While Tucker continues well, I was disappointed during the last few days to observe that reducing his dose of Mirtazapine too much caused an unacceptable diminution in his appetite.
His prescribed dose is 0.1 milliliters per day. Earlier, as I wanted eventually to take him off the drug all together, I had, after some time on the full dose, cut it in half. This proved satisfactory, as his appetite slipped but little, and he continued to eat. The next step was to alternate days, one day of 0.05 ml, the next of none. This did not work, and he did not feel like eating. This weekend, I have restored his original prescription, which I will halve once more tomorrow. Tucker is eating a pleasing amount again.
As some have found that his kidney medicine (“kidney-powder”) caused a suppression of appetite in cats in their care, it may be that the roly poly’s consumption of that drug is contributing to a lack of appetite when he’s not stimulated by the Mirtazapine. To test this possibility, I will need to cut off Tucker’s consumption of both drugs. This I may do later, but only after I re-establish a regular schedule of Mirtazapine and see its success over at least a week. I would dislike discovering that the kidney-powder has an adverse effect on my boy, as I believe it is working. He is neither drinking nor wetting excessively; the medicine appears to be fulfilling its purpose. It may be a case of keeping him on both drugs.
Therefore, though some complications have ensued, Tucker is doing well. If the Mirtazapine doesn’t lose its efficacy over time, then there is a solution, albeit not ideal, for both his appetite and the worst of his renal failure. Keeping the Tuxter on two drugs simultaneously is not what I want but if, as a result, he is in no discomfort and in fact is prospering, it is a solution with which I can live. More importantly, so can Tucker.
It is SO hard. SO hard sometimes to find that balance. And it means so much to us...and to them as well.
ReplyDeleteKatie is correct - it is hard to find a balance. But I'm a believer in "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". As long as the Mirtazapine helps counteract the decrease in appetite caused by Tucker's kidney medication, I'd leave him on both medications at whichever dose seem to be the most effective.
ReplyDeleteIts such a dilemma sometimes. But if it were me, I would just continue on maybe a slightly reduced dose to the Mirtazapine...or leave it that way it is!
ReplyDeleteGlad Tucker seems to be hanging in there!
It's certainly not an easy choice to try to decide if or Which medicine you can reduce successfully. I am certain that the more Tucker eat the better shape he will be in when the day comes that you do try to cut back both. Decisions to make for our pets are so difficult but necessary. I've got my fingers crossed Tucker continues in a good manner.
ReplyDeleteI think that as long as Tucker is able to take all the meds and treatments without undue stress, and has good quality of life, it's all good, IMO. You can't reverse his aging or his medical conditions, so I agree, keeping him on both--at a balance that works--is the best that can be done for him, and really, for any Being.
ReplyDeleteI echo Kea's words. If it's working for him and there is no harm in continuing to do so, then it seems to be in Tucker's best interests.
ReplyDeleteI know for certain, you'll do your utmost to keep Tucker happy and healthy.
I can imagine how stressful it must be to find the "just right" blend of medications. But it's good to hear that Tucker is eating well again.
ReplyDeleteYes, it sure gets to be a complicated balancing act, but it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteWe never had any luck with kidney medicine and always preferred focusing on getting good meals. Timmy's appetite dropped a little yesterday and I gave him just a drop of his ear Mirtazepine, so little he didn't even notice, and today he is back eating. Purrs for Tucker
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for that. Vigilance is never ending. Yes, I will be back to giving Tucker a dab in his ear each day - except Sundays, when I clean his ears out with damp cotton pads, so residue doesn't build up from so much ointment. I feel that's enough ear-attention for that day.
DeleteI agree that the mirtazapine works, so it is better to keep him on the dose that suits Tucker. Eating is the most important thing in keeping him as healthy as possible.
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