I am more concerned that this may be the fact with him. They want to do another ultrasound to "confirm" kidney infection - I asked - couldn't we just treat with the assumption that he has one? The last US kinda suggested that it could be a possibility.
The answer was no - we don't do that - I can't think of a reason why. It isn't like the US will tell you what KIND of infection even if they could tell that he has one. That is a lot of faith to put into $350 test (another in less than 3 months).
I also discovered that the Cosequin is made with "shellfish" and am wondering about the possibility of the phos level in it. I have been giving in for about 45 days - quite a significant increase in phos since 11/27 and that is the only new supplement. hmmm.
Ultrasound also won't "confirm" kidney infection. It can give them a better idea that one exists, but from what I understand they would have to take a sample from their kidney to really find out for certain and what it is, I don't think it's really done (and seems really invasive and unnecessary anyway). If he has ever had a UTI, the urinalysis results should say which antibiotics are a good match for that. Again, not a perfect science, but that is how my vet decided on which antibiotic to use for this highly suspected kidney infection.
I think they reason why is because they don't want to give antibiotics unnecessarily? I hope that's the reason anyway. Has he had UTIs in the past? Why do you suspect a kidney infection?
I haven't used cosequin, is it a large amount you add? It seems unlikely that it could be significant enough if it's a tiny pill or something, but you never know.
Did you think the onda was working? I don't see how they could make the determination that it wasn't helping him unless it was your observation, honestly.
They want to do an ultrasound and GI panel (another $600+). AND they want to do some enzyme test for his heart because of the murmurer and blood pressure.
I am not sure how much more I am willing to put him through.
That was the proBNP test for the heart. That's a good one to start with. And will give you an idea if you need further diagnostics like an echo. Heart issues can impact appetite.
The amount of fluids is based partly on cat weight. Then there are other factors in there - for Neko that was her heart which eventually couldn't take any fluids. When they start suggesting fluids depends on the creatitine. If you can't give subq fluids (or can't for heart reasons like I had to deal with), try to add as much water as possible to his meals.
The potassium is getting lowish. Did the vet mention anything about that? That can also make them feel icky.
Here’s what I see, some of which, others have noted:
Pretty high BP. It said “deferred” on the amlodipine pending resolution of pancreatitis. Did you defer it? If he were mine, I’d get him on the amlodipine yesterday. Even with stress, that BP is way too high. He can stroke out, go blind, and high BP is harder on the kidneys, etc. Side effects of the drug are minimal in most cats. I didn’t see any in my Gus.
Lucy is correct...he needs something more for the anemia like Aranasp which is better than many other erythropoietin stimulating drugs as the chances of building antibodies are much less. He will feel better, too.
P has to come way down and K way up. Recent studies have shown niacinimide (scroll down to last paragraph) can help bring down P levels. I’d see if you can give it and the binders. His P x Ca is way too high....gotta get down the P ASAP.
For his K, the potassium chews might not be working well enough. Perhaps consider NOW potassium gluconate and ask the vet about dose.
The cardiopet Pro BNP is a blood test. Given he’s part Maine Coone and he has a murmur, it’s not a bad idea to get it next time they draw blood. .....although the BP needs to be under control as IDEXX states, “severe azotemia, cardiac arrhythmias, systemic hypertension, and pulmonary hypertension may elevate Cardiopet® proBNP levels.” He doesn’t have severe azotemia.
Try only giving him a sliver of Cypro and see how he does. Vets overdose it.
He’s just now at the point to consider giving subq fluids. As Stacey said, you have to be careful. I’d work on getting down the BP immediately, do a BNP, and then decide fluids.
I hope this helps. With the high P, I’m not surprised he doesn’t want to eat.
Oh Lizzie - poor Gizmo, and poor you! This sounds really, really hard... Hugs for both of you:
Is this the harness you're thinking of? I looked it up ages ago when @Wendy&Neko mentioned it in a post:
Is it the EZI IV harness, Wendy? https://www.ezivharness.com/
