feline kidney disease
feline kidney disease
Callie, my 7 yr old calico was diagnosed with kidney problems- today we will know how advanced. I am attempting subq fluids, but will get more recommendations from the vet. My question here is- can anyone share what they went through with their cats. I wonder, does it hurt when I pet her. Is she avoiding me because of depression- or pain? She is pretty unsteady on her legs and wont jump on the bed- is that because she doesn't have the energy? Thank you for sharing.
i seriously doubt that petting hurts them in fact it may
even take their mind of their blah feeling, in humans they just seem depressed when they have a kidny problem because of all the toxins that accumulate in their blood..you will know how bad she is when you get the BUN and Creatine etc levels back but in the mean time you have to keep her fluid level up...and also she may have to have peritoneal dialysis, ie where fluids are injected into the abdominal cavity and then draine out....this is hospital stay stuff--its like human dialysis but using a different technique...but i think petting and holding are good therapy
Re: feline kidney disease
Thank you for your encouragement. I have been petting her for as long as she will allow it. My theory is that that way she will not be afraid that I am going to give her fluids- and a nasty stick in the back- every time I touch her. Last night she wanted to drink from the kitchen faucet, so I encouraged her. It was the first time in a week that she has done more than sniff it. (I know I don't have to apologize for being 'crazy cat lady' in this forum or wasting valuable florida water.) Now I would be a happy camper if she would just eat!
Her BUN was 240 (with a range for normal of 36) and her cre. was also high. But the vet warns that those were taken from a very dehydrated kitty- so they are still high, dangerously high, but the levels might be deceptive. I am going to evaluate her quality of life for the next 6 weeks, providing she continues to allow me to give her fluids.
She's fairly skittish and I am amazed that she is allowing me to do this to her. I expected to have to get help holding her still. Her cooperation makes me even more determined to manage this beast that's attacking my little girl.
Her BUN was 240 (with a range for normal of 36) and her cre. was also high. But the vet warns that those were taken from a very dehydrated kitty- so they are still high, dangerously high, but the levels might be deceptive. I am going to evaluate her quality of life for the next 6 weeks, providing she continues to allow me to give her fluids.
She's fairly skittish and I am amazed that she is allowing me to do this to her. I expected to have to get help holding her still. Her cooperation makes me even more determined to manage this beast that's attacking my little girl.
Re: feline kidney disease
She's only 7 years old, and renal failure is usually 1/3 - 2/3 renal loss and advanced before it is diagnosed.....meaning, as young as she is, and with proper medical management, she has a good chance at a good quality of life and longevity.
Just want to mention the food......if she isn't showing interest in her food, despite your vet's intentions or prescription diet, it is always better that kitty eats something rather than nothing... you don't want her to continue to have a poor appetite. In that event, feed her whatever she wants, just try to minimize the protein and phosphorus content in commercial brands. My CRF kitty is currently spolied on Fancy Feast, but she's doing well on it.
Get a recheck soon on the kidney levels (Bun and creat, plus CBC to monitor dehydration)....you want to do more frequent lab testing at the critical diagnosis stage. Then, as she maintains, the lab work is less time consuming and you can probably get away with once every three months or so, pending on her condition and any developments.
Just want to mention the food......if she isn't showing interest in her food, despite your vet's intentions or prescription diet, it is always better that kitty eats something rather than nothing... you don't want her to continue to have a poor appetite. In that event, feed her whatever she wants, just try to minimize the protein and phosphorus content in commercial brands. My CRF kitty is currently spolied on Fancy Feast, but she's doing well on it.
Get a recheck soon on the kidney levels (Bun and creat, plus CBC to monitor dehydration)....you want to do more frequent lab testing at the critical diagnosis stage. Then, as she maintains, the lab work is less time consuming and you can probably get away with once every three months or so, pending on her condition and any developments.
..........Traci