My Story

[Tina B and crew]

LisaT...I'm sorry you are going through this and I know exactly how you feel as we went through it with our Frodo back in February. Sounds like your Cody is getting good treatment from the vet. Ask your vet what you can do to get him to eat if he's not eating at all. Our vet RX'd Frodo an appetite stimulant when she wouldn't eat. I personally believe that when I cat stops eating completely, giving it whatever it will take is OK and all of my vets have always agreed, even if it is "human food". I'd never advocate feeding human food on a regular basis, but I think a bite here and there isn't going to do any damage, especially if Cody isn't eating at all...but do check with your vet. In fact all Frodo would even consider eating was "human food" in her last days. I would typically buy chicken or turkey uncooked and boil it for her so it didn't have any additives or seasonings. Hang in there...I'll be praying for Cody...keep us updated.

OH...and I wanted to add...you might consider one of the kitty fountains to get Cody to drink more water. I have a Drinkwell and our cat Willow loves it!!

[LisaT]

well, we got up early & went to the vet for the 1st round of the 'sub q'...he was extremely patient and good...he hung out on the porch today and has eaten the KD canned food with some 'pouch' dribblings on it...also some water & some kitty sip milk in a little carton that I picked up...I think he feels better than he did, but his breath still smells so 'sickly'..

Id like to add that I thought they did the sub q treatment Thursday, but I guess the vet thought that when I declined watching, I declined the treatment...just a misunderstanding...
Tomorrow, we do it here at home..yikes!
And after Mondays treatment, they thought twice a week might be sufficient...
It is really so helpful to be writing all of this, and knowing that people who read it really understand how I feel! I guess its good therapy for the distraught mama, huh??

Thanks again everyone...Im going to have to scan some pics to put here if thats OK...that is, if theres a pic forum or something...If not, Ill link to another spot....You have to see Cody to believe him!!

[Traci]

Lisa, please don't ever leave your vet's office without asking questions and getting those questions met in a prompt manner that you understand. Your vet should have done better in explaining to you the need for Cody's fluid therapy on Thursday, as I'm certain Cody needed it!

I'm very concerned with the enzyme levels, what did your vet say about IV fluids?

As for the diet, please do NOT give anything else, especially any pouch-type foods: not only are alot of pouch foods suspect for the recent pet food recalls, but they are not good nutritional support for CRF kitties, and the ingredients in them WILL make them vomit. The K/D is specifically formulated for low potassium/phosphorus/sodium, and it is a milder diet that will be easier on his intestines, which in turn, curbs nausea and vomiting, two of the most common symptoms of CRF (along with dehydration).

I'd hold off on the Kitty-sip milk, I don't think it is real milk per se, but it could in fact, cause him to vomit. Please only feed the K/D until his appetite improves, and until the kidney enzymes are looking better.

What did the vet say about retesting, rechecking anemia, testing thyroid function, and testing for hypertension? Did he mention any of these to you at all? If not, perhaps it might be a good idea to see a new vet (feline-only) who is going to be communicative and proactive for Cody's best care and treatment.

You can post pics in the forum Debbie's Cloud....I have a Cody too, can't wait to see your Cody

[LisaT]

I really love reading your knowledgeable replies....I hope you know that I think my vet is good---it just may have been/ IS being my sideswiped-hit with a brick- feeling that has made me less than attentive re: his advice..I admit it...Ive been weeping and emotional...
No longer the case though! Im trying to take charge and do what I have to do, or at least the best I can.......OK I admit to occasionally being weepy & emotional anyway...

Ill scrap the pouches & kitty milk cartons--I think these things are the result of desperation, but I understand that they arent good remedies...thanks!

One thing I havent mentioned yet is that back in '91 when Cody was a couple months old, I adopted Scotty (always known as 'Scottymouse')
Good grief...hes getting close to 16 also! The only good thing here is that, if he ever has Codys problems, Ill know what to do!

They are both comfy on my bed right now...oh man...I love them...

[Traci]

You can keep the pouches and kitty-sip milk on hand, I just would advise not feeding either at least until your vet rechecks the enzymes and until they are in a more normal range. I should also reinterate, that Cody should probably be on the K/D indefinately.

As Tina expressed, there may be times that you might have to tempt Cody with whatever he will eat (within reason), but choose only foods that are appropriate and not laden with fat, salt, potassium/phosphorus/sodium or high protein, these are all things you want to avoid with renal insufficiency. Ideally, if anorexia is ever a concern, your vet is your best advocate, he can help with appetite stimulants and antiemetics if necessary.

All of us here are emotional when it comes to our furkids, you're not alone.

[LisaT]

All of us here are emotional when it comes to our furkids, you're not alone.

And thats EXACTLY what people like me need!!!
Its quite comforting....People like us dont need to hear anything like "its just a cat"...........

[mamabear]

Lisa our kids are our kids and our animals are our animals. Some people put a just our animals in front of it but we dont here. They are ALL our babies no matter how goofy,ill, funny or devilish, human or animal. I knew someone with a pig (yes a pig lol) his name was Daryl. he was a potbelly pig. OMG he was just the smartest thing in the world and so clean. I loved him so much. And the owner did everything in their power to save him and they did. He passed on later on from old age but at the time he was saved due to the persistance of a man who thought of him as his only child. It was sweet!

Keep up the good work, ask questions and do as the vet says to do.

Good luck

[LisaT]

Well, we are plugging along!
Cody likes the kd food and is eating fairly well...we've done more subq treatments at the vets...Sometimes I think that maybe he is feeling OK...other times, Im not so sure...
He wants to stay in my room, and lies on my printer or the back of the PC most of the time...
One funny thing is, every night I keep him in my bed and he doesnt just lie near me--he lies ON me...as in, on my head or draped around my neck! I dont move him, but if I even try to lift my head/ readjust my head, he puts his paw firmly on my forehead! lol
Its like hes saying 'no, you cant move'...My husband took a few pics that will de developed soon (didnt use the digital)..
Is this typical cat behavior?? (if there is such a thing! )

I find it very endearing (tho a bit uncomfortable & causing stiff necks!) but if hes happy, thats all I want...He wraps his paws around my head or face and it feels like a hug...

Anyway, Im going to work on getting a pic that I scanned on here--
Thanks again to e1 for all the advice & encouragement..

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[LisaT]

I tried to edit to get the image to come up, but my edit did not work....there was not a period before the jpg at the end, so I added that, but it did not help...maybe double check the link to make sure it is all there and correct...I can't wait to see!!

[LisaT]

Nuts...it was there when I previewed...Ill try again..