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Barnyard Buddies:  My Poor Cat!!!  |
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 2:16:26 PM
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Hey - can I give you guys an update on my cat? I need to vent, I'm so upset my hands are shaking!
The vet started my best-buds-forever cat 'TB' on prescription medication 12/17/10 for her drastic weight loss and hyperthyroidism. She went from a normal 12# down to 6.4# in the past several months, and bloodwork indicated hyperthyroidism. Instinct (or more likely, God) kept telling me to go look it up on the computer, but I kept putting it off for whatever reason. I did finally look it up today because she seems to be fading so fast. Get this - for the past 3 weeks she's been getting a huge dose of the ANTIBIOTIC metronidazole, with the known side-effects of listlessness, tremors, and appetite suppression (all of which she was having in spades since starting the medicine)... not hyperthyroidism medicine methimazole!!!
I couldn't figure out why she seemed WORSE. THAT'S WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Because of the wrong medication, the dosage was also way off, and she was being mega-dosed (which can easily cause liver failure) about 4-6x the amount she would have been prescribed had she actually had an infection.
I'm not angry at them, it's an honest mistake - But MY BABY CAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She needed to lose any more weight?!!! She's started having major tremors, and sleeping about 23 hours a day, curled up in the warmest place she can find (usually on or beside me - I've been keeping my bed's electric blanket turned on for her). She won't hardly eat ANYTHING, even the homemade cat food I make in the pressure cooker, from chicken & beef - I've got it in a puree with water, and she just licks a little bit of it every now and then, she's having a really hard time swallowing.
They're giving her a complimentary exam at 4:30PM today. Man. I wish I'd listened initially when He told me to check the prescription online!!!!!!!
~TJ of Green Willow Place
www.MyWesternHome.wordpress.com
"We make a living by what we get, but we build a life by what we give." ~Thomas S. Monson |
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grace gerber
True Blue Farmgirl
2804 Posts
grace
larkspur
colorado
USA
2804 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 2:59:13 PM
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OH I am SO Sorry!!! I will keep both of you in my prayers and hope that all will be healed very soon. It is such a horrible feeling when your four legged furry family is not doing well and there just doesn't seem to be anything in your power to make it right - I have been there too often and it is a helpless feeling. Again, your in my prayers.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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RedHoopWoman
True Blue Farmgirl
513 Posts
Kathryn
Yoder
Colorado
USA
513 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 3:04:38 PM
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I'm sorry to hear that,that's very sad but don't blame yourself and beat yourself up over it,just concentrate on doing what you can for her and supporting her in her recovery.
If you're still having trouble getting her to eat perhaps you could try some pureed (raw) chicken liver with a small amount of cod liver oil to get her eating,this helped with one of my elderly cats who had a poor appetite and weight loss,maybe it might work for your cat too.
I hope she receovers well.
"Today's Mighty Oak is just Yesterday's Nut" |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 3:12:33 PM
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I'll keep you both in my prayers...
Karen
Farmgirl Sister # 2419 |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 3:41:52 PM
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Tj, that's awful. I guess even vets make mistakes with medications too. It's almost like WE need to go to pharmacy school. whatever that's called. I am so sorry your poor kitty is suffering because of a human error. I hope you get her straightened out soon and that she is able to eat again.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 4:30:15 PM
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Oh No TJ! Did the vet give her anything to perk her up or is she just going to need to detox for a while? Maybe try some canned Tuna to perk up her appetite. She might need something very strongly scented to entice her to eat. She also might be dehydrated so try to see if she is drinking anything. Since she was on a mega dose of antibiotics, you might need to give her some yogurt as her digestive track might be completely bacteria free now which of course coudl cause even more digestive upset.
Poor kitty. I hope she feels better soon!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 6:55:21 PM
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Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!
We got back from the vet's - she had lost almost another pound!!! - they gave her subcutaneous fluids, offered to do an IV and keep her overnight/for a few days but I think she'll be better at home, with the fluids they gave her, and me watching, praying, and holding her. Did a full exam and apologized all over the place, and gave me the right meds, and gave her a free can of Hills A/D prescription diet, which she is actually EATING thank You, God!! They think that the wrong medicine should be out of her system within 24 hours, so she should get back to normal, "just" recovering from hyperthyroidism.
I'd been trying EVERYTHING to get her to eat... butter, all types of wet cat foods, tuna, raw meat, milk (not good - diarrhea), beef or chicken stock, the pureed foods I was making her (including such varieties as including brown basmati rice with meat, plain chicken and beef, etc)... she was just taking a lap or two then laying back down exhausted. Apparently we caught it just in time, the vet said that 3 days without eating can kill a cat, as they start to metabolize their own livers (or something like that) after 48 hours!
That's a great idea about yogurt Alee! Especially if I can find one that's not too lactose-heavy - apparently up to 80% of cats are lactose intolerance which leads immediately to diarrhea.
Ack!! I sure hope this kitty makes it - she's our only cat, and been my best friend since she was born one night in a storm, March 25 of 1997! I was holding her mommy's paw, one of our farm cats who had gotten bred very young on accident. TB's been by my right side ever since, my little black-and-white tuxedo sweetheart. |
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Lessie Louise
True Blue Farmgirl
1406 Posts
Carol
PECULIAR
MO
USA
1406 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 7:11:37 PM
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Hoping all goes well, she sounds like she is on the mend, slow and steady, Carol
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
Wisdom is not putting them in a fruit salad!
Farmgirl #680! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 7:28:36 PM
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TJ- The Subcu fluids are really great. If she is starting to perk up already then I bet she was dehydrated. I am so glad they got her eating again. That is so scary when they crash like that. I am sure she will be back to eating all the lovely food you prepare for her soon. Do you do free choice feed or is there a feeding time due to the dog? If at all possible I would try to offer her a bite or two ever hour or so when you are awake for the next 24 hours or so just to slowly get her body used to eatting again. Poor kitty. I hope she turns the corner really quickly. She is older but not old- I had a cat that lived to be 18. She was great right up to the end and only had a bad few days before we had to make the hard decision to put her to sleep. She was a grand old girl. I still miss her.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - Jan 04 2011 : 7:48:39 PM
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Tj, thank goodness you caught this when you did. It's a good thing to listen to that voice. It's there for a reason, right? I am praying she is better soon. Sounds like she will be.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 05:22:54 AM
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so glad she is better. what a good cat mom you are. sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farm girl #1014
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 07:14:31 AM
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Thanks again, you guys!!
Alee - I keep her food free choice, in a room with a kitty door that the beagle can't fit through (despite repeated and earnest efforts). Actually since she's been so pitiful, I've had her food and water in little bowls on the middle of our Queen-sized bed, on a towel. TB stays in my bedroom almost every minute of the day, and this way she can just stand up and eat anytime she wants to. I go in there regularly and spend time with her, and try to coax her to eat... she eats better when she has my company, or even if I hand-feed her. I thought that was a little weird but then doing a bunch of research, found out it's pretty common for cats to need alot of coaxing and company when they are critical like that.
Boy the new pill is MUCH tinier than the "wrong" one they'd given her, and it's not violently bitter like the wrong one was, either. SO much easier on her to take!
I sure hope/pray she gains weight soon - she's so emaciated. Her coat got really rough and even greasy-looking under her chin while she was on that medicine too. Amazing how badly they can react to meds!!
~TJ of Green Willow Place
www.MyWesternHome.wordpress.com
"We make a living by what we get, but we build a life by what we give." ~Thomas S. Monson |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 11:07:47 AM
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TJ- I am glad to hear she is perking up a bit and eating. That is good news. Another thing that might be good to try is a bit of broth if your make chicken soup or a stew or something. But I would really watch the sodium for a while since her liver and kidneys have been so stressed.
Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!
BTW- have you been out to see your horse lately? I would love for you to come see Tala again and maybe even ride her. It would be nice to have someone else ride her so she doesn't get to be to one womanish!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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doglady
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Tina
Howard
Ohio
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 11:22:59 AM
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Hi TJ, I hope your baby is better. My old old timey vet used to feed sick cats that wouldn't eat chicken baby food puree from a jar. It worked every time as they could tolerate it. Your vet should have refunded your money or given you an entire case. My vet would have received a proper thrashing for sure! Take care.
Tina
Dogs never judge people, they only forgive!
www.kennelcreations.com |
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rough start farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3331 Posts
marianne
The Beautiful Pacific NW
Washington State
USA
3331 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 3:28:50 PM
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TJ,
Good for you for finding the mistake. I sure hope TB makes a full recovery. Prayers sent your way.
Marianne |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2011 : 3:35:45 PM
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Sending hugs and healing thoughts ! I sure hope that your sweet kitty is on the mend and feeling better soon. I am terribly upset at your vet for not being more careful!!!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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Melina
True Blue Farmgirl
435 Posts
Melina
USA
435 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2011 : 11:23:04 AM
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I have an idea there's a vet tech who is in big trouble or maybe even fired by now. Usually, the vet hands the records over to a tech to fill the prescription. Either that person didn't pay attention or the meds were in the wrong place (still the tech's fault). Not to say the vet isn't responsible, it's ultimately his responsibility to hire competent people. And don't think I'm just ragging on techs. I'm a retired tech myself. I hope your kitty continues to improve.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
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TJinMT
True Blue Farmgirl
211 Posts
TJ
Billings
MT
USA
211 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2011 : 1:41:21 PM
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They didn't really tell me what went wrong or who got in trouble - I feel bad for the person who did it, but at the same time, I hope everyone in the office learns a good lesson from it! That sort of thing kills pets, and people too for that matter!
She's a bit better today - still has the tremors, but not as often or as bad. She's eating but only the Hills A/D - I had to go buy another couple of cans from the vet and hope she'll take it mixed into other wet food. I'd tried the baby foods too, but she didn't want them. I just need to get her weight back up there!! She's barely 6 pounds now.
I'm sure grateful she seems like she'll pull through! Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, I REALLY appreciate it!!
Alee - I haven't been able to go work with my horse lately, but, looks like this Spring I'll be moving him into Billings (64th and Grand) where I can visit him alot more often, and ride!! I'm really excited and hopeful about that. It would be nice to see Tala again, and you guys too of course! The kids have mentioned Nora several times. When is the next Prairie Flowers meeting?? I sure hope to actually get to ATTEND this one!
~TJ of Green Willow Place
www.MyWesternHome.wordpress.com
"We make a living by what we get, but we build a life by what we give." ~Thomas S. Monson |
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Penny Wise
True Blue Farmgirl
1903 Posts
Margo
Elyria
OH
USA
1903 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2011 : 2:12:07 PM
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TJ; i'm glad that you posted some progress....baby steps forward are still a gift from God! give your gal a hug from me- my new furbaby is still living in the bathroom-today is day 2 here! last nite she slept in the sink! (her choice)
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
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Barnyard Buddies: My Poor Cat!!! |
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My Poor Cat!!!
