Cat Hospitalized For Kidney Issues - Vet Not Sure What To Do - Wants Me To Get Ultrasound

[chris87]

I need help with my cat. I am very upset, and I am having difficulty deciding what to do. My cat was acting strangely a couple of weeks ago. She was lethargic, not eating normally, and in the litter box very frequently. I took her to the vet, and they gave her a convenia injection for what they thought was a UTI. She seemed to get better almost immediately, and then a few days later, the symptoms returned. I took her back to the vet, and they gave her subcutaneous fluids, added an additional antibiotic, and administered mirtazapine (appetite stimulant). She seemed better the next day but started acting strangely shortly thereafter. I headed back to the vet for the 4th time. They gave her subcutaneous fluids and took blood work and a culture. They called me the following morning (Saturday) and said that her kidney numbers were very high. They recommended immediate hospitalization with iv fluids. Her creatinine was 18, BUN 180, and 17 for another number (either Urea or phosphorus, not sure which). They called me 2 days ago and said that she was stable but not eating well. He said that he thought this was acute renal failure based on how bad the numbers were. He didn't think it was chronic, because she looked surprisingly good. I'm not sure what exactly that means. They called this morning and said that the numbers haven't improved much. The creatinine and phosphorus have dropped to 13, and the BUN is still high. They want me to take her to an internal medicine specialist 2 hours away to get an ultrasound. I called a few local vets, and they said that they can take the ultrasound. They did say that for more complicated cases they refer to an emergency clinic nearby.

I have no idea what to do. I don't know if she's progressing normally, or if it's hopeless. What will the ultrasound do? Are they just going to tell me that it's terminal and there is nothing that can be done? I've already spend $1200 trying to get her better, and she's no better than when I started. I'm beside myself. This has been one of the best cats I have ever had, and I don't want to lose her just yet. I probably should mention that she will be 12 in a few months.

 

[maggiedemi]

Hi. What's her diet like? Is she eating a lot of dry food?

 

[chris87]

Hi. What's her diet like? Is she eating a lot of dry food?

She eats a raw diet (homemade). No dry food at all.

 

[1 bruce 1]

I need help with my cat. I am very upset, and I am having difficulty deciding what to do. My cat was acting strangely a couple of weeks ago. She was lethargic, not eating normally, and in the litter box very frequently. I took her to the vet, and they gave her a convenia injection for what they thought was a UTI. She seemed to get better almost immediately, and then a few days later, the symptoms returned. I took her back to the vet, and they gave her subcutaneous fluids, added an additional antibiotic, and administered mirtazapine (appetite stimulant). She seemed better the next day but started acting strangely shortly thereafter. I headed back to the vet for the 4th time. They gave her subcutaneous fluids and took blood work and a culture. They called me the following morning (Saturday) and said that her kidney numbers were very high. They recommended immediate hospitalization with iv fluids. Her creatinine was 18, BUN 180, and 17 for another number (either Urea or phosphorus, not sure which). They called me 2 days ago and said that she was stable but not eating well. He said that he thought this was acute renal failure based on how bad the numbers were. He didn't think it was chronic, because she looked surprisingly good. I'm not sure what exactly that means. They called this morning and said that the numbers haven't improved much. The creatinine and phosphorus have dropped to 13, and the BUN is still high. They want me to take her to an internal medicine specialist 2 hours away to get an ultrasound. I called a few local vets, and they said that they can take the ultrasound. They did say that for more complicated cases they refer to an emergency clinic nearby.

I have no idea what to do. I don't know if she's progressing normally, or if it's hopeless. What will the ultrasound do? Are they just going to tell me that it's terminal and there is nothing that can be done? I've already spend $1200 trying to get her better, and she's no better than when I started. I'm beside myself. This has been one of the best cats I have ever had, and I don't want to lose her just yet. I probably should mention that she will be 12 in a few months.

Did your vet or the specialist talk with you about what the ultrasound would show and how it would change a treatment plan?
So sorry you're going through this! =(

 

[chris87]

Did your vet or the specialist talk with you about what the ultrasound would show and how it would change a treatment plan?
So sorry you're going through this! =(

I called the specialist, and I spoke to the tech. She conferred with the doctor there, and he said it would simply be another diagnostic tool. It could show cancer, stones, etc. She didn't think it would be good. I guess that's based on the numbers. She said if this were her cat, she wouldn't stress her out by making the drive. I'm not sure if I should go to the local emergency clinic and have them look at her. Or if I should ask the vet for subcutaneous fluids. I'm just so lost right now, and I don't want to let my cat down.

 

[1 bruce 1]

Maybe call the local clinic and tell them what's going on and see if they think they could help her. They would more than likely give sub-Q fluids based on what she's going through and might have some good ideas on helping her (and you!) out.

 

[1 bruce 1]

She eats a raw diet (homemade). No dry food at all.

When she's stable and back home, there's information out there that discusses raw feeding for kidney patients.
Phosphorus Can Be Key for Kidneys - Feline Nutrition Foundation
(Apologies if you've already read this!)
IDK if it would apply to an acute case vs. chronic but it might be worth a look.
There are lots of kidney cat people here, I hope they add their wisdom!

 

[Saf]

It definitely sounds like something acute rather than chronic. The numbers are too high for it be chronic - that's when it happens slowly over time. Acute is when something happens like injesting a toxin, or kidney stones so it's worth having the ultrasound yes. Or it could be something like a kidney infection.

Really she should stay on fluids. So I would get the ultrasound down and then see what that says first.

Here's a good support forum:

Log In

Ask your vet for a copy of all the blood and urine results then post all of them there - it needs to be all of them- and there's people on there very good at identifying something like a possible infection.

If you can get her through the acute episode it's a case of seeing what level of kidney function she has. A return to full functioning isn't out if the question though more likely perhaps an early stage chronic kidney disease, which is a manageable condition.

 

[chris87]

It definitely sounds like something acute rather than chronic. The numbers are too high for it be chronic - that's when it happens slowly over time. Acute is when something happens like injesting a toxin, or kidney stones so it's worth having the ultrasound yes. Or it could be something like a kidney infection.

Really she should stay on fluids. So I would get the ultrasound down and then see what that says first.

Here's a good support forum:

Log In

Ask your vet for a copy of all the blood and urine results then post all of them there - it needs to be all of them- and there's people on there very good at identifying something like a possible infection.

If you can get her through the acute episode it's a case of seeing what level of kidney function she has. A return to full functioning isn't out if the question though more likely perhaps an early stage chronic kidney disease, which is a manageable condition.

If I schedule it for tomorrow, what should I do with my cat. Do I ask the hospital to keep her another night, or should I pick her up and take her home? Should I ask them about subcutaneous fluids at home?

 

[Saf]

I'd keep her on the iv fluids, sub qs are not nearly as effective as IV fluids, which is fluid directly into the vain. In the event she injested a toxin you want it flushed out of her as soon as possible, which is done by have as much fluid as possible flowing through her kidneys.

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Is she still on IV fluids at the hospital? If so, then yes, I would continue them. If not, then go ahead and bring her home until the Ultrasound tomorrow, unless your Vet advises different.

This could be a kidney stone or something blocking a kidney. Here is a good write-up on Acute Kidney Injury: Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Acute Kidney Injury

Please keep us posted after the ultrasound.

 

[chris87]

Thank you. Is it normal for her to be peeing a lot with acute kidney failure? She seemed to make a lot of urine (much more than normal).

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Well, if she is on IV fluids, you bet. What goes in must come out! I've had three kidney cats, and when the last one passed away, we couldn't believe the difference in the litter boxes. I guess we just got so used to it we just didn't realize how much they were really going (they were on sub-q fluids)

Even before she went into the hospital, she was probably drinking more than usual, as happens with kidney issues, and that in itself would cause more output.

 

[Saf]

Thank you. Is it normal for her to be peeing a lot with acute kidney failure? She seemed to make a lot of urine (much more than normal).

Yes, something is severely impairing her kidney function so her urine is likely very dilute so basically water is going in one end and straight out the other.