Evan update- kb2zct, Aug. 2006

[galensgranny]

Maria
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 Posted: Wed 01 November 12:29 pm    Post subject:     

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Well, good to see Evan doesn't have that problem anyway! One less thing to think about when you have so much on your plate.....

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Sun 05 November 11:02 pm    Post subject:     

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Missy would be upset with me if I forgot to mention some good news about Evan.

First, Evan’s weight seems to have stablilized at around 8 lbs 5 ounces. Even though he is eating less, the weight is staying the same. I take this to mean that the new, oral tapazole is working better than the topical application.

And, after increasing the fluids to 200 ml/day from 150, his bad breath has gone away and he is no longer hiding under the bed. He seems to be doing well with the extra 50 ml of fluid – I am able to give him the whole 200 ml in one sitting.

And, Evan has started to take more of an interest in dry food.

I’m not putting Evan in the save room overnight. He is sleeping out in the main room, in one of the hot spots (where the ceiling fan blows hot air down from the woodstove).

So, things seem to be OK with him. I have blood tests scheduled for him while he is boarded in the hospital over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Mon 06 November 12:00 pm    Post subject:     

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Finally, a little ray of sunshine with Evan.... I'm glad he's holding his own and is able to sleep out in the main room where it is surely nice and warm.

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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Mon 06 November 04:48 pm    Post subject:     

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I am so glad Evan is doing well with the changes in treatments. 

It seems to me oral tapazole would work better. That seems to be the case.

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Maria
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 Posted: Mon 06 November 05:17 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark,

I'm so glad Evan is doing better. He must be feeling a lot better to be changing his sleeping and hiding "habits" and moving to a hot spot. It sounds like he's stablized quite a bit.

I hope this continues for him........and for you.

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 14 November 12:17 pm    Post subject:     

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When I picked up Evan last night to carry him into the safe room for his fluids, I noticed that he seemed a bit lite. So, before the fluids, I measured him. He was 8 lbs 1.5 ounces. That is down 4 ounces from the middle of last week.

The kitties, including Evan, are eating less wet food and more dry the past two weeks. I don’t know why, this was happening before Gracie came along.

Evan also had a hairball last week. At least, I think it was he, based on the hair color. I know that when Evan has had hairballs in the past, he would loose weight..

I think several things are going on right now. Since Ken has been here (just under two weeks), Evan has not been in his safe room during the day. Evan would normally eat ¼ cup of Eagle Pack Holistic Select during the day.

So, to help him keep up his weight, I have given him a few baby food only meals. I’ve added back the bedtime meal. An additional wet meal should help him put on some more weight. And, if necessary, I will keep him in the safe room during the day to encourage him to eat the Eagle Pack Holistic Select dry.

Also, Evan’s new medicine should be ready today. It’s the potassium binder. Based on the info that Margaret gave me, the pharmacy is mixing it up into a chicken flavored liquid. I’ll mix this into his three wet feedings, much like I do for the tapazole. I do not know if this means that we should delay his blood test, which is scheduled for the Thanksgiving holiday, when I will have him boarded at the hospital. I will have to ask about this when I take Gracie in for her vet appt on Thursday night.

And, depending on what Ken is doing, and given the family problems he is having right now, he may be staying here over Thanksgiving. He has already volunteered to watch Evan for me. I’m hoping that he can work things out to go to his family, but, given that fact that I had to take him in because he had nowhere to go, I think he will be in my house. That would be better for Evan, but not as good for Ken.

Evan ate pretty well last night. He eats much better when I spend time with him, so I did that.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Tue 14 November 12:29 pm    Post subject:     

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Maybe Evan just wants to know you haven't forgotten him since you now have Gracie to contend with. A little one on one with Evan is good if it will get him to eat. I'm sure he misses your attention when you are at work or spending time with the others in the household. I hope he regains the weight for you quickly - and certainly before you have to leave for the holiday. (Hey, are you making a turkey? I'll be he would LOVE some of that! I know mine will be getting some.)

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 14 November 12:38 pm    Post subject:     

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Michelle:

I'm heading to Central PA to have Thanksgiving with my parents. So, there will be no turkey at the house.

I will bring back the turkey remains to make my annual batch of turkey soup.

I have a 20-quart stockpot for occasions like this. I’ll end up making 12-14 quarts of soup, which will last me quite some time.

I simply cannot abide throwing out the carcass when it can still be used. I don’t know if it is the Catholic upbringing or the New England exposure that makes me do this. It simply could be that I like the soup I make. In any event, for not all that much money (considering the turkey remains are on the way to the garbage), I can make 20+ servings of soup.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Wed 15 November 02:26 am    Post subject:     

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Mark, the cats are all probably not eating as much due to the changes. Missy's absence is likely a big reason. Cats do grieve too. Then a new human living in the house causes a change in how things are, which adds some stress to the cats. Simon eats more when he is stressed, but many other cats will eat less.

It sounds like you have a good plan to get Evan to eat more.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Wed 15 November 05:59 pm    Post subject:     

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Mmmm... turkey soup... since I'm making a turkey this year, maybe I should make some too.....we love soup here. Thanks for the idea. Haven't made a turkey in probably 3 years now and I forgot about soup.

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Maria
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 Posted: Fri 06 April 09:29 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark,

It's good to hear that Evan is doing well - and his behavior must be a sign that he is feeling much better.

I agree with everyone else about the weather being good for all creatures when the sun is out and the temperature goes up. This goes for us humans too!

We had one beautiful 70 degree weather.......then boom, back to winter. Now the prediction is 45 is the high for the next few days.

That's okay - it's better than 10F.. And in my opinion, it waaaay better than 90 and humidity!

Maria
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Sat 07 April 07:25 am    Post subject:     

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Yes, Margaret - that IS one thing I did notice about Sparky. He does have "more energy" or "more spunk" or "more SOMETHING" than my other three cats who are considerably more "laid back". He is the definate stand out in the crowd.

The other thing that Neil and I noticed is that the cats all actully have different facial features. Sparky looks very much like and Egyptian cat from way back before the birth of Christ. He has a very sharp, elegant profile - the type you would see in the cats sarcophogus's of Ancient Egypt.

Milo and Muffin have HUGE eyes and heads - their bone structures are much larger than Sparky's and Peaches are (they are brother and sister). Their profiles are not as "sharp" or as "defined" as Sparky's is. People love Milo (and Muffin) due to their fluffiness and how HUGE they are. Especially Milo since he was the biggest in the litter, he is a really big cuddly looking cat. Muffin was the runt but she's still very big - bigger than Sparky and Peaches.

Peaches - she's a very feminine, delicate little girl. You would almost think she would break if you dropped her or something. Her profile is a good one too - but not quite as defined as Sparky's. She would fit in well in Ancient Egypt too only she would be more of a "fancy, catered to cat - a lap cat for Cleopatra perhaps because of her very long, very soft flowing hair. Sparky would have been a King's cat. Regal and proud.

It's funny how they can all be so very different. With purrsonalities to match as well.

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[galensgranny]

kb2zct
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 Posted: Thu 16 November 07:55 am    Post subject:     

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The pharmacy called last night. Evan’s potassium binder was ready.

So, off to town we went and picked it up. He must have liked it, since he completely finished his bedtime meal.

I was looking at the nutritional labeling on the baby food I mix into Evan’s Wellness cat food. The Turkey has 90mg of potassium. The Chicken has 110 mg. I don’t know if this is high or low. So, I’ll ask the vet’s tonight in the office. I hope that the baby food is not contributing to a high potassium levels. If I have to drop it from Evan’s food mixture, I may have problems getting him to eat.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Thu 16 November 08:22 am    Post subject:     

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kb2zct wrote:
The pharmacy called last night. Evan’s potassium binder was ready.

So, off to town we went and picked it up. He must have liked it, since he completely finished his bedtime meal.

I was looking at the nutritional labeling on the baby food I mix into Evan’s Wellness cat food. The Turkey has 90mg of potassium. The Chicken has 110 mg. I don’t know if this is high or low. So, I’ll ask the vet’s tonight in the office. I hope that the baby food is not contributing to a high potassium levels. If I have to drop it from Evan’s food mixture, I may have problems getting him to eat.

Mark


Oh, yes, you do need to consider the potassium and sodium levels in the baby food.

I am glad Evan ate the potassium binder with no problems.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 20 November 09:51 pm    Post subject:     

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Evan's next blood test has been rescheduled. It was to happen while he was being boarded at the hospital over the Thanksgiving break.

But, things have changed. I now have reliable full time, live in care, so Evan does not have to be boarded. With that, I've rescheduled the test.

So, a week from tomorrow I'll take him in for his next test (Tuesday after Thanksgiving).

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Fri 01 December 04:03 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark,

How did Evan do at the vets? I'm sorry I missed so much while I was off the internet. It's good to be back. I hope you're okay......and your family - and little Gracie. 

Maria
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Fri 01 December 05:29 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I now have reliable full time, live in care, so Evan does not have to be boarded. 


Are you absolutley positive about this Mark???? I sure hope you are right....

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Fri 01 December 10:05 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
Quote:
I now have reliable full time, live in care, so Evan does not have to be boarded.


Are you absolutley positive about this Mark???? I sure hope you are right....


Oh, Evan will be boarded next time!!!!!!!! I'm not going to let him go through this again.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Fri 01 December 10:07 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
Mark,

How did Evan do at the vets? I'm sorry I missed so much while I was off the internet. It's good to be back. I hope you're okay......and your family - and little Gracie.

Maria


Maria:

My live in care really messed Evan up. It's taken the better part of the week to get him back to "normal"

Dr Kate posponed the blood test until next Tuesday. We'll see how things are doing then.

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Sat 02 December 12:58 pm    Post subject:     

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Aaaaccccckkkkkkk! Poor Evan. I guess I missed that bit of information, although I tried to read all the posts. I think I missed a few.

I'm sorry to hear that but glad he's getting back on track.

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 11:16 am    Post subject:     

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Guys:

Please keep Evan in your prayers tonight and tomorrow. I take him in for blood tests tomorrow night.

I am a bit worried about him. He is eating a bit better, but not all that great. It is taking him about a day and ½ to finish a can of cat food with the jar of baby food mixed in. I’m now feeding him 4 times a day (morning, noon, evening and night). Since I have to go home to walk Gracie, I take the time to feed him a wet lunch. Even with all of this extra feeding, he does not seem to be putting on any weight. A few months ago, he would finish this food up in one day.

He is spending almost all of his time in my bed – sleeping on top of one of my pillows. This is a new behavior. He is not coming out into the main room as much any more. I don’t know if this is because of Gracie the puppy (although she is behind puppy gates in the kitchen). It’s got me worried.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 11:30 am    Post subject:     

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I'm sure he's just "hiding out" on your bed to stay away from Gracie.....she may be too energetic for him to even look at given his health. I'll say some prayers that his bloodwork will be fine and that he's just being where it's peaceful so he can rest.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 01:47 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I'm sure he's just "hiding out" on your bed to stay away from Gracie.....she may be too energetic for him to even look at given his health. I'll say some prayers that his bloodwork will be fine and that he's just being where it's peaceful so he can rest.


Hi Michelle:

Actually, Gracie sleeps in my bedroom with Evan and myself. She is in her crate at the side of my bed.

Since Evan has gone deaf, things are a bit more peaceful for him. I can walk into my bedroom without disturbing him. What worries me is that he can not hear the other cats or Gracie.

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 02:58 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark,

I certainly will pray for Evan. Part of this may be due to Gracie - just her presence in the house is a big change......and probably a bit scarey to Evan, especially not being able to hear. I think these changes probably effect Evan more than the rest.

Maybe I'm trying to rationalize his loss of appetite, but I hope this is all it is.

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 03:15 pm    Post subject:     

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Margaret:

In your cat research, have you ever come across any links between Hyper - T and / or CRF and deafness?

Just wondering, since Evan has gone deaf this year. I will also ask about hypertension for Evan and see if they can get a blood pressure test.

If most anti-hypertension medications work by eliminating water from the system, I would think that the fluids I give would tend to increase blood pressure.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Mon 04 December 08:21 pm    Post subject:     

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No, Mark, I haven't. I'll look around. I know high blood pressure can result in blindness.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 02:17 pm    Post subject:     

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Guys:

I'm expecting some rather bad news tonight regarding Evan's blood test. I think his kindeys are getting worse.

Today, at lunch, Evan had really bad breath - which is a sign of kidney troubles. Now, several other factors could cause the bad breath, but I'm expecting it to be a toxin buildup, which we will discover in the blood work.

Although the good news is that his appitite continues to improve (which would be a contra-indicator to the decrease in kidney function). Since yesterday morning, Evan has eaten all most all of his can of cat food / baby food mixture. I must not have more than a teaspoon of it left over. I will have to make up a new batch of food for him tonight.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 02:18 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I know high blood pressure can result in blindness.


Margaret:

Let's hope that Evan does not go blind, too.

Mark
 
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 04:25 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I'm expecting some rather bad news tonight regarding Evan's blood test. I think his kindeys are getting worse.

Today, at lunch, Evan had really bad breath - which is a sign of kidney troubles.


 OH NO!!! Oh gee..... I hope he'll be ok.... Was the smell of his breath the "urea" that indicates the kidney problems or was it "just" bad breath????

                                               

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 04:30 pm    Post subject:     

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Michelle;

I'm pretty sure it was urea. It has a pretty distinctive odor.
Mark
 
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 04:40 pm    Post subject:     

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Oh no..... that's not good. That's not good at all.... I'm so sorry!!!!! Have you got the results back from the test from the vet yet????

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rubygirl1968
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 05:47 pm    Post subject:     

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I sure hope the news wasn't as bad as you feared.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 06:02 pm    Post subject:     

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I take Evan in to the vet for a 7:15 pm appointment. I will not get the blood test results back until tomorrow.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 05 December 08:40 pm    Post subject:     

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Guys:

Evan’s vet appointment did not go very well.

First, Dr Kate was not able to get any blood to test. With Evan, you get one chance to do a stick. If you mess it up, he does not let you get another one. He was getting very worked up about the whole situation, so much so that I could hear him in the exam room and he was in the lab room. Dr Kate stopped trying tonight. She was very much afraid that Evan would have a heart attack or stroke, due to his old age.

Dr Kate also suspects that me may be diabetic, on top of the rest of his problems – based on the odor of his breath. This was not very good news at all.

So, tomorrow morning we are going to try to get enough blood to do a full blood panel. They have booked two appointments for me. We’re going to give him a shot that will, hopefully, relax him a bit so we can get the blood to do the tests.

We’re also going to try to get a blood pressure on him. Giving him fluids would tend to increase blood pressure and put strain on his heart and circulatory system.

Dr Kate does not think there is a link between hypertension and deafness. His deafness could be a result of his other conditions – I just don’t remember which one can cause it. She examined his ears and said that they looked good.

If Evan is diabetic, I will have a very hard decision to make tomorrow. At some point, and I don’t know what that point is, it is going to be time for me to help him to the bridge, too. I pray it is not now – it has not even been a month since Missy left me. I feel that Evan’s time here on Earth is coming to a close

Needless to say, I don’t think I’m going to get much sleep tonight. My heart is just breaking right now.

One of the clients in the waiting room said today, after observing Evan and I in the waiting room, that Evan must love me very much. He was attentive and purring whenever I lightly touched him. He did not act afraid in his carrier, even when I opened the top for him to stretch is legs a bit.

Mark
 
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 Posted: Wed 06 December 07:21 am    Post subject:     

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((((((Mark))))))))

I pray that he doesn't have diabetes on top of everything else and that he has more quality time left to spend with you.

I'll be checking for an update on him. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Wed 06 December 09:23 am    Post subject:     

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I hope it all turns out ok too and that he is not diabetic on top of everything else.... I will say more prayers for Evan. I hope the appointment you have for him this morning will go more smoothly than last nights appointment.....

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Wed 06 December 10:53 am    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I hope the appointment you have for him this morning will go more smoothly than last nights appointment.....


This morning’s appointment did go a bit more smoothly than last night’s appointment went.

Evan was given an anti-anxiety drug – and that helped things along quite a bit.

His blood pressure was normal. They were able to get enough blood to do the tests. He is getting a full panel and a separate thyroid test. I should hear the results later today or tonight. Until that time, well, I thing I should have been given an anti-anxiety shot, too.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Wed 06 December 04:25 pm    Post subject: Good News about Evan!     

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Guys:

Evan’s blood tests came back with good results. 

His BUN and CREA, while still high, are lower than the September tests. So, we’re making improvement on that. It is not as good as the August test, but we’ll work on that.

The great news is that the thyroid levels are in the normal range. The range is 1.3 – 3.9 ug/dl. Evan’s results are 2.2 ug/dl. This was a great concern of mine – his last thyroid level was off the scale (the scale tops out at 7.0)

His phosphorus is 7.4. That is inside the high normal range (3.1 - 7.5).

Blood pressure was normal. Glucose was also normal.

One of my co-workers came into my office to ask why I was so happy. In * might * have sounded out my joy a bit loudly. I mean, he only heard it through the brick walls.

Now, all I have to do is to get my hands to stop shaking.

Dr Kate wants me to continue to do exactly as I am doing right now! She said he is doing terrific and she is amazed.

Thank you all for your prayers. 

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Thu 07 December 02:54 am    Post subject:     

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Arrgh! I had written a post, and when I hit submit, the forum was offline, doing a "migration".

Well, here we go again.

Great news, Mark!  Just when you thought maybe things were getting seriously bad, they are fine! What do suppose was with Evan's breath? Just some odd smelling breath moment?

I won't post more now in case the forum is going to go migrate some more.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Thu 07 December 08:33 pm    Post subject:     

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Margaret:

AFter Tueaday night, I was fully expecting to be helping Evan to the bridge right now.

That cat really has 9 lives (or about 9 times 9).

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Sat 09 December 01:43 am    Post subject:     

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kb2zct wrote:
Margaret:

AFter Tueaday night, I was fully expecting to be helping Evan to the bridge right now.

That cat really has 9 lives (or about 9 times 9).

Mark


It really is amazing and wonderful how he has pulled through!

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 Posted: Sun 10 December 10:49 am    Post subject:     

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I'm glad that Evan's results were so good too!!! That cat certainly is amazing in his desire to stay with you as long as possible Mark. What a little fighter......

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rubygirl1968
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 Posted: Sat 16 December 01:41 pm    Post subject:     

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Well, I'm certainly late in responding, but I"m so glad that Evan's results were so good and that he is still here with you for Christmas. Give him a big smoosh for me and tell him that all his kitty relatives in NC are pulling for him to continue to do well!

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Maria
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 Posted: Sat 23 December 10:10 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark,

I'm so glad to hear Evan's test results were good. He certainly does have nine times nine lives.

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your kitties and your new beautiful puppy.

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Thu 25 January 08:30 pm    Post subject:     

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Guys:

Just a short note with some good news for Evan.

I took his weight a few minutes ago. It was 8 lbs, 12 oz. This is up quite a bit, almost 3/4 of a pound from his last weight.

I guess the thyroid medicine is working, as well as the fluids, to allow him to start to put on some more weight.

I think a good target weight for him will be 9 lbs.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Thu 25 January 09:33 pm    Post subject:     

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Yay! Glad to hear some good news!

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Maria
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 Posted: Fri 26 January 08:32 am    Post subject:     

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It's so good to hear some good news, Mark, especially about Evan. He seems to be holding his own. I hope he continues to respond as well - even better this year.

Maria
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Fri 26 January 09:32 am    Post subject:     

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Maria:

Given Evan’s fragile state, every day I have with him is a very special gift.

The vet’s think he is an amazing cat. From what I understand, most of their customers would have given up by now. Much of has to do with the overall poor economic condition of my county, which has the 4th highest poverty level in NY. At almost a year of hyper-t and fluids, Evan is up to the level where most of the vet’s experiences have not gone before.

The Good Lord willing, I’ll have him for a long time.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Fri 26 January 03:17 pm    Post subject:     

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Holy Cow!!! It's almost a year already Mark???? I was going to ask you that the other day..... how long you've been giving Evan his fluids and stuff.... wow.... I can't beleive it's almost (or IS) a year already!!! I'm glad he's doing so well for you at this time - hope it keeps up for a very long, long time. I know you love him or you wouldn't have gone through all this to reach this point. Lucky Evan. Lucky you for having such a miraculous cat. Oh...and a great vet helps too!!! Can't forget Dr. Kate! What an amazing team you guys are!!!!
   

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 27 February 12:13 pm    Post subject:     

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Guys:

I need some advice / wisdom about Evan. Having cats is still pretty new to me (although I’m getting a concentrated course right now).

Evan spends almost all of his time sleeping. He sleeps all day in my bed, only getting up to use the litter box or to get a drink.

In the morning, he will get up out of bed and wait for me to feed him in my bathroom. He does not want to eat where the other cats are fed. As soon as he eats, uses the box and gets a drink, he climbs right back into bed.

Evan will sleep the whole day in my bed (confirmed by weekend observations). When I come home, I usually have to wake him up for his dinner. After I feed him, he goes back to sleep.

I even give him his fluids in bed.

When I go to bed, Evan usually is still there. After 20-30 minutes or so, he will get up and go to the living room to sleep the rest of the night.

Is this typical behavior for an older cat? A cat with CFR and/ or Hyper-T?

On an aside, I noticed that Evan’s coat, while soft and clean, looked as if he had not groomed it in a while. I combed out quite a bit of dead hair. I finally had to stop when Evan became a bit upset with me and nipped at my hand. He had not done that in quite some time – back when we were first trying to give him fluids. I’m going to work some more tonight trying to comb him out some more.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Tue 27 February 02:55 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark - I am no expert but him sleeping alot could be because he's not feeling well. Also, a change in his coat could mean trouble. A coat that gets ratty can mean kidney or liver damage or even a problem with the thryroid. Don't want to alarm you but I would give Dr. Kate a call just to be on the safe side. Something sounds "off". Hopefully he may just need an adjustment in his medications.

The good news is that he's still eating and drinking.

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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Wed 28 February 01:42 am    Post subject:     

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That is a great deal of sleeping Mark, even for a cat. He may not feel well. Cats do sleep around 15-20 hours a day (divided into a few sessions), but inbetween sleeps they should have alert and at least sort of active moments. Older cats won't be racing around and playing with everything they see around like kittens and young cats do, but an older cat should at least sit around alertly looking out the window at birds or whatever, or watching the antics of the other cats for some time each day.

I agree to ask the vet.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Wed 28 February 07:47 am    Post subject:     

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I'll give the vet's office a call and get an appointment set up. Dr Kate is out of the office this week, so I'll set it up for next week.

She has been working the closest with Evan, and has the best understanding of what is going on with him, so I would like her to see him.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Sat 10 March 02:45 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
I'll give the vet's office a call and get an appointment set up. Dr Kate is out of the office this week, so I'll set it up for next week.

She has been working the closest with Evan, and has the best understanding of what is going on with him, so I would like her to see him. 


Just as a follow up - Evan has an appointment to go in for a full check up and blood work on the 20th.

Mark
 
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Ec[lips]e
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 Posted: Sun 11 March 10:23 am    Post subject:     

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Good luck with the vet appt Mark!

Looking forward to hearing how it turns out.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Sun 11 March 07:46 pm    Post subject:     

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Yes, good luck with that appointment Mark. We'll be waiting to see how it all goes. I hope it's just him being sleepy with the change in the weather and stuff and nothing serious. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed (though it will probably be hard to walk like that). Let us know how it goes - as I'm sure you will.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 12 March 08:46 am    Post subject:     

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Evan gave me a special treat yesterday, in honor of being the “cat of the day” today. He ate regular cat food for the first time since Last August!

Since last August, I’ve been feeding Evan a special mixture: On can of Wellness Chicken or Turkey cat food mixed into 1 small jar of chicken or turkey baby food. Back then, when we were still struggling to get the Hyper-T and CFR under control, Evan was not eating much and, he was loosing quite a bit of weight.

Appetite enhancers were not helping. The pills would simply cause Evan to eat until he vomited. When I did not give him an appetite enhancer, he would not eat.

As a last ditch effort, I tried some baby food. He liked it and ate it right up. Since then, I’ve been mixing the baby food into his cat food.

Yesterday, I opened up a can of Wellness turkey and Salmon for the rest of the crew. Dusty nibbled on it for a while, but the rest of the cats took one sniff and walked away! So, I took a plate to Evan to see is he might be interested, and he ate it. I mixed up another plate with his meds, and he ate that too. All in all, he ate about ½ of the 5.5 ounce can. The 5.5 ounce can of cat food and the 2.5 ounce can of baby food usually makes three meals. I feed Evan twice a day.

So, I wonder if I can switch to a 100% cat food diet. I may try that every now and then, but I will not make any major changes in his diet. He is stable now, and I want to keep him that way.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Mon 12 March 10:35 am    Post subject:     

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Maybe I should make Evan Cat of the Day more frequently, if it will have such a good effect on his appetite!

That is wonderful he ate so much! And of just cat food. 

I think you should try getting to eat mostly only cat food. I'd not mix the baby food in today and see what happens. Or put less baby food than usual.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Mon 12 March 11:03 am    Post subject:     

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That is excellent that Evan ate so much for you Mark!! Great job Evan!!! I can't beleive he even ate all the food with his meds in it!!!  I hope he continues to do so well.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Mon 12 March 11:50 am    Post subject:     

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Michelle:

Evan loves his medicine. Both the Tapazole and the alum hydroxide (potassium binder / anti acid) are compounded with a chicken flavored base.

Even if the boy is not too hungry, he will lick off the medicine, which I smear over the top of his food.

Also, just to make sure he is getting all of his medicine, I put any leftovers back in the can and serve it as part of the next meal. Normally, I do not have to do that, but when I do, I make sure he gets the full dose.

With the potassium binder, it is not as critical to have an even dosage. He only needs that when he eats – as it binds the potassium in the digestive tract so it is not absorbed. The Tapazole is another matter – it is important to keep a consistent level in his blood. However, it has a long half life, so I could give him the medicine only once a day without problems (according to the pharmacist). However, I follow the vet’s dosing rules.

Ranger likes the Restor-A I put in his food. That is one of his two medicines. The amitriptyline is another story. If I mix that into his food, he will not eat it.

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Mon 12 March 03:36 pm    Post subject:     

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Great News! Way to go Evan.

Well, things are looking good, Mark! I hope everyone keeps up the good work.

Maria
 
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Ec[lips]e
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 Posted: Tue 13 March 11:30 am    Post subject:     

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Yay for Evan!!

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stormy
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 Posted: Wed 14 March 07:43 pm    Post subject:     

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Sending lots of good vibes to Evan, hope his appointment goes well. 

It's good that he is eating better, that's a good sign. Is he still sleeping a lot.
My RB kitty Blackie had CRF and he slept quite a bit as well.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Fri 16 March 01:30 pm    Post subject:     

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I’m not sure if Evan’s transition from a cat food / baby food mix to a 100% cat food diet will work.

When I make the cat food / baby food mixture, Evan eats about 2.5 – 3.0 ounces a serving (2 times per day). That is about ½ of a can of cat food per serving. When I counted up the calories, his caloric intake was in the correct range for a cat of his size.

When on a 100% cat food diet, Evan only eats about ¼ of a can at a time. This is only about ½ of his cat food / baby food intake. The calories he is consuming is ½ of his requirements.

The baby food adds quite a bit of additional liquid to Evan’s food – and it thins the mixture out a bit. I’ve added additional water to the 100% cat food to give it the same consistence. Still, he just does not like it as much.

So, for the foreseeable future, I will continue feeding Evan the cat food / baby food mix.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Fri 16 March 01:35 pm    Post subject:     

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Stormy asked:
Quote:
Is he still sleeping a lot.
My RB kitty Blackie had CRF and he slept quite a bit as well.


Hi Stormy:

Sorry, I missed your question earlier.

Evan sleeps quite a bit more than the other cats. But, that is to be expected, as he is 10+ years older than the other guys.

Evan spends most of the time on my bed. At night, he will climb off and head into the living room to sleep. I guess I toss and turn too much for him.

Occasionally, I will see him wondering around. Last night he came into the main living area and ate some dry food. He usually does not stay all that long - just enough to eat, get a drink, use the box if needed, and then heads back.

My biggest concern is that, every now and then, he will have some bad breath. It seems that the breath is bad an hour or two after I give him his fluids. His kidney values could be going up, or he could have some dental issue.

I'll try to get all of that sorted out at the vet's office this week.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Sat 17 March 06:48 am    Post subject:     

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Mark - I know that Evan's appointment isn't until the 20th and it's been "quite a while" since you made the appointment (ok, I'm going by dog years). Is Evan still the same or have there been any changes (besides the bad breath after fluids)? I'm still holding my breath wiating for the results from his appointment and it's not even time to take him yet!!!

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Sat 17 March 07:32 am    Post subject:     

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Hi Michelle:

There have not been any significiant changes in Evan's condition over the past few weeks.

He dies sleep more than the other cats - quite a bit more.

In the morning, he will be out of the bed and will wait for me to feed him in the bathroom. After he eats, he will climb into bed and fall asleep.

Two or three times during the day, he will get up, wonder around, get a drink, eat some kibble, use the box, etc. It may be more than that. When I was home sick one day last week, he spent some time in the middle of the day wondering around. All the other cats were sound asleep a the time.

Evan never was able to get around all that well - even before his CFR and Hyper-T. His hind legs are deformed, turned out at about a 45 degree angle. He can not jump. When he wants to get on someting, he climbs up by pulling himself up with his front legs.

That poor kitty has ust way too many physcal problems!.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Sat 17 March 07:40 am    Post subject:     

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Well, I suppose nothing changing drastically is good news. Poor boy..... give him some kisses and some pets and scritches for me will ya???

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 20 March 07:25 pm    Post subject:     

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Guys:

Just a quick update on Evan - and the new is good.

Dr Kate said that Evan looked great - the best she has ever seen. His weight is up to 9.0 lbs - that is up 14 ounces since december.

I will have the blood results back tomorrow.

Evan also had his ears cleaned and his nails trimmed.

I'll post a full update tomorrow, once I have it. I will also update on Colby, my coworker's cat and a few other miscellaneous things, too.

Mark
 
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stormy
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 Posted: Tue 20 March 08:59 pm    Post subject:     

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That is really great news! I'll check back tomorrow for the full update.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Wed 21 March 06:34 am    Post subject:     

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Congratulations Mark (and Evan) on a great vet visit!!!! You must be SO relieved!!!!

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Maria
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 Posted: Wed 21 March 07:42 am    Post subject:     

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Congratulations Evan! And Mark for doing such a great job with Evan. I'm so glad Evan is doing so well.

Way to go Evan.......keep it up.

Maria
 

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Wed 21 March 08:58 am    Post subject:     

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Guys:

I have Evan’s blood work back. Last night’s good news is not so good right now.

His BUN and CREA levels have increased since the last tests in December

Bun: DEC 59, March 68. Range 16-36

CREA: Dec 4.8, March 6.7. Range 1-2.5

Phosphorus Dec 7.4, March 6.9 High end of the range is 7.5.

Clinically, he is doing fine. He is eating ok. He is not vomiting. He has put on weight.

So, we need to give his kidneys some more help. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays we’re going to give him fluids twice a day: one session of 150 ml and a second session of 100ml. The other other days (Saturday, Sunday, Thursday and Friday) I’m to give him his regular 150 ml of fluids.

Right now, he is holding his own. However, I was told that he could crash any time and that 6 months to one year is the outside range of his life span right now.

Other than increasing the fluids, we’re doing everything that can be done.

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Wed 21 March 04:26 pm    Post subject:     

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Quote:
Right now, he is holding his own. However, I was told that he could crash any time and that 6 months to one year is the outside range of his life span right now.

Other than increasing the fluids, we’re doing everything that can be done. 


Mark (this is my 2nd reply - I got booted off the forum and the last one didn't take).

I'm so sorry to hear this. Did you know this might be a possibility, Mark? I feel so badly for you. I hope the fluids help, and that they don't make Evan more uncomfortable. I know you're doing everything you can.......and more than most people would. You always go that extra mile.

I wish I could do something to help.......I will continue pray for Evan - and of course for you, Mark.

Maria
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Thu 22 March 06:40 am    Post subject:     

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Oh Mark.... I am so sorry to hear this. At least you have some time left to let him know how much you love him (though I'm sure he already knows this). My prayers will be with you and Evan (and Ranger, too).

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Thu 22 March 08:35 am    Post subject:     

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Hi Guys:

Thank you for your prayers and support. I really appreciate it. Asking for God’s intervention in the events of our lives is the single most powerful, most living thing any of us can do for another.

I think it is a miracle that Evan is still alive today. I attribute his success more to your prayers than to anything I’m able to do for him.

As I’ve said, the vet wants me to give him more fluids. I already give him 150ml once a day at around 9:00PM. She wants me to start giving him an additional 100 ML in the morning every other day.

I’ve already noticed that Evan’s skin is loosing some of its elasticity. Of course, I think that is from the daily injections. I think a smaller gage needle, one that would make a smaller wound, might be better for him. I currently use the Terumo 19 gage thin wall needle.

I called my CFR supplier. They will let me order some smaller gage needles for Evan. I’m going to order a box each of the Terumo 20 and 21 gage thin wall needles. I’ll test them out and see which one will work better and start to use that needle only. This should help him out a bit.

I consider every day I have with Evan as a great gift. When I adopted him, almost three years ago, the shelter tired to push a different cat on me. That cat, Jack, did not hit it off with me like Evan did. I say this because, although the shelter from where Evan came is a no kill shelter, every few months or so, all the cats are emptied out. The shelter manager also has a farm, and she takes them to her barn and the cats become barn cats. If Evan had become a barn cat, he would have died by now. He would not have gotten the care he needed when his Hyper-T and CFR kicked in. Given his age and his handicapped rear legs, I don’t think he would have made it long enough for the diseases to develop.

On an aside, Evan has been a bit more active the past few days. Last night, I found him on the couch, sleeping in the sun. He has done this several times over the past week. This morning, he was out with the rest of the cats looking for food. He was not waiting for me to feed him in the bedroom. I think he is happy spring is (somewhat) here.

Mark
 
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Maria
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 Posted: Thu 22 March 09:14 am    Post subject:     

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Quote:
On an aside, Evan has been a bit more active the past few days. Last night, I found him on the couch, sleeping in the sun. He has done this several times over the past week. This morning, he was out with the rest of the cats looking for food. He was not waiting for me to feed him in the bedroom. I think he is happy spring is (somewhat) here. 


Now that Spring is coming and the weather is getting warmer, maybe he will have a lot more of that "feeling good today" time that we all seem to get when winter is over.

I'm glad he is up and about.

Maria
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Thu 22 March 10:32 am    Post subject:     

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I agree with Maria - with Spring coming (or having arrived) Evan might start being a bit more chipper in his attitudes. Winter is always so depressing.... I think even for the animals. I hope Evan will continue to be comfortable and happy in whatever time he has left with you Mark.

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kb2zct
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 Posted: Sun 25 March 08:29 pm    Post subject:     

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I started Evan's twice a day fluids today.

The new needles have not yet arrived, but I did not wait for them.

So far, Evan has not complained.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Sun 25 March 09:29 pm    Post subject:     

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Oh, cat poop! I missed this thread when the recent news was posted.

Mark, I am sorry that Evan's values have gone up. Giving fluids twice a day is hard to find time for, but of course, you will. Since it will be done so often, a smaller gauge needle would be good to make smaller holes in Evan. But, of course, the fluids go in slower. Not a whole lot just going down one gauge, though.

Quote:
Right now, he is holding his own. However, I was told that he could crash any time and that 6 months to one year is the outside range of his life span right now. 


I will pray that he lives more than a year, in good shape.

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stormy
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 Posted: Mon 26 March 01:49 am    Post subject:     

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I am sorry the results weren't good  Sending lots of good vibes to Evan.

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Ec[lips]e
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 Posted: Mon 26 March 10:55 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark, I am truly saddened to hear about the change in Evan's tests. He is in such loving and attentive care though; and honestly, that is one of the best things for any living soul, in my opinion.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Evan.

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Tue 27 March 05:20 am    Post subject:     

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Well Mark...you've been giving Evan more fluids now for a couple days.... how's it going? Are you seeing any improvement? I'm sorry this is happening.....

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Michelle
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 27 March 08:15 am    Post subject:     

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Guys:

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate them.

Today was only the second day of the "every other day - twice a day fluids" I don’t know how it will take for there to be any major changes in Evan’s condition. So far,
I have not noticed any major changes in Evan, although, he did come out last night for some dry food (Eagle Pack Holistic Select). I take that to be a good sign.

The new, thinner needles have not yet arrived. I expect them to be here today.

This morning Evan only received about 75 ml instead of the additional 100 ml. I did not have a good stick today, and the needle fell out. I decided not to poke another hole in him for the remaining 25 ml of fluids. I'll make that up either tonight or tomorrow.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Tue 27 March 11:28 am    Post subject:     

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Poor Evan.....    I just don't know what else I can say.

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Michelle
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 27 March 11:37 am    Post subject:     

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Michelle:

There is not much to say - all we can do is soldier on.

Evan’s next round of blood tests should be in about 3 months. We’ll see how things are doing then.

I am a bit concerned because I just read that tapazole, Evan’s thyroid medicine, can loose its effectiveness in cats after 12-18 months of usage. Evan is entering his 14th month of tapazole usage right now.

I wish the poor boy could have received the radioactive iodine treatment. However, with his CRF is does not qualify for it.

I hope the increased fluids helps to perk him up some. However, I don’t expect much of a change. He is, after all, very old and one of the side effects of tapazole is lethargy. As long as he is wary, comfortable and happy, I’m doing what should be done.

Mark
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 03 April 10:31 am    Post subject:     

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Guys:

I though you would be interested in a short (yea, right) and GOOD update concerning Evan.

I mentioned a few months ago that Evan was spending almost all of his time in my bedroom. He would spend all of his time sleeping, except for meals and trips to the litter box. The only time he would get out of bed is when I was sleeping in it. Apparently, the bed is simply not big enough for both of us!

There has been some gradual improvement over the past 6 weeks or so. Now, more often that not, Evan will come out in the morning, looking for breakfast with the rest of the kitties. He has come out in the evenings, too, looking for snacks.

Another bit of news – Evan’s appetite is improving. He has started to eat dry food again – Eagle Pack Holistic Select Chicken and Rice. He is only eating a tablespoon or two a day, but that is a big improvement from the days when I could not get him to eat at all!

So, I don’t know if the increased activity is due to the increased sunlight, to the increase in fluids (although we have only been doing that for a week or so) or to some other factor.

I am concerned because I read that Evan’s tapazole may loose its effectiveness somewhere 12-18 months after it was started. We’re in the 13th month right now. I will carefully monitor his weight. If he starts to loose weight, I will assume that the tapazole is loosing its effectiveness and his meds will have to be adjusted.

He is becoming a bit “friskier”, too. This morning, I could not administer his morning fluids; he would not sit still for me. This is the first time in Months that I was not able to give him fluids by myself. Now, granted, I did not put up much of a fight, but, I think this is also a sign that he is starting to feel a bit better.

I can’t wait until I can start to open up doors and windows. Evan likes to sit by the sliding door in the summer.

Mark
 
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animalangel1
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 Posted: Tue 03 April 05:54 pm    Post subject:     

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Mark, that is all WONDERFUL news about Evan!! Thank goodness he's doing so well for you!!

My only suggestion is that perhaps you need to buy a bigger bed. Ours is king sized and we actually bought it with the cats in mind - we had a queen but it just wasn't big enough. You may want to consider this in the near future!   

And, I don't know about you, but today (Tuesday) was gorgeous here!! It was actually about 50 degrees here at our house (in the 60's down in town) and the sun was shining and there was no wind - it was supposed to rain!!! Anyway, it was so beautiful out we took the kitty's outside to play. Milo (odd boy that he is) found a mud puddle to play in. He found that when he steps in the water and removes his foot, bubbles would come up in the water. He played with those bubbles for a good 45 minutes.

Anyway, I was thinking - did you maybe open some windows when you got home for Evan???? The fresh air was awesome!!!! I'm sure he would have been thrilled!!!

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Michelle
 
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kb2zct
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 Posted: Tue 03 April 07:19 pm    Post subject:     

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Michelle:

It was a little cooler up here - and it looked like rain, too.

In any event, I had to take Ranger to the vet for his blood work and check-up.

More on that in Ranger's new thread.

Mark
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Wed 04 April 11:30 am    Post subject:     

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Those are all signs Evan is feeling better. I am so glad! I do also thing the coming of Spring does give a "boost" to all creatures.

Lucky for my cats, and me, we have had some beautiful sunny, warm days lately. A lot of rain too, but the cats got to go out in the enclosure to sunbathe a few times.

animalangel1 wrote:
Milo (odd boy that he is) found a mud puddle to play in. He found that when he steps in the water and removes his foot, bubbles would come up in the water. He played with those bubbles for a good 45 minutes. 


 Good that he can discover something so highly entertaining! It is cool when the cats discover some "cause and effect" things and then keep experimenting to see if it will always happen. Well, not all their "experiments" are what we are pleased with, such as them discovering how to open cabinets!

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animalangel1
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 Posted: Wed 04 April 11:37 am    Post subject:     

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It was really cute watching Milo playing in the mud. He had mud and water all the way up to his "elbows" and man, was he a mess!!!! Every step he took he shook a paw, took another step, shook that paw and so on.... Neil and I were just laughing at him because it was so cute.

The girls (Muffin and Peaches) just stayed by the house for the most part not wanting to wander where it's still snowy or wet and Sparky..... well...he was everywhere. He was running and running and climbing and jumping and.... he even wandered a bit further away and Neil thought it was ok as long as he could "see him" and I called him with my "kitty, kitty, kiiiitttyyyy" which is the sound for treats and he finally made it back to the house after dodging and bobbing and weaving through underbrush, over streams of water (due to melting snow) and snow and mud all over the yard. He was a happy boy and I did give him some Kitty Kaviar for being a good boy and coming home when I called him. Then he was happy to stay a bit closer to the house because it was just about dinner time. All in all, they were very good.

Oh...Sparky did take it upon himself to terrorize Alvin the chipmunk until Alvin found a hole to hide in. Then Sparky gave up to wander about some more.

Milo was the funniest however.

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Michelle
 
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Galensgranny
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 Posted: Wed 04 April 12:02 pm    Post subject:     

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I am glad you live where you can let the cats outside sometimes with you supervising. Sparky really seems to need that. Probably because he wasn't raised as an indoor only cat. Plus, he genetically seems to have high energy.

Giving a highly tempting treat for coming back to you is an excellent thing to do, to reinforce that coming back in when called is a good thing.

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Margaret, a/k/a Galensgranny