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Thanks. She just sat down beside me and this time I counted 40 resp. I guess I should report what I'm worried about more often because it seems as soon as I do, it changes, lol. The X-ray looked ok. When I can I will listen to her heart. The vet did not mention any murmur either or any abnormality with rate or rhythm.
to count the breathes Ginny we were told to do it when they are sleeping. under 30 is preferred. but some cats breathe faster. My Honeybee before we got her on puffs of Flovent was 45 a minute when she was sleeping. And of course she slept ALOT.
I don't know if it's heart-but the only sure way to tell is an ultrasound of her heart. That should show any fluids and abnormalities to the heart. So very Sorry Ginny!
@RuBear So glad to hear your girl is handing in there..maybe the spring air will help perk her up?! My girls are anxious for the snow to melt and warm sunshine!
Once we get concerned about one thing, it's so hard not to notice every little thing and wonder if it's something. But it's never a bad thing to stay alert.
I guess I should report what I'm worried about more often because it seems as soon as I do, it changes, lol.
Gosh I'm so sorry about Ruby's problems but I'm glad she's still hanging in there!
It's probably not likely she's anemic, you would notice pale gums, tongue, etc. In Ruby's case her liver enzymes were initially what showed up in her blood work. It wasn't until after we thought we had everything under control that the anemia reared it's ugly head. The anemia is (we're assuming) caused by lymphoma moving into her bones. Without the prednisone she drops to very critical RBC levels and even with it she's extremely low. It has caused her to have an extremely rapid heartbeat and she's lost a significant amount of weight in the last month. Her breathing for the most part has been normal but I notice sometimes she'll take a deep breath/sigh and her voice has gotten very hoarse.
If your kitty has been vomiting, she might have acid irritation in her throat that might affect her breathing superficially. It may also be a good idea to request a GI panel in her blood work. This will let the vet know if she's having any absorption problems and if she's cobalamin deficient. If so, they can start B-12 shots which are super easy to administer yourself and would probably perk her up right away.
Don't be afraid of the Cerenia though. I got it in tablet form from my vet and it works so well when they're nauseous.I'll ask about the GI panel, and B12 shots. I'd rather give her that than cerenia. Thanks.
Try ReddiWhip if you ever have to pill a cat that won't take to it. I can't pill Ruby at all and I've read a lot of bad things about unswallowed pills causing esophageal damage. I just take any pill, smash it with a spoon and mix it with a tiny dab of ReddiWhip. I think the Prednisolone I use (Medimelts) already might have a sweet/vanilla taste added so it disguises well. Put a tiny fresh dab on top and she laps it right up. I know a lot of people do this with wet food, but that never worked on Ruby. She eventually figured out it's medicine, but she still eats it just fine.
..I haven't had any luck pilling cats. Only Pumpkin face but it has to fit in a capsule and use a pill popper otherwise forget it!
I guess I'd rather give something natural instead of a pharmaceutical, if that'll work, but I have to say the combo of Cerenia and the fluids really pumped her up for 24 hours. (But it was artificial and did not last.) Plus I'd rather stick her with a needle than try to pry that mouth open, strange to say. I have to give the Prednisolone by mouth for 2 weeks anyway, which is bad enough, lol.
Don't be afraid of the Cerenia though. I got it in tablet form from my vet and it works so well when they're nauseous.
I'll have to ask about those medimelts. The pharmacist told me that prednisolone was a bit different than prednisone and tasted a little better and my cat wouldn't mind it. I tried it myself and omg it's HORRIBLE!! That bitter nasty taste lingers long after it should be gone. I'll see if Reddiwhip is Honey's cup of tea, or maybe butter might be better. I have some KerryGold butter and I love that stuff, maybe Honey would like it too. I'm a little concerned that whipped cream has lactose and sugar which is inflammatory.
Try ReddiWhip if you ever have to pill a cat that won't take to it. I can't pill Ruby at all and I've read a lot of bad things about unswallowed pills causing esophageal damage. I just take any pill, smash it with a spoon and mix it with a tiny dab of ReddiWhip. I think the Prednisolone I use (Medimelts) already might have a sweet/vanilla taste added so it disguises well. Put a tiny fresh dab on top and she laps it right up. I know a lot of people do this with wet food, but that never worked on Ruby. She eventually figured out it's medicine, but she still eats it just fine.
The important thing to remember is your hopefully just trying to get her over the hump. If you need strong meds to get the nausea and inflammation under control, it's just until you can find a better long term plan that hopefully doesn't require meds.
I guess I'd rather give something natural instead of a pharmaceutical,
That's probably a good way to approach it. On Friday I noticed the tips of Ruby's ears had drooped. I did a little research and called the vet, it appears she has most likely developed Cushing's Syndrome (too much cortisol in her system) from the long period of high-dose pred. She has most likely become diabetic as well. We knew these were possibilities, it's just hard to watch it become reality and know there's nothing you can do to help.
That's why I am continuing to give her the prednisolone. I think she needs it right now but I am wary about having her on it too. I had to take a dose pack several months ago when I was really sick. I had terrible headaches from it. For the short term is ok though.
Right now she is sitting beside me and I can hear her belly gurgling.
That's probably a good way to approach it. On Friday I noticed the tips of Ruby's ears had drooped. I did a little research and called the vet, it appears she has most likely developed Cushing's Syndrome (too much cortisol in her system) from the long period of high-dose pred. She has most likely become diabetic as well. We knew these were possibilities, it's just hard to watch it become reality and know there's nothing you can do to help.