My Nipo is getting some intensive care

[jenluckenbach]

I am very glad to hear that there is progress.

[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

[Kater]

Saturday's appointment went okay. She looks and acts like she is in a better place, but the weight gain is hardly significant. When I first weighed her the gain was 5 oz., but after Dr. A palpated her tummy she said her bladder was very full. So I put her into a cage with a litterbox and later in my shift checked on her and weighed her again after she had voided her bladder. After urinating the gain was only a few ounces.

She is still doing some nibbling here and there. This morning I put out two kinds of wet food, lots of kibble and a pile of 20 or so greenies. I also decided to hold off on the morning feeding to see if she would eat more than usual if allowed to get 'hungry.' I will be driving home before going to work today and if she hasn't eaten 'enough' then she'll get a late breakfast.

I also keep meaning to get some grocery store type brands of dry kibble. I just wish I could get samples or something instead of buying full-sized bags...the wet food purchases are already breaking the bank! Especially since 95% of it is wasted. *sigh* I'm just frustrated, since I really expected more weight gain. Well, all in all I think she looks *better* physically, so that is something significant. She is also staying pretty well hydrated (between liquidy force feedings, her new fountain, and the numerous water bowls I have set up) and that is better and less stressful than administering sub-q. I think I might bump the feedings up to 1.5 cans of A/D twice daily...if she can keep that much down.

Still haven't gotten the 'food enhancers' in the mail yet....Pet Food Direct isn't known for the quickest shipping and being in Hawaii won't help any.

Thanks for reading.
Kate & Nipo

[orangemm]

I'm so glad she is doing better; remember, any food that you get into her will do her a world of good.

Keep up the good work, and Nipo. do what your meowmie says!

[Queen of Poop]

Checking for an update on Nipo. I've been following your progress. Don't be discouraged if the weight gain is minimal, best thing is that no weight is being lost!! Holding steady is ok. Continued good thoughts and wishes for you both.

[Kater]

Nipo is finally stepping her nibbing up a notch...she is eating more kibble (after carefully eating ALL the Greenies off the top, that is). I am soooo happy with this progress!! Happy enough to take pictures...

I am using the plates temporarily since I think they make eating easier. You can see her regular food bowl empty in the back.


A close up of the nibbled leftovers...


hehe....my favorite 'flavor' of kitty burrito


I love this girl SOOO much...


The evil syringe...


Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, guidance and good thoughts. I appreciate each and every one SO MUCH!!

We will probably run follow-up blood work in about another week. Things are certainly looking up!!

...still waiting on PFD, heh.

xoxo
Kate & Nipo

[orangemm]

Those last pictures say it all, don't they? That trusting, loving face. Nothing is more beautiful. I'll still keep your girl in my prayers.

[jenluckenbach]

Nipo, your update and pictures make me so happy. A terrific way to start the day. Keep up the good work.

[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.