Update on Tigger

[Snowflake]

More prayers for Tigger and oodles of hope for a recovery.

[RStar]

Originally Posted by wendybeth

I had a kitty with diabetes, and while it's tricky it can be managed. He'll definitely have to be an indoor kitty from now on if he has this, as you really have to keep an eye on their diet and such. Diabetes can cause the behavior Tigger is exhibiting, and the symptoms diminish once the levels get back to normal. My Ninja kitty had to have insulin, which was a bit challenging- we would wait until he was eating, then sneak up on him and give him his shot.

I wondered if this was possible. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Alex

Yeah, fatty liver disease was the first thing I thought of but I assume the vet would have figured that pretty quick.

Anyway, here's hoping for a positive outcome.

Thanks Alex. He lost 1/3 of his body weight in a short period of time. This did cause a slightly fatty liver, but the Dr. said his nuero response was more severe than that. But if he had fatty liver along with the bacteria infection and diabetes, I could see that really messing with his head. The question is, how much is it reversable, does he have permanent brain damage?

For now, we wait and see.

[Not Afraid]

Another thing about diabetes, he can be showing signs of diabetes but, once nutritional balance is restored, the signs and symptoms can go away. When Jack was really sick with UTIs he test results showed diabetes, but a week later he was fine.

I take care of MANY cats (and dogs) with diabetes. I give insulin on a pretty regular basis. If that's what you need to do with Tigger, I can help you get going if you need me. It's really pretty easy once you get the hang of it. It's a SubQ shot, so it makes it pretty easy.

[RStar]

Originally Posted by Not Afraid

Another thing about diabetes, he can be showing signs of diabetes but, once nutritional balance is restored, the signs and symptoms can go away. When Jack was really sick with UTIs he test results showed diabetes, but a week later he was fine.

I take care of MANY cats (and dogs) with diabetes. I give insulin on a pretty regular basis. If that's what you need to do with Tigger, I can help you get going if you need me. It's really pretty easy once you get the hang of it. It's a SubQ shot, so it makes it pretty easy.

Thanks, NA. That makes me feel better. My wife is diabetic. Right now she takes pills, but while preggy had to take insulin. I have given her shots, so I'm at least familiar with the human side.

And that's my thought as well, that he is so off balance after nearly starving, that he could return to normal after getting healthy.

[wendybeth]

When my mom developed diabetes, she wasn't sure she could do the shots. I cheerfully told her I could, but that it would involve a plateful of tuna and being jabbed in the neck.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I have experience giving cats insulin injections as well. And considering how freaked out I get when I'm the recipient of a shot, I didn't think I could do it at first. After the first couple of times, however, it really does become routine.

Now, administering an IV to a cat is a totally different challenge that I wouldn't wish on anyone. Let's just say that they aren't much interested in staying still during the process and it is something that I never felt comfortable doing.

Best wishes to you and Tigger.

[Alex]

Just because I want in one the game, back in high school I had a sixth month period of giving a weekly antibiotic shot to my king snake.

[bewitched]

We had a diabetic dog who's first symptoms were neuro problems. Yep the shots are fairly easy. Actually giving the shot while they are eating serves another purpose; being sure that they have food in their system so they don't have a huge insulin spike.

Good thoughts for Tigger. He's already shown himself to be a fighter, so let's hope that trend continues.

[RStar]

First of all, I would like to thank all of you for your kind support through this trying time. You have all been wonderful, and you helped me get through.

However, Tigger's neurological condition had not improved. The tests all came back clean. His body was improving, but his mind was not. The diabetes, bacterial infection, dehydration, and starvation were not the reason for his worst problem. There were no other problems with him physically. He was unaware of his surroundings and unable to control his body. He would not respond to us like he should.

The doctor said the problem with his brain most likely would have occurred whether he was out or at home, and may have been the reason he never came home. He had no idea where he was or how to take care of himself. A brain tumor was the most likely reason.

So, at noon today we said our last good byes. Our daughter met with us as she practically grew up with him, and considered him to be her cat. We shed some tears, but were grateful that we had the opportunity to see him one last time. It gave us closure. Tonight as the sun set, Tigger was put to sleep.

So I packed up his belongings and put them away. I had held on to them with hope all of these weeks. It will be hard to not be looking for him as I drive down the street. I have a particular sound I make with my mouth, a bit like a loud, long, projected kiss that I used to call him when I wanted him to come to me. While he was missing I would go to the front door and call him to see if he would come. Tonight, in his memory, I called to him one last time.

Rest in peace Tigger. You will be missed.

[Andrew]

I had an awful feeling it might be that when I saw your new post on this thread this late at night. I'm so sorry for your loss.