Look Who it Was Random video

Mikayla's Story ~ Fatty Liver Disease ~

2,751 views · Published 2 December 2011 · 4:31 · Indexed 4 October 2026

Channel: DianeDi · 2011 · Pets & Animals

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*UPDATE*  It is with a very heavy heart I report that our sweet baby Mikayla is in peace (R.I.P.)  as of October 3, 2016. 
She was suffering from a type of mouth cancer - see link here: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_gingiva
She truly was my very best friend and companion.   I couldn't leave a room without her following me and being involved in all my daily activities.    What we believed was an abscessed tooth, turned out to be far worse and antibiotics only masked some of the issues.  
I couldn't imagine putting her through jaw removal surgery, reconstruction, chemo, radiation for what???   To feed her through a tube all over again?    That is not what I call a quality of life.   The last few days we had with her (with narcotics and anti-inflammatory drugs) --- well, let's just say, she felt like a Queen .... lot's of love, hugs, kisses, food, belly rubs, brushes, tuna, whipping cream, snuggles.   For me it was a few boxes of Kleenex and trying to hide my pain from her and help her to be pain free. For her, I could only hope it was the feeling of being loved - just like she deserved.
I will miss you always Mikayla --- xoxoxoxo  

Adopted September 9, 2011 from our local rescue.   Her owner had a stroke and Mikayla spent six weeks in the home with limited care.   I can tell her previous owner loved her so much..... she truly loves human contact.   Mikayla made a cautious and steady adjustment and she integrated well with her new brothers and sisters.

Around October 12th, she became very fussy and abruptly stopped eating and drinking completely.   We were told to try force feeding both food and fluids.   This did not go well at all!

Blood tests revealed she had fatty liver, due to not eating, which was (most likely) brought on due to stress.   She was extremely jaundice, was placed on IV saline fluids and was very weak.   Just the smell of food nauseated her.  The IV solution was helping, although she managed to pull it out on three occasions.  

By October 25th, she seemed strong enough to have a feeding tube inserted into her neck and we were able to bring her home on October 28th.   Round the clock care, was the best thing ever, although she was struggling, she responded well to familiar, loving and friendly surroundings.
   
The feeding tube took a little getting used to and so did the medication schedule.   After a few days, it was very routine and she would just sit in her bed and allow me to insert her medication and nourishment through her tube.   It would take approximately 30 to 45 minutes each feeding.

She started out with five feedings per day and it was gradually reduced to three, where she received 40mL of food & 10mL of water at each feeding (goal was 120ml food per day).  After about three weeks and no problems, we took her for another blood test and it showed that liver values were normal.   That was great news, BUT, we had to be absolutely certain she would eat on her own.

An appetite stimulant was introduced, for just a short time.   This was interesting - and she did show quite the interest in food.  It truly was a delicate balance and we did find that balance.  The tube feedings were only "as required" at this point, and she was howling for food.   It was wonderful!  Of course the true test was eliminating the appetite stimulant, which seemed to go unnoticed, according to Mikayla. 

On November 28th, her feeding tube was removed and I think she really appreciated a good neck scratch.   Her appetite is very good and she seems like a new kitty..... playful like we haven't seen previously.  She truly is my Angel Child.

LYRICS: "Angel Child"

Won't you take me
Won't you take me to the edge of night and make me
Won't you make me walk into the light
And there'll be no eyes
No eyes that see such beauty would lose their sight
And there'll be no lies
No lies that you could tell me to make things right 

Cos I gave all my money to people and things
And the price I'm still playing for the shit that it brings
Doesn't fill me with hope for the songs that you sing
Tonight, this is your life
Angel child 

When you find out
When you find out who you are you know you'll be free
To see your own ability
But there'll be no eyes
No eyes that see such beauty would lose their sight
And there'll be no lies
No lies that you could tell me to make things right 

Cos I gave all my money to people and things
And the price I'm still playing for the shit that it brings
Doesn't fill me with hope for the songs that you sing
Tonight, this is your life
Angel child
Tonight, this is your life, this is your life
Angel child of mine 

Tonight, this is your life, this is your life
Angel child
Tonight, this is your life, this is your life
Angel child of mine
Tonight, this is your life, this is your life
Angel child
Tonight, this is your life, this is your life
Angel child

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