I'm at my wit's end trying to give my poor Jack 5mg of amitryptline for his cystitis. Some background: he had his second bout of cystitis a few weeks ago, and just when he was getting better he took a sudden turn for the worse and ended up in the hospital overnight with IV fluids and assorted other meds. Ultrasound showed no stones, crystals or other abnormalities, so it basically just came down to the ever-vague "stress" and fluids (we add water to his wet food diet but he doesn't drink beyond that). Vet thought amitryptline would help him chill out a bit (even though he is a pretty relaxed guy).
Anyway: pill pockets worked for the first several days (and we instantly noticed he seemed more relaxed, even though they say it takes awhile to take effect), and we were so happy. But then he started to refuse them, so we paid $86 for compounded triple fish liquid to be added to his food. He backed away from it like it was poison. Chicken flavor gave the same reaction. It even turned him off that flavor of food entirely. He cannot be pilled or syringed as he does not like to be held. I'm not sure what to do! He is currently on his fourth day without it (after 7 days on) and seems okay-ish but definitely more needy and antsy/meowy, which breaks my heart. He takes his other meds in his food like a champ (though we are starting to taper him off those per vet instructions), but I understand this drug is super bitter. The thought of having this issue every night for the rest of his life makes me need an anti-anxiety med myself! Help! Anyone have similar experiences? Many thanks.
Anyway: pill pockets worked for the first several days (and we instantly noticed he seemed more relaxed, even though they say it takes awhile to take effect), and we were so happy. But then he started to refuse them, so we paid $86 for compounded triple fish liquid to be added to his food. He backed away from it like it was poison. Chicken flavor gave the same reaction. It even turned him off that flavor of food entirely. He cannot be pilled or syringed as he does not like to be held. I'm not sure what to do! He is currently on his fourth day without it (after 7 days on) and seems okay-ish but definitely more needy and antsy/meowy, which breaks my heart. He takes his other meds in his food like a champ (though we are starting to taper him off those per vet instructions), but I understand this drug is super bitter. The thought of having this issue every night for the rest of his life makes me need an anti-anxiety med myself! Help! Anyone have similar experiences? Many thanks.