How fast can bloodwork change in a 15 year old cat?

profcat

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Our Rosie is at the vet overnight tonight. This morning she seemed out of it, wobbling a bit and uncomfortable. She couldn't quite sit down comfortably. She did eat breakfast this morning, and has not vomited or anything, so at first we weren't super concerned. But then I was checking her breathing and it was 44 breaths/minute and she looked so uncomfortable we brought her to the vet.

Of course our regular vet wasn't in so we used the other vet, who is fine but not my favorite. He said it was not her heart (which we were worried about) but that she obviously felt awful. She was very dehydrated. She had lost a little weight in the past 2 months (half a pound).

Rosie does have hyperthyroidism that is under control with medication. She was diagnosed a couple months ago, and we got full bloodwork and T4 done exactly a month ago and the medication is working, and all other levels were perfect (kidneys, etc.).

She also has a history of arthritis in her back, and has seemed more stiff and painful this past week. Other than that (and some UTIs last year-- she's been fine since then), she's been a healthy cat. She doesn't go out.

She's at the vet overnight on fluids, and she has eaten for them and they said she's perked up a little.

Any ideas what this could be? We're thinking perhaps diabetes? Or an infection of some sort? Or can kidney failure come on that fast?
 
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lavishsqualor

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I'm afraid I can't answer any of your questions, but I wanted you to know how sorry I am that you and your Rosie are going through this. I'm sure someone much more knowledgeable will come along soon. In the meanwhile, just know that you're doing everything you possibly can and that your girl is being looked after by professionals. She's very lucky to have you.
 

maggie101

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I am going through the same thing with Peaches. She had blood and chemistry done. The vet even contacted a specialist. He could find nothing wrong. She did have a b12 shot. Next step is wait and see.. she had a b12 14 days ago,throw up stopped,then started again so another b12 and it stopped. It's also possible she had a seizure one day. My original vet kept saying she was fine but I took her to a new one that wanted to run tests. Even though it showed nothing's wrong I am still glad someone helped.
 

BlackCatOp

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So some parameters can change really fast. Neutrophils (a type of WBC) only last ~8hours. That’s why when kitties are critical, repeating bloodwork daily can be helpful. Of course hydration can change rapidly when the patient is given IV fluids. I would be hesitant to diagnosis CKD if she was that dehydrated plus her urinalysis will be altered after receiving fluids. Recheck bloodwork after she is over this immediate crisis if still concerned about kidney function. Finally, not sure how fast diabetes can develop if cat is not on steroids. Long term steroid use in cats (especially overweight males) definitely increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. Diabetic cats usually loose weight despite a ravenous appetite.

Hope that helps answer some of your questions and hope your kitty gets better soon!
 

di and bob

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Dehydration could definitely have a part in her acting like that, though blood levels can change almost overnight in a geriatric cat, just like in humans. Dehydration would also cause her kidney tests to be altered. UTI's can result from dehydration too. Try to encourage more water intake by setting small bowls of water around the house, they check them out and usually drink some. Get a fountain to make noise and get her curious, offer her water several times a day, or put some in her food. They most likely will repeat the tests after she is rehydrated, and this will give a more accurate blood analysis. I pray she will come out alright, bless you for loving her so much.....
 
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profcat

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So some parameters can change really fast. Neutrophils (a type of WBC) only last ~8hours. That’s why when kitties are critical, repeating bloodwork daily can be helpful. Of course hydration can change rapidly when the patient is given IV fluids. I would be hesitant to diagnosis CKD if she was that dehydrated plus her urinalysis will be altered after receiving fluids. Recheck bloodwork after she is over this immediate crisis if still concerned about kidney function. Finally, not sure how fast diabetes can develop if cat is not on steroids. Long term steroid use in cats (especially overweight males) definitely increase the likelihood of developing diabetes. Diabetic cats usually loose weight despite a ravenous appetite.

Hope that helps answer some of your questions and hope your kitty gets better soon!
Yes, her being dehydrated really came out of the blue. She was doing great on the thyroid meds, and as of a month ago, all bloodwork was normal. That's good to know that this crisis will cause kidney function to change and we should retest whatever it is after this crisis is over. She's been on steroids for a couple days each month for the arthritis-- not sure if that's enough to cause diabetes. Because of the hyperthyroid, she's been skinny but still has a strong appetite. I almost wish it's diabetes and not something worse bc we know how to treat it!
 
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profcat

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Dehydration could definitely have a part in her acting like that, though blood levels can change almost overnight in a geriatric cat, just like in humans. Dehydration would also cause her kidney tests to be altered. UTI's can result from dehydration too. Try to encourage more water intake by setting small bowls of water around the house, they check them out and usually drink some. Get a fountain to make noise and get her curious, offer her water several times a day, or put some in her food. They most likely will repeat the tests after she is rehydrated, and this will give a more accurate blood analysis. I pray she will come out alright, bless you for loving her so much.....
We have bowls all over (we have a couple male cats and one blocked this year) and two fountains. BUT we were talking yesterday about how we don't see her drinking that much. We can add water to her food, and even give her subq at home if it would help. Thanks!!
 

BlackCatOp

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Yes, her being dehydrated really came out of the blue. She was doing great on the thyroid meds, and as of a month ago, all bloodwork was normal. That's good to know that this crisis will cause kidney function to change and we should retest whatever it is after this crisis is over. She's been on steroids for a couple days each month for the arthritis-- not sure if that's enough to cause diabetes. Because of the hyperthyroid, she's been skinny but still has a strong appetite. I almost wish it's diabetes and not something worse bc we know how to treat it!
Regarding dehydration and kidney values - I might have miss lead you. If your kitty has CKD the kidney values will not improve with time as CKD is a progressive disease. However, dehydration and IV fluid administration can make interpretation of kidney values (BUN, creatinine, USG) more difficult and that’s why I would wait to officially diagnosis CKD until after the immediate crisis.
 
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profcat

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Regarding dehydration and kidney values - I might have miss lead you. If your kitty has CKD the kidney values will not improve with time as CKD is a progressive disease. However, dehydration and IV fluid administration can make interpretation of kidney values (BUN, creatinine, USG) more difficult and that’s why I would wait to officially diagnosis CKD until after the immediate crisis.
Thank you-- that makes sense! We have actually reversed CKD in one of our cats. He was in kidney failure, but with KD diet and fluids, his numbers are back to their normal levels. Of course he still has kidney damage, but he's out of the woods for now!
 
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profcat

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UPDATE: Rosie is home! Her bloodwork showed some mild elevations typical for being dehydrated. The vet said basically she got dehydrated because she's an old lady who isn't drinking enough. So we're going to start giving her subq fluids every other day, and we'll start adding water and broth to her food.

Thanks for the good wishes all!
 
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