Hi. I am concerned about my 17-year old cat. Over a year ago, my dear old friend had been diagnosed with his kidney's shutting down. While I could not afford the weekly medicine, I have tried to keep him on a proper diet. He drinks soooo much water - more than ever - and of course he is using his kitty litter constantly. I understand it is a terrible circle because he drinks to compensate for the dehydration. He has lost weight and he looks hollow near his hind quarters. Aside from that - he is his regular self. Happy, loving, playful - though he sleeps alot. This past week though it seems his appetite has increased significally. While he's always had a good appeitite, he tries to get to my plate of food while I'm eating, tries to get to my drinks, etc. I can't believe how hungry he always seems. I feed him in the morning and night - and keep a bowl of crunchies out at all times. The kitty litter is always so full, I can't keep up. You'd think I had three cats peeing in there. Sooooo - I'm wondering if this is normal considering his kidney problem. I was told by the vet that as long as McDuff has his appetite he should be fine and that I wouldn't have to bring him in until he stops eating. Is this correct? From other people's stories of their cat experiences, I can't help but wonder if my cat has diabetis as well? He doesn't appear to be suffering - otherwise I'd take him in to the vet (even though I'm petrified to do so and not walk out with him). All my life my cats have lived long - 16, 18 and 20 years old! My 20 year old cat started peeing all over the house, so that's when I knew I had to put her to sleep. I'm just at a loss. McDuff is my baby and I want to do the right thing. Please advise. Many thanks.
Tina
17 year old Cat with kidney problem and ??
I would find yourself another vet.
My kitty w/crf goes in for bloodwork every 2 months when things are good and every 2 to 3 weeks when values are up. Do you know what his are? Specifically BUN, Creatnine, phosphorus?
His eating is a good thing w/crf kitties (its when they stop that you really have to worry) but he may be lacking in a nutrient which may be why he is constantly trying to eat, you don't mention what you are feeding him.
The hollowing out in his hindend can be from muscle wasting which is common in crf kitties and could be due to loss of potassium (which also causes them to sleep alot) from the frequent urination, kitties will also loose many nutrients from the frequent urination and can not replenish them because of the urination. Do not try supplementing on your own, you need to consult w/your vet first as supplements like potassium need to be closely monitored as they can be fatal is over supplemented.
If its been a year since his last visit to the vet I would call first thing on Monday morning and schedule one for a complete blood panel and I would also have his blood pressure checked.
There are sometreatments you can do at home to help take the load off the kidneys and keep your baby around longer.
My kitty w/crf goes in for bloodwork every 2 months when things are good and every 2 to 3 weeks when values are up. Do you know what his are? Specifically BUN, Creatnine, phosphorus?
His eating is a good thing w/crf kitties (its when they stop that you really have to worry) but he may be lacking in a nutrient which may be why he is constantly trying to eat, you don't mention what you are feeding him.
The hollowing out in his hindend can be from muscle wasting which is common in crf kitties and could be due to loss of potassium (which also causes them to sleep alot) from the frequent urination, kitties will also loose many nutrients from the frequent urination and can not replenish them because of the urination. Do not try supplementing on your own, you need to consult w/your vet first as supplements like potassium need to be closely monitored as they can be fatal is over supplemented.
If its been a year since his last visit to the vet I would call first thing on Monday morning and schedule one for a complete blood panel and I would also have his blood pressure checked.
There are sometreatments you can do at home to help take the load off the kidneys and keep your baby around longer.
Re: 17 year old Cat with kidney problem and ??
I will contact a vet today - thank you for all your info! I really appreciate it. Your reply is extremely helpful.
Re: 17 year old Cat with kidney problem and ??
Definately get him to your vet, immediately. He's the only one who can recheck his bloodwork and determine if he needs additional treatment. I'm willing to bet he needs proper re-hydration, possibly potassium supplementation but you won't know this until bloodwork has been done. I'd also suggest getting him on a low-protein diet, your vet can discuss this with you (don't skimp on the appropriate diet, this is important)
You need to know that with any major organ disfunction, secondary health conditions can always present, kidney disease is oftentimes accompanied by liver, heart, thyroid or other organ disfunction, it's imperative your kitty is checked on a regular basis and bloodwork done to keep ahead of the condition in order to treat most effectively. Hypertension for example, is common in renal impaired cats, and if not treated appropriately, can leave a cat in a seriously debilitated condition.
Renal disease is not cured, but can be managed. You must follow up with your vet as he advises, you truly need to keep a regular check on his renal function and treat any problems that may occur as a result.
Get your kitty to your vet for a thorough exam and bloodwork immediately, and follow up with regular rechecks.
You need to know that with any major organ disfunction, secondary health conditions can always present, kidney disease is oftentimes accompanied by liver, heart, thyroid or other organ disfunction, it's imperative your kitty is checked on a regular basis and bloodwork done to keep ahead of the condition in order to treat most effectively. Hypertension for example, is common in renal impaired cats, and if not treated appropriately, can leave a cat in a seriously debilitated condition.
Renal disease is not cured, but can be managed. You must follow up with your vet as he advises, you truly need to keep a regular check on his renal function and treat any problems that may occur as a result.
Get your kitty to your vet for a thorough exam and bloodwork immediately, and follow up with regular rechecks.
..........Traci