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maybemaybenot -> RE: If there is a member out there that can help me, I would be so grateful (3/17/2010 8:18:12 AM)
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Alpha:
Has the Vet diagnosed him with chronic renal failure ? If so, it would be helpful to know how far advanced the CRF is. Has the kitty had a urine test for urinary tract infection ? Kidney functions values are elevated when a kitty has a UTI. and show advancedment of the renal failure, but will come down with antibiotics. So let's say kitty has CRF and his renal functions tests are XX, if he has a UTI it will elevate to XXX+ and probably return to XX with treatment. Recurrent UTI's or prolonged UTI's without treatment will speed up the CRF.
IV fluids are not indicated in a cat with advanced renal failure for prolonged periods. It is usually used adjunctively, short term, or for a jump start when kitty is sick and not taking adequate fluids on his own. Administering fluids to a kitty is very easy and a Vet can teach you to do it in one session, maybe two.
I am NOT a Vet, but I do have an older kitty < 18 > with moderate CRF and I have worked with shelters and rescue groups in conjunction with Vets, so have a miniscule amount of experience.
Is your kitty taking fluids on his own ? If not, have you tried the tuna or chicken flavored water. Often times kitties will drink better from a pet fountain, they are not expensive. If kitty is taking adequate fluids on his own, there is no need for extra fluids. IV fluids in a well hydrated kitty can lead to volume overload and cardiac/pulmonary problems and tax the kidneys further. Altho it's not optimal, often times kitty will drink half water/half milk. That's a double edged sword. Milk is not great for kitties, but my own opinion is: if that's all kitty will drink, better than the alternative. < dehydration and death > That's something you will have to weigh on your own.
What kind of food are you feeding kitty ? Wet food is the preferred food for a kitty with CRF. Canned food has a bit of water content so it helps with hydration. There is an arguement to be made for the low protien cat foods on the market. Again, double edged sword. Low protien is better for kitties with CRF, however most kitties don't like them and eat less, leading to weight loss, which compunds the kidney issues. Again, IMO only, better to eat the regular foods than to compund the kitties health issues. My cat quite likes the Friskies wet food for urinary health, but I also give her her favorites. < Fancy Feast >
Lower phosphate foods are better also, as phosphate plays a role in kidney function.
Nasuea and vomiting are signs of advanced renal disease, nearing or in the last stages. There are drugs that can be given to stop the symptom, but not the disease. These of course are obtained from a Vet.
I can tell you that my kitty was diagnosed with moderate renal failure last year. She had a UTI and the labwork showed CRF as well, she is about 18 years old. After the antibiotics were completed we did another panel of renal functions and while the numbers dropped a little she still has CRF. She eats and drinks well and behaves normally, so I only take her to the vets every six months to have her lab values tested. My vet told me the signs and symptoms of advancement for CRF and I am to monitor that and take her back if they develope.
I did IV fluids at home for one kitty with CRF and will not do it again. Please keep in mind this is just my story and philosophy and you need to do what you will feel most comfortable with. That kitty had advanced CRF, he was 20 years old and was vomiting. After two days of IV fluids, he wasn't puking, but he was still sick and not the kitty I knew. I couldn't bear seeing him dispondent and unhappy, so I had to make the decision that breaks our hearts.
All in all if your kitty has mild to moderate CRF, there really isn't alot needs to be done, medically, if he is eating and drinking normally.
Auburn University and Tuskegee University have Vetertanary Schools and usually they have satallite campuses with clinics. If possible I would start there. Get a real work up for your kitty and speak to a Vet with all the lastest info on management of CRF. If those two scools are too far away, make a phone call to the Veteranary school, explain your situation and ask for a referral to a vet nearer you. I'm in Massachusetts and Tufts University Vet School has been wonderful in recommending specialists and regular Vets in my area.
Just a clarification note: When I say IV fluids, I really mean subcutaneous fluids. You can hyrate cats and dogs by admistering fluids under the skin, usually in the extra skin of the neck.
I wish you and kitty all the best.
mbmbn
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