1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, PMPS 181, +3 144

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Josie & Ripley (GA)

Josie & Ripley (GA)

Member Since 2012
Yesterday.

Yesterday was a little bit of a setback (bloodwork shows kidneys worsening considerably), but I'm trying to no feel discouraged; rather it's an opportunity for learning how to make Ripley feel better. cat_pet_icon

Ripley's eating b'fast. She wasn't meowing/begging for it like usual, perhaps because of the lurking civie. (Smokey tends to stress out Ripley; and Smokey knows that she'll get to lick the bowl when Ripley's done eating, so she's always near Ripley -- and watching.) But Ripples is eating, with the help of crushed freeze-dried shrimp (likes it better than the chicken even!). She slurps, then stops and waits for me to sprinkle a little more onto her food. Sometimes she gives me a little 'squawk' if I'm taking too long. :lol:

I'm sending loving and healing vines to those who need them today!

~Josie
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Hi Josie, that's quite a family there for breffifs. Try not to get discouraged with the kidneys, as there are things you can do to help keep Ripley stable. I saw Marje's post yesterday wher she will be givimg you a lot of good info. Maggie's creatinine is about the same as Ripley's, and her creatinine seem to rise so fast just within a few months, and I was shocked, too, at first. The link Sienne gave you yesterday has a lot of lower phosphorus foods. A lot of Beans use the phosphorus binders. Did Ripley have a poo, by any chance?
Have a nice day.
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Hi, Ann! Thank you for the encouragement. Ripley's current food (Wellness Turkey) is low carb/low phos, but I'll look for something lower. I also have to look for something with low protein... I'm so thankful for all of the knowledge and support here. My vet tends to have a "well, this is close to the end" outlook (same when diagnosed w/FD, too) so I need to learn to build up a tougher skin & not let it get to me so much. PS: There was a little poo this morning! Yay! You and Maggie enjoy your day!
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Hi Josie. I'm sorry to hear that Ripley has problems with her kidneys. I know it's difficult dealing with our kittie's health issues and a vet with less than a positive attitude doesn't help. Stay strong and continue to do what makes Ripley feel better. She is very fortunate to have you as her mama bean. Glad to hear that she gave you a "poo" present.

Have a good day.
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Josie, if you're looking for a new vet, mine is fantastic, although it would be a bit of a drive from downtown. He always goes above and beyond for me - even came in on Thanksgiving to give Kibby subq's when he was so sick - and didn't charge me a dime. He lets me deal with Muffin's FD, and knows that I know what I'm doing. He really cares about his patients. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

My vet tends to have a "well, this is close to the end" outlook
Click to expand...
That's too bad they are not more encouraging. If they only knew how badly that makes the Bean feel. The Merrick Cowboy Cookout is a good lower phosphorus food. Mags loves it, but I can only use a little as it causes a spike. It's only five carbs, I believe.
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Josie & Ripley said:
My vet tends to have a "well, this is close to the end" outlook (same when diagnosed w/FD, too) so I need to learn to build up a tougher skin & not let it get to me so much.
Click to expand...
Maybe that is the case after these vets put them on the prescription *kidney* food. It nearly finished off my civvie with similar numbers. But I was able to pull her out of it doing some of the relatively simple things Marje will tell you about.

What is her current urine USG?
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Hi, John -- Thank you. I'm very fortunate to have her as my Sugarkitty :smile: .

Hi, Anne -- Would you be able to PM your vet's info? I'd like to have a back-up plan (& a supportive/optimistic vet!).

Hi, Ann -- I've tried the Cowboy Cookout (that name always cracks me up!) & Ripples doesn't like the chunks; but I haven't tried pureeing it yet. I think I even have a can or two if it left. Definitely worth the experiment -- and I love using my food processor!

Hi, Dale -- I'm getting the results of her urine test this afternoon, which I'll post... Thank you for letting me know about your experience w/prescription food; my heart and intuition is telling me 'no prescription food!' (Well, and FDMB friends!)
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168

Hi guys, sorry to hear about the results but like you said there is so much info on here and a lot of others that are dealing with it. I hope you find the right food combo! Have a great Fursday!!! Think positive! Prayers for Ripley!
 
1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Thank you, Michelle :-D !

I updated Ripley's urinalysis results; there's bacteria, so she'll be taking an antibiotic (Clavamox) until the culture results come back next week.

USG: 1.014

I don't know if she made into green today; her levels are slightly higher lately, prob. due to constipation/infection :sad: . Poor baby.

BUT she is basking in the sun right now, which is one of her top 5 favorite activities (along with sleeping, drinking water from the tub faucet, eating tuna flakes, and sleeping -- yes, sleeping is listed twice -- that's how much she loves it.)

Thanks for ALL of the well-wishes. She's eating, drinking, and acting somewhat normal :-D .

~Josie
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Yes, thank you Sienne! I've been printing/highlighting away -- a treasure trove of info!
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

(((Josie))

I've been meaning to get here since early this morning but have been helping out a new member in Health and so it's taken me all darn day!!!

The thing about the renal diets is, yes, they are low phosphorus. And some of them have higher protein than others. But the quality of the protein is quite poor. For Gus, who is 17 and has had CKD for 2.5 years now, I go for the quality of protein and try to get as low phosphorus as I can. You have the added challenge of low carb but it can be done. To me, in looking at her bloodwork, the first flag I see is her phosphorus. High phosphorus can make them feel really crummy. If her creat/BUN were lower (like Tess's), then she'd probably not feel so bad with a high phosphorus. But with her creat where it is, that high phosphorus can start to make her feel poorly. So I'd concentrate on that. Normally, you'd want to have her on a binder like aluminum hydroxide powder. Not every vet jumps into using a binder. And the purpose of the binder is to bind the phosphorus in the food so it is mixed into every helping of the food throughout the day. By binding with the phosphorus in the food, it allows Ripley's phosphorus level to come down. It is tasteless and inexpensive and is the gold standard for binders. You can try the foods first and see if it works but I'd be careful and I'd discuss it at length with my vet or another one if you feel this one is not being proactive.

I would also start talking about subq fluids with my vet if you haven't already. Usually, a creat of 3.5 is about where to start fluids. But some vets are more conservative. Is it better for Ripley to get her hydration from what she drinks and water you add to her food? Absolutely! But at some point, she can't compensate for it and she will need fluids. Her USG is rather low meaning she is not concentrating her urine UNLESS you are already giving fluids. CKD kitties getting fluids will have a lower USG due to that on top of how low it might already be.

I can't remember if you are addressing her HCT/HGB with the Methylcobalamine and the Jarrows B Right yet? If not, I'd get right on that. The longer you can delay starting any kind of erythropoetin, the better.

Those are the things that stand out at me right now. It's always important to keep an eye on potassium and make sure it doesn't get below 4 without supplementation.

Some people recommend Azodyl for the BUN. It's a personal choice. I used it on two cats and it didn't make any difference. There is alot to learn but the above it what I would try to address first.

Please let me know how I can help or any questions you have.

CKD kitties can be maintained quite well for a long time. You can also join the Yahoo CRF group. There are alot of REALLY knowledgeable people there. I learned alot from them but it's a VERY busy site with tons of emails all the time. Huge volume. But smart people there. And you already have the link to Tanyas. I never joined her group but it might also be an excellent one to join instead of the yahoo CRF group.
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Hi Josie,
Just dropping by to send you encouragement. There is surely a lot to learn, but you can do it and Ripley will benefit. I hope that you can find a vet who will be more supportive.

Hugs from us,

Ella & Rusty
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Just stopping in to send along our vines and prayers, too. I think so many vets expect us caretakers to say "Oh well, that's OK, I can get another cat!" Some of us suprise them with how far we will go for our furkids, but I have a feeling we're few and far between, and they're just not used to it. Fortunately, you have FDMB and our LL family behind you...this amazing group just knows EVERYTHING cat, not just FD!

It sounds like Ripley is having a very wonderful day - and I'm sure many more will follow! Have a great night, Josie!!
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Sending Healing Vines & feel better vibes to Ripley! Dont we know the challenges of kitty ailments & Vets!!
Ripley is going to be PK..You are a great bean, we all are here! Thinking of you--Hugs from us...
 
Re: 1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, +6.5 105, Urinalysis results

Hey, Josie -

Sorry, I don't have any words of wisdom to help Josie feel better. Just wanted to offer support and :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Have a great night -

Libby (& Hershey, too!)
 
1/25 Ripley AMPS 168, PMPS 181

Thank you Marje, Ella, Amy, Roni, and Libby for the wonderful words of support; I'm moved to tears. Thanks for filling my love tank! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

I just spent a couple of hours researching on Tanya's site ~ phosphorous, anemia, potassium, and phos. binders ~ I'm not feeling nearly as defeated as I did yesterday. And although Ripley is constipated, has an infection of some sort, and probably feeling lousy from the high level of phos, but she is eating, drinking, and snuggling with me as usual.

Marje: Thank you for the long response! I appreciate you taking the time; I also appreciate how much you help others, especially new members who need the extra support.
I'm looking into binders, and will ask about this and fluids with my vet next week (when the urine culture results come in).
Ripley got her first dose of B12 (approx. 250mcg) & B Right (approx. 1/10th of a capsule) on 12/5, and has been at each breakfast and dinner since.
I looked into the Yahoo group, but, honestly got immed. overwhelmed :? . I haven't joined Tanya's yet, but will consider it for sure.
I'm sure I'll have questions... just don't know what they are yet :lol: .

In the mean time, I'm going to enjoy a glass of wine, get caught up with my DH (who is endlessly supportive and jokingly calls himself a FDMB widower :lol: :lol: ), and love my kitty (& my other pets). Then after all that, I'll visit some condos! :-D
 
Aaaahh...you are so welcome!

I'm glad you started the B vitamins. I don't think you will see her HCT/HGB improve but the hope is it will keep them from getting worse. Hope hope hope

Some vets that don't stay up on CKD will still want to give alternagel or one of those nasty tasting binders. If your vet agrees a binder is appropriate, I'd really push for the aluminum hydroxide. If he worries about aluminum toxicity...well, Ripley would have to get a lot of it over a long time.

I agree the yahoo group is overwhelming :lol:

Enoy your evening with DH and the beautiful Miss Ripley. I love her profile pictures :-D
 
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