9/22, Susie, 290 AMPS

Summer and Susie (GA)

Summer and Susie (GA)

Member Since 2020
https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/susie-9-21-270-amps-213-2-186-3.253266/

It dawned on me this morning that Susie might have gotten in to her pm food within two hours of her AMPS. :arghh: I keep forgetting to pick it up before 3:45 am. Maybe, just maybe, this is one of the reasons why her AMPS are high. I really need to remember to pick it up when I get up in the middle of the night.

I think I will go ahead and request the senior panel as well as the urinalysis tomorrow. I will make sure the senior panel checks the thyroid and will request the protein:creatinine ratio test if she has protein in her urine (again). Then, hopefully, I will not need to spend the money on these test again until early next year.
 
It's possible the food could be affecting her AMPS. Does she get much of a food bump normally from eating PS meals? Of course AMPS is the last number to normally come down.
 
tiffmaxee said:
I don’t see anything alarming. Her liver enzymes were normal too. The protein could be due to inflammation or ckd but based on her creative and BUN it’s early. Her use was good. When Max had the protein his usg was good and I always wondered if due to that. Never got an answer.
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When looking for early signs of CKD what test would be on the high side? The ALT, AST, Creatinine, Bun ?????? I don't remember what it was with Simon, my other cat who passed from CKD. Also, how would the Protein:Creatinine Ratio differentiate between an infection and a CKD issue? Will it be able to? I don't want to spend the money on this test if Susie's blood test are good (Creatinine, Bun, etc) and don't show signs of CKD and the Ratio test can't identify where an infection is? I think my vet told me the Ratio test was about $160.
 
carfurby said:
It's possible the food could be affecting her AMPS. Does she get much of a food bump normally from eating PS meals? Of course AMPS is the last number to normally come down.
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It is hard for me to tell how much of a food bump she gets because I usually don't get a +1. The few times I did, with the exception of 9/7 and 8/16, she does not get much of a bump. I didn't go back further than 8/3. I guess that would answer my question. She is just getting high AMPS - probably not food influenced.
 
@tiffmaxee

This is a good article and I will take it to the vet tomorrow: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/urine-protein

I just hope if I spend the money on the urine protein:creatinine ratio test, and it is high (or out of range), will my vet be able to tell if it is a CKD issue or an issue of bleeding and/or infection. I want to avoid the full senior panel this time but if he will need that to determine the reason for an out of range p:c test then I will have it done. Maybe a mini-chemistry blood test will show early CKD signs.
 
@Suzanne & Darcy

What blood test results were the indicator to you that Mr. Darcy had CKD? The Creatinine, the Bun and what else? I'm trying to avoid the expense of another senior panel and wonder if the mini-chemistry blood test would show the results of the required test that indicate a problem with the kidneys.
 
You could just get her a CBC (complete blood count) which should reveal if there is any concern about an infection. And you could get her a chemistry profile which will give the vet an idea about organ function of all the major organs. The vet will look at the BUN, Creatinine to assess kidney function. ALT and the other liver enzymes are all included in the chemistry panel. I can’t remember what was included in your mini chemistry last time. I will look at your spreadsheet. When was the last time her thyroid was checked? Ask the vet if you need to check it. If she’s not exhibiting signs of a thyroid problem and it was checked this year sometime (or within a year) you may not need it.

The urinalysis, of course, is important in diagnosing kidney disease. The urine specific gravity is one of the important things to look at since it shows if the kidneys are concentrating the urine as they should be.
 
So - I am not sure how much those three things would cost (the CBC, chemistry panel and urinalysis). If they add up separately to the same as the “Senior Panel” you may want them to send it all out to the lab for the senior panel. I hope you won’t end up paying $300 like I did last week for the exam fee ($45) Senior panel and urinalysis!
 
I see she had her thyroid checked in July too - so I don’t think you need to repeat that so soon unless the vet suspects something.
 
So possible causes for proteinuria include those listed below. One listed is diabetes. Since Susie’s other blood and urine kidney function tests were quite good back in July, I am thinking the vet was not attributing the protein to kidney disease but to the diabetes.
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney infection or inflammation
  • High-protein diet
  • Hypertension
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Parasites (such as lungworms and hookworms)
  • Cancer of the bladder or kidneys
 
Max had primary hypertension and I think it caused the occasional protein in the urine. His kidney values were not high when that started. Has she had her blood pressure checked?
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
You could just get her a CBC (complete blood count) which should reveal if there is any concern about an infection. And you could get her a chemistry profile which will give the vet an idea about organ function of all the major organs. The vet will look at the BUN, Creatinine to assess kidney function. ALT and the other liver enzymes are all included in the chemistry panel. I can’t remember what was included in your mini chemistry last time. I will look at your spreadsheet. When was the last time her thyroid was checked? Ask the vet if you need to check it. If she’s not exhibiting signs of a thyroid problem and it was checked this year sometime (or within a year) you may not need it.

The urinalysis, of course, is important in diagnosing kidney disease. The urine specific gravity is one of the important things to look at since it shows if the kidneys are concentrating the urine as they should be.
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Isn't the thyroid test the T4? If it is then she gets it tested with every senior panel. The USG is the specific gravity isn't it? That has been very slightly above normal the last 3 out of 4 test. The last lab it was only 1 point above normal.

I think I will just go ahead and get the senior panel along with the urinalysis. That should cover everything. If she still has protein in her urine I will ask for the protein:creatinine ratio panel. Thanks, Suzanne.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
So possible causes for proteinuria include those listed below. One listed is diabetes. Since Susie’s other blood and urine kidney function tests were quite good back in July, I am thinking the vet was not attributing the protein to kidney disease but to the diabetes.
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney infection or inflammation
  • High-protein diet
  • Hypertension
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Parasites (such as lungworms and hookworms)
  • Cancer of the bladder or kidneys
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So many issues to be worried about. I need to figure out why she has not been feeling well and eating normally the last week. That is my priority and I don't know how the vet is going to figure that one out.
 
Mandy & Rex said:
I don't have anything to add to the test discussion.

I see a 159 at PMPS +2, but it's marked yellow. Can you fix? I see Susie is already in the blues today. :cool:
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Thanks for pointing that out. I had her 186 in yellow too. High blues today. I'm wondering if her numbers aren't higher than normal because she might be dealing with an infection which has been making her feel badly this week and not eating as much as normal.
 
tiffmaxee said:
Max had primary hypertension and I think it caused the occasional protein in the urine. His kidney values were not high when that started. Has she had her blood pressure checked?
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No, and I'm glad you brought that up. I want to ask them what they charge for a blood pressure check. I foresee a very expensive vet bill if I have everything done that I want to.
 
Summer and Susie said:
The only thing that stresses Susie out about the vet visits are the carrier I have to put her in and the car ride. She hates being closed in. Walks around the vet office like a princess.
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Typewriter is vehemently opposed to carriers and car rides. I feel terrible every time I subject her to one. She poops, pants, and cries and it is absolutely heartbreaking. FCC is just mildly perturbed, but does make me dump him in and out in a most ungentlemanly fashion.

I'm sorry about the vet bill you are anticipating. That's it's own kind of stress. I hope Susie prances well and her tests come back clean.
 
Acadaca said:
Typewriter is vehemently opposed to carriers and car rides. I feel terrible every time I subject her to one. She poops, pants, and cries and it is absolutely heartbreaking. FCC is just mildly perturbed, but does make me dump him in and out in a most ungentlemanly fashion.

I'm sorry about the vet bill you are anticipating. That's it's own kind of stress. I hope Susie prances well and her tests come back clean.
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Some cats really struggle at the vets and it is heartbreaking. Poor Typewriter. My poor Mia (God rest her soul) was really terrified and it was a struggle getting her into and out of the crate at the vets. I have to trick Susie. I'll put the carrier on my bed, out of her site. Then I'll pick her up, from wherever she is, and walk her in to my bedroom to where she doesn't see the crate until the last minute. I really hate doing this again to her but I have no choice. Maybe the vet will suggest a way for me to not have so many tests done. I know I can draw the line but with her not feeling well this past week, and this being a new situation for me, I'm not sure I can scrimp on the cost. I just couldn't bear another cat having CKD. It can be so horrible for them if you don't catch it early.
 
Summer and Susie said:
My vet wants $41.59 for a blood pressure check. That is outrageous and I don't think I can afford that along with every other expense.
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I have seen all different prices from 20 to 90 dollars. It doesn't seem too off to me, since that is what I paid last time. Still, it seems nuts, but our problem being, few of us can do it ourselves without expensive equipment and training.
I would do it if your vet thinks it is wise.
All my fun money goes to vets and cat food companies:eek:.

Got a laugh out of visualizing Susie prancing around at the vet's office!
 
Tina Marie and Jan said:
I have seen all different prices from 20 to 90 dollars. It doesn't seem too off to me, since that is what I paid last time. Still, it seems nuts, but our problem being, few of us can do it ourselves without expensive equipment and training.
I would do it if your vet thinks it is wise.
All my fun money goes to vets and cat food companies:eek:.

Got a laugh out of visualizing Susie prancing around at the vet's office!
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Me too, @Tina Marie and Jan - all my fun money goes to the same places!
 
Tina Marie and Jan said:
I have seen all different prices from 20 to 90 dollars. It doesn't seem too off to me, since that is what I paid last time. Still, it seems nuts, but our problem being, few of us can do it ourselves without expensive equipment and training.
I would do it if your vet thinks it is wise.
All my fun money goes to vets and cat food companies:eek:.

Got a laugh out of visualizing Susie prancing around at the vet's office!
Click to expand...
Oh my goodness! I pay only ten dollars for a BP check when I have them there for an exam!
 
Summer and Susie said:
No, and I'm glad you brought that up. I want to ask them what they charge for a blood pressure check. I foresee a very expensive vet bill if I have everything done that I want to.
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BP check s are very important. I didn’t want to push Summer into spending more, but Hypertension is very hard on the kidneys (as well as so many other organ systems). My vet only charges ten dollars for a BP check.
 
Tina Marie and Jan said:
I have seen all different prices from 20 to 90 dollars. It doesn't seem too off to me, since that is what I paid last time. Still, it seems nuts, but our problem being, few of us can do it ourselves without expensive equipment and training.
I would do it if your vet thinks it is wise.
All my fun money goes to vets and cat food companies:eek:.

Got a laugh out of visualizing Susie prancing around at the vet's office!
Click to expand...
She is very confident at the vet but I don't know how she will be tomorrow. She does not feel well and is not eating despite her hunger.
Suzanne & Darcy said:
BP check s are very important. I didn’t want to push Summer into spending more, but Hypertension is very hard on the kidneys (as well as so many other organ systems). My vet only charges ten dollars for a BP check.
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Well, now I am just really pissed off that my vet wants over $40 and yours only charges $10.
 
I'm glad I'm taking Susie to the vet tomorrow. She came out tonight and for 1 1/2 hours she acted very hungry. I couldn't feed her until 5:45 with her test and shot. I think she had a partial fur shot tonight (just more bad news). When I tested her, shot her and put down her food - she walked away. I put two Temptations in her dinner and she started eating. What they heck. I don't know how much she ate. Tomorrow will be a big deal for her and me.

Thanks for everyone trying to help me out. I hope I can help her without "breaking the bank". Financial stresses can be huge too. Mom stresses can be huge too. Sometimes, I just want to fly away. Goodnight.
 
Big hugs and a good sleep. My parents both have dementia (divorced), and I sometimes get SO down - I have 6 senior kitties also. This crazy Covid &%^$(^** doesn't help! You are doing a very good job taking care of your kitty, dear Summer. All will be ok. God Bless You.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
BP check s are very important. I didn’t want to push Summer into spending more, but Hypertension is very hard on the kidneys (as well as so many other organ systems). My vet only charges ten dollars for a BP check.
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My vet doesn't even do BP checks! Maybe I should check with some other vets in the area. Won't his BP skyrocket just from the anxiety of traveling and going to the vet?
 
Summer and Susie said:
I'm glad I'm taking Susie to the vet tomorrow. She came out tonight and for 1 1/2 hours she acted very hungry. I couldn't feed her until 5:45 with her test and shot. I think she had a partial fur shot tonight (just more bad news). When I tested her, shot her and put down her food - she walked away. I put two Temptations in her dinner and she started eating. What they heck. I don't know how much she ate. Tomorrow will be a big deal for her and me.

Thanks for everyone trying to help me out. I hope I can help her without "breaking the bank". Financial stresses can be huge too. Mom stresses can be huge too. Sometimes, I just want to fly away. Goodnight.
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Awe... hugs Summer! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
A thought - how quickly do the lab results come back? My vet runs then in house so I don't have to wait too long. Perhaps you could wait to see the results, then decide if you also want to do a BP check?

I hear the fun money comments, our bank account has been appreciative of the reprieve we've gotten, however temporary it may or may not be. I redo our budget every New Year based on prior year and what we think is coming...this year I think I just won't put a number on the "Mr Kitty" bucket :rolleyes:
 
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