Not good news for Dushka - Kidney levels worse

[jennyr]

Dushka went for her check-up blood test today, and the result is very worrying. Her creatinine is now down from 3.7 to 2.8, and the urea level is 37. The blood glucose is up a bit to 169, though that could be stress. The vet could not suggest anything right now other than what I am doing - Semintra supplement daily and a renal diet. Her athritis is no worse and doesn't seem to be causing her pain when she is manipulated so the glucosamine is working in that direction, at least. If she starts to vomit her food up then they will put her on an infusion to try and restore levels, but for now we must carry on. I can't bear to see her go downhill too - this year I have had too much already. She is 14, my oldest cat, and I have had her since she was 3 weeks old.

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

I'm sorry Dushka is not doing well.  14 years old and you've had her since 3 weeks, sounds like my boy.  I have faith Dushka will take a turn for the best.

How are you doing? I know all too well that taking care of a sick wee one, is stressful, please take care of yourself.  Easier said than done I know, but try.

I'm curious about the glucosamine, is it an over the counter supplement at pet store or do you get it from the vet.  I know my gal suffers joint pain being that she's overweight and is hard on her joints.

I'll keep you guys in my thoughts & prayers.

Warm regards, Hope

 

[jennyr]

I buy Dushka's glucosamine in capsule form, under the name Cosequin. It is formulated especially for cats. You can get it from vets, or online from pet pharmacies. It has made a big difference to her over the last two years, though the vet says the time will come when she will need something stronger. Now I have CRF to deal with, the arthritis does not seem so important, though it is crucial to keep her comfortable.

 

[minka]

What kind of renal diet is it?
Dry or wet?
Here is an article that will be very helpful for you, I think.
http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/7...rob-you-of-precious-time-with-your-senior-dog
(Title says dog but article talks about cats as well)

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

I buy Dushka's glucosamine in capsule form, under the name Cosequin. It is formulated especially for cats. You can get it from vets, or online from pet pharmacies. It has made a big difference to her over the last two years, though the vet says the time will come when she will need something stronger. Now I have CRF to deal with, the arthritis does not seem so important, though it is crucial to keep her comfortable.

Thank you for the info.  And again, I'm so sorry your baby girl is dealing with this horrible illness.  

Warm regards, Hope

 

[jennyr]

.

What kind of renal diet is it?
Dry or wet?
Here is an article that will be very helpful for you, I think.
http://peterdobias.com/blogs/blog/7...rob-you-of-precious-time-with-your-senior-dog
(Title says dog but article talks about cats as well)

SHe is on a wet diet, and at the moment has a good appetite. I give her probiotics too

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

Good morning @JennyR  - How is your sweet girl doing today?  Thinking about you and Dushka on this Friday morning.  

 

[jennyr]

She is no worse, ate two good meals. But she is not very active - wants to sleep upon my lap all day and tuck in beside me at night!

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

Well, no worse and two good meals can be hopeful.  Please let us know of updates.  big hugs...

 

[mrsgreenjeens]

Jenny, having had THREE kidney cats, I'm actually encouraged by the fact that Dushka's creatinine has decreased.  My Vet always told me that was the figure that was the most critical as opposed to the Urea, so I think that's pretty good.  Better lower than higher, that's for sure. 

And I agree that the glocuse level could be from stress.  Is she diabetic or not? 

Are you familiar with the this website?  http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm    It's my "go to" for anything kidney related and I usually refer anyone who has a kidney cat to it as it covers everything from A - Z including where to buy supplies (including in Europe)  They discuss anti-nausea meds, how ti increase appetites, other underlying conditions, infusions (sub-qs), etc.

Both my last two seniors developed kidney disease at around 13 years of age and lived with it for 3 years.  Hoping Dushka can do better than that

 

[jennyr]

I took her back to the vet yesterday, as she seemed much more unhappy and would only eat out of my hand. A different vet saw her, examined her, could not find anything more to say but offered a stronger supplement to take. I insisted on an Xray, he shrugged as if to say well it's your money, and we did it. Both of her kidneys are riddled with stones! He confirmed it all on the ultrasound. he was quite apologetic. He had a talk with a feline kidney specialist on the phone, and we are now doing a complete urinalysis to determine what type of stones they are, and we will go from there. Surgery is not an option, both kidneys are affected and it would be too risky. They may be dissolvable but we won't know that till Friday. I never knew a cat with kidney stones before, but I know that in humans that can be one of the most painful conditions. Once we know the type he thinks we can manage some pain control, but options are limited for a cat with a compromised system. We need all the vibes you can send - this so soon after losing Persil, I can't bear it.

 

[betsygee]

Oh, Jenny, I'm so sorry to read this news.  I'm glad you insisted on the x-ray and hope you can get some relief for her.  

 

[darkhorse321]

Can you ask your vet if you can give your kitty supplimental magnesium? This is used for humans to reduce the size of kidney stones so they pass. It might help? But you'd have to ask a vet since I don't know what cats can or can't have. Also pain meds so she doesn't feel discomfort when peeing. I hope she passes them!!! Poor kitty and poor you!!!

 

[jennyr]

Yes, that is an option, but it depends what kind of stones she has. Her urine is going for analysis this afternoon. Pain meds might interfere with the analysis results, but she will have them.

 

[basschick]

i don't see any mention of giving your cat subcutaneous fluids, which give the kidneys help and help keep a cat with kidney disease better hydrated, too.  we give our cat lactated ringer solution(100 to 125 lm 2 days on, 1 day off), and his kidneys have improved from a 3 to a 2.  talk to your vet about this.  for us, it's extended HK's life and improved his quality of life and without meds, too.

 

[jennyr]

i don't see any mention of giving your cat subcutaneous fluids, which give the kidneys help and help keep a cat with kidney disease better hydrated, too.  we give our cat lactated ringer solution(100 to 125 lm 2 days on, 1 day off), and his kidneys have improved from a 3 to a 2.  talk to your vet about this.  for us, it's extended HK's life and improved his quality of life and without meds, too.

Yes, we did talk about it but decided to wait to see the latest analysis. I have been giving her extra fluids by mouth, up to 40ml per day.

 

[2Cats4everLoved]

I'm so sorry your sweet girl is still having such a hard time.  You're in my thoughts and prayers.  Best to you both.

 

[basschick]

Yes, we did talk about it but decided to wait to see the latest analysis. I have been giving her extra fluids by mouth, up to 40ml per day.

being on subcutaneous fluids is what kept HK from getting worse - indeed, it made him better.  we got a second and third opinion from different vets when we discovered HK had kidney disease, and every vet suggested subq's.  we can get an extra 100ml into him that way without making him feel full.

 

[achristine]

Oh no! When I read your first entry I thought, "how do they know it's not kidney stones?" Good for you for insisting on that X-ray. Some vets can be so obtuse and go strictly by what the "books" say and not by the individual cat. My boy had a UTI and never ran a culture and sensitivity because "90% of cases are not bacterial" but it turned out it definitely was and my boy was in a lot of pain. I am thinking they can remove the stones, right? I am thinking of your wee little fur-baby! And you too! Let us know hwo she is doing. Keep us posted.

 

[jennyr]

The analysis came back with the result t hat the stones are struvite, and possibly dissolvable. So she is now on an S/D diet that could help with that. We are not yet going with sub-q fluids, but I will continue to give her extra by mouth, which she does not mind. I am keeping her quiet and away from the otrher cats, which she likes. Another vet appointment next week to see how we go.