Pancreatitis - anxiety and worry for my boy

[Chonko_mom]

Hi everyone,
I've been in psycho mom mode getting deep into google web MD for cats basically. Chonk is 5 years old, he's never had any significant health issues aside from being overweight when I got him, but with diet portioning and exercise he's lost 7lbs in 4 years. yay!
2 days ago he was diagnosed with pancreatitis. He spent one night in the hospital getting medications and fluids, but they released him back to me last night after he began eating a fairly normal amount.

I thought having him home would bring me more comfort, but really it's been giving me more anxiety and making me so sad to see him in this state. He's barely left my bed (except to eat, voluntarily, which I know is good) but he's acting so spacey and just not himself. He's currently on 4 medications , so I know the gabapentin may be affecting his demeanor but I'm so worried I'm doing something wrong and just keep thinking of the worst possible outcome (especially after reading so much about pancreatitis). I know he's in pain, which breaks my heart. He's eating Hills Science prescription food, but not drinking water except for the little splashes i put in with his food, he peed once since being home but I haven't seen him poop since our initial vet appointment 4 days ago??

I'm just so dang worried about my chonko. Any advice, thoughts, prayers, etc. <3

[fjm]

Pancreatitis is a horrible disease, but if Chonk has been released from intensive care and is eating voluntarily, it sounds as if he is on the way to recovery. I am not at all surprised he is feeling spaced out and just wants to sleep in between eating small meals, he will take some time to recover. Did your vet discuss what to do, and give you an idea of how long recovery might take? It can be hard to take all the information on board when you are still struggling with the shock of a sudden severe illness, so it might be worth phoning them with any questions you have. Is he eating wet or dry food? If dry then more fluids might be a good idea - I have had success using chicken water to encourage drinking - a skinless chicken breast simmered in enough plain water to cover. It is very low in salt and fat and can be more palatable than plain water. But it would be best to check any additions to the treatment plan with your vet. I don't think the not pooping is unusual - it is often a few days after a bout of D&V before mine get back to normal - but again your vet can tell you what to expect.

I would also stop Googling, hard as that is, and try to stop panicking. You recognised a serious problem, got Chunk to the vet, the vet started aggressive treatment immediately and now Chunk is stable, eating, and on the road to recovery. Now I would concentrate on nursing care: keeping to the prescribed diet and medications, keeping him quiet and comfortable, contacting your vet if he seems worse. It is hard to see him uncomfortable, but that is almost inevitable after a serious illness, and most cats make a full recovery, especially those who feel well enough to get up to eat. Do keep us posted on how he is doing.

[Chonko_mom]

Thank you for the response, I know I need to let nature and the meds take their course for him, it's just so hard so I appreciate the support!

I bought both the wet and dry Hills Science prescribed food . He likes the dry much better, but I knew his water intake was down so I got both . I've been feeding him a lot of tiny portions throughout the day so I'll just alternate between the wet and dry. So far he's eaten about 1/2 cup of food between the wet and dry today.

The vet told me to watch for food intake, water intake, bowel movements, and energy levels and right now his energy is non-existent, he hasn't drank water, and he hasn't gone to the bathroom today so if it continues this way into tomorrow I'm going to call and let them know.

I'll keep updating on his progress. worried but definitely hopeful!

[fjm]

Sounds as if you are doing everything right, and I know how every day feels endless when you are so anxious and feeling so helpless. I would not hesitate to call the vet if you are worried, though - knowing that what you are seeing is normal and to be expected makes it much easier to cope with.

[Sandra b]

Hi there, I’m really sorry to hear a chonk has pancreatitis and I really hope he recovers.

I had experience with this in June last year with my boy Murphy who is sadly no longer with me (not due to pancreatitis). He was 18years old when diagnosed and spent 2 nights in vets on fluids and pain meds. He was sent home as they were happy with him but like you with Chonk he was still very sick and not eating well. I really wasn’t happy as I knew he just wasn’t right and I was worried sick. He couldn’t take heavy duty pain meds as he was sensitive to them and when they gave me Gabapentin he couldn’t even stand up without falling, it was awful.

Anyway, after numerous vet appointments and calls we got to a point where we we running out of options for my boy so I spoke to them about an antibiotic (one vet had suggested it to me as she always uses it for pancreatitis). I was given it as a last resort but told “ I don’t think it will help”. Well….less than 24 hours later my boy was crying for food at his bowl and more or less back to himself in a few days. It was a remarkable recovery! He continued to do really well and was also taking pro-enzorb supplement every day.

I would definitely ask your vet for an antibiotic, you have nothing to lose. Please let me know if I can help you in any way.

Sadly my boy passed away suddenly in November from cardiomyopathy. Broken hearted doesn’t come close to how I feel. He was my world

[Chonko_mom]

Hi again everyone,
Thanks again for your replies, hearing other peoples' stories and support really helps! Just here to update y'all on my guy.
Yesterday I was feeling really broken. I had to drag myself out to a social engagement in the evening and pretend for a few hours not to be panicked about chonk back home.

Well, when I came home he was like a brand new cat! He greeted us at the door, chirping and meowing and rubbing up against us, immediately whined for food, and throughout the night he was acting normal again. He even pooped this morning ! yay!

Sandra, like you said about Murphy, I can only assume it's the gabapentin making him act so zonked because he was fine all morning until I gave him his prescribed dose of that and almost instantly he fell back into a slumped state, barely moving, and when he does move it's like he's struggling to hold his own body weight. I called the vet to let them know he's really effected by it and see if I can cut the dose back quite a bit, but she hasn't called back .

After seeing him so bright and chipper last night without the meds, I'm hopeful that he's not in pain from the pancreatitis and with a few more days of rest he'll be on the road to a full recovery.

I know this disease (like all diseases in our pets) can be a rollercoaster of ups and downs, so I will remain vigilant and continue posting on his progress.

PS. rest in peace to your Murphy, I can tell he was well loved by you and I hope he's eating heavenly kitty treats as we speak <3

[fjm]

I am so glad to read your update - he sounds very much better already. Here's hoping that in another week or so this episode will be behind you.

[Chonko_mom]

Hi cat chatters, I'm back with a Chonk update.
So yesterday morning was his last round of meds, so i was expecting him to get some of his energy back today, but that doesn't seem to be the case. As a matter of fact when i woke up this morning he was sneezing and sniffling like crazy and he's been hiding under the covers in my bed. I'm absolutely stumped because he's eating/ has an appetite, not vomiting, drinking normally and bathroom-ing normally so where did my ball of energy go?

My thoughts are
1. maybe while he was battling the pancreatitis, his immune system was weakened and he caught a plain old cold
2. maybe his body is still recovering from the shock of such a painful illness, and it will take some time to get his energy back
3. maybe he's still in pain from the pancreatitis but not showing the symptoms like vomiting/anorexia

I guess none of that matters because (this just in) I'm not a vet! So i made an appointment for a primary care physician for this Friday, to see where he's at recovery wise. Hoping things get better before then!

Once again, thanks for all the support!

[macka]

Oof, I'm really sorry to hear that your cat has also had to deal with pancreatitis. It's really hell. One of my cats has had it, and he also had recurring episodes throughout the year (for him it started in 2021). The worst part is the waiting game, where you just have to see the vet every day for the kitty to get their supportive therapy and then come home and wait again. All the while not knowing how the hell is it gonna end because it just looks awful.

I'm glad to hear that your kitty has started to recover though! That is really great news. It's also good that you booked an appointment with the vet again if you aren't sure about his health, even though he is in apparent recovery from his pancreatitis. I always follow the logic "I'd rather bring a healthy cat to the vet rather than not bring an unknowingly sick one". It's just better to check after all, especially since it has been a few days.

I'd say personally, apart from the vet visit, just give him some time to get his strength back and monitor him closely. You're on the right track! As long as the kitty is willing to eat, and as he starts to eat more, I'd say it's all good. On a good path to recovery, for sure.

But yeah, the stress/ptsd is real lol. Even though my cat has been through 4 or 5 pancreatitis/gastritis episodes and ended up fine after therapies... I still live in fear. T_T

[Chonko_mom]

I'm sorry you had to deal with this horrible disease with one of your cats too, THE WAITING GAME IS THE WORST!!! but I'm so happy to hear he was able to fight through multiple episodes.

Our vet appointment is tomorrow, but I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for it to come quicker. Chonk is still sniffly and now feverish and sleeping/hiding. Still eating alright along with everything else.

Ay yay yay crossing fingers for my healthy guy to make a grand re-appearance.

[macka]

Good luck on your vet appointment!! I am crossing my fingers for both of you!

I really have good hopes that Chonk will recover <3
He is also really cute in the profile picture :3

[Chonko_mom]

Hi all! Thank you for all your support and responses:)

The vet visit was fine but confusing? I took him to a new primary physician because before I had been taking him to an emergency care hospital. Apparently the city that this new place is in isn't quite past all the covid protocols because they wouldn't let anyone inside the building, so i explained what had been going on and they took him inside to examine him and draw up blood work.

The whole thing only took 20 minutes which was shocking, and they told me he has an ear infection and sent me out the door with ear drops, and let me know the bloodwork results would be back Monday. What worries me is this: in the parking lot the vet said she didn't find him to have a stuffy nose or sinus issues. she said "he's clean and dry in there" .. but on the car ride home, he literally had snot bubbles coming out of his nose?? Did they even examine him?

The good news is he's still eating and not vomiting so it seems like he pulled through the pancreatitis alright, and this could very well just be a common cold or virus that resolves on it's own within the next 5 days. I just feel so bad - chonk has never been sick a day in his life and now he's hit with back to back ickies what the heck universe!

does anyone have experience with "homeopet nose remedy"? the reviews are mostly raving but there's like 4 out of 1000 reviews that says it killed their pets so I'm like hmmmmmmmm maybe not risk it lol.

that's it for today.
macka, chonk says thank you for the compliment! he was a model in a past life :3

[macka]

He is most welcome!! <3

And oof. I would probably look for a different vet. My current vet still has covid restrictions but when pets go in for examination, their owners go in with them and normally talk to the vet and assist with holding (if/when needed), all while wearing masks and stuff. So I think you are right to be sketched out about whatever happened in there.

I am really glad that he is eating and not vomiting! That is the most important part. And when it comes to his ear, have you noticed him scratching that ear a lot in particular or inspected it to see if it looks.. super dirty? Inflamed? Plain weird?

I guess trying ear drops doesn't hurt to try..but then again, if he's been acting okay concerning his ears (like no excessive scratching, or you haven't seen anything wrong with the inside of the ear) then I also feel like putting ear drops would be unnecessary. :S

[Chonko_mom]

He hasn't had any excessive scratching or inflammation in his ears, but I did notice he wasn't liking his ears touched yesterday, and that's usually something he loves. Also noticed that his balance seems a little wobbly which i know could indicate inner ear issues..

His whole face/sinuses sound congested , so I'm assuming that like humans their little ears are connected to sinus passages as well and everything is just out of sorts.

I do think I'm going to look for a new vet once I get the bloodwork results back. The workers were very nice but the whole thing did seem a little.. off? There's a cat specialist clinic nearby that I've been dying to get him into because I've had experience with them with family cats in the past and they're miracle workers. But they have a waitlist going all the way out till end of april !! so wild !

Anyway, hope everyone is having a good day! I'll keep posting if anything good or bad happens

[macka]

Yeah, I suppose it is then worth a try to try those ear drops. Poor kitty.
I know I've seen some videos of people on YouTube putting like those baby inhaler things for de-congesting a cats nose. Something like this:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEvA27kZk-A
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lksCdrU2Bzo
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Np9ezMZ_2aU

But obviously, I'd check in with the vet first!
And good luck! Yeah, some vets can be crazy to get a hold off, but if they are really good then I suppose it's worth the wait! I hope his blood tests results come back a-okay ^^

[Chonko_mom]

back with an update on my chonko!!

My boys back! whatever cold/flu he had seems to have fully run it's course because he's back to his normal chirpy, hungry, playful self 100%!
The vet called back with his updated blood work and says everything looks good, so hopefully this will be my last post on here for a while <3

thank you again for following along, helpful suggestions, and support
give your fur babies some love from me and chonk

[fjm]

That is excellent news - and thanks for updating.

[mr_frisky]

That's good news. Two of my cats have had pancreatitis and both recovered quickly from it. One was really bad.

[susand]

My poor old Walter wasn’t so lucky. He had to be pts at the vets on Tuesday, after a severe attack of pancreatitis. He was kept as an inpatient for two days but despite fluids and antibiotics he didn’t improve and was refusing food. He was on maximum pain relief but still obviously in a lot of pain so we (the vet and I) decided to call it a day. I feel a bit bad because I’d noticed his mobility had declined a tad in the previous week or so but I’d put it down to worsening arthritis and it wasn’t until he stopped eating that I realised he was proper poorly. The vet tells me it is a diagnosis that is often missed because the symptoms are so non specific so I shouldn’t feel guilty but I do a little bit. I’m so glad your cats have recovered. Cross fingers that’s the end of it for them.

[Mollycat]

So sorry susand, being right never makes it any easier. And guilt is a part of grieving and if you hadn't found that to feel guilty about it would be something else, it's a need we have and all part of it. How many times do our cats just slow down a little and horrify us with guilt when we discover what the problem was all along - Walter as all cats are was a skilled actor. Try to be kind to yourself, and then try a little extra hard to be a little bit kinder still.

[susand]

Thank you Mollycat, your kind words are appreciated. He was 14/15 ish, had slowed down a lot over the last couple years and had really bad arthritis so it didn’t seem fair to put him through heroic attempts to save his life with all the stress, fear, confusion and pain that that would have entailed for him, given that these were probably going to be the last few days of his life regardless.

If I’d have taken him in sooner, would it have made a difference? I don’t know. What I do know is, there have been countless times in the past where I’ve taken a cat to the vet with the question “what’s wrong with him/her?”, only to get the concise and definitive answer “Nothing”, soon followed by “That’s £25 please”. It is a bit of a tightrope trying to walk the line of “caring but sensible” and not stray into “over anxious” on the one side or “neglectful” on the other.

[Mollycat]

Yes we all aim for the sweet line between too much and too little, more often than not fall one side or the other, and occasionally get it spectacularly off. But we are only human.

And 14/15 feels young these days but really it's still a good age, and health conditions just can't be helped. Walter was clearly much loved and will be missed, and your best is all a cat would ever ask.