07/31 puddin amps 410, +4 398

[Bella & Puddin]

Previous

Puddin's vet visit showed elevated kidney values, but everything else seemed normal, bloodwork-wise. They didn't hear anything in the lungs and everything was normal when palpating except what may have been an enlarged lymph node or enlarged pancreas (which I think I read was found in acro cats).

We're still figuring out the internal medicine situation as no vet (3 so far) is willing to prescribe Cabergoline. For now, we have an appointment at NC State. It's a difficult situation because it's been very expensive especially at 60+ units of insulin per day. I'd hate to spend $200 at nc state (the initial visit fee) to be only given the option of radiation. If we are able to give cabergoline, I don't even know how much that would cost. Today's bloodwork was $280.

Is there anything to be done for the kidney situation? It we only suggested to look into special kidney food.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Did they get a good listen to his heart too? Heart issues sneak up on you and are unfortunately too common in acros.

As for kidneys, I'd start with a low phosphorus good quality protein wet food. Can you tell me what his phosphorus, potassium, creatinine, and BUN were? Or whichever ones were out of normal. What brand of wet food are you feeding now? Neko never went on specialty kidney food, her IM vet didn't think it was necessary. Typically only when kitties get higher on the CKD scale do they start kidney food - it's quite high in carbs.

 

[Bella & Puddin]

Did they get a good listen to his heart too?

Yes, and lungs - vet did not hear anything.

Can you tell me what his phosphorus, potassium, creatinine, and BUN were?

PHOS: 7.0
CREA: 2.4
BUN: 39

I don't see that potassium was tested - I will try to post an attachment of full results. SDMA was 17.
Other items marked as 'high' were MCV (58.1), MCH (17.4), LYM (7.53), PLT (612), PCT (1.08), and GLU (370 ... we know! ).

What brand of wet food are you feeding now?

He's on Special Kitty brand (walmart) pates. I will look for some low phosphorous quality foods.

On another note, I was give Vetmedin by a previous vet (before acromegaly diagnosis) and I'm not sure why it was prescribed - do you have insight into if this medication would be of benefit currently? I've never given it to him.

Thank you, Wendy!

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Vetmedin (pimobendan) is a heart medication. Not something I'd give unless I knew he had a heart condition that needed it for treatment. Neko was on it after her first congestive heart failure (CHF) episode. It helped her get over it. Has Puddin ever seen a cardiologist vet? An echocardiogram is a good idea if you can swing it. Heart issues can sneak up on you, but can be treated if found in time.

Phosphorus is getting to the high side, other kidney values are just above or at the upper end. The CKD Diabetes food list I've linked lists some diabetes and kidney friendly foods.

 

[Bella & Puddin]

Has Puddin ever seen a cardiologist vet?

No, but the vet told me they offer echocardiograms at their clinic, would this or sufficient information or would we still need to see a cardiologist?

The CKD Diabetes food list I've linked lists some diabetes and kidney friendly foods.

Thank you for the list; I'll get one of the low phosphorous food for him now.