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Original poster

Cat hiding/frightened after being given vetergesic

24 replies

anoldiebutagoody · 18/12/2015 22:52

my 17yr old cat was diagnosed with pancreatitis last Wednesday and after tests/scans was given vetergesic (opiod) injection and I was told to give 0.3ml orally that evening which I did.
Cat went hypo, pupils dilated and couldn't settle wandering from room to room then sat facing a wall just staring at it. Seemed to be unable to jump onto the bed didn't want to be cuddled and I usually can't get him off my lap.
Phoned vet and she said maybe the dose was too high and that because his pupils were dilated he might not be able to see very well.
Now he's like he's afraid and is hiding under the bed and his pupils are still large. Vet said drug would be out of his system in 8 hours but it's been 36 hours now but that may be because he's not eating or drinking much.He's acting really strangely.
I'm phoning them again tomorrow morning but wondered if anyone had any advice on how to comfort him. I'm really worried about him. Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 19/12/2015 07:55

Vetergesic is buprenorphine isn't it? Poor lad - how's he doing this morning?

I'm absolutely not a veterinary professional, oldie, but 0.3 ml seems like quite a high dose to me - and it also sounds as if he's had an adverse reaction to the drug (eg the dodgy pupils after 36 hours and the continuing mental effects - although there is the underlying pancreatitis etc to consider also.)

On the phone to the vet directly this morning I reckon and be sure to keep him in a quiet, warm and ordered environment in the meantime.

Vinorosso74 · 19/12/2015 09:14

Our cat had pancreatic is and cholangitis in the summer and was given buprenorphine as Cozie mentions (no idea if it is the same as vetersegic). We have this orally and she did go very spacey and out of sorts while she was on it. I think we gave 2 doses a day and about 15 mins later the spaced out look started and she would sleep off the worst of it. At the time our cat was under 3.5 kg and was on a lower dose than 0.3.
Do speak with vet again and hope your cat recovers soon.

Vinorosso74 · 19/12/2015 09:15

*pancreatitis

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/12/2015 10:30

0.3 is bang in the middle of the dose range for a 5kg cat, towards the bottom end for a 7kg and towards top end for 4 kg cat.
Some animals do have an adverse reaction to buprenorphine (vetergesic) particularly when used alone.

It is a partial agnoist so sometimes switch to alternative like fentanyl patches can be a good option.

cozietoesie · 19/12/2015 10:57

Is there any treatment for possible adverse reaction, Lone ? (Other than supporting any impaired functions. )

Lonecatwithkitten · 19/12/2015 11:06

Just supportive treatment.

Original poster
anoldiebutagoody · 19/12/2015 11:22

Just back from the vet and they've kept him in as he's dehydrated and a bit jaundiced so they are doing more blood tests and putting him on a drip. His pupils are still dilated they said it could be pain or fear and he's definitely scared - even weed in his carrier which he never does. I cried all the way home & am in tears here thinking about him being so scared and now all alone in a strange place, he's such a loving boy and I hate to see him like this.

Life's a bit sh*t for me at the moment, my only child (27 yrs old) has been diagnosed with NeuromyelitisOptica which will probably see him in a wheelchair and/or blind within 5 years - I just can't get my head round it and now poor pussycat is in hospital. Thanks for listening.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 19/12/2015 12:01

I guess you have to look at it from the cat's perspective, as always. Buprenorphine is a hugely powerful drug - about 40 times stronger than morphine if I recall - so as you can't tell them what's going to happen to them, you should probably keep them quiet, ordered and warm until they become accustomed to the sensations and aren't frightened by the dwammy feelings and the loss of mental control. ((Always difficult for cats whose natural reaction could be to panic.) The likely adverse reaction is an added complication for you because not every cat will have it - my own boy, for example, is fine with it although he receives a smaller dose and has a calm and peaceful existence. (Normally.)

It will hopefully wear off now he's being supported. Best, probably, to keep him peaceful and quiet when he gets back so that he can calm down and regain his confidence. Lots of talking to him but not so much physical contact might be best. (Unless he'll take a snuggle snooze which might be good for both of you.)

I'm so sorry about your other news.

Original poster
anoldiebutagoody · 19/12/2015 18:40

Vet just phoned with results of blood test - white count higher than before, liver enzymes showing whereas normal in blood test last Tuesday and potassium low. They've given antibiotics, potassium and fluids by drip - no improvement at the moment pupils still dilated and very lethargic. Doesn't sound too good does it ? They'll update tomorrow around 10am so everything's crossed for improvement overnight.

OP posts:
cozietoesie · 19/12/2015 18:52

Fingers crossed for him.

timtam23 · 19/12/2015 22:58

Sorry to hear about your cat and everything else you're going through. Fingers crossed for better news tomorrow from vet.

cozietoesie · 20/12/2015 11:26

Any news yet?

Original poster
anoldiebutagoody · 20/12/2015 21:00

Sorry my internet has been playing up today.
Vet called and they want to keep him in for another night and review the situation tomorrow. He had a little to eat this morning so they are pleased with that.
The main problem they have now is that by giving him fluids it has increased the fluid in his abdomen - the reason I took him to the vet in the first place. The original vet I saw prescribed the vetergesic to help the pain and a diuretic to get rid of the fluid with the idea that once he was pain free and the fluid reducing he would heal himself. Now because he was dehydrated they don't think they can give him the diuretic so we are back to square one and he's very uncomfortable with the fluid and can't rest properly.
They are starting him on a very low dose of the vetergesic 0.1ml to see if that makes him more comfy providing he doesn't have an adverse reaction. They said they'd ring if there was any significant change (good or bad) and would ring us tomorrow morning with an update.
I think if he hasn't improved and the prognosis is more of the same we'll have to make a decision especially if the painkiller isn't working.
I keep thinking that if he has to be PTS I've given him the most awful frightening last days when he could have been at home with people who love him. Sad

OP posts:
timtam23 · 20/12/2015 22:58

So sorry to hear that he is still not so well, anoldie Flowers
I'm sure the vet staff will be keeping an eye on him to make sure he's not distressed, it sounds like he is really poorly and you are giving him the best chance with this treatment. It is very hard to be without them when they are ill. Fingers crossed for tomorrow & keep us posted if you can.

Original poster
anoldiebutagoody · 21/12/2015 11:02

No good news I'm afraid. Vet has scanned him again and can see abnormal tissue in his liver, spleen and intestine. We have to go in at 12.30 to see him but don't think there's anything they can do. Don't think he'd have any quality of life if we prolonged it but that's a question I need to ask, we've loved him for 17 years but I won't have him suffer.
Here's my handsome boy

Cat hiding/frightened after being given vetergesic
OP posts:
timtam23 · 21/12/2015 11:30

A very handsome boy. That's sad news, especially so close to Christmas. 17 is a really good age. Both of my oldies were 18 when they died, & although I was very upset it was some comfort that they'd had long & happy lives with me. Your vet will help you to make decisions today I am sure.

Original poster
anoldiebutagoody · 21/12/2015 14:18

There was nothing more they could do for him so we talked to him and he purred when we stroked him and tried to get up to come to us. Rest now, time for byes at Rainbow Bridge my lovely special boy we will miss you so much xxx

OP posts:
AwkwardSquad · 21/12/2015 15:04

So sorry Flowers

pterobore · 21/12/2015 15:11

so so sorry to hear this Flowers

amysmummy12345 · 21/12/2015 15:13

So sorry to hear this Flowers xxxx

GRW · 21/12/2015 15:21

I'm so sorry. What a beautiful much loved boy he was x

timtam23 · 21/12/2015 16:00

So sorry, RIP lovely boy Flowers

Vinorosso74 · 21/12/2015 16:18

Sorry to read your update. Looks like a lovely cat.
17 is a good age and you did your best for him. RIP kitty

cozietoesie · 21/12/2015 16:28

I'm so sorry, anoldie. A lovely boy.

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