Re: Denosyl
In a message dated 1/28/2007 10:01:20 AM Pacific Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Did your vet suggest denosyl for red blood cell production? I read the info at the link you sent, and it does not mention using it for this. Yes she did, and either it's pure coincidence, or it's done at least some good- although my cat never was lethargic but for the first time he was acutely anemic (prior to his FELV diagnosis), he has much more energy, and it appears at least from his gums that he's doing well in the red cell department now.
Re: Denosyl
By the way, if I can help anybody with anything (even though many of the people here have a lot more knowledge of and experience with this dreadful disease than I do, unfortunately), feel free to email me directly for quicker answers.
Denosyl
I am having what I believe is some success with 1 denosyl tablet a day on an empty stomach. My cat has stopped trying to eat litter (I had to change to shredded paper as litter, but he continued to try to find the other stuff prior to the denosyl), his gums are getting a fair amount of blood to them, possibly indicating that the progress of the anemia is slowing. The only other drug hes on right now is Interferon Alpha. Anyone else have any success with denosyl? From the little I've seen, I recommend it.
Re: denosyl
No need to apologize for anything, I imagine that everyone who posts here has tunnel vision about their own animals, I know I do, and in any case, the post you read was my first on the subject. I'll give you all the info I have. It's denosyl, 90 mgs., by Nutramax. My cat doesn't have any liver issues that I know of, and his only issue now is his marrow's failure to make red cells, leading to his persistent anemia, and transfusions. The last time, his anemia got bad enough for a transfusion after 4 weeks, instead of 7 the first few times. He is actually doing well now, his last transfusion series was on 1/8. I started the denosyl on 1/10. Here is the link that can be used (I hope) to answer your questions about SAM, the product I used is pictured there, with specs- _http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/animal/liver/liver.asp_ (http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/animal/liver/liver.asp)
Re: denosyl
Did your vet suggest denosyl for red blood cell production? I read the info at the link you sent, and it does not mention using it for this. In a message dated 1/27/2007 1:13:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: No need to apologize for anything, I imagine that everyone who posts here has tunnel vision about their own animals, I know I do, and in any case, the post you read was my first on the subject. I'll give you all the info I have. It's denosyl, 90 mgs., by Nutramax. My cat doesn't have any liver issues that I know of, and his only issue now is his marrow's failure to make red cells, leading to his persistent anemia, and transfusions. The last time, his anemia got bad enough for a transfusion after 4 weeks, instead of 7 the first few times. He is actually doing well now, his last transfusion series was on 1/8. I started the denosyl on 1/10. Here is the link that can be used (I hope) to answer your questions about SAM, the product I used is pictured there, with specs- _http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/animal/liver/liver.asp_ (http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/animal/liver/liver.asp)
RE: Denosyl
I remember Kelly L on the list emailing me something about that - a vet who was recommending to use SAMe for anemia - he explained how it works for anemia cat - Kelly, if you still have the information - could you post it again? _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 10:51 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Denosyl Does your cat have liver problems? Is he anemic? Are you giving the denosyl just for that? I had only heard of it helping with liver problems. If it is for anemia itself, can you let me know the amount of SAMe that is in each dose you give him? I would not be able to get denosyl tday, but I could get SAMe from the health food store, which is the same thing just not dosed for a cat. I am sorry if you have already shared all the info I am asking you-- I have been tunnel visioned on Lucy and am not reading all posts lately. thanks, Michelle In a message dated 1/27/2007 12:32:36 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I am having what I believe is some success with 1 denosyl tablet a day on an empty stomach. My cat has stopped trying to eat litter (I had to change to shredded paper as litter, but he continued to try to find the other stuff prior to the denosyl), his gums are getting a fair amount of blood to them, possibly indicating that the progress of the anemia is slowing. The only other drug hes on right now is Interferon Alpha. Anyone else have any success with denosyl? From the little I've seen, I recommend it.
RE: denosyl
I am definitely trying for my Ayumi, too - thank you for the informaiton _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 11:13 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: denosyl No need to apologize for anything, I imagine that everyone who posts here has tunnel vision about their own animals, I know I do, and in any case, the post you read was my first on the subject. I'll give you all the info I have. It's denosyl, 90 mgs., by Nutramax. My cat doesn't have any liver issues that I know of, and his only issue now is his marrow's failure to make red cells, leading to his persistent anemia, and transfusions. The last time, his anemia got bad enough for a transfusion after 4 weeks, instead of 7 the first few times. He is actually doing well now, his last transfusion series was on 1/8. I started the denosyl on 1/10. Here is the link that can be used (I hope) to answer your questions about SAM, the product I used is pictured there, with specs- http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/products/animal/liver/liver.asp
SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://www.petloss.com/
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
They can eat on their own while on a feeding tube. So the only real question is whether it is ok for his liver to eat what the other cats are eating. You should ask your vet that. Also ask the vet about how to give the Denosyl. Many meds you can crush and put in with the food that goes in the tube. I do not know about the Denosyl/ SAMe. Michelle In a message dated 10/29/2006 1:33:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-Forker
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
If Dukee isn't hungry he most likely won't be interested in anyone else's food, Buddie didn't really try to eat on her own too much once she figured out Mommy kept her tummy warm and full, I don't think a few bites of the other food would really hurt too much anyway. If he is on the special diet only because of the feeding tube, if your talking about the AD, it isn't even an issue, Buddie did occasionally nibble on the food bowls and there was nothing wrong with that. When we were weaning her off of the tube I had to give her less food so she would be a little hungry and eat on her own, she did but she wasn't happy about it. Once she was eating and maintaining her weight for 2 weeks we took the tube out, she was fine after that. The SAMe is a problem, I couldn't really give it to Buddie because the pill was big and Buddie was having none of it, it is from what I understand suppose to be given whole. I did give her Milk Thistle though and she was OK with that. The main thing with Fatty Liver is enough food, that what causes it and that's what cures it. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
RE: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
Terrie, you can do this. It's not hard, just time-consuming and putzy. You can give meds through the tube if you can pulverize and dissolve them in water, or at least make a suspension that stays separated long enough to get it down the tube. You can supplement fluids as well that way -- you end up doing that anyway a little, because after feeding you have to flush the tube. Here's a hint: the tube is pretty small, so we really had to liquefy and dilute what we gave Luc. The A/D liquefies fairly well but not for very long -- you have to keep restirring or you end up with a bunch of edible but untubeable sludge at the bottom of the cup. So patience really is a virtue here! Just keep stirring. We sometimes mixed the A/D with Cat Milk, which you can get at the pet store in little juice-box type containers. It's a *little* pricey but you don't need a lot. Also, we had to test the stuff we gave him for tubeability. The vet gave us a length of the same size tube to test it on, and we had to pour what we mixed through the tube into another container to make sure it would all make it through. We started by syringing the stuff into the tube, but that got a little messy if he'd turn his head quickly or something. So we found a small funnel whose spout fit into the end of the tube, and eventually started pouring our pre-tested mixture right from the measuring cup we mixed it in, filling about half the funnel and waiting for it to go down, then pouring a little more, and that went faster. Every so often the funnel would back up, meaning something was a little stuck, but we gently tapped the tube (trying not to move it around too much, for Luc's comfort) and it would generally clear. Every so often we'd have to syringe some warm water, for the stubborn backups. We did have to have another stitch put in, a couple weeks into the intubation, because we'd moved the tube too much and it had come loose from where the vet had stitched it to him. Oh, and there will be a little plug that you keep in the tube when you're not feeding him. The one the vet gave us was worthless and would fly out when he shook his head (we still haven't located it in the corner of the room) so we ended up cutting the eraser and a little of the wood part off a pencil. I painted the lead end so there wouldn't be any lead exposed, and of course you keep everything clean. When the tube isunplugged, there isa gurgling sound which is weird but normal. You can use this to check whether the tube is clear, as well, when you're done with a feeding session. Dukee is lucky to have a mommy and daddy who care so very much. Diane R. -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:33 PMTo: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://www.petloss.com/
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
I can't answer your question. However, know that there are no stupid questions when it comes to our friends..only unasked questions are stupid. I am totally overwhelmed by all the feeding tube information. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:32 PM Subject: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org/http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.htmlhttp://www.petloss.com/
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
There are other liver detoxifiers that are liquid. I am a big believer in SAM-E but the board may have someone familiar with Newtons and cats. I cannot recommend it for critters--just for people. I just don't know. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: Diane Rosenfeldt To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 1:24 PM Subject: RE: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee Terrie, you can do this. It's not hard, just time-consuming and putzy. You can give meds through the tube if you can pulverize and dissolve them in water, or at least make a suspension that stays separated long enough to get it down the tube. You can supplement fluids as well that way -- you end up doing that anyway a little, because after feeding you have to flush the tube. Here's a hint: the tube is pretty small, so we really had to liquefy and dilute what we gave Luc. The A/D liquefies fairly well but not for very long -- you have to keep restirring or you end up with a bunch of edible but untubeable sludge at the bottom of the cup. So patience really is a virtue here! Just keep stirring. We sometimes mixed the A/D with Cat Milk, which you can get at the pet store in little juice-box type containers. It's a *little* pricey but you don't need a lot. Also, we had to test the stuff we gave him for tubeability. The vet gave us a length of the same size tube to test it on, and we had to pour what we mixed through the tube into another container to make sure it would all make it through. We started by syringing the stuff into the tube, but that got a little messy if he'd turn his head quickly or something. So we found a small funnel whose spout fit into the end of the tube, and eventually started pouring our pre-tested mixture right from the measuring cup we mixed it in, filling about half the funnel and waiting for it to go down, then pouring a little more, and that went faster. Every so often the funnel would back up, meaning something was a little stuck, but we gently tapped the tube (trying not to move it around too much, for Luc's comfort) and it would generally clear. Every so often we'd have to syringe some warm water, for the stubborn backups. We did have to have another stitch put in, a couple weeks into the intubation, because we'd moved the tube too much and it had come loose from where the vet had stitched it to him. Oh, and there will be a little plug that you keep in the tube when you're not feeding him. The one the vet gave us was worthless and would fly out when he shook his head (we still haven't located it in the corner of the room) so we ended up cutting the eraser and a little of the wood part off a pencil. I painted the lead end so there wouldn't be any lead exposed, and of course you keep everything clean. When the tube isunplugged, there isa gurgling sound which is weird but normal. You can use this to check whether the tube is clear, as well, when you're done with a feeding session. Dukee is lucky to have a mommy and daddy who care so very much. Diane R. -Original Message-From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED]Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:33 PMTo: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSubject: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-ForkerTAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTSSIAMESE COLLIE RESCUEDonations accepted at:https://www.paypal.com/http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescuehttp://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.htmlhttp://www.felineleukemia.org
RE: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
Terrie, join feline assist feeding group there are lots of experienced people whose kitties have tubes and they can tell you all sorts of stuff. From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marylyn Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:39 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee I can't answer your question. However, know that there are no stupid questions when it comes to our friends..only unasked questions are stupid. I am totally overwhelmed by all the feeding tube information. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow man. St. Francis - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 12:32 PM Subject: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee I have a question: How do I give Dukee SAMe (Denosyl) when he comes home when he is on a feeding tube? I noticed it came in tablet form on my research. One thing I did noticed on him when I popped the cans of wet food for the cats he still came in and took a few licks of the food but not enough. He has always done this. So when I feed the others when he gets home he will hear this. So how do I refrain him from eating their food if he is on a special diet? Will he be able to eat their food on top of his food? I also feed my cats snacks?Dukee knows it! Sorry for stupid questions but gotta ask! Boy, I know I'm going to have questions for you guys on this tube feeding. I don't want to be overwhelmed when the Vet hits me with this I want some firsthand knowledge from you guys. So it's preparing myself and my family. I certainly don't want them doing anything to jeopardize his health even though it wouldn't be intentional. I have never done it before! Yikes! Terrie Mohr-Forker TAZZY'S ANIMAL TRANSPORTS SIAMESE COLLIE RESCUE Donations accepted at: https://www.paypal.com/ http://www.tazzys-siameses-collies.petfinder.org/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasiameserescue http://hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/myhomepage/petmemorial.html http://www.felineleukemia.org/ http://www.hometown.aol.com/tatorbunz/index.html http://www.petloss.com/
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
Terrie, The feeding tube is really easy, the main thing is go slow, start out slowly, so for instance on day one, start with 20cc to 30ccs every 2 or 3 hours, try to get at least 120ccs to 160ccs the first day, it would take me about 10 to 15 minutes to do 20 or 30ccs at a time. Try and work up to 60ccs a sitting by the third day. Make sure the vet gives you metachloprimide to give 3 times a day 30 to 40 minutes before the meal. I would give it to Buddie before her first meal around 6AM, then again around noon or 12PM, and again around 6:30 or 7PM. It helps get the digestive juices going, Buddie would get nauseated if she didn't get it. Some cats are fine without it but Buddie and Bailey both would get nauseated. The main things are go slow, be relaxed, it isn't too bad and like I said Buddie got to where she loved her tube feedings, she really loved them and would lay on all 4 purring and then flop over on her side when I was done and nap!! She never tried to get away and was as calm as can be. She would wait on the couch for me to get her syringes ready. Bailey didn't love them like Buddie but he usually sat still for them. I would feed him whereever he was at the time or put him in his catbed on the couch and fed him. Each meal would take 20 to 30 minutes to get through once I had worked up to 60ccs a sitting, it took about 3 days I think to get up to 60ccs every 4 or 5 hours, she was getting 220 to 230ccs a day once we were up to maximum. I kept a record of her feedings and once we were up to her maximum she got her metachloprimide at 6AM, then 60ccs of AD at 6:30AM, metachloprimide at 12PM and 60ccs of AD at 12:30PM, metachloprimide at 6:30 or 7PM and 60ccs of AD at 7 or 7:30PM then I fed her her last meal of 40ccs or 50ccs AD at 10 or 11PM usually closer to 11, then it was bedtime. You can vary this to whatever works for you and Dukee, some cats do better with smaller meals more times throughout the day some can handle more food less times a day. You'll know if it isn't working because he will probably act nauseated or throw up. If he ever does throw up try going smaller meals more often. If he continues to throw up, have the vet xray and make sure the tube hasn't moved. Buddie only threw up one time when I gave her her meds on an empty tummy. Never did that again :) When feeding I would syringe about 5ccs at a time and wait 20 or 30 seconds in between. If your tube ever gets plugged try coke or papaya juice to unplug it. Also ALWAYS flush with about 5ccs of water after each meal to make sure there is no food sitting in it to plug it up. I would open a can of AD put it in a bowl add as little water as I needed to get it juicy enough to suck up into the syringe. Keep the left over syringes in a plastic bag in the fridge and take them out and put them in a bowl of hot water to heat them before a meal. Buddie Bailey both liked theirs about room temperature. With Bailey he had to get his metachloprimide about 1 hour before he ate or he was still a little nauseated so each cat can be a little different. You'll figure out what works best for Dukee. I have a bunch of tubes left over from Buddie and I would be happy to mail them to you, there is at least 20 or 30 I'm sure. I had to use new ones after about 5 or 6 uses, they would start sticking and not slide smoothly anymore. Ask your vet if the tube is between the 7th and 8th rib, it has to stop before it goes into the stomach or the cat will gag and get sick, he should have taken an xray to verify it's position, for what they charged I would want to see that xray. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: SAMe (Denosyl) for Dukee
SamE is time-released andcannot becrushed.The dosage for Dukee would be 100mg (whichcan be difficult to find). I bought mine for Goliath at: http://www.virtuvites.com/Now_Foods/SAM-e_100mg.htm - I saw a link for it on Petmeds.com but I have never ordered it from them. NatureMade is a good brand... You can also ask your vet for the veterinary equivalent (Zentonil) - your vet may have that in stock. I think I remember you saying you got a pill popper for Dukee... that is what I used with Goliath (who was feral). Good luck! Leslie =^..^= P.S. With tube feeding... my 'soul kitty' Wheezie had cleft palate surgery about six months ago and had a tube inserted in his neck for feeding. I was terrified at first, but it turned out to be pretty easy. Just be sure to feed slowly... and always syringe water after feeding to clean out the tube. It's not hard... you'll be fine. :o) On 10/29/06, Belinda [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Terrie, The feeding tube is really easy, the main thing is go slow, start out slowly, so for instance on day one, start with 20cc to 30ccs every 2 or 3 hours, try to get at least 120ccs to 160ccs the first day, it would take me about 10 to 15 minutes to do 20 or 30ccs at a time. Try and work up to 60ccs a sitting by the third day. Make sure the vet gives you metachloprimide to give 3 times a day 30 to 40 minutes before the meal. I would give it to Buddie before her first meal around 6AM, then again around noon or 12PM, and again around 6:30 or 7PM. It helps get the digestive juices going, Buddie would get nauseated if she didn't get it. Some cats are fine without it but Buddie and Bailey both would get nauseated. The main things are go slow, be relaxed, it isn't too bad and like I said Buddie got to where she loved her tube feedings, she really loved them and would lay on all 4 purring and then flop over on her side when I was done and nap!! She never tried to get away and was as calm as can be. She would wait on the couch for me to get her syringes ready. Bailey didn't love them like Buddie but he usually sat still for them. I would feed him whereever he was at the time or put him in his catbed on the couch and fed him. Each meal would take 20 to 30 minutes to get through once I had worked up to 60ccs a sitting, it took about 3 days I think to get up to 60ccs every 4 or 5 hours, she was getting 220 to 230ccs a day once we were up to maximum. I kept a record of her feedings and once we were up to her maximum she got her metachloprimide at 6AM, then 60ccs of AD at 6:30AM,metachloprimide at 12PM and 60ccs of AD at 12:30PM, metachloprimide at 6:30 or 7PM and 60ccs of AD at 7 or 7:30PMthen I fed her her last meal of 40ccs or 50ccs AD at 10 or 11PM usually closer to 11, then it was bedtime. You can vary this to whatever works for you and Dukee, some cats do better with smaller meals more times throughout the day some can handle more food less times a day. You'll know if it isn't working because he will probably act nauseated or throw up. If he ever does throw up try going smaller meals more often. If he continues to throw up, have the vet xray and make sure the tube hasn't moved. Buddie only threw up one time when I gave her her meds on an empty tummy. Never did that again :) When feeding I would syringe about 5ccs at a time and wait 20 or 30 seconds in between. If your tube ever gets plugged try coke or papaya juice to unplug it. Also ALWAYS flush with about 5ccs of water after each meal to make sure there is no food sitting in it to plug it up. I would open a can of AD put it in a bowl add as little water as I needed to get it juicy enough to suck up into the syringe. Keep the left over syringes in a plastic bag in the fridge and take them out and put them in a bowl of hot water to heat them before a meal. Buddie Bailey both liked theirs about room temperature. With Bailey he had to get his metachloprimide about 1 hour before he ate or he was still a little nauseated so each cat can be a little different. You'll figure out what works best for Dukee.I have a bunch of tubes left over from Buddie and I would be happy to mail them to you, there is at least 20 or 30 I'm sure. I had to use new ones after about 5 or 6 uses, they would start sticking and not slide smoothly anymore. Ask your vet if the tube is between the 7th and 8th rib, it has to stop before it goes into the stomach or the cat will gag and get sick, he should have taken an xray to verify it's position, for what they charged I would want to see that xray. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com-- Leslie =^..^= To leave the world a better place - whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or an
