Kitten with mystery illness - definitely anemic...

[LoganPenelope]

Great thanks for this. Yes, she is going with the neo gastic, i believe - in the neck - but she did say something about him waking up from anesthesia. I didn't hear the word pharyngostomy though - so I'm not sure...

She did call to let us know there is a small risk, because Logan has tried to vomit 2 times it the past 4 days. Ultimately, he is always monitored, he will get some anti nausea drug, and she believes the pros far outweight the small risk of problem with vomit for the neck tube, versus the stomach version.

We did confirm no fever and she said the fever issue "has been resolved".

Also, updated chest xray today show more clear than the last one, so that is positive progress. I assume she was referring to fluid reduction.

We're visiting him tonight at 8pm

[Traci]

Actually as far as vomiting is concerned, there is more risk with the naso-gastric tube because it can become dislodged if the cat is vomiting. Also, the tube tends to be much smaller that necessitates almost a completely liquid diet. The pharyngostomy tube allows for a slightly larger tube making feeding easier in that it doesn't have to be strictly liquid (it can be sort of a soupy mixture) and is more easily secured with bandage wrapping. The endo-gastric tube is ideal for those cats needing long term feeding support, although there is a risk due to infection or reaction from sutures at the incision site. Any one of these tubes can be dislodged by vomiting, but the naso-gastric tube is the easiest to place, and not necessarily needing anesthesia.

The last couple of vomiting episodes could be from nearly anything, and I suspect it is due most likely to not having food, and the medications on an empty stomach, not to mention the transfusions, where the body is responding to something rather "foreign". The anti-nausea meds can help prevent vomiting episodes, and can be given directly into his IV for rapid action and fast comfort.

The xray seeming clear is great news!!

Did you get an update yet on the liver enzymes/aspiration?

[LoganPenelope]

We just got a call. The tube is in and was no problem and he's looking great. She has confirmed a very slow start of food as to not shock his system, and it will be Hills A/D.

We'll have liver results in the morning.
She said we're clear to visit him tonight, so far so good

[Traci]

Good news!

After you've seen him, let me know if you can what type of feeding tube has been placed. If you see the tube coming from his nose, it's the naso-gastric tube....if you see it from the side or back of neck, bandaged, it's the pharyngostomy tube.

Yes, they will start slow, in small amounts, wait and see if Logan keeps it down without vomiting, and will attempt to feed every 4-6 hours - as he improves, the amount of food will be increased, the timing between feeding will probably remain the same for awhile.

[LoganPenelope]

Oh yes, it is definitely from back of neck. That's how she described it. Shave around his neck, insert, then bandage around his neck and hair starts growing back...

I'll take a photo tonight

[Traci]

Ok, this will be easier on Logan to some degree, he'll be used to it soon enough (and it won't be too uncomfortable for him).

I know you can't wait to see him, I would be counting the minutes!

[LoganPenelope]

So here is the king himself, feeding tube in place. He was still pretty tired, although the tech said he was pretty active for about 2 hours before we came in to see him. She couldn't say much, but was pretty positive. Said he didn't try to mess with his bandage, and that he already had his first meal via the tube.

We'll be back in the morning to check on him





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[Traci]

Awww, such a sweetie and such a little trooper! How did he do when you visited? Did he purr and seem more content when you were there?

[LoganPenelope]

Yes he is! Yeah, he was pretty tired when we got there. Didn't have much reaction when were there. He just wanted to be left alone. He can be like that when he is tired. They said he was pretty active for the past couple of hours and was even trying to escape from him cage. He was just getting to sleep when we arrived.

[Traci]

Well, he does need to rest, he's already been through so much.

Let's hope tomorrow is even better, with some added nutrition, he will start getting a bit more energy and hopefully feeling better each day. Keep us posted!