Kidney Failure

cassidymills

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I have a Persian cat. I believe she is around 6, but that can't be confirmed. Two days ago, she was extremely hyper. I've never seen her run around so much or meow so much. The next day, completely the opposite. She was extremely lethargic. She would drink, but not eat. Today, I took her to the vet and she had a very low temperature and was severely dehydrated. The vet quickly assumed kidney failure, although the blood work still has to be done.They gave me the option of euthanasia or putting her on IV Fluid Treatment. I decided to go with the two day treatment plan. I was just wondering if there is anyone else out there who has experienced this. Does anyone have any advice or stories they can share? I feel devastated.
 

brittpatt

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The hyper activity you describe does not sound like kidney failure. Cats with kidney failure are known to have very low energy and slowly waste away. I cannot believe your vet recommended euthanasia... that really bothers me (especially without test results!). When she gets home I would look for another vet.

She is 6 and that is not old. Don't give up. Those IV treatments really work but please make sure she is tested for a UTI before leaving the vet.
 

Jcatbird

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Please get more information before making such any drastic choice. Some vets suggest euthanasia because of the high cost of treatment of a suspected illness but you don’t have a definitive diagnosis. I am glad you opted for IV treatment and I totally agree with the previous post by brittpatt brittpatt about getting a test for a Urinary Tract infection. That could be a simple answer. A second opinion from another vet can’t hurt if euthanasia is suggested. If it were my cat I would make sure the illness was a fatal one before I put my cat down. I would only do that to save my cat from terrible pain or suffering that could not be stopped. I hope you and kitty will be okay.
 

Margret

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I saw the title of this thread in my alerts and was thinking of summoning brittpatt brittpatt to your thread, but then I saw that she'd just started a parallel thread and thought I'd send you a link to it. So I went there, and, lo and behold - you'd already found it! Good for you, C cassidymills !

I agree with everything brittpatt brittpatt and Jcatbird Jcatbird have said. It's much too early to recommend euthanasia, especially since it sounds like you've caught it early (assuming it really is kidney failure, which is unproven), and given the advances in treating kidney failure over the past 30 years (since my Sweet Thing died of it).

Four years ago a kidney expert came on the site and spent a week or so answering all our questions about feline kidney failure. That thread is now locked, for obvious reasons, but it hasn't been deleted, nor will it be. You can find it here: Kidney Issues in Cats with Dr. Kris. Be aware that, for some unknown (to me) reason all of these expert threads are in reverse order, beginning with the final post. You may want to go to the second page and work your way back to the first page.

Finally, welcome to The Cat Site! :hellosmiley: :hithere: You've found the best, largest, and most supportive community of cat lovers on the internet, and we hope you and your cat will be members of our community for many years to come.

Sending good vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :redtabby:

Margret
 

posiepurrs

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PLEASE don't be rushed into euthanasia. Subcutaneous fluids can help a cat with kidney failure for quite a while - IF in fact that is your cats problem. I agree about finding a different vet - this one seems to be to quick to make rash decisions. What testing was done and do you have the results? The vet should explain everything to you. If he/she doesn't, ask. You are your cats advocate and know what is normal behavior for your cat better than the vet.
 

motherof5cats

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Please go to a different vet before making any decisions!

Keep us updated and hang in there!

:vibes::alright:
 

sivyaleah

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Also chiming in to say you should seek another vet/second opinion. I'm quite shocked that a vet would jump to such a conclusion without doing all the needed blood and urine panel work. There are several health conditions, both serious and not, that can be managed rather easily with proper intervention. Suggesting so quickly that a cat be put down is, IMHO, an extraordinary rush to judgement on the vets part. We have an elderly cat with chronic kidney disease and other serious issues that is being managed quite well with SubQ fluids, medication and proper diet. I wish you and your kitty the best and let us know what you decide to do. Lots of good advice, support and help available here!
 
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cassidymills

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Hi guys, I posted yesterday and I thank all of you so much for your kind words and responses! I am new to this site, so I'm still not sure of how everything works but thank you all for your condolences.

I received the vet call today, saying my cat was diagnosed with ARF, Acute Renal Failure. No idea what has caused this. The vet says she has been more active, which is a positive sign, but her bloodwork was very negative. I don't know all of the terms or details but it didn't look good. The vet doesn't seem very positive, but he hasn't lost hope.

I'm just wondering why my vet might be so negative? Many of you have suggested I try out another vet. For now, I am waiting for her kidneys to respond positively to the IV Fluid Treatment. I am on a two day plan for her treatment. After that, I'm not sure what will happen. I feel very lost.

Any advice or comments is much appreciated. Thank you!
 

Margret

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In general, it's better to keep to a single thread as you post updates. This keeps all of the information in one place where people can see it, and makes sure that people who are following the thread get notified of updates. Not criticizing, this is informational only.

brittpatt brittpatt , I think you're currently our biggest expert on renal failure - what say you?

Margret
 
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cassidymills

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In general, it's better to keep to a single thread as you post updates. This keeps all of the information in one place where people can see it, and makes sure that people who are following the thread get notified of updates. Not criticizing, this is informational only.

brittpatt brittpatt , I think you're currently our biggest expert on renal failure - what say you?

Margret
Hi! How do I keep a single thread? Just post a reply in the previous post?
 
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cassidymills

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Hi guys, I posted yesterday and I thank all of you so much for your kind words and responses! I am new to this site, so I'm still not sure of how everything works but thank you all for your condolences.

I received the vet call today, saying my cat was diagnosed with ARF, Acute Renal Failure. No idea what has caused this. The vet says she has been more active, which is a positive sign, but her bloodwork was very negative. I don't know all of the terms or details but it didn't look good. The vet doesn't seem very positive, but he hasn't lost hope.

I'm just wondering why my vet might be so negative? Many of you have suggested I try out another vet. For now, I am waiting for her kidneys to respond positively to the IV Fluid Treatment. I am on a two day plan for her treatment. After that, I'm not sure what will happen. I feel very lost.

Any advice or comments is much appreciated. Thank you!
 

brittpatt

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They need to test to see if something toxic caused this. Renal failure usually slowly creeps up and doesn't happen over night. You would have seen the signs. There is a toxicity test they can run.

Can you find out your cat's BUN and creatitine levels? If you include those I can get a better idea of what phase she is in.

Also, please make sure they do test for a UTI and or kidney infection. If that's the case your cat could be totally fine in a matter of a week after taking hardcore antibiotics. UTI and kidney infections will artificially increase BUN and creatitine levels and make the kitty super sick so she'll appear to be in renal failure. Definitely worth testing.
 

brittpatt

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I just read up on acute renal failure and it looks like it's often caused by toxins or an infection and that's why it sneaks up so quickly. Hope for an infection. Ask for tests of both the kidneys and urinary tract. They have to stick a needle in the kidneys for the kidney test.

Hang in there. I know this is horrible to go through.
 
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cassidymills

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Thank you for your response! The vet said her BUN and creatitine levels were high. He also said it was an infection of the kidneys. I will have to get back to you on the exact numbers though.
 

sivyaleah

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Hi guys, I posted yesterday and I thank all of you so much for your kind words and responses! I am new to this site, so I'm still not sure of how everything works but thank you all for your condolences.

I received the vet call today, saying my cat was diagnosed with ARF, Acute Renal Failure. No idea what has caused this. The vet says she has been more active, which is a positive sign, but her bloodwork was very negative. I don't know all of the terms or details but it didn't look good. The vet doesn't seem very positive, but he hasn't lost hope.

I'm just wondering why my vet might be so negative? Many of you have suggested I try out another vet. For now, I am waiting for her kidneys to respond positively to the IV Fluid Treatment. I am on a two day plan for her treatment. After that, I'm not sure what will happen. I feel very lost.

Any advice or comments is much appreciated. Thank you!
First welcome to TCS. You've come to the right place!
One of the best websites to learn about feline kidney disease is Tanya's CRF Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Cat
It can be overwhelming at first, but believe me, many cats manage fairly well for many years with this disease as long as you treat it properly. Of course all cats are different, which depends on the stage when diagnosed.
Request the vet send you a copy of the lab results. Many here, and certainly at Tanya's forum can help you understand the results to help make a good decision for your cat.
The one thing I'm confused about is that the doctor referred to it as Acute, not Chronic. This certainly is more serious and usually comes as a result of ingesting various poisons (anti-freeze being a big culprit), an infection or shock, none of which sound like the situation you described. Had she been ill with something else recently? Could she have eaten something? My understanding is AKF is more prevalent in younger cats, while Chronic Kidney disease is typically one of older aged cats. Doing a quick read up, it seems that AKF can be reversed sometimes if caught early.

If it is This would be a very different situation, one I'm not as familiar with so be sure your vet gave you a correct diagnosis and isn't confusing 2 different illnesses - hence also why getting a second opinion would be worthwhile.
 

Margret

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Hi! How do I keep a single thread? Just post a reply in the previous post?
That's correct. Just the way you're doing in this thread.

The kidney infection might be a really good thing! It's far better than a toxin.
Hang in there!
:yeah: Actually, that sounds to me like excellent news; infections can be fought! I'm very glad you didn't agree to euthanasia!

Margret
 
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cassidymills

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First welcome to TCS. You've come to the right place!
One of the best websites to learn about feline kidney disease is Tanya's CRF Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Cat
It can be overwhelming at first, but believe me, many cats manage fairly well for many years with this disease as long as you treat it properly. Of course all cats are different, which depends on the stage when diagnosed.
Request the vet send you a copy of the lab results. Many here, and certainly at Tanya's forum can help you understand the results to help make a good decision for your cat.
The one thing I'm confused about is that the doctor referred to it as Acute, not Chronic. This certainly is more serious and usually comes as a result of ingesting various poisons (anti-freeze being a big culprit), an infection or shock, none of which sound like the situation you described. Had she been ill with something else recently? Could she have eaten something? My understanding is AKF is more prevalent in younger cats, while Chronic Kidney disease is typically one of older aged cats. Doing a quick read up, it seems that AKF can be reversed sometimes if caught early.

If it is This would be a very different situation, one I'm not as familiar with so be sure your vet gave you a correct diagnosis and isn't confusing 2 different illnesses - hence also why getting a second opinion would be worthwhile.
Hi, here are the lab results.
 

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