Good grief, writing that title was depressing. After bloodwork in August my 16.5 year old cat, Zelda, was diagnosed with CRF and we have been givingher sub-Q fluids at home, 50ccs every other day. She had an ultrasound that showed either IBD or small-cell lymphoma. I declined the endoscopy the internist suggested because my oncologist said a false negative was possible and treatment would be similar, starting with prednisolone.
Two weeks into sub-Q therapy and 3 days into pred therapy, we brought Zelda to the ER because she seemed so weak and they said her kidney values had not changed, but she was very dehydrated. After talking to out vet, we changed the fluids to 50ccs every night.
A week after increasing the fluids, we went to the vet because Zelda had not been eating. An x-ray showed fluid in her abdomen. He said this could be a result of CHF and we should get an EKG to be sure. So, I am asking for help from anyone who has been down this road before---
Can a week of steroids cause the fluid in her abdomen? Can too many sub-q fluids? Is this only indicative of CHF? Even if we do the ultrasound, is it realistic to think she can be treated for CRF, CHF and IBD/lymphoma? How can I get her to eat again? Trying babyfood and every brand of cat food. She mostly likes to lick the broth.
I need help deciding what to do. The vet said I have 3 options--put her down, give her palliative care, or take her for the EKG. What do I do? Not ready yet to put her down. Vet said she is not in pain and happy to be pet.
Two weeks into sub-Q therapy and 3 days into pred therapy, we brought Zelda to the ER because she seemed so weak and they said her kidney values had not changed, but she was very dehydrated. After talking to out vet, we changed the fluids to 50ccs every night.
A week after increasing the fluids, we went to the vet because Zelda had not been eating. An x-ray showed fluid in her abdomen. He said this could be a result of CHF and we should get an EKG to be sure. So, I am asking for help from anyone who has been down this road before---
Can a week of steroids cause the fluid in her abdomen? Can too many sub-q fluids? Is this only indicative of CHF? Even if we do the ultrasound, is it realistic to think she can be treated for CRF, CHF and IBD/lymphoma? How can I get her to eat again? Trying babyfood and every brand of cat food. She mostly likes to lick the broth.
I need help deciding what to do. The vet said I have 3 options--put her down, give her palliative care, or take her for the EKG. What do I do? Not ready yet to put her down. Vet said she is not in pain and happy to be pet.