My Nipo is getting some intensive care

[auggie]

I’m so happy that Nipo’s liver damage is reversible.
Sounds like you’re doing everything possible to make her well again.
I’m also glad that Dr.A believes in some alternative treatments like herbs and supplements. I wish we could buy Gimpet vitamin paste over here. My cats absolutely love it, while they dislike Nutrical. Being at home in your loving care should make her feel so much better.
Prayers continue for Nipo’s recovery.

[Kater]

Nipo is doing pretty well. She pooped over the weekend, for the first time in a long while, and I was just ecstatic!

The force feeding is quite stressful...but I know I'm getting a good amount into her. I still may have the feeding tube put in. I want to see how she is doing after a week. If she is pooping, active, and I'm still able to feed at least 100 cc at each meal, then I feel that this is the less stressful option. I know weight gain will be slow, but I hope to see some when I next take her in. If everything continues on this course, I think I will wait until Saturday for a recheck.

I ordered some tempting treaties through Pet Food Direct today. I have searched for websites & communities related to HP and/or CRF kitties since both conditions cause decreased appetite. Many of them have reported success with the two products I purchased. The rosedust in particular seems to get rave reviews and one person claimed NO cat would ever turn it down. I would love to find a product that can jumpstart Nipo's appetite - since she is eating some (a very limited amount) on her own, I know she does have SOME appetite.

Kitty Kaviar
Rosie's Rosedust

I will let you all know how everything goes with these. For now, Nipo is doing as well as can be expected. Continued prayers would be much appreciated.

Love and Aloha,
Kate & Nipo

[Van10]

I'm so glad that Nipo is getting better!

She is still in my prayers . . .

[NoahsMommy]

Oh, Kate. You can ALWAYS call me, sweetie. God forbid something like this occurs and you need to talk, I'm here, OK??

Poor sweetie Nipo! That Rosie's Rosedust stuff sounds neat! I hope it'll work to get her to eat on her own.

How is she doing today?

[Kater]

Poor sweetie Nipo! That Rosie's Rosedust stuff sounds neat! I hope it'll work to get her to eat on her own.

How is she doing today?

Today was a good day. Another poop!! Yay!! She also had some nice lappie-time with my Dad. Unfortunately I eventually had to snatch her up for her evening feeding. I am definitely improving my syringe technique and increasing the amount of food that actually gets into her. She is so good - hardly struggles and complains less and less now. Bless her for that - I feel guilty enough as it is.

I cannot wait until that rosedust stuff gets here! I have a very good feeling about it. After trying so many 'fishy' things...beef might be just what tickles her hungry bone, LOL!

One thing I am having trouble with is cleaning the food off of her neck, chin and scruff area. I want to do it quickly because after I unroll her from her kitty burrito she wants to bolt to the door and get as far away from me as possible. I considered using a shampoo product, but that will take longer, especially the rinsing. I have been using a washcloth and plain water, but her fur still retains some food matter and dries all spiky and hard in places. Any ideas for how to better clean her up after mealtimes?

Much thanks for the thoughts & sweet posts. This treatment schedule is consuming my life right now so I apologize that I do not have time to post elsewhere on PT.

xoxo Kate & Nipo

Although I haven't taken any recent pictures, this shot is similar to the scene tonight.
Lappie-time

[jenluckenbach]

Good for Nipo.
As for cleaning her, they make "no-rinse" shampoo. It is wet, but you put it on, rub it in but do not rinse out. Just make sure it is safe for cats (not all of them are).

[Kater]

Good for Nipo.
As for cleaning her, they make "no-rinse" shampoo. It is wet, but you put it on, rub it in but do not rinse out. Just make sure it is safe for cats (not all of them are).

Oh, I already have some of that 'waterless' type cat shampoo! I totally forgot about it oops...I will have to look for it. Thanks Jen!!

I talked to Dr. A at work today about Nipo's progress. She seemed impressed that I am able to feed her two cans of A/D daily. We agreed that I should bring her in Saturday for a basic exam and to get a precise weight. I really think she is gaining ...it may only be a few ounces, but I am starting to notice positive changes!!! Yaaaaay!!

She is still grazing here and there...I noticed she ate most of the Greenies (8-12ish) off of the plate with her dry cat food. She is also eating most of the soft cat treats which I leave under the sofa for her.

I will definitely update after Saturday, if not sooner.

Mucho Mahalos for the advice and prayers,
Kate & the Nipopotamus

[catfamily]

More prayers for Nipo.I am so sorry for your stress and Nipo's as well.I sure hope things get better for Nipo very soon.She's got great Doc's helping her.Including you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Nipo is doing much better. I hope she's now on the road to recovery and will remain a happy and healthy girl. Many more prayers are being sent her way.

[Lizzie]

I am very glad to read that Nipo has truly started on the road to recovery. Congratulations on fighting your way through this. Soon, you will be able to put those syringes away, much to both your and Nipo's relief.

[Kater]

I held off a bit in sharing this with PT as I did not want to jinx it - but now it is safe to say that the force feeding portion of Nipo's recovery is OVER!!!

On Friday she ate a whole 1/3 c. of kibble in the evening and her appetite has only improved since then. Prior to that I had taken her down to one large force feeding daily as she was eating about half of her kibble serving. I think the Rosie's Rosedust and bonito flakes really helped stimulate appetite...but then again I was trying so many different things, it is hard to isolate which one had the largest impact. All I know is that the hundreds of dollars, stress and piles of stinky A/D encrusted laundry was WORTH IT!!!

I plan to take her to get her blood work rechecked in 1-2 weeks depending on how things are going. Her behavior continues to improve too...more friendly, loves lappie-time, is grooming well again, etc.... Ahhhh, SUCH A RELIEFFFFF!!!!!

I will continue her on the milk thistle for liver support as well as supplementation with Nutri-Cal (I still have 3 tubes!!). However, I will be putting away that syringe with GLEE!!!!

Thank you a million times over for your support, advice, and good thoughts. You all helped keep me sane!!



Kate & Little Miss Bonito Breath

[krazyaboutkatz]

This is wonderful news!!! I hope that she'll continue to improve and be able to live many many more happy and healthy years with you.