[Blady]

My 13-year-old furbaby just had some blood work done, and the vet said his kidney numbers were high average (as high as you can go without being above normal). He recommended prescription food that is low in protein and sodium (Purina NF or Iams Multi-stage Renal).

My question: Does anyone out there in P.comland have a kitty with this condition? If so, what are you doing to help him, and has it helped?? Thanks so much for your thoughts!

[Happy Wife And Mom]

I'm not 100%, but I think Tabbycat's cat has been diagnosed with a kidney problem recently. Maybe she will see this after work, I am sure she has some good information if it is indeed the same condition.

[lawlady]

Blady, on 22 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

My 13-year-old furbaby just had some blood work done, and the vet said his kidney numbers were high average (as high as you can go without being above normal). He recommended prescription food that is low in protein and sodium (Purina NF or Iams Multi-stage Renal).

My question: Does anyone out there in P.comland have a kitty with this condition? If so, what are you doing to help him, and has it helped?? Thanks so much for your thoughts!

My brother's elderly cat (14 years old) has also been diagnosed with kidney issues. He has been giving it a special food the vet recommended and he also has to give it two bags of IV fluid every other day. The cat seems to be doing well!

His other cat (from same litter-also 14 years old) is diabetic. He has to give it insulin injections twice daily.

[retiredteacher]

I've had several in the past. One lived to be 18, the other 21. Definitely use the special food because it does help them feel better.

[TabbyCat]

Yes, I have a kitty who was recently diagnosed with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF). I took him to the Cat Care Hospital (they specialize in feline diseases) for treatment, and he is doing GREAT!

His levels were initially at crisis level when he was diagnosed. After three days of IV fluids in the hospital, his Creatinine was within normal limits, and his BUN is just slightly high.

He's still battling a bit of anemia (a common side-effect), but we are also treating that.

I have switched his food to Purina NF. He is also on an appetite stimulant, because sometimes he has little appetite (again, probably due to the anemia). Currently he takes Azodyl, a pro-biotic used for renal disease cats, twice daily, and Ipakitin, a phosphorus binder sprinkled on his food, once daily. I sprinkle it on about a teaspoon of Gerber's Stage 1 chicken baby food, to be sure he gobbles it up. Apparently it has no flavor, but since he's not eating as much as I like, I do it this way to ensure he takes it all. Renal cats need phosphorus binders because their less-than efficient kidneys have trouble removing it from their systems. This can cause their numbers to rise, which indicates their kidneys are struggling. And, the main things that are different about renal diets are that they are lower both in protein (for the same reason) and phosphorus.

He's also currently on 150ml of Sub-Q (under the skin) fluids three times a week. I give this now at home, and it's easy, once you get the hang of it. I still hate it, but I know it helps him, so I do it gladly.

I found a couple of GREAT resources. First is THIS site. It's a wealth on everything about kidney disease in cats. I mean EVERYTHING.

And, the same woman who built the Website also has a CRF discussion forum. You can ask any question you have about your cat's illness here, and someone (usually several someones) will respond with answers and advice.

It sounds like you have caught it early, and that's great! It will still need to be managed and monitored, but you can start NOW with doing the things that will help your kitty live a happy life. Best wishes to you and kitty! And feel free to PM me if I can offer you any support.

This post has been edited by TabbyCat: 22 February 2012 - 05:57 PM

[gog8tors]

Blady, on 22 February 2012 - 08:51 AM, said:

My 13-year-old furbaby just had some blood work done, and the vet said his kidney numbers were high average (as high as you can go without being above normal). He recommended prescription food that is low in protein and sodium (Purina NF or Iams Multi-stage Renal).

My question: Does anyone out there in P.comland have a kitty with this condition? If so, what are you doing to help him, and has it helped?? Thanks so much for your thoughts!

On the high end of normal, your still a long way from SubQ fluids. Defiantly do what your vet recommends. If he doesn't already have canned food, I would look into adding it or going to canned only.

As our pets get older we see these issues.

[TabbyCat]

gog8tors, on 24 February 2012 - 06:43 PM, said:

On the high end of normal, your still a long way from SubQ fluids. Defiantly do what your vet recommends. If he doesn't already have canned food, I would look into adding it or going to canned only.

As our pets get older we see these issues.

I don't think anyone suggested she dash out and buy a bag of LR and a bunch of needles.

[gog8tors]

TabbyCat, on 24 February 2012 - 07:47 PM, said:

I don't think anyone suggested she dash out and buy a bag of LR and a bunch of needles.

Rude much?

I wasn't saying anyone was. You might want to work on your reading comprehension.

I'm not going to get into a hissing match with you. I know you have a cat that gets most likely, depending on weight about 500 ml of LRS Sub Q Bid EOD.

I was just pointing out BC of the fluids post that they were probably a ways away from fluids. I do hope that clears up your knowing so much more then I do. After all I didn't work in Vet medican for over 20 years 4 of them at cat only clinics and not know what I'm talking about.

This post has been edited by gog8tors: 24 February 2012 - 08:16 PM

[TabbyCat]

gog8tors, on 24 February 2012 - 07:57 PM, said:

Rude much?

I wasn't saying anyone was. You might want to work on your reading comprehension.

I'm not going to get into a hissing match with you. I know you have a cat that gets most likely, depending on weight about 500 ml of LRS Sub Q Bid EOD.

I was just pointing out BC of the fluids post that they were probably a ways away from fluids. I do hope that clears up your knowing so much more then I do. After all I didn't work in Vet medican for over 20 years 4 of them at cat only clinics and not know what I'm talking about.

I wasn't rude at all. You've mastered that.

I only know about MY cat, which is, in fact, what the OP asked about...the experiences of people who have a cat with kidney issues. And that's all I spoke to...that, and providing her with some REAL resources.

Have a good night.

[gog8tors]

OP, unfortunately or fortunately due to our ever expanding knowledge, and care for our furbabies, dog and cat we are seeing more elderly issues. Ask your veterinarian if they have any support web pages they recommend. I have clinical experience with this along with most any other chronic illnesses.

Follow your doctors instructions, and ask about a canned food diet.

[TabbyCat]

OP--just so you know, the site I linked above, TANYA'S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FELINE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE, has been honored a number of times for the accuracy and thoroughness of the information provided there. To put you at ease, I have listed their "Reviews and Rewards" below. In addition, I have also included the site disclaimer, which is the best advice of all--you need a vet to determine the best treatment plan for your pet, but it doesn't hurt to be well informed when someone you love is ill. If I had taken the advice of the first vet I took my Bonsai to when his kidney troubles were discovered, I have no doubt he'd be gone now. With education about his condition, I knew the right thing was to seek a more specialized vet, and today he is doing very well.

Again, I wish you the best with your kitty, and let me know if I can be of any help.

REVIEWS AND AWARDS

"You might be interested to know that I refer veterinarians to the information on your site quite often.

It came up recently regarding one of the experimental therapies and
I just linked to your site and said the folks that run that site are knowledgeable and responsible and if they say it there, it's been researched and is up-to-date.

I consider what you do in trying to help cat owners to be the work of "angels"."

Dr Katherine James, DVM, PhD

Urology and Nephrology Specialist at the Veterinary Information Network

March 2007

*****

Recommended by Catwatch, the newsletter of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

May 2011

*****

Recommended by the

American Association of Feline Practitioners

*****

Recommended by the Pet Community Website

August 2008

*****

Recommended in the Feline Advisory Bureau Journal

Volume 43 (4) 2005

*****

The Best of the Net Award

February 2002.

*****
Recommended in the Feline Advisory Bureau Journal

Volume 40 (3) 2002

*****
Recommended in Your Cat magazine

December 2000


Site last updated: 06 February 2012


*****

TREATING YOUR CAT WITHOUT VETERINARY ADVICE CAN BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.

I have tried very hard to ensure that the information provided in this website is accurate, but I am NOT a vet, just an ordinary person who has lived through CKD with three cats. This website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any cat. Before trying any of the treatments described herein, you MUST consult a qualified veterinarian and obtain professional advice on the correct regimen for your cat and his or her particular requirements; and you should only use any treatments described here with the full knowledge and approval of your vet. No responsibility can be accepted.



If your cat appears to be in pain or distress, do not waste time on the internet, contact your vet immediately.

[LPPT]

Thanks for the link to the website, we lost one cat to feline diabetes.
It came on suddenly and we never got it under control, it was very sad.
I never really thought about catching it early until I looked at the site and saw all the things on the side menu.
My sweet NUNU will be 10 next year, so I am going to have his urine checked at his next vet visit.

He was napping with me today, he is the sweetest thing he stretches his paw out and literally pets you just like you pet him, the thought of him suffering with this really worries me.

[TabbyCat]

LPPT, on 24 February 2012 - 09:22 PM, said:

Thanks for the link to the website, we lost one cat to feline diabetes.
It came on suddenly and we never got it under control, it was very sad.
I never really thought about catching it early until I looked at the site and saw all the things on the side menu.
My sweet NUNU will be 10 next year, so I am going to have his urine checked at his next vet visit.

He was napping with me today, he is the sweetest thing he stretches his paw out and literally pets you just like you pet him, the thought of him suffering with this really worries me.

You're very welcome. It's a great site, with so much info.

Bonsai "pets" me, too. I love it, and I'm so glad he's still here to do it every morning.

Off to give him his fluids!

ETA: Ask them to do a blood chemistry profile. That will show his BUN and creatinine--the two main values that signal kidney issues. It will also show his phosphorus, total protein, and magnesium--values that give the whole picture along with the BUN and creatinine. And, it can show if there's any early diabetes indicators, too. Sadly, I've learned to read these numbers and know what they mean. And, I ask for copies of Bonz's results every time he's tested, so I can keep a record of how he's responding to his treatment and compare past to present. He's going in for new tests tomorrow. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

This post has been edited by TabbyCat: 24 February 2012 - 09:44 PM