Traci...just wanted to update you on Gizmo - thyroid surgery

[Tina B and crew]

Took him back in to the vet yesterday because he had been not using the litter box. I thought it was behavioral because he was doing both poo and pee outside the box at times. After a check the vet agrees it's behavioral, no infection or anything in his urinary tract, so that's a good thing. But...his blood work does show slight elevated creatinine, so his kidneys are starting to slow down a bit. The vet is going to put him on a prescription diet...I'm picking up several different ones today to see which one he responds to at the moment and we are going to watch him to see if anything gets worse. I'll see if I can get the lab numbers when I go into the office.

At any rate, I think we are going to not do the thyroid surgery because of his kidneys. Vet says it's probably best to keep him on the tapazole so we can alter the dosage according to his needs. He did suggest I talk to the other vet there since she is the one who does all the thyroid surgeries and get her opinion so I may do that. I just wanted to let you know what was going on with that. Gizmo is doing pretty good at the moment it seems, other than his failure to use the litter box. So I'll be working on those behavioral issues...vet thinks it is likely litter aversion, so I'm going to try a different litter. I was pleased with her attention yesterday, she did a thorough survey of his behaviors and spent a ton of time with me! I tell you I don't think I'll ever abandon a feline only vet for my cats and I'm glad you recommend them. I wish everyone had access to them!

[Traci]

Do you know what the BUN (urea) level was? The BUN usually tends to elevate before the creatinine, which might be a more reliable indicator of renal disease, but this is only in theory, both should be tested in combination. Was the urinalysis completely normal? What is the vet's opinion on using a feline ERD-test, does she routinely use it? (this measures microalbumin/protein). Might want to ask her opinion and see if it might be a good test to include, it might also help her determine renal function in the surgical considerations.

[Tina B and crew]

Darnit... the receptionist gave me the wrong labwork, she gave me the lab that was done in January and both the BUN and CRE were within normal range then (I told her I wanted the June labwork...I guess she misunderstood..argh!). So I don't have the numbers right now...but the vet did say they were slightly elevated, at least the creatinine...I think he said 2.2 or 2.6 or something like that...the ones I have say normal range is 0.3-2.1. His urinalysis was completely normal except the specific gravity was just a wee bit low, so his urine was slightly dilute. He did say that was probably due to the fluids he was given since they couldn't get a urine sample otherwise. He doesn't want to take any measures right now except for the diet change and continue to check his levels every 6 months at least unless we notice a change in his drinking/urinating. I have noticed of late that he is drinking more and voiding more.

I'll ask the doctor who does the surgery next time I'm in about the ERD and the surgery. I have an appointment for Willow in a couple of weeks for her annual and hopefully will see her then.

I gave Gizmo some of the k/d when I got him home and he is obviously not turned off by it so hopefully he will keep up with eating it. It's not going to hurt him to eat the k/d is it?

[Traci]

Did you tell the vet you've noticed Gizmo's increased urination and increased drinking? Keep a very close eye on that and if it doesn't resolve in a few days to a week, notify your vet promptly.

No, it won't hurt for him to be on the K/D, and as a matter of fact, getting these kitties started early on a diet such as this can help the kidneys as well. Do however, make sure your other cats do not eat it specifically. (a nibble here and there isn't going to hurt, but you don't want them eating it exclusively unless they too have a health condition that warrants it and your vet recommends)

[Tina B and crew]

Yes...the vet knows he has been voiding a lot. Of course Gizmo has always had a large bladder...I swear that cat can pee and always has been able too!! But lately (as in the last few months) it seems his litter is getting a bit more soaked. I monitor it pretty closely and make note if I seem to be needing to change the litter more often or if I notice a lot more wetness in the box when I check it. Believe me, after losing on cat to kidney failure I'm going to be on top of it with the others. I'm considering getting one of the fountains for Gizmo since he likes to drink running water (yes, her prefers it from the faucet and is loathe to drink from a bowl...always has been)..just gotta save up the money to buy one. Being a college student stinks sometimes...

No worries about the other kitties eating it. Since Gizmo is with my parents he is the only cat. Willow is with us so she doesn't have to be harassed by Gizmo.

[slvrwhispr]

Ugh, re: cats and the water faucet...

For a while, our water faucet in the bathroom was leaking. I was lazy and waited forever to call in to the apartment complex to have it fixed, mostly since I don't pay the water bill and they didn't seem to notice. Now that it's fixed, though, Izzy won't drink out of a bowl. ANY bowl; I've got about a dozen I've tried. But if I'm in the bathroom, she'll come to the door and HOWL until I let her in and turn the faucet on. This is the only water she'll drink! I keep yelling at her, "You're going to give yourself kidney failure!" But I just leave one faucet or the other dripping so she's got something to drink...

[Tina B and crew]

silver...have you thought about trying one of the fountains? We looked at several when Frodo was having problems and ended up deciding on the Drinkwell. It was a bit more pricey than some but it was the one that had the water flowing like a faucet instead of like a waterfall. Willow uses now so I'm saving to buy a second one for Gizmo. I'm sure it will be a lifesaver for him!

http://www.vetventures.com/

[slvrwhispr]

Yeah, I'm on an EXTREEEEEEEEMELY fixed income right now... I'm okay with leaving the faucet going for the time being. Not to mention I have nowhere to put something like that... lol. But maybe some day!

[Tina B and crew]

silver...they really don't take up much more space than the average bowl, but I understand not being able to afford one. $50 is a lot for a waterer....but in Gizmo's case I think it will be well worth it as we want him to stay hydrated.