I worry so much about my cat

[citiesofbismuth]

My eldest rescue cat had pancreatitis about three weeks ago and he seems to be making some sort of recovery, but I'm so worried for him.

I'm giving him twice daily painkilling injections, but I keep messing up the anti sickness ones and they just seem to end up on his fur. He's not being sick though and I still have a few tablets as backup.

I just can't face giving him the subcutaneous fluids in case I mess that up as well then feel guilty because I haven't done it. He's eating soft diet and pottering around. I'm tormented with guilt because he had to have most of his teeth out a few weeks ago and I think it's started some sort of terrible decline.

He hates going to the vets and I worry that he's feeling frightened a lot. I don't want to give up on him though. He's spending his time in his basket in front of the fire. His coat doesn't look as smart as it usually does, but perhaps that's because of my spilling his meds on it.

I keep crying and feeling grief. I'm so saddened by his predicament and feel as though I've let him down even though I reacted quickly when he was sick.

[citiesofbismuth]

I'm messing up the anti sickness injections because they sting. The vet said his pancreatic area felt better when she last examined him. I have no reason to believe he's still suffering from this.

How can I get more fluids into him to help his kidneys?

[UptownFlunk]

Oh bless you, I didn’t want to leave your post unanswered although I don’t have any knowledge of injecting a cat or giving subcutaneous fluids myself. I just wanted to say that it sounds to me like you love your cat a lot and you’re doing your best to help him. I’m sure deep down he knows that too. My cat was very ill earlier this year, he nearly died and I remember so well the crushing worry I felt. He did get better though and I’m sure yours will too, just give it time.

[BettyBooJustDoinTheDoo]

I think you need to have a chat with your vet, what’s causing you to feel so upset on top of your poorly cat is the fact you are feeling unconfident in the medicines you are having to deal with, anyone would find it hard to give injections unless trained and you need help and guidance on this, it’s a lot to take on. Not sure how to get more fluids into him your vet may give you some tips. It’s horrible when our pets are poorly we all feel helpless and guilty but your cat knows you are doing your best and will know how much you love them and it’s very good news that your vet says the pancreatic area feels better than before so take heart in that, you are obviously a devoted owner, what a lucky cat having you to take care of him.

[Balloondog]

I'm so sorry, it's sounds really tough. We lost our little girl a few months ago and it was hard to see her not liking herself towards the end so I know what you mean.

Could you try putting out water with a bit of wet food gravy mixed in? That might encourage greater liquid intake if he likes it?

[LEMtheoriginal]

Why are you having to give these injections yourself? You are right - the anti sickness injections sting like a bastard. Also subcut fluids? Are you a nurse or had any training?

I find it a little concerning they have put this responsibility on you. Its not fair and your cat is going to associate you with injections! Will he not take oral meds?

I would be speaking to your vet and asking for a treatment review.

Pancreatitis usually has a slow recovery. Have you been recommended a low fat diet?

[madcatladyforever]

I think you are doing brillintly, my own cat has diabetes, hyperthyroidism and cat's chrone's disease and is perfectly happy and at the moment healthy at 15.
i was a nurse so I find the medical side easy but if you are having problems have a chat with one of the vet nurses and go over it again, when I was a nurse we weren't expected to do an injection once and then go off and do them, we did them over and over again under supervision and i'm sure the nurses at the practice will be happy to help you until you are confident.

[citiesofbismuth]

It was me that asked for the meds to be given by injection as he refuses the anti sickness med which we hid in his food. He won't let us give the buprenorphine via mouth and it ends up all over. I am a nurse and give subcuts at work, but it's difficult due to his fur and I hate doing it to him. I worry in case he starts to fear me. The anti sickness injection is every other day.

I can't face giving him the hartmanns fluid. I feel as though I'm torturing him. I've been adding water to his food and making it more sloppy.

[viccat]

Which injection is it? My vet said the newest version of Cerenia doesn't sting, it's been reformulated. I've seen it given to two cats recently and neither reacted to it in any way.

[Butteredghost]

Maybe give the subq fluids another go? I had to give them to two kittens once, and I was initially horrified when the vet suggested it. But it actually was pretty easy. It's easiest if someone else can help you by holding the cat but I live by myself so I did it alone. Cats have so much baggy skin you really can't go wrong.

I was about the post the above then I saw that you are a nurse, so you know a lot more about it than me anyway. But if a non nurse like me can do it, you can

[citiesofbismuth]

It just has Cerenia on the bag label. They're pre prepared syringes made up at the vets. He winced and tried to get up and walk off when I injected. He didn't flinch with the buprenorphine though.

[Nearlyoldenoughtowearpurple]

Are you keeping it in the fridge, cerenia stings much less if so
Maybe ask your vet about mirtazipine tablets. You would have to give it orally but it’s tiny and every other day and much better at reducing the nausea and increasing appetite than cerenia.
You are doing great though, don’t beat yourself up

[citiesofbismuth]

Yes I keep all the meds and needles in the fridge.

I have managed to do a small amount of subcut fluid. I couldn't get the violet needle in as it's like a bloody hosepipe. Swapped to a blue one and it went through okay. Dh soothed him and held the needle in place and I squeezed the bag. He did really well and I'm glad for him. I will ask the vet about the mirtazepine. He's having a wash now. He actually looks reasonably bright and is eating.

Thank you all for the moral support. I appreciate it.

[Toddlerteaplease]

I'm a nurse as well and it does help a bit. I had no problem at all with tube feeding and treated her exactly as I would a baby at work. It was quite bizarre trying to work out how much to give her! But I'm not sure I'd like to be giving sub cut fluids after only being shown a couple of times.

[citiesofbismuth]

The vet said it could have been the anaesthetic that set the pancreatitis off. He was under for over two hours as his dental xrays showed up multiple problems, including infection. They kept him in overnight and were a bit worried about him. He only has four small teeth left now. He's back at the vets not this Monday, but next.

[citiesofbismuth]

I've been on YouTube watching people giving their cats fluids, so it felt sort of familiar when the vet demonstrated it. Those violet needles though, so big.

What sort of tube feeding did you have to do toddlers? I didn't realise cats can be fitted with peg tubes either.

[Toddlerteaplease]

She had it in her neck. You can just see it on the photo. It was really easy to use. I stopped when I realised that she wasn't eating because she was full of milk so wasn't hungry. But it was useful to use it to give her water top ups.

[Toddlerteaplease]

It was very surreal as she was on morphine and ketamine infusions and cef & Met IVABs all of which we use all the time at work. I wanted to pop her in a cot and have her at work!

[Toddlerteaplease]

Apparently fluid requirement for a cat is 5ml/kg/hr. something I found fascinating!

[Babdoc]

Are you sure, Toddler? The veterinary website I looked at says 2ml/kg/hour maintenance for adult cats and 3-4 for kittens.
Fluid overload is just as dangerous as dehydration, so it’s important to get it right.

[Toddlerteaplease]

I'm sure that's what they said. I was surprised that she was on 25ml an hour of fluids inc the ketamine and morphine infusion.