Hi everyone. My bombay cat, Rachel, is 16 and in relatively good health for her age. Rachel's sister (who was owned by my sister) passed away in the summer of 2017 due to kidney failure. It appears it's likely a genetic thing, as now Rachel is in "the beginning stages" of it as well according to the vet.
Last year's blood work, her kidney levels were only slightly elevated. This year, follow-up blood work was done. Her BUN lowered to 15, but the other level (whatever that might be for kidneys) went up to 21. I guess it's supposed to be around 14. What this means for Rachel's prognosis is anyone's guess.
Aside from a couple of UTI's last year, Rachel doesn't have any symptoms that I can pin to the kidney disease except for twitching - mainly in her head and face. I can't be 100% certain it's related to the kidney function, but I've read it very well could be. Regarding the causes, it seems like it could be all kinds of things including both low and high potassium for example. The vet seems to think it's potassium related and doesn't really think much of it.
I've seen supplements for cats with kidney issues with GREAT ratings that I'd be willing to try, but the ones I showed my vet, they said they would not do... So I guess I'm trying to make sure I am doing everything I can. It seems like it's just watch and wait mode, but if there's something I can be, or need to be doing to help... I'd sure like to know!
Rachel is already on a special food - Science Diet for cats with bad kidneys. Other than that, I'm just making sure she's warm, comfortable, and living her daily life as usual (being my boss).
Last year's blood work, her kidney levels were only slightly elevated. This year, follow-up blood work was done. Her BUN lowered to 15, but the other level (whatever that might be for kidneys) went up to 21. I guess it's supposed to be around 14. What this means for Rachel's prognosis is anyone's guess.
Aside from a couple of UTI's last year, Rachel doesn't have any symptoms that I can pin to the kidney disease except for twitching - mainly in her head and face. I can't be 100% certain it's related to the kidney function, but I've read it very well could be. Regarding the causes, it seems like it could be all kinds of things including both low and high potassium for example. The vet seems to think it's potassium related and doesn't really think much of it.
I've seen supplements for cats with kidney issues with GREAT ratings that I'd be willing to try, but the ones I showed my vet, they said they would not do... So I guess I'm trying to make sure I am doing everything I can. It seems like it's just watch and wait mode, but if there's something I can be, or need to be doing to help... I'd sure like to know!
Rachel is already on a special food - Science Diet for cats with bad kidneys. Other than that, I'm just making sure she's warm, comfortable, and living her daily life as usual (being my boss).
