Topic: RIP baby Max: PLEASE READ UPDATE THREAD (Read 97164 times)

Bazsmum · « **Reply #470 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:51:45 AM »

Thinking of you and the boys today and hoping you have a lovely weekend with them both!

Janeyk · « **Reply #469 on:** July 03, 2009, 21:33:47 PM »

Hope Max continues to improve

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #468 on:** July 03, 2009, 20:59:58 PM »

yes, it's not great for the fingers but he's not as quick as he used to be and I can get out of the way of his snappers most of the time

CarolM, would you mind asking your friends please? I got my friend who rang the vets but they don't have it and are not sure how to get it, but would do so but it could take a couple of weeks. Please let me know how much - I have a euro account so can send a cheque if that is ok? I'd be very grateful, many thanks.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #467 on:** July 03, 2009, 12:13:48 PM »

I guess its Max's favorite game rather than yours LOL,,,,he the pirana and you the bait

Hope everything works out well for him

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #466 on:** July 03, 2009, 12:02:24 PM »

Hi, I have tried 3 times and haven't got my friend yet (she has no answerphone) but I'm sure I'll get her tomorrow. If she can't do it, I'd love to get some. Max isn't as yet responding to acupuncture. I think it takes quite a few appointments. Plus the vet said that we should combine therapy for pain with it, not just rely on it. I'm going to talk to my usual vet about meds but homeopathic is something I'd really like to try. I'll either post on here or will pm you.

I gave the Max monster a pepcid this morning as he was lip licking a bit although he has eaten and bitten a chunk out of my thumb in our favourite piranha game.

CarolM (Wendolene) · « **Reply #465 on:** July 03, 2009, 11:46:37 AM »

So glad Max is doing well. Have you managed to source any of the Homeoartil yet or are you not bothering now he is doing so well with the acupuncture? Let me know if you need me to ask our friends.

bonnielass · « **Reply #464 on:** July 03, 2009, 08:11:30 AM »

This sounds quite positive for Max, fingers crossed it is helping him and he continues to improve

alisonandarchie · « **Reply #463 on:** July 03, 2009, 07:49:11 AM »

Hoping Max has a good day

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #462 on:** July 03, 2009, 00:10:51 AM »

Max was really good. Had a long wait too to be seen as well and a few dogs in the waiting room but at least they have air con! The vet (who is great) said Max's posture, behaviour and movement suggests that he's not in bad pain, although of course he is in some as is limping. The vet's now not there until mid July but gave me the name both of a drug that may help if necessary in pain relief (same as found on CRF site link) if necessary and the name of another acupuncturist, who is quite a bit further away but still doable if I could get there and get someone to look after Swampy while I'm out.
Max thinks the sofa is just toooo comfy but at least when he jumps down, it's on to the futon which is a softer landing than the floor.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #461 on:** July 02, 2009, 22:25:01 PM »

Here's hoping the accupuncture went as smoothly for Max as the first lot did!

Wow, jumping down and finding the new sofa....maybe the heat is helping with his leg?

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #460 on:** July 02, 2009, 11:55:35 AM »

going back today for more acupuncture. to my amazement, I was outside with Swampy when there was a thud and da Max arrived (only for 5 mins and I had to carry him back in as he's not supposed to jump down). I can't stop him walking about and jumping on sofas, up the stairs etc so I hope that means that at the moment it is not too painful despite the limp. He's only recently discovered the sofa (we've had it for 3 months now) and it's lovely and soft and I think it is in the fan's arc of cooler air. He doesn't yet know he's going to have more pins stuck in him later on today though! I just hope it works. The vet does what he calls "western medicine acupuncture" (using the natural pressure points) rather than eastern acupuncture using meridians. Does anyone know the difference in how they are supposed to help? thanks.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #459 on:** July 01, 2009, 02:46:42 AM »

Aw what a tolerant man Max is....Glad the vet is pleased with him!

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #458 on:** June 30, 2009, 22:47:37 PM »

Max tolerated the acupuncture quite well and the vet seems very good. Not a quick fix though. he goes for another one on thursday. It may take a while. The vet isn't there that often as lives elsewhere but at least he's there this week. He was interested in the sub cuts, said not many people here will do it, which he finds annoying as it's easy especially with a syringe and doesn't take long and can prolong life for months.
Max then didn't limp in the surgery much, but the limp came back as soon as we were home. However the vet finds it positive that Max is still moving around, jumping on the sofa etc.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #457 on:** June 30, 2009, 09:40:21 AM »

Quote from: CarolM (Wendolene) on June 29, 2009, 11:19:53 AM

The stuff I'm using for Korky is called HOMEOARTRIL (acute accent on the e) and its made by Laboratoire TVM. Our friends got it from the vet so I don't know whether its available in pharmacies but I suspect it will be. Its in a 30 ml bottle. Let me know if you need me to get some for you. Glad Max is eating well. Korky is very picky with his food at the moment - I think its the weather.

thanks! I'll phone my friend in France to see if she can ask her vet or at the pharmacy. Otherwise I'll be in touch by the weekend - very many thanks for your help.

Max is limping but it doesn't stop him doing banned things (by the vet) like climbing on and off the sofa and he's quite mobile although he's not jumping up on the chest in the window any more. No bad thing. I'm wondering if he fell off and hurt himself actually.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #456 on:** June 30, 2009, 09:20:06 AM »

More positive vibes coming to Max~~~~~~

bonnielass · « **Reply #455 on:** June 30, 2009, 08:34:03 AM »

Fingers crossed that the vet can help Max and make him more comfortable especially in this hot weather

clarenmax · « **Reply #454 on:** June 29, 2009, 13:32:17 PM »

Topping up with more get well vibes for Max xxxx

CarolM (Wendolene) · « **Reply #453 on:** June 29, 2009, 11:19:53 AM »

The stuff I'm using for Korky is called HOMEOARTRIL (acute accent on the e) and its made by Laboratoire TVM. Our friends got it from the vet so I don't know whether its available in pharmacies but I suspect it will be. Its in a 30 ml bottle. Let me know if you need me to get some for you. Glad Max is eating well. Korky is very picky with his food at the moment - I think its the weather.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #452 on:** June 29, 2009, 10:34:28 AM »

found a vet about 5 miles from here who does acupuncture. Max is going tomorrow at 4pm. The vet is not always there but is there this week so hopefully we can see if it helps Max.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #451 on:** June 29, 2009, 09:43:42 AM »

He's not going to the vet as the locum just said nothing she can do, get him to rest (no problem there). They aren't very tuned into supplements or comp. medicine at all so I'm going to ring around today and see what I can find out.
Max is still limping (wonder if it's the hot, humid weather? it came on so suddenly) but he's eaten well this morning and had a good cuddle.

bonnielass · « **Reply #450 on:** June 29, 2009, 07:52:53 AM »

Fingers crossed the acupuncturist can help Max poor llittle man

Mark · « **Reply #449 on:** June 28, 2009, 23:53:04 PM »

Lets hope they can help him - I really have an open mind about acupuncture and have heard good things about it

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #448 on:** June 28, 2009, 19:32:34 PM »

bless you Mark, Lewisham is just around the corner. I'll give them a ring tomorrow

Mark · « **Reply #447 on:** June 28, 2009, 19:30:28 PM »

There's one in Lewisham on this list http://www.natural-animal-health.co.uk/Vets/findvet.php?area=4 - not sure exactly where you are.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #446 on:** June 28, 2009, 16:54:53 PM »

thanks Mark! There are a few in Kent and London although of course not souf east. I will ask the vet tomorrow too if there is anyone at North Kent referral specialist clinic. My car's being fixed tomorrow (again) so with any luck later in the week we may be able to travel. Laura's last week of possible Swampy sitting before she starts her new job too.

CarolM, I used to live in France and have friends there. What is the homeopathic stuff called please and is it easy to get in any decent pharmacie, I can try to get someone to buy it for me and post it? If not, many thanks, I'll definitely take you up on your kind offer.
I know that only supplements and physical therapy will help him. I'm just hoping that it doesn't get worse as it's not bothering him too much. Right now it's the usual leg and the other 3 legs are fine.

Mark · « **Reply #445 on:** June 28, 2009, 15:29:05 PM »

There is a link here to find a vet that does acupuncture http://www.abva.co.uk/contact.asp

CarolM (Wendolene) · « **Reply #444 on:** June 28, 2009, 15:18:00 PM »

I'm using a homeopathic medicine for Korky. I don't know whether its the drops or just coincidence but he's seemed a lot more comfortable in the past week (although still not walking well). That said, its not an English product - its from France where they use lots of homeopathic preparations and Korky's vet said it was worth a try as he couldn't prescribe any conventional medicine. If there's not a UK equivalent I could ask our friends to send a bottle when they get home this coming weekend (they're in the UK at the moment).

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #443 on:** June 28, 2009, 14:33:36 PM »

don't like my chances of a kitty acupuncturist around here but I will certainly ask a human one that is near here. I don't understand quite why Max can't have his glucosamine either. Seems most CRF cats that are old are on it (?), does it strain kidney function? He is eating and behaving normally, just limping around. But I don't want it to get any worse obviously.
many thanks for searching Mark.
I think it has flared up (he's had limps before since he was 8 or so years old from time to time) because in this hot weather he just sits or lies curled up a lot rather than jumps to get on the windowsill or anything. He does stiffen up when he doesn't move around much. I've been trying to avoid taking him to the vet as it will just stress him and he could go downhill whereas at home he is happy right now, thank God.

bunglycat · « **Reply #442 on:** June 28, 2009, 14:20:03 PM »

Poor Max- hope something can be sorted for him - lots of get better vibes from us all and loads of

to you all

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #441 on:** June 28, 2009, 10:32:05 AM »

Mt vet only suggested supplements with Rosie due to her CRF. Dont forget Metacam also affects the liver as well as the kidneys. Untreatable arthritis is a big factor in quality of life though.

Mark · « **Reply #440 on:** June 28, 2009, 09:29:20 AM »

Poor baby. Sorry I don't know of any pain relief that isn't NSAID. Fron what I understand, Fortekor opens up blood vessels to improve blood flow but NSAIDS like Metacam restrict them. I googled but didn't have any luck. I'm surprised that your vet stopped glucosamine. Even then, it isn't really pain relief - more a long term thing. Maybe worth asking your vet if you can give a small amount of Metacam (or something else if they have it) when he is in pain - after all, quality over quantity - you know that anyway

I just wonder if acupuncture is an option?

Somebody I used to work with was a keen cyclist and had arthritis in his hands. He said he was amazed how much it helped.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #439 on:** June 28, 2009, 08:45:27 AM »

Max is limping quite badly this morning on his front left paw. Is there anything you can give CRF cats for arthritis? I know the anti inflammatories are no good and the vet even stopped his glucosamine when he was in hospital.
He's eaten a whole can of Applaws since the middle of the night and is purry and contented. I'm just so worried that now he has another big problem. He's always had arthritis but this limp is bad.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #438 on:** June 25, 2009, 17:20:14 PM »

Glad Max is back eating again.....That is one weight off your shoulders Kate!

Quote from: swampmaxmum on June 25, 2009, 09:29:56 AM

I am trying to learn to celebrate the time we have together and enjoy it, rather than premature grieving or stressing about how long it all may last. It's really not easy to do.

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #437 on:** June 25, 2009, 09:29:56 AM »

to you all

Max ate like a little piggyboy last night which was some good news, even if who knows for how long. He ate a whole can of Applaws between 3.30am (groan) and 5.30am and I had to open a new one after his fluids at 8.30. Bless him, he's so easy with his fluids. He lies there looking resigned to his fate! It only takes a minute to give them as a result.

I am trying to learn to celebrate the time we have together and enjoy it, rather than premature grieving or stressing about how long it all may last. It's really not easy to do.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #436 on:** June 25, 2009, 03:52:48 AM »

bonnielass · « **Reply #435 on:** June 24, 2009, 22:26:37 PM »

Kate i cant answer any of your questions ref treatments for the boys, but what i can do is say how much i admire what your doing for them both,it must be very hard for you with both of them ill and not feeling well yourself but im sure i speak for everyone on here when i say BLESS YOU FOR GIVING THESE 2 HAVE A REASONABLE QUALITY OF LIFE DISPITE THE OVERWHELMING ODDS

its not done from duty but from pure unconditional love for the 2 boys in your life and for that no-one can call you a freak or anything else except EXCEPTIONAL

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #434 on:** June 24, 2009, 13:56:03 PM »

I now give 1ml a day of Kaminox. I read that potassium supplements and ACE inhibitors (fortekor in cats) don't go well together in humans. I told the vet. Shortly afterwards he asked me to down the dose from 2mls a day to 1ml. Having said that, it's good stuff. I think you're right about the potassium and they can no longer 'make' it themselves so you could try a bottle (lasts ages).

Max is vomiting foamy white stuff shortly after munching on the spider plant (he's eaten those all his life). He then feels better and wants to eat, although am only giving him little teaspoons until his tum settles.
It's worrying though.
He vomited in the night, then ate, then ate a whole small can of Applaws between 4.30am (groan) and now and is interacting normally. Is the white foam toxins from his kidneys?

CarolM (Wendolene) · « **Reply #433 on:** June 24, 2009, 11:30:49 AM »

you're doing a great job, and as you say, sub-cuts are routine in the US. You seem to have got the hang of it now and you surely know your cats better that anyone so go with your instincts. Easy to say I know. I'm sure that at least some of Korky's problem with his back legs is due to low potassium but the vet says it isn't. His reading is still in the normal range so the vet says its OK but everything I've read says that the body tries to maintain normal blood levels of potassium at the expense of tissue levels so a cat CAN be short of potassium even with normal blood levels. I'm tempted to get some Kaminox from vet UK but, like you, I'm nervous that I might make things worse rather than better.

Bazsmum · « **Reply #432 on:** June 24, 2009, 10:55:26 AM »

...and I do hope today is a better day than yesterday....long may it continue!

swampmaxmum · « **Reply #431 on:** June 23, 2009, 16:55:09 PM »

thanks

It's just when you are paying £80 for a home visit (or ok, 35% of that) and it's like "oh well you know NO-ONE else would do what you do for these cats" snigger snigger, I just see red. You are right in that the extent of palliative care depends on a cat's temperament. Both of my cats are well travelled with us and although Swampy isn't easy to treat (he pulls away, he's still strong and he has his likes and dislikes!) both him and Max basically are cats you can treat. They have always been very focused on "their" people too. I was going to have it out with the vet, but there isn't really any alternative to him in this area and it's too far down the line anyhow. I think he doesn't like the fact that I am getting info and support online from America on sub cuts and CRF as there is none coming from him and what he told me wasn't enough for Max.

He now told me that even if Max isn't eating much I should give him lactulose every day as it will help his urea to be flushed out. But it makes Max feel sick if I get the dose a bit wrong, then he doesn't eat. I am aiming for twice a week if everything stays the way it is (of course it may not). He only really eats Applaws which is chicken and has no fibre. PAH have been out of stock of the chicken and pumpkin one which I suppose has a bit more fibre (?). Do you think twice a week is enough for him to poo? I just want him to feel as well as possible for as long as possible and today he's much better than yesterday, when he had the lactulose runs.

thanks everyone for making me feel less alone

Author Topic: RIP baby Max: PLEASE READ UPDATE THREAD (Read 97164 times)