is holding her own again.
-Roberta
|
711.28 | Big hugs going out too! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Tue Apr 12 1994 13:58 | 8 |
|
Sending out healing messages over the Kitty net to eriene, and to her
human Mom! We hope all goes well!
Feline Hopeful for a good ending,
Sue $ Crew
|
711.29 | Eirene, Panther and Deb are doing much better | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue Apr 12 1994 16:21 | 20 |
| Thanks for all the kind words and good thots. Eirene has pulled thru
just fine. Her PCV is at 30 this afternoon, and (most exciting of all,
SHE IS EATING LIKE THERE IS NO TOMORROW!!!!
I brought Panther home at noon, but they want to observe Eirene this
afternoon just as a precaution (and since I had to come to work, I feel
better knowing someone is wathcing her while I'm at work). This evening
we are going to go over her follow up care, which is going to include
more agressive fluid therpy.
Deb (who has forgotten what normal kitty life is)
P.S. Sandy, the Pedylite only lasts about a couple of days even when
refrigerated; because of the sugar, it starts to ferment. I was
speaking to my dentist (another sucker for any hard-luck fur face) and
he tells me that he used to use Pedylite in these cases but his vet
suggested that if the cat/dog would drink Gaterade instead, it is the
same thing but cheaper. Luckily for him, his cats will drink it (he has
a pair of 18 yr old Siameese). Eirene doesn't like the flavored
Pedylite, so I doubt that she would willing ly drink the Gaterade.
|
711.30 | Eirene is eating!!!! | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Wed Apr 13 1994 12:35 | 17 |
| Eirene came home last night and seems to be doing well. We hung out in
my bedroom most of last night, and was sitting on my legs, purring and
kneeding. She let Jimmy groom her, and let Arty play with her tail (and
then swatted him :-) ). She picked up the fuzzy mouse a couple of
times, put it in her mouth shook it and gave it to me. She is eating
on her own, and drinking a lot of water. I was even able to leave her
alone this morning while I was getting dressed and she ate all of her
food; no coaxing necessary. She is still alert, very hungry and
playful. I only gave her a 1/4 cup of food this morning, though,
because I am just afraid that if I overfed her she might throw up.
Oh, and one other thing I noticed; her urine is now light pale yellow
and has a urine like odor to it; I had been like water with no smell at
all. I'm wondering if her kidneys are regenerating or at least starting
to function again?
Deb
|
711.31 | Great news! | JARETH::GOGOLIN | | Thu Apr 14 1994 00:40 | 10 |
| Deb, I'm glad to hear Eirene is doing so well. I'm sure your care
made all the difference in the world.
You sure have had your share of trouble! I know what a toll it takes to
deal with a seriously sick cat. I guess if you want to find something
positive in it, it's given you lots of experience to handle the problems
if they arise again. And sharing what you've learned helps us help our
cats when we need to. Thank you!
Linda
|
711.32 | ANybody have any ideas? | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu Apr 14 1994 14:32 | 32 |
| Linda,
thanks. Unfortunatnly, I may have spoken too soon. She just picked at
her food last night; same thing this morning, although I noticed that
once she got a crunchy in her mouth, she had a hard time holding on to
it; it would oftn fall out before she could crack it; I don't know if
this is because her tooth is bothering her (and I don't want to risk
putting her under to remove it). I force fed her about a 1/6 can of
KalKan. Of course, last night she showed no interest in the food; at
least this morning she acted like she wanted to eat something (maybe
she just isn't real hungry?)
I spoke to the vet last night and he said not to worry just yet, unless
she still isn't eating by tomorrow. Also, a friend suggested that maybe
I squirt the food with water and then microwave it and it might be
easier for her to eat. I'm going to try that tonight.
Also, last night and this morning she was making some funny noises,
similar to somthing someone described over the past few days (and
unfortunatly, I can't find the note). She was making that gulping
sounds like you are trying to hold back a vomit. While she wasn't
doing that this morning, she was making that little chattering noise,
over and over again; the sounds took the length of words, and it was
like she was trying to tell me something. She'd just open her mouth,
chatter for an instant (less than a second) and do it again and again
and again. HAS ANYBODY EXPRIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS? WHAT DOES IT
MEAN? (sorry for shouting, but I'm at my wits end)
Other than the eating thing, she is alert, active and friendly.
thanks for listening,
Deb
|
711.33 | | MAYES::MERRITT | Kitty City | Thu Apr 14 1994 15:40 | 14 |
| Deb...one of our Feluk Kitties at the shelter was doing something
similar last weekend. Priscilla rushed the kitty to Acton Emergency
and once they diagnosed it they found lesion in his mouth, on his
tongue etc. (this is common for some Feluk kitties) The vet said
they were very sore...and that was why the kitty was chattering
and not eating!! The kitty has been put on a very strong antibiotic..
which seems to ease the pain and he is eating again.
Maybe it's just not the tooth...and maybe she has some sores in her
mouth. The poor baby....
Hugs to you...
Sandy
|
711.34 | Pawpats to you both :') | STOWOA::FALLON | Moonsta Cattery | Thu Apr 14 1994 16:47 | 10 |
|
Deb,
I am proud of how you handled Eirene and her state of shock. Your
knowledge and common sense obviously saved her. I hope you have had a
chance to calm down (ya, right :'}) and Eirene is feeling better!!
I have been having a tough time with my Josette and have had her in for
surgery on Monday. She is still in the woods but we are working on
it.
Karen
|
711.35 | I bet it is the rodent ulcer acting up! | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu Apr 14 1994 17:56 | 17 |
| thanks, Karen. I do hope your Josette pulls thru; I know how exhausting
it can be, and I know how helpless one can feel. We are all thinking
good thots for Josette.
And thanks to Sandy,too. We exchanged some mail back and
forth, and it dawned on me that Eirene was rubbing her mouth against
her water dish a lot, similar to what happened prior to her rodent
ulcer forming. She was doign 1/2 an ovaban every 4 days, andthe last
time she got it was a week ago, and it caused her to vomit, so it has
been more like 1.5 weeks since she had it. I called my vet and he wants
her to start taking 1/2 every two days and she gets a checkup on Monday
morning. It was kind of a misunderstanding on my part that she wasn't
getting the ovaban. So, I'm hoping this is going to help her and am a
bit encouraged.
exhausted,
Deb
|
711.36 | | JULIET::RUSSELLPE_ST | | Thu Apr 14 1994 18:05 | 7 |
| Fingers and paws crossed here in Calif for Eirene and also Josette.
Deb, it sounds like you are a vet-in-training. I hope I can remember
all this good advice if it is ever necessary.
Steffi
|
711.37 | Poor kitties... :'{ | STOWOA::FALLON | Moonsta Cattery | Fri Apr 15 1994 11:25 | 12 |
| I suppose this could work here too!
Josette had been put on Ditrim, another type of antibiotic, and has
not done well with it. She has been vomiting and not wanting to
eat. We have changed her over to Clavamox as I am told Amoxicillin
can also cause upset stomachs. She has also been given Ceproheptadine
(if I spelled it correctly) to stimulate her appetite. I have used
this before with very good results.
Antibiotics being good things, can sometimes be devastating. I know
how I felt once on Erythromycin, yuck!
Karen
|
711.38 | Big hugs going out from N.H. | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Fri Apr 15 1994 13:57 | 6 |
|
We hope all goes well for all the sick Kittys this weekend.
Feline grateful for 3 healthy kitties,
Sue & Crew
|
711.39 | a cat with a sore mouth makes short chatter noises | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri Apr 15 1994 15:26 | 29 |
| Well, it turns out that when a cat gets in your face with these very
shot chirps, it is telling you that it has a sore mouth. I rushed home
and opened Eirene's mouth and immediatly noticed the start of a small
leason on her lower lip. Naturally, we rushed to the vet. It was not a
recurrence of her rodent ulcer. It was more like a canker sore, and
there were two. These are common in cats with Feline Lukemia, depressed
immune systems and cats with kidney failure. The first two can be given
a strong antibiotic, but that isn't donw for kidney failure. It turns
out that these "canker sores" in cats with kidney problems are showing
signs of built up BUN and creitin (the toxins the kidneys normally
filter out of the blood), and a lack of vitimin C and B.
We have decided that she will now get fluids EVERY NIGHT to dilute the
creitin and cause her to excrete more. Extra fluids are especially
important during a season change when some days are warm., Also she will be
given a shot of B-complex and C weekely. Also, the vet gave her some
liquid amoxie so that the sores don't get infected (liquid so that if
she doesn't swallow the pill right the first time, she doesn't vomit
from the bad taste it left in her mouth).
Also, I sprinkled water on her dry C/D, put it in the microwave for 30
seconds. It softened it up enough for her to chew it but still be
cruncy, and she ate 3/8 cup last night and 3/8 cup this morning.
Anyhow, she goes in on Monday for her 1 week checkup (and I hope not
until then!).
thanks for everyone's concern and help,
Deb
|
711.40 | Eirene has put some meat on her bones! | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue Apr 19 1994 12:37 | 9 |
| Eirene went in for a checkup yesterday; she has gained 1.5 lbs, and
is eating over a cup of dry K/D every day! She is drinking good, too,
and is VERY well hydrated! (She is even eating the K/D without heating in
the microwave!) I knew she had gained weight because her waist got a
bit fuller!
I'm hopeing life can get back to quasi-normal for a while :-)
Deb
|
711.41 | | JULIET::RUSSELLPE_ST | | Tue Apr 19 1994 13:50 | 3 |
| That's great news. Fingers crossed that it continues.
Steffi
|
711.42 | Have they been on the phone to each other;'> | STOWOA::FALLON | Moonsta Cattery | Tue Apr 19 1994 14:17 | 8 |
| That's great news!!! Eating so important to the well being and health
of a cat.
Josette ended up back at the vets on Friday and spent the weekend
there. She was given Baytril along with the Clavamox, fluids and force
hand feedings. She came home yesterday and looked like a different
cat!
I guess this was a good turnaround weekend for our kitties!! Yeah!
Karen
|
711.43 | I hope my saying this doesn't jinx things | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue Apr 19 1994 14:28 | 8 |
| glad to hear that Josette is better, too!
I've got to give Eirene credit, for a small cat, the runt of her litter
that has been a very timid, scardy cat all of her life, she has a lot
of spunk and the will to live. I am very proud of her having pulled
thru this very long ordeal.
Deb
|
711.44 | I have this old tape playing through my mind | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon Apr 25 1994 16:05 | 38 |
| Here is an update on Eirene. She weighs between 7 and 8 lbs (up from c.5).
She still likes eating, but it has tapered off a bit; she was eating 1/2 cup of
K/D twice a day, but not she is eating only about 1/4 cup 3 times a day. Still,
for a cat her size I guess this is pretty good.
She is keeping herself pretty well hydrated, but I gave her fluids yesterday
anyhow (for forms sake). I don't know if what follows is coincidental, or if I
should be worried or happy or what, but I'll mention it here in case someone
knows what it means.
For the past 2-3 years (since I adopted Billy), Eirene has preferred to hang out
upstairs, and away from the other cats. Usually hiding. Well, right before
she had her 1st transfusion, and when we thought she was looking good, she
started hanging out downstairs, interacting with the other cats, and was
even bold enough to push some of the bigger boys away from their food. She was
like an eating machine, yet (remember) we discovered she was severely anemic.
Since the first transfusion, she has practically exiled herself upstairs; she
has not left the upstairs on her own. Until yesterday. I was working out in
the yard, most of the cats were watching me from the sun room. I heard a meow,
looked up and it was Eirene. She was right at the patio door, Jimmy on one
side of her, Arty on the other. She hung out there all afternoon, and went
back there after supper. I think she slept in there, too (and probably fell
off something as her left arm was a bit swollen). Anyhow, I wouldn't let the
cats in there this morning, but when I left, she was downstairs in the living
room on the top perch in the cat tree (overlooking the feeders). She whacked
Billy when he tried to climb up there, and literally tossed Arty out when he
tried to join her. Now, ordinarily, I'd think that this is great that she is
finally decided to join in with the rest of the family; maybe all the attention
she has been getting has boosted her self-esteem or something, but in the
back of my mind all I can think of is she was being out going right before
the first transfusion, and even though she looked good, I could have lost her.
On the other hand, her tongue and gums are actually pink (for the first time
in a long time).
Sorry for babbling, but does anyone have any advice?
Deb
|
711.45 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Wed Apr 27 1994 20:38 | 7 |
| Unfortunatly, I was right; something was up. She didn't want to eat at
all yesterday. I'm in a class all week at ZK, so when I rushed home, I
decided to bring her to the vet for a shot of vitimin B and C (they
reccommended that she get one every two weeks, anyhow, and Thursday
would have been two weeks). Anyhow, I got there and the vet found
another leison in her mouth4s0 {x
|
711.46 | This is one Easter week I'm not going to forget | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Wed Apr 27 1994 20:56 | 30 |
| Sorry about that last note. It got entered right after I re-dialed in
and attached. As I was entering that note, Eirene was siting beside me
on a box, and she just fell over and collapsed. I rushed her into the
bathroom where I forced water into her mouth and as soon as I got her
back to life again, I called the vet. It was 3 minutes to 7 (he closed
at 7). we rushed over there and he gave her a brief checkup, she looked
fine although I knew better. I think she may have fallen during the day
since she had a swollen arm (this was the case before she collapsed the
last time, too). The vet gave her a shot of some kind of steroid and
I am going to let her rest and will bring her back in first thing
tomorrow. He wants to xray her heart/kidneys and do some tests. He
color is good, so it isn't anemia. He said that he is "intregued" about
the way that she is collapsing (litterally falling over on her side,
arms and legs totally limp but streached out and the mouth locked
shut.) She said that there is the possibility that she is having
mini-strokes, or throwing a clot. Basicly, I have to let her rest
tonight and do what ever she wants, not force anything on her. And
I should probably get a "safari" cage for her so that if she falls
while I am not around, she won't hurt herself. Anyone have one of these
things that I could borrow?
Also, I know that there are some cats out there that have "thrown
clots"; could anyone tell me what the symptoms are/do they come back to
life as fast as Eirene has/do Eirene's symptom's sound like anyone's
"throwing a clot" experience?"
thanks,
Deb
Deb
|
711.47 | | DSSDEV::DSSDEV::TAMIR | | Thu Apr 28 1994 08:41 | 7 |
| Poor Eirene...she's been thru the wringer, eh?? I wish her well as
The Firm would be nothing without her...
Hang in there, Eirene!
Mary
|
711.48 | | MAGEE::MERRITT | Kitty City | Thu Apr 28 1994 09:15 | 23 |
| Deb...kitty prayers for Eirene. You both have been through soooooo
much lately and I know the feeling of rushing home...stomach in a
tight knot...and the constand feeling of worry. It's a very hard
way to live...but as you know...it's worth it!
Based on my experience with Mr. Meow....I would say Eirene's collapsing
is something totoally different then the issue with the kidney or
anemia. Meow had alot of Eirene's other symptoms but he truly
never collapsed. There were times when his tired legs would stagger
and he would appear weak...but yet he never fell off of things or
collapsed.
Even though I had a young cat die of cardiomyopathy....he never did
throw a blood clot...so I have no experience with that. I do remember
other cats with heart problems that did throw clots in their back
legs..but it seemed they were paralyzed for awhile and didn't recover
as fast as Eirene.
Hugs to you...and please let us know what the results are.
Sandy
|
711.49 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Thu Apr 28 1994 09:49 | 12 |
| Deb, Sandy's right; my cats that threw clots became paralyzed in the
hindquarters as a result. Clots are extremely painful and the cat
will cry out and try to "run away" from the pain. It is sad to
witness. What you are describing almost sounds like a seizure of
sorts, but I've had no experience with that. Plus, her quick
recoveries seem inconsistent with what happens when a cat throws a clot
due to a heart problem.
I will keep both you and Eirene in my thoughts.
-Roberta
|
711.50 | | JULIET::CORDES_JA | Four Tigers on my Couch | Thu Apr 28 1994 12:30 | 12 |
| Bailey yelped and attempted to run when she threw her clot. It
was so sad. Her hind legs just wouldn't cooperate as she tried
to run. The first clot was clearing up and she might have had a
chance but she threw a second clot later in her spinal cord that
wouldn't clear. The only good thing about that was that it blocked
the pain she would have felt. The bad thing, they couldn't do
anything for her after that.
Good luck, Deb. I hope you find out what is causing this problem
with Eirene very soon.
Jan
|
711.51 | I think I am going to rename her Lazarus | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu Apr 28 1994 17:20 | 32 |
| I'll write more when I get home tonight, but basicly, last night after
midnight she did this 3 more times, each time after some physical
exertion (at midnight she got the crazies and bounded from the window
sill to the bed, across the bex, over me, down the hall and then made
the return trip to the window sill. Upon getting there, she fell over.
I shook her back to life. About an hour later, she decided to leave the
bed and sharpen her claws like there was no tomorrow. I dove out of bed
and caught her just before she hit the floor. I brought her back again.
Then I tried to put her in her carrier so she wouldn't run around anymore,
and she got out, ran in back of the bed and collapsed. I thot I wasn't
going to be able to revived her that time; I give her mouth to mouth
and shoved water down her throat (I thnk she started to choak on it and
that jump started her into movement again). Anyhow, the vet xrayed her
heart this am and said it was normal size. I'm going there now to find
out the results of the EKG. He did tell me that he has never heard of a
cat collapsing falling over sideways before; Has anyone else seen that?
Also, and I guess this is good but frustrating, she escapsed when they
were taking the xray; the vet said she ran all over the hospital 3
times before they got her; based on last's night's experience, he thot
she was going to collapse but she didn't; in fact, all of her ital
signs seemed perfect (I hate to say this but it might has been nice if
she collapsed in front of the vet so that he could observe exactly what
happens).
Sorry for rambling, but I'll let you folks know when I hear more.
thanks,
Deb
P.S. They are also doing a blood chemistry; it couls also be the
rapid temp fluctuation we had yesterday as that is very hard on cats
with kidney failure.
|
711.52 | | JULIET::CORDES_JA | Four Tigers on my Couch | Thu Apr 28 1994 21:43 | 7 |
| Deb,
How's her potassium level? No real knowledge behind the question.
Just curious. I'm just wondering if it could have anything at all
to do with her falling over.
Jan
|
711.53 | EKG was "very normal" | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri Apr 29 1994 14:02 | 43 |
| Jan,
I was thinking the same thing (as someone with HBP I know about how it
can drop if you have been subsisting on a diet of coca-cola and
twinkies and no bananas/orange juice, I get a little woosy), especially
since the problams happen right after she urinates. This too could
explain why the pedylite brings her back to life. The vet is doing a
blood chemistry today.
One other thing that might be significant, is that the day before the
last two series of collapses I've noticed that her arm (where I presume
she has fallen) has felt "doughy".
I left her at the vet last night since I needed to get some sleep and
at least she would be confined. The EKG looked normal. WHat happens is
that Eirene is hooked up to this thing that looks like an old acustic
coupler and the EKG is transmitted to these vet cardiac specialists in
NYC. They were very intregued by her case. It showed a perfectly normal
EKG, in fact, the speciast made the comment to my vet that it looks
like she has a "very strong heart". He said that it would be
interesting top hook her up during one of these episodes. I've been
told if it happens again to try to take her pulse before it happens
(how the h*ll am I supposed to know when it is going to happen?) and
at the time of the immediate collapse. He wants to be kept abreast of
anything we find out.
I'm sorry I didn't enter her results last night but i fell asleep very
early (and woke up every 10 minutes wondering if she was ok).
Unfortunatly, this being Easter weekend I'm not going to be around a
lot (I can't get out of going to my mother's on Sunday at the very
least) so I am thinking of leaving EIrene at the vets. No one will be
there to watch her but at least she will be forced to rest.
This is my next strategy. I am going to post something on the CATS
bulliten board on Prodigy and see if anyone has had a similar
occurance. I'd like to know if anyone out there is a member of
Compuserve or AOL or any other service that has a CATS bulliten
board that would be willing to post for me, and then sumarize/report
any findings back to me here. Please send me mail if you can help
(and I'll send you something to post).
Thanks,
Deb
|
711.54 | | JULIET::CORDES_JA | Four Tigers on my Couch | Fri Apr 29 1994 14:57 | 15 |
| Deb,
Jo is on Compuserve. I believe you already have her address. If
not, let me know and I'll send it to you. She works for her vet.
If you remember, Jo was always a wealth of cat health knowledge.
Perhaps she has come across something like this through contacts at
the vet's office or through the breeders she has contact with.
You've probably already contacted her but I thought I'd mention it
in case you hadn't.
Please let us know the results of the blood chemistry, especially
if they show something about her condition.
Jan (who's thinking positive thoughts for Eirene)
|
711.55 | I think she is in end phase renal failure | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon May 02 1994 18:54 | 62 |
| This was a hectic weekend and I haven't written anything up about Eirene
to post on Prodigy, etc. yet.
We did get results of her blood test and the vet feels that she
her BUN and Creatin levels were at toxic levels, and that she was in a state
called "u-re-ic" (phonteic spelling), which is basicly the last phase in
renal failure. Here are the relevant numbers (normals are in parenthesis):
BUN (10-30 mg/dl) 141
Creatinine (0.5-1.8ml/dl) 6.9
Amylase (300-800 units) 1686
SGPT (10-80) 317
Potassium (3.8-4.5mEql) 4.4
SGPT is a liver enzyme, and it looks like the liver was trying to
compinsate for the kidney's not filtering, hense her throwing up
earlier before the blood test. The potassium was normal, but she had
been given lactated ringers by the time of the blood test; it could have
been a problem at the time of the collapse. Eirene's biggest problem seems
to be that she seems to compensate exceptionally well for all the problems
she has.
We have "flushed" her a couple of times and given her every-other-day
vitimin B&C shots and she looks great, although the blood profile also
came back as anemic (PCV 17), dispite the fact that she is eating (again),
and her gums and tounge are red. Hopefully, we will transfuse her next
week (that will be 30 days and Panther can donate again) Once again, the
vet looked at the numbers and in looking at Eirene didn't think that they
were describing the same cat. Her ability to compensate is amazing.
However, I'm now wondering if what I am doing is right. I'm wondering about
her quality of life. She looks great and has had no problem while at
the vet, but I am afraid to bring her home for fear of a dramatic change in
barometric pressure is going to cause another collapse (when I'm not
around). Eirene has an incredible will to live, as anyone that has followed
this string could guess. But am I doing the right thing, transfusing her
every month? It is almost like her system seems to want to shut down, and I
won't let it (I'm guess I'm having some guilt here over when my father died
we had left orders not to ressatate, at his request). She seems happy when
I'm there visiting her, and even when I'm not, everyone at the vet says she
is in good spirits all day long (they have been taking her out to play and
there have been no problems) and she is not in any pain at all (so long as
she gets the vitimin C). I guess I feel bad that she isn't spending
her last days watching birds (the one thing she loves doign more than
anything else). Would you folks please convince me I am doing the right
thing?
thanks,
Deb
Also, cats with kidney failure have a hard time when the weather changes
frequently. Here in New England the past couple of weeks have seen days in
the 70s and 80s with the nights in the 40s; in fact, she collapsed the day
that the temp was 60 at noon, 80 at 2PM and we had a sudden thunderstorm
at 6:50 (right about the time she collapsed). I'm wondering if the fact
that the vet hospital is climate controlled has anything to do with her
doing well there.
|
711.56 | | MAYES::MERRITT | Kitty City | Tue May 03 1994 09:40 | 18 |
| Deb...
Again based on my experience dealing with those "special" kitties...
you are not keeping Eirene alive with what your doing. If Eirene
didn't have the will to live...or the strength to fight it...believe
me nothing you or the vet could do would stop the inevitable! A
kitty who does not want to live...will not eat, clean themselves,
and will hide. Mr Meow went through this state once...and
we brought him back to a pretty healthy state where he had the
quality of life and enjoyed living.
My suggestion would be when you first take Eirene home...keep her in
a cage during the day and let her have her freedom when you are
home to watch her closely. Put the cage in a nice sunny spot in
the house. Take each day as it comes...Eirene will let you know when
she no longer as the will to fight...
Hugs to you.....
|
711.57 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue May 03 1994 15:42 | 10 |
| Sandy,
thanks. I've gotten some mail from others (thank you all) that basicly
says the same thing. I know feel that I'm doingthe right thing for her.
As for keeping her caged, do you think that a large kennel cab would be the
right thing to put her in, or should I get a regualar (one floor) cage
and pu it up high enuff soshe can see out the window?
Deb
|
711.58 | | MAGEE::MERRITT | Kitty City | Tue May 03 1994 15:45 | 7 |
| Deb....
I personally like the cage type so they can still see around and
you can place it near the window so she can sun herself and get
some air on a nice day!!!
Sandy
|
711.59 | My weather theory is proved | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri May 06 1994 11:03 | 14 |
| well, we figured that if there was going to be an other collapse, it
would happen last night since the weather changed so much yesterday.
Sure enough, she collapsed at 6:45 while I was there. And the vet saw
it. The vet described it as fainting.She came to very easily. They
think that maybe her heart skipped a beat which caused her to pass out,
but that even if she would have been by herself, she would have come
out of it all right so long as there was a clear air passage (i.e., so
long as she didn't do something like fall head first into her water
bowl or something).
We are expecting thunderstorms today and all weekend, so I think that
she is going to extend her stay a bit.
Deb
|
711.60 | | MAGEE::MERRITT | Kitty City | Fri May 06 1994 12:35 | 11 |
| Truly amazing Deb....and what great investigation work on your
part!!!
It does make sense that she comes to by herself...because I always
thought it was weird that she only colapsed when you were around.
Now my guess is that it has happened during the day when she was alone...
but she came out of it herself!!
Can they do "other" heart tests to find out why is skips a beat???
Sandy
|
711.61 | How does one fix the weather? | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri May 06 1994 14:02 | 19 |
| I can't take the credit; someone I know on the west coast whose cat has
been in kidney failure for about a year told me about the weather
connection. If you think about it, it makes sence. The kidneys maintain
the hydration and electrolyte level; when the weather is warmer, she is
drinking more and therefore passes more urine, which contains the
minerals that make up the electrolytes. The heart is a muscle and
therefore is sensitive to electolytes and especially electrolitic
balance.
As for the test, if she were a dog they could do it. They have a
special harness for an EKG that they could pick up a problem, but it
doesn't work on cats.
Anyhow, I think that she will be stayign the weekend sicne we are in
for thunderstorms. Also, the vet is trying to get some new medicatin he
heard about yesterday at a vetenary pharmaseducials conference
yesterday.
Deb
|
711.62 | Here's hoping for no t-storms! | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Fri May 06 1994 15:09 | 10 |
| Deb,
I only heard thunderstorms for today. The rest of the weekend is
supposed to be nice!
Whatever happens, I admire your perseverence and tenacity in caring for
Eirene!
-Roberta
|
711.63 | Eirene Update | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon May 09 1994 11:28 | 29 |
| Eirene is still at the vet; she collapsed again Friday night but was
fine on Saturday. In fact, I spoon fed her a whole jar of Gerber turkey
and Rice (she is in "I won't eat off a plate" mode). Except for someone
comming in to feed the animals twice a day and a vet comming in once,
there is no full time care on Sunday, but they said she looked fine (she
did get fluids Satuday night and Sunday as a precaution, though).
Also, the vet is trying to get some erithropotien to try to deal with
the anemia, but is having a hard time finding a supplier. (I know that
there are some other cats in this file that are taking it; if you are
in the New England area, could you let me know who your vet is so that
my vet can call to locate a supplier?) Anyhow, she is going to board at
the vet for a while longer as the erithropotien is a daily injection,
and I feel it will stress her less to be there and get it than to bring
her in every day. (And at $9/day for boarding, I have the peace of mind
at work knowing that she is being observed in case anything happens).
She is also getting some rest without the other cats bothering her, so
that is good too. I have to admit that she gets a bit stressed when
Arty and Billy want to play with her/won't leave her alone.
In the interm, I've bought an air conditioner for her, and a cage for
when she comes home. I may need to get a dehumidifier, too.
On a funny note, I think she looks comfy and relaxed in her cage with her
royal blue fuzzy bed. The staff, however, thinks she looks "regal";
someone suggested that all that is missing is a little diamond studded
tiara!
Deb
|
711.64 | liquid gold | OPENED::SOHL_N | | Mon May 09 1994 14:34 | 14 |
| I've got a bottle of erithropotein in my refrigerator at home, but I
know that doesn't help you much. If you're still stuck looking for it I
will gladly contact my vet. I'm in Georgia. He gets it overnight-expressed
to his office. I have no idea where the supplier is, but I'm sure they
could ship to New England just as easily as they do to Georgia. Let me
know if you want me to check.
We went through an injection a day for 5 days. After a week of no
injections, the PCV value has remained good. We'll be doing one
injection a week for a while then we'll retest. I learned how to give a
shot and will be doing it at home. A bottle of erithropotein cost me
$80.
Nancy
|
711.65 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon May 09 1994 14:48 | 6 |
| Nancy,
if you could ask your vet about the supplier (so I could tell my vet
about it tonight), I'd be for ever in your debt.
thanks,
Deb
|
711.66 | waiting for an update | OPENED::SOHL_N | | Mon May 09 1994 17:02 | 6 |
| Just to bring closure to the last two replies, the information needed
was exchanged through mail and a couple of phone calls.
Keeping all paws crossed for everyone involved...
Nancy
|
711.67 | First class tiaras at FELINES BASEMENT ! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Mon May 09 1994 18:11 | 12 |
|
We are keeping all our paws and fingers crossed too!
Feline hopeful,
Sue & Crew,
P.S. The Princess Panther Jane has conferred the honorary degree of
Princess upone Eriene, and it is up to the Kitty Parent, (Please read
the contract) to supply the tiara IMMEDIATELY ;-)
Feline Silly
|
711.68 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue May 10 1994 11:12 | 6 |
| actually, upon having the contract read to me, I've been told that
Filene's Basement is out, as are any sales; it is full price or
nothing! (afterall, what kind of princess would want to admit to
getting something on sale?)
Deb
|
711.69 | Just because it is basement does not mean cheap! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Tue May 10 1994 14:04 | 8 |
|
That is of course, true. BUT We are a PRINCESS, we don't admit
anything, but rumor has it that one little black Regal kitty is Chair
cat of the board at Felines Basement. ;-)
Feline occupied,
Sue & Princess & Spots & Cinnyman
|
711.70 | this should work ... | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Tue May 10 1994 14:15 | 4 |
| In that case, I guess I could just purchase it at the basement anyway
and INSIST on paying, oh, say, 15% over full (pre-markdown) price?
Deb
|
711.71 | You will make an excellent Princess Parent! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Wed May 11 1994 13:45 | 6 |
|
Of coutse! (Being the kitty parent of royalty is not easy!
Feline Silly
Sue & Crew
|
711.72 | decisions, decisions :-) | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu May 12 1994 13:08 | 5 |
| Well, I looked last night and couldn't decide which tiria was right
for Eirene; do you think that Princess Panther would mind making the
selection and sending me the bill for her personalized service?
Deb
|
711.73 | Deb, You have such good TASTE! | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Thu May 12 1994 14:11 | 15 |
|
But of course! You know that you will get extra purrrrrssssss from the
Princess for your good judgement in asking her to be Eriene's Pursonal
Shopper. ;-)
'Puurrrppppp, We will select the BIG one of course. Not as big as
mine, but none-the-less the BIG Princess tiara, and a lovely diamond
neckless to go with it and of course a ROYAL BLUE velvet Kitty bed, and
a trained private nurse when Mummie can not attend the patient....."
We will send the Bill to MaMa Deb! Purrrppppp
Feline Shopping Service,
Princess Panther Jane & Mummie Sue
|
711.74 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu May 12 1994 18:24 | 28 |
| Eirene can hardly wait to recieve it!
For a general status report;; she is eating pretty well, and we have
found that if she is well hydrated before a cloud burst, she doesn't
collapse. So, when I bring her home I guess she'll be getting fluids
morning and evening. Also, she is eating pretty well. She ate a jar and
a half of baby food for me yesterday, although she did throw up last
night, the good news is that along with some of the food what she
coughed up was a furball, which means she is feeling well enuff to bath
herself! She was hungry this morning although I only fed her 1/2 a jar
of food (she'd have taken more but I didn't want her to throw up
again). ALso, her PCV was tested and it is holding at 17; I did have a
scare on this; they took it the other morning and it came back as a 5;
they retested and it was a 17-18; something went wrong with the
centrafuge machine!
On another note, Eirene starts the erithropoten tonight. The vet spent
all day yesterday looking for single viles. He called the supplier
that Nancy told me about, but it seems that as of about a month ago,
they are prohibited by the FDA from breaking up packages (of 10) and
selling them seperatly. The stuff is pretty expensive (Nancy told me it
was about $80/vile), and it contains 10 Eirene sized dosages. It would
take over 3 years for Eirene to use all of that. Anyhow, he called
everyone around and managed to get two bottles, which will probably
last for about 3 - 6 months.
Anyhow, keep your paws crossed,
Deb
|
711.75 | Good luck! | KURIUS::SOHL_N | | Fri May 13 1994 11:11 | 11 |
| I'll definitely be thinking of you! Tonight will be the first time
I'll be administering the erithropotein myself. I'm counting on my
husband help to hold Wizard for me. I don't think I could do it
without an extra set of hands. I'm nervous now just thinking about
giving a shot.
I'm glad to hear you were able to find a smaller amount. I hope it
all goes well for you.
With crossed fingers and paws,
Nancy
|
711.76 | Eirene looked good this morning | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri May 13 1994 13:27 | 11 |
| Good luck! Also, my vet has read about a special renal diet (as
opposed to K/D for kidney diet). It is a liquid, and he is going to try
to get some for her.
I saw her this morning and she looked good, and had a very good
appitite. I'll be in to see her tonight, but unfortunatly, I won't be
able to go in on Saturday (I have to leave the house at 6 am and won't
be back until probably midnight.) And if everything goes well, I'll be
bringing her home on Monday night!!!!
Deb
|
711.77 | My Day for R Words? | LJSRV2::FEHSKENS | len - reformed architect | Fri May 13 1994 13:41 | 6 |
|
Renal means of or pertaining to the kidneys, so I'm not sure what the
difference would be.
len.
|
711.78 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Fri May 13 1994 13:49 | 14 |
| I'm not sure, either; all I know is that it is a liquid, fairly new and
they (whomever "they" are) have been gettighn "excellent" results from it.
so, I'm all for trying it (assuming I can wean her off baby food).
I'm wondering if it is liquid because cats in advanced stages of
kidney/renal problems tend to have neck leisons and other teeth
problems that are painful enuff that they don't want to eat.
One other thing that I wanted to mention. Since we started giving her
about 100ml of fluids every day (instead of 200 every other day) we
havn't seen any more mouth leisons, which means that her creatin level
must be getting lowered!
Deb
|
711.79 | Eirene's status | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Mon May 16 1994 13:09 | 23 |
| Eirene looked reat Friday night; she was eating well, and was pretty
happy. Unfortunatly, I wasn't able to go in on Saturday or Sunday (this
was convention weekend) adn around Saturday night, Eirene went on a
hunger strike. basicly, she won't eat for anyone else. I guess someone
force fed her Saturday afternoon, because the kennel person said that
when she came in Sunday Morning, Eirene had thown up all over the
place. She refused to eat anything on Sunday.
I went in this morning and she immedialty turned around and refused to
look at me. I guess she was mad I hadn't been in. After about a half
hour, I finally got her to start eating; she took a half jar of baby
food, and was allowingme to comb and pat her, and was swinging her
tail very contentedly. What worried me is that while she is on this
erithropoten, it is especially important that she eat because the body
needs nutrients to build blood, and she basicly hasn't eaten for 40%
of the time she has been on it (40% = 2 days). They are taking a PCV
reading tonight. I'm praying that it is up a bit. I was hoping to bring
her home tonight, but with the weather being a lot like a rollercoaster
ride this weekend, I'm having second thots.
Anyhow, I'll post a status tomorrow.
Deb
|
711.80 | Memory Eternal | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Sat May 21 1994 19:43 | 36 |
|
I regret to report that Eirene passed away at about 10:30 this morning.
She went very quickly, and naturally without any pain. I was holding
her paw as she passed away.
Things kind of went down hill last week. Toward the end of the week
she started feeling cold. Her little feet were cold to the touch, and
by the end of the week her mouth gums were even dry. She was getting
fluids twice a day. She lost a lot of weight, but seemed still alert.
I was told that she collapsed in front of the kennel person but she
regained consiousness by the time the vet ran in. I managed to get
over a jar of baby food into her Friday night but I really didn't feel
good about leaving her, although she was purring.
I came in Saturday morning and she seemed alert and purred when she saw
me. Unfortunatly, while I was feeding her she collapsed, and although
it looked just like all the other times, although she was breathing,
she remained limp and her eyes wide open. The vet gave her a shot of a
steriod but said he didn't hold out much hope since she seemed to be
unconsious, although her eyes were responding to light for a little
while, none of her other mussels moved (legs,eye lids, etc.) He said
that there was obviously a neurological problem (which could have been
electrolites or lack of oxegyn) that caused the collapse.She passed
away after about 5 minutes, and while the vet offered to ressusitate
her, I said no; she had been through enough.
I had so hoped to bring her home, even if only for a couple of days.
When I came home I picked up her twin brother Panther and tried to
give him a hug. Usually, Panther is a pest who won't get out of your
lap. He took one sniff of me and bolted and wouldn't come near me
for hours. Those two always had some kind of telepathy with each other
and I think that the sumises that his sister "Renie" isn't comming home.
Deb
|
711.81 | My condolences | ELWOOD::FEASE | Andrea Midtmoen Fease | Mon May 23 1994 08:18 | 10 |
| Deb,
I'm so sorry to read of Eirene's passing. She was a little
trooper and fought well, but this problem was just too much for her.
Now she is up with all of our other kitties (and other critters)
enjoying the sun and free of problems.
Take care.
- Andrea
|
711.82 | | MAGEE::MERRITT | Kitty City | Mon May 23 1994 09:04 | 12 |
| May the little girl, Eirene rest in peace with no pain and no
more suffering. I'm sure Mr. Meow and the rest of our cats who
have passed before her will gently take her paw and show her the
love and peace of heaven.
She was quite the trooper....and Deb you were such a wonderful, caring
loving mom!
Sandy
|
711.83 | so sad | KURIUS::SOHL_N | | Mon May 23 1994 09:32 | 5 |
| I'm so sorry to hear about Eirene. I've been watching here to see how
she was doing and was concerned when there hadn't been any news.
You have our utmost sympathy.
Nancy (Wizard and Miss Marple)
|
711.84 | | JUPITR::KAGNO | | Mon May 23 1994 09:43 | 10 |
| Very sorry, Deb. I only wish I had as much strength as you did to be
there for her right up until the end. I have never been able to say
goodbye to one of my cats as they passed on. Your tenacity, patience
and love surely paid off in giving Eirene the last few quality weeks of
her life.
She will be remembered.
-Roberta
|
711.85 | My sympathies | NRSTA2::BACHELDER | | Mon May 23 1994 10:00 | 6 |
| Sniff...
So sorry to hear of your little ones passing.
- Lauri
|
711.86 | sympathies | SALEM::SHAW | | Mon May 23 1994 10:30 | 5 |
|
Deb, My deepest sympathies .....
Shaw
|
711.87 | what spirit she had! | LEZAH::BROWN | On [real]time or else... | Mon May 23 1994 11:15 | 7 |
|
I'm so sorry to hear about Eirene, Deb.
She was a special cat -- a real fighter,
just like our Jennifurr. You and The Firm
have our deepest sympathies.
Jan and Ron
|
711.88 | I'm so sorry | EASI::GEENEN | Illud cape et ei fibulam adfige! | Mon May 23 1994 12:52 | 8 |
| Deb:
It saddens me greatly to learn of Eirene's passing. She had a great
mommy who was there for her always to the very end. I'm giving my
crew extra hugs and love tonight. Please accept my sincerest
sympathies.
Carl
|
711.89 | sniff | JULIET::RUSSELLPE_ST | | Mon May 23 1994 13:22 | 4 |
| Deb, my deepest sympathies. You and Eirene fought quite a battle
together, and I know she was very happy that you were by her side.
Steffi
|
711.90 | Bye Bye Little One | LJSRV2::FEHSKENS | len - reformed architect | Mon May 23 1994 13:49 | 7 |
|
I know I speak for my "family" when I say how saddened we are to hear
of Eirene's passing. I'm sure Monkey and Wabbit and Chunky (and so
many others of our friends who have moved on) are welcoming her.
len.
|
711.91 | | VLNVAX::PGLADDING | Noters do it with a 8-) | Mon May 23 1994 14:19 | 5 |
| So sorry to hear of your loss of your beloved Eirene. She's sleeping
in peace without pain and suffering.
take care,
Pam
|
711.92 | :( | BPSOF::EGYED | Per aspera ad astra | Tue May 24 1994 04:30 | 3 |
| hugs
Nat
|
711.93 | | JARETH::GOGOLIN | | Tue May 24 1994 06:25 | 10 |
| I'm so sorry to hear that Eirene lost the battle. You both fought
so valiantly! Eirene had the best life with your love and care.
Thank you for sharing with us all you learned from this experience.
I'm going to save this info in case I need it in the future.
Take care,
Linda
|
711.94 | She is confering with her friends now... | AIMHI::SPINGLER | | Tue May 24 1994 13:53 | 6 |
|
Oh Deb, so sorry, hugs and Kitty Kisses
Feline Sad,
Sue Panther Spots & Cinnyman
|
711.95 | our condolences... | STOWOA::FALLON | Moonsta Cattery | Thu May 26 1994 13:12 | 3 |
| Deb, I too send kitty hugs from all my kitties. I'm very sorry that
you and Eirene lost the fight. She can rest comfortably now.
Karen
|
711.96 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Thu May 26 1994 14:19 | 6 |
| I'd like to thank everyone for the words of comfort that have been
expressed to me both in this file and in e-mail. Eirene will be intered
at the MSCPA cemetry in Metheun, MA. on Friday. She will be joining
Spiro, Pip and her beloved "Daddycat" Argus.
Deb
|
711.97 | I too am very sorry.... | STUDIO::COLAIANNI | I have PMS and a handgun ;-) | Wed Jun 01 1994 12:35 | 14 |
| Deb,
I'm so sorry to hear the news! I've been ot of notes because of
school! I just entered the SLM list, but will add Eirene to it right
away.
My thoughts are with you. She fought a hard battle, but I'm sure she's
greatful to you that you knew when to let her go. She's joining a huge
wonderful family now, and please know she will never hurt or be in pain
again.
Love,
Yonee
|
711.98 | | HELIX::SKALTSIS | Deb | Wed Jun 01 1994 12:45 | 3 |
| thank you.
Deb
|