Hi,
My cat, Jasmine (14-year old hyperthyroid and recently diagnosed CRF), had her first fluid treatment this evening. The techs got the job done, but it took two of them really holding her. The first attempt resulted in the needle having to be pulled out during the treatment because she literally squirmed right out of their grasp. Watching all this did not do much to inspire confidence that I would be able to handle it on my own. Jasmine has always been rather skittish and certainly quite adverse to most medical visits and prodding/poking. So, I think that for now I'll let the vet do it. I don't recall the type of fluid being used but they did indicate that it contains B-1 and a few other supplements.
They were quite optimistic in that we caught the disease early and feel that it's certainly possible for her to enjoy even up to a few additional years, but I realize that noone can predict the course of CRF. Jasmine has fairly low numbers at this point (creatinine=3, BUN=38). I inquired about phosphorus, which turns out to be in normal limits. Now the next step is to start introducing some prescription food. I was given a few different kinds to try.
Thanks to the many here who have responded to my other thread. I really appreciate all the advice, encouragement, and suggestions. I'll report how things are proceeding along once we see how it goes with some new food and additional sub-Q sessions. For now the vet has suggested once per week.
Hopefully these animals become more accustomed (and more amenable) to this procedure over time, rather than becoming more difficult about having it done. Perhaps some here could report their experience with regards to this concern.
Best,
Keith
My cat, Jasmine (14-year old hyperthyroid and recently diagnosed CRF), had her first fluid treatment this evening. The techs got the job done, but it took two of them really holding her. The first attempt resulted in the needle having to be pulled out during the treatment because she literally squirmed right out of their grasp. Watching all this did not do much to inspire confidence that I would be able to handle it on my own. Jasmine has always been rather skittish and certainly quite adverse to most medical visits and prodding/poking. So, I think that for now I'll let the vet do it. I don't recall the type of fluid being used but they did indicate that it contains B-1 and a few other supplements.
They were quite optimistic in that we caught the disease early and feel that it's certainly possible for her to enjoy even up to a few additional years, but I realize that noone can predict the course of CRF. Jasmine has fairly low numbers at this point (creatinine=3, BUN=38). I inquired about phosphorus, which turns out to be in normal limits. Now the next step is to start introducing some prescription food. I was given a few different kinds to try.
Thanks to the many here who have responded to my other thread. I really appreciate all the advice, encouragement, and suggestions. I'll report how things are proceeding along once we see how it goes with some new food and additional sub-Q sessions. For now the vet has suggested once per week.
Hopefully these animals become more accustomed (and more amenable) to this procedure over time, rather than becoming more difficult about having it done. Perhaps some here could report their experience with regards to this concern.
Best,
Keith