Saturday, August 20, 2022

Greater Concerns for Minuet

Minuet isn’t doing very well right now. Her doctor’s appointment revealed some startling surprises. For one thing, she has lost a tremendous amount of weight – five pounds – in just the five weeks. When she went to the hospital for her abscess, she weighed 5.9 kilograms (13 pounds); now, she weighs just 3.7 kilograms (8.16 pounds). As well, yesterday, Min had a blood-glucose reading of 30!

These changes came on suddenly. It may be that the loss of poundage occurred in the last couple of weeks, rather than over a month, but even so, it is a precipitous drop in weight. And from where and when Minuet’s high blood-sugars came, I can’t guess. Her noticeable change of appetite and behaviour began only at with this week, which is why I scheduled a medical appointment. Yet avoidance of food and water, which Min is experiencing, is a sign of prolonged untreated diabetes.

Her problems are being attacked now with two units of insulin twice a day, Mirtazapine to stimulate the appetite, and syringe-feeding of small amounts of Recovery. I will wait another day before testing her blood-sugar; I want the insulin to have a fair chance of affecting it. The Mirtazapine seems not to be having an effect, while the syringe seems to be the only means by which any nutrition is getting into my very-oldster.

I feel very bad about not having caught Minuet’s issues sooner. She certainly did not have diabetes when she arrived at the apartment, back at the end of January. My tests and the doctor’s confirmation demonstrated that. When it developed, I can’t say. It may be the cause of her problems, or it may be caused by them. In any case, we are working toward the solutions we think will help. If Madame gives us the time, we may yet win.

13 comments:

  1. We send purrayers and Power of the Paw to sweet Minuet - and to you and all her caregivers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I will be praying for her. Losing that much weight so fast is alarming. I am glad you got her to the vet and found out what it was.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Poor little lady. I hope the insulin soon gets her feeling better. Lots of good thoughts sent for her.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm so sorry to hear that Minuet is not doing well. John, you're doing everything possible for her. Very few pet owners take such great care of their cats as you do, and very few cat owners know as much about diabetes as you do. (This was clearly evidenced by your recent post about Neville). Therefore, there is no reason why you should feel badly. I think that once Min's diabetes comes under control she will start to regain the weight she's lost, but keep in mind that it may take a few days for Mirtazapine to start working. Meanwhile we'll keep fingers and paws crossed for Min's speedy recovery. Please keep us posted.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, rats. Such unwelcome news, so we are praying for a turnaround due to your ministrations. Purring for Madame.

    ReplyDelete
  6. We are pawyering hard for Minuet to be able to overcome this health obstacle and feel a lot better. We know you, Dr Bellen, will your best to help her attain that goal.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh no, the news about Minuet is truly shocking. I had no idea cats can develop diabetes so quickly. I hope the insulin helps and she is feeling better soon. I agree with Roberta, your knowledge of dealing with the diabetes in cats will stand both of you in good stead.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh John, we are sorry to hear that Minuet is having such serious issues. We are sending purrs and prayers that the insulin and Mirtazapine will work, and that you and the vets can help her get back on track. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so sorry to hear that she is so unwell. I know how hard you strive to take care of all the cats and you do a fantastic job. Cats just have a way of hiding their illness until sometimes it's just too late. Hopefully you have got this under control and she is a strong Kitty and will recover soon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is very shocking how quickly this happened. You're hardly to blame for not catching this sooner--from what you say, she seemed just fine until recent days. At least you have the tools--and the experience--to give Minuet the best treatment possible. Many prayers that we hear better news about her soon.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Mum and I are sending lots of healing purrs to Minuet.
    We hope they will help and that she will stabilize soon.
    She is very lucky to have you caring for her.
    Purrs, Julie

    ReplyDelete
  12. Blessings to you both. In every way.

    ReplyDelete