Topic: Swampy: it is his time now RIP little choc-o-late monster my love (Read 437458 times)

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2613 on:** August 12, 2009, 22:46:10 PM »

Glad things are going good for Swampy Kate, lots of sun vibes being sent for his love of the balcony!

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2612 on:** August 12, 2009, 18:07:06 PM »

We is nawt so frite-unned.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2611 on:** August 12, 2009, 10:20:29 AM »

He's got a new IFAW one to try later today if the sun comes out properly

I can try to take a photo of him, without his slave though. Can't be frightening you good people.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2610 on:** August 12, 2009, 06:49:07 AM »

Morning respeck' to Swampy and Swampy's umbrella slave.....

bonnielass · « **Reply #2609 on:** August 11, 2009, 22:36:16 PM »

Im glad Swampy is managing to enjoy some sunshine

i would love to see a picture of his slave with the umbrella

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2608 on:** August 11, 2009, 21:26:43 PM »

I give him his fluids before OH goes to work so about 8.30 at the latest. First I weigh him to make sure he's at the same weight as the day before and then we do the skin test, which is not an exact science as Swampy will be 18 in mid october so his skin is quite loose too.

Swampy had 1 1/4 hour on the roof in shade and sun from 3.45 today. I take a brolley out with him now and shelter him. Sometimes it's quite funny as he moves to get away from the shade. But he looks quite the man with his slave holding a brolly for him, bless him.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #2607 on:** August 09, 2009, 23:27:41 PM »

I used to give Suzie 100ml every day, does the time of day you give the fluids make any difference to his appetite? I think I used to give Suzie hers in the afternoon.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2606 on:** August 09, 2009, 12:27:34 PM »

Yes, I thought of about 80mls per day. Anyhow I gave 100mls today and we'll see how long before he gets dehydrated, although ideally I don't want to wait until he is dehydrated to give more.

Yes on a single daily dose of 110mls he lost his appetite mostly. I am worried that it is too much, but think 100mls every 2 days may be too little. This is the hardest thing about sub cuts, the dose.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2605 on:** August 09, 2009, 02:06:40 AM »

It is late so please excuse me if Ive read your post wrong!

If UK says 100mls every other day and US says 100mls per day....would that not then be 75mls per day to work out the medium?

Do you only do his sub cuts once a day or twice normally?

....And did you really mean 110mls a day and he would not eat as was too full?

Sorry I hate to be boggled, but I mainly boggle myself!

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2604 on:** August 08, 2009, 22:02:11 PM »

the scale we have (normal bathroom digital) just isn't up to this really. I think I'm going to have to buy one of those baby scales that can also go flat - if anyone sees a good Salter one cheap, let me know!

Swampy - acc to the scale - is still 4.8 tonight after just 50mls this morning and some meals and seems only a little bit dehydrated so we decided we will leave his fluids until tomorrow morning and give him 100mls then. The vet suggests we try to give him 100mls every other day. The americans say 100mls daily but on 110mls daily he was feeling too full to eat. Tricky.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2603 on:** August 08, 2009, 16:35:41 PM »

Glad he has lost the extra fluid!

There is a link in one of the Sections on here about giving sub cuts, maybe have a looky when your feeling less tired and if there is anything you could add just do a post next to it!

Can you check his gums while he is sleeping?

How are you getting on with his new eye drops, does it seem sore for him to get used to?

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2602 on:** August 08, 2009, 12:00:24 PM »

he lost it again quite quickly

and this morning I regave 50mls as his skin was a bit tenty again. Waiting for the vet to call....I hope.

In the meantime I had a lovely long response on how much to give, from American CRF yahoo group person who is very informed. I could modify it and put in on a sticky here (is there one on giving sub cuts, sorry I am too tired to know). It talks about fluid amounts and how to determine dehydration.
Just how I check the choc monster's gums though is quite a thought!

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2601 on:** August 07, 2009, 21:59:57 PM »

Very strange! I know that a pint of water weighs a pound and a quater but my brain cant handle trying to work out your .3kg?

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2600 on:** August 07, 2009, 21:40:34 PM »

I decided not to wait until morning for Swampy and gave him 50mls fluids because I thought his skin folds showed a bit of dehydration. I weighed him before and he was 4.5kg. After just 50mls, he weighs 4.8kgs. I am really worried and not sure how it can be so much.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2599 on:** August 07, 2009, 17:30:57 PM »

Swampy has some new eye drops for herpes - very expensive opthalmology drops. They irritate the eye so I am supposed to hold his legs for a minute after giving them so he can't rub his eye. I told the vet that this is nuts. If it hurts him too much, he's not getting them.

I cut his fluids after the Max overhydration episode and will try to gauge from his weight and skin folds if he needs more. It may be every other day or less every day. The trouble is that getting bloods to check how he is doing is so difficult as it requires a home visit, which the vet is often too busy to do. But as Swampy could only go in the car in an emergency, I have to try to work it out so that he doesn't get overhydrated (or underhydrated, making his kidneys so bad he needs hospital IV....not sure if we could do that).

I'm so stressed I am eating junk and buying fruit and just looking at it

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2598 on:** August 03, 2009, 21:16:03 PM »

thanks

I have to give him his laurabolin and vit B injection early tomorrow morning. Not at exactly the same time as his 100ml sub cut fluids. I have a sort of primitive view of poor little Swampy's body with all the fluid getting mixed up with the sub cut laurabolin and diluting it and stopping it working (science not my strong point!). The vet's nurse said to leave at least 1/2 hour between the injection and his fluids. I don't know how fast laurabolin is absorbed (anyone?) but I will do that one first.

My neighbour who helped with sub cuts has moved out otherwise I'd leave a few hours but I can't as OH has to do both with me before he goes to work.

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2597 on:** August 03, 2009, 07:00:33 AM »

Kate, sending love to you and Swampy.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2596 on:** August 02, 2009, 22:47:34 PM »

only eaten a very little bit of Applaws earlier this evening, despite the steroids. I'm hoping so much that the laurabolin and vit B jab can help him. I'll have to do it myself (it's a sub cut one) as the vet won't visit to do just that as thinks I can.
I am so worried (yet again, but this time it feels worse).

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2595 on:** August 02, 2009, 17:06:09 PM »

Positive healing vibes being sent to Swampy, hope he starts to eat more soon~~~~~~

Hope Max and yourself are keeping well also!

bonnielass · « **Reply #2594 on:** August 02, 2009, 13:48:57 PM »

Poor old Swampy

sending lots of positive vibes for him and hope his appitite picks up fast,

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2593 on:** August 02, 2009, 13:12:47 PM »

Since yesterday afternoon Swampy won't eat. Or he'll nibble about a square inch of food then hide his head away. I've tried pepcid and lactulose (he did poo). I just don't know what to do.
I've emailed or left 3 messages for the vet about laurabolin and vit B injection as that's all I can think of.

He's nibbled just a tiny bit of k/d and senior pate, doesn't much care for Hi Life at all (not even a teaspoon) and eaten 2 teaspoons of Applaws. He also refused any fresh chicken. I am going to stick to k/d as he normally eats it and it has the most calories if he'll only eat a scrap. He's just had his steroids so I hope that works a bit too.

Please send yet more prayers and vibes for him. It's just 1 week since this happened (although not quite as bad as this) and that time pooing helped. Not this time.
His auntie Maddiesmum saw him yesterday morning and he was doing ok, but by 4pm he was poorly, don't know why.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2592 on:** July 30, 2009, 13:44:26 PM »

Well, he's convinced that antibiotic ointment is the way to go, but is adding in some virbagen (which will be £80 out of my pocket as the insurance won't pay for eyes, but it last ages) and says he will speak to Moorfields about anti viral meds if necessary. Apparently they do some human stuff like zovirax that you can use on animals. Doesn't like being second guessed though.
He swears that the virbagen (interferon) won't be bad for Swampy's kidneys or liver but should stay locally in the eye area. I'm so scared of doing the wrong thing.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2591 on:** July 28, 2009, 11:23:03 AM »

Then you must explain all this to the vet Kate, very good he may be but remember he is also employed by you (your choice of vet) and if you are having any worries re Swampy's eye then tell him your feelings.....Any vet worth his salt would understand!

Sending positive vibes for his eye, and to your vet for that referral if ness~~~~~

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2590 on:** July 27, 2009, 22:20:27 PM »

His ulcer just isn't healing I don't think. His eye is shut. Obviously vision is not an issue as he is blind but I don't want him to be in pain (he's not rubbing it at all, just looks puffy). Thing is, I just read a lot on the web from America about corneal ulcers and I am not sure that he is getting the right treatment. One article http://secure.aahanet.org/eweb/images/AAHAnet/phoenix2009proceedings/pdfs/01_scientific/091_THE%20TOP%20TEN%20OPHTHALMIC.pdf
suggests that often vets get it wrong by giving antibiotics, when the cause of the ulcer is viral herpes and antibiotics may not only be ineffective but could make it worse. I wonder if he shouldn't be on antiviral medication (not sure what that would be other than interferon?) as he has had herpes in that eye since he was a kitten and when in Cape Town he was sent to an ophthalmologist who said it could lead to ulceration if left untreated. The only effective treatment he had was with human interferon A in SA and France but which is n/a in this country and anyhow may possibly (or not) have contributed to his liver's bad reaction to torbugesic.

Trouble is that my very good vet is very bad about doing specialist referrals, but when I did nag about one to Danielle Gunn Moore back in January, she saved Swampy's life by suggesting Selgian and Istin combo. I know he can't go to see an eye specialist but I'm not sure how to ask for a referral of his notes for an opinion without causing offence or else more likely a blank refusal.

sorry for the long post. I'm just concerned as his eye ointment causes stress and stress triggers all his other health problems like his vestibular disease and bp.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2589 on:** July 24, 2009, 15:03:01 PM »

That sound like all round good news Kate, nice to see you get some relief!

Sending positive vibes to you all, eating, tummy anything you feel fit these vibes are to cover~~~~~~Best of Luck!

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2588 on:** July 24, 2009, 11:55:03 AM »

just got his results (hopefully the right cat

). The sub cuts have greatly improved his kidney readings - probably why in America they use sub cuts ahead of fortekor - from creatinine 480 last month to 315 this time and urea last time 28 to this time 15 although the flip side of them is decreased albumin and slightly increased anaemia. Swampy has to stay on antibiotics for a month and have more kaminox and laurabolin. But we have to get the dose of sub cuts right (no other patients are on them) as too much causes other problems, while improving the kidneys. To date he is on 100mls a day. He is fully hydrated for most of the 24 hours but his skin doesn't snap back too well when the next dose is due.

Nothing in the bloods shows why he isn't eating much. His steroids yesterday meant he has eaten a little overnight and this morning but what is weird (fluids maybe, or blockage?) he has put on weight despite not eating much. So I have to give him lactulose.

He may not be allowed periactin as it may interact with Selgian - the vet is finding out. Swampy is his only patient ever on Selgian.

So the overall picture isn't bad, but of course he needs to start eating again properly and stop any food phobia. His phosphate levels are still normal so I can give him pretty much anything to tempt him to eat but he's an amazing little guy in that he actually enjoys k/d!

Please good Purrs people, send him eating vibes

I'm relieved by the results but also still worried about the eating and his tum.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2587 on:** July 23, 2009, 22:30:20 PM »

the lab didn't test the bloods as got confused with another cat's which were stopped as the poor cat was pts. So the results should be through tomorrow and the vet says he will call me when they are in. Swampy was food phobic for much of the day but tonight (after steroids at lunchtime) he has eaten a little bit, but he is still only eating enough for a mouse.
Please send vibes for him that he can pick up and eat more. I will have to get up and feed him lots of little meals during the night and hope that he eats some.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2586 on:** July 23, 2009, 13:07:53 PM »

Thinking of you and the boys Kate and wishing for good news on the test results today....

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2585 on:** July 23, 2009, 07:27:32 AM »

Keeping fingers crossed for the results, Kate.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2584 on:** July 22, 2009, 21:13:36 PM »

no results yet. some time tomorrow. I'll sit at home waiting for the phone to ring, horrible. The results should have been through tonight but weren't so of course I'm getting anxious about why that is.

Max decided to spend a bit of time with Swampy in the green bed today which made Swampy so happy. He has eaten a little bit today, more than yesterday and thanks to Max's visit, he has been less lethargic. He even sat up and gave Max's eyebrows a clean. Max spent a couple of hours with him but has now abandoned him again. I wish I knew how to get him to stay.

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #2583 on:** July 22, 2009, 15:17:17 PM »

I suppose you've tried him with some A/D Kate? Good luck with the blood tests tomorrow.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2582 on:** July 22, 2009, 14:54:50 PM »

Sorry to hear he's off his food again!

What would Swampy do if you brought him to Max?

I do hope things calm down for you Kate....Wishing you all the very best!

Sue P (Paddysmum) · « **Reply #2581 on:** July 21, 2009, 22:07:44 PM »

Just wanted to say a special "nite,nite" for you and the boys, Kate.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2580 on:** July 21, 2009, 22:03:53 PM »

thanks

He's barely eaten 1/2 can of food of various kinds today. He tries a little, then after just a nibble the paw comes out to say enough. Until a week ago he was on 1 1/2 - 2 cans in 24 hours and really eating well. He just seems so limp and lethargic, a little furry bundle purring in my arms but with no energy. I wish the blood results came back tomorrow, but then again I am afraid of what they say. It's all been so quick as last week he was doing ok. I wish Max would go and sit with him as that would make him happy, but he just won't.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #2579 on:** July 21, 2009, 14:20:21 PM »

Aw sorry to hear that the vet gave his bladder a squeeze for which you wish he never, He was just checking how full the bladder was and if there was anything in there as he found!

All this worry must be taking its toll on you Kate, one cat is enough to be anxious over but two!

Im sending positive vibes and wishing you all some quality time....hope things pick up soon for you and yours!

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2578 on:** July 21, 2009, 13:49:25 PM »

Swampy didn't fight at all when they took bloods. He won't eat much at all. The vet expressed his bladder and afterwards he kept going (twice) to the tray to try to wee again so it must have hurt or made him uncomfortable. Vet says there is blood in his urine and inflammation or a benign tumour in the bladder - which he had pushed. I wish I said to wait, please let him go by himself as he would have done so I'm sure.

Little one slept all morning from 8.30 to 1 which he never does and he's just so subdued and if he eats a teaspoon of food every few hours, then the paw comes out to say enough. I am so worried and frightened. The blood results will only be back on thursday I think. I have to somehow get him to eat. I gave him a little of Applaws but he only ate a teaspoonful. I don't know what to do, so just get more and more anxious and upset.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2577 on:** July 21, 2009, 09:02:10 AM »

Swampy ate a little bit in the night and this morning although not nearly as much as usual. I put his tray really near him and he did find it but he also slept a lot (while I didn't, watching him to see when he'd get up!).
The vet is supposed to come and see him at lunchtime today and hopefully take bloods. I say hopefully as Swampy doesn't allow much to be taken but we really do need to know how he is overall. His last ones were a month ago almost and they were quite a bit worse than the time before.
The antibiotics seem to have helped his constipation and his coat's better, a bit shinier. I shone a torch into his eye last night though and I can still see the shadow of the ulcer, but at least he's not rubbing it and just keeps the eye mostly shut, so hopefully it's not bothering him a great deal. Old age is horrible. I just make sure when he is awake, that he is being touched and cuddled so has a good purr.

No roof sun today as it's raining yet again.

bunglycat · « **Reply #2576 on:** July 20, 2009, 23:13:24 PM »

Sorry they are both poorly again -lots of mega get well vibes from us all here in Lincoln

bonnielass · « **Reply #2575 on:** July 20, 2009, 19:30:38 PM »

Oh Kate i really feel for you

your having such a rough time with the boys you must be out of your mind with worry

im sending loads and loads of positive healing vibes for both the boys and you

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #2574 on:** July 20, 2009, 15:07:24 PM »

He's really off his food, won't hardly eat at all. Usually and recently he's been eating really well so I am worried. I've asked the vet to please come asap to take bloods and to check him over. Neither his cold nor antibiotics have affected his appetite before and it's now quite a few days with it getting worse daily, so I'm scared that his kidneys are worse. I don't know if the sub cuts can actually make him less hungry as that's the only recent development. His vestibular symptoms are still not good either, no self correction as yet. But he's purring and enjoying cuddles as usual and isn't hunched up or anything and had a lovely time with 45 mins on the roof where the sun was out but it wasn't too hot.
Please send him vibes or prayers and for his little brother Max too (will update his thread) who isn't good either.

Author Topic: Swampy: it is his time now RIP little choc-o-late monster my love (Read 437458 times)