? 1/30/26 Pudge :( nuggets having hard time walking.. AMPS 225 +2 189 +2 189 +3 131 +4 112 +5 112

[kitten68]

1/29/26 Prev Thread Pudgles

...nugget is having trouble walking today. i never did start the phopshorus binder.. i read that could be a reason. is it too late?.. the vet told me it wasnt necessary. idk why i listened or let it fall out my mind. its been so much. can i start it today?

i also need to do some fluids for him. his BG numbers are.. there. i was hoping for a better PS.. oh well. just continuing..

sigh. his muscles are almost gone.. in the legs.
this is awful.

@Wendy&Neko @Suzanne & Darcy @tiffmaxee @Staci & Ivy

 

[kitten68]

based off his weight.. hes to get 1 tsp throughout the day. how to start this initially?.. slowly?.. like i’ll give 1/4 tsp maybe.. in a snack?? Idk.

 

[tiffmaxee]

The binder needs to be given with food as it binds with the food. So you need to give some every time you feed him rather than all at once. I’m going to look at the labs but don’t know if I will find the latest labs there. What was his phosphorus? Potassium?

 

[tiffmaxee]

Okay. Potassium in range. Phosphorus was quite high in December. I’d start the binder.

 

[kitten68]

Okay. Potassium in range. Phosphorus was quite high in December. I’d start the binder.

tysm.. he took his first dose. he doesnt feel well today..

 

[kitten68]

Okay. Potassium in range. Phosphorus was quite high in December. I’d start the binder.

how do we juggle all of this?.. …..

 

[kitten68]

i’m worried about him. but ive been screaming about this for months and not one of these idiots caught it or cared to look into it more for us. this is critical time. we should have known sooner.. esp if its more than just infection. infections tho can play nasty. idk why it happened like this. and just…. we’re supposed to add all these things now?… idk how we’re gonna do this. he’s so tired today. his numbers are coming down tho.. but idk what matters anymore. i just want peace for my cat.

 

[kitten68]

Okay. Potassium in range. Phosphorus was quite high in December. I’d start the binder.

how to ease into it?.. like start with the 1/8 tsp then work up? Cuz based off his crap levels and weight.. he needs like 1300 mg/day.. like over a tsp… sigh.

 

[kitten68]

i called his vet office and they do echos. they call someone in tho to do them; a veterinary cardiologist also looks at results i believe.

is this sounding ok to do? its also a bit cheaper.. (other places im calling.. closed or appts are out far. closest is Feb 19th…. other places distance far.. trying not to stress him..)

@tiffmaxee @Wendy&Neko @Suzanne & Darcy @Staci & Ivy @Mary & Jude @Tyleete

 

[Staci & Ivy]

i called his vet office and they do echos. they call someone in tho to do them; a veterinary cardiologist also looks at results i believe.

is this sounding ok to do? its also a bit cheaper.. (other places im calling.. closed or appts are out far. closest is Feb 19th…. other places distance far.. trying not to stress him..)

@tiffmaxee @Wendy&Neko @Suzanne & Darcy @Staci & Ivy @Mary & Jude @Tyleete

Do the best you can I think. If you can get an appointment, go for it and if close by that’s good.

 

[Staci & Ivy]

how to ease into it?.. like start with the 1/8 tsp then work up? Cuz based off his crap levels and weight.. he needs like 1300 mg/day.. like over a tsp… sigh.

I’d see what the instructions say on the package (is it by weight?)
And as Elise mentioned, add the binder to the food when he eats. So divide a daily dose into each meal and snack as much as is possible.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

The vet clinic should be able to help you with dosing for the phosphorus binder. I set aside how much binder I needed to give per day and divided that into the meals I gave.

It can like a lot is happening at once. That happened to me too. Neko's kidneys got worse and she got a heart condition and small cell lymphoma diagnosis at the same time. I got one of those weekly medication dispensers they have at the pharmacy, little compartments where you can put in the daily meds, sometimes divided AM/PM, some even more compartments per day. It'd help me keep track of what pills I'd given or needed to give and when.

Is the person who does the echos at your clinic a traveling cardiologist or a radiologist? Someone trained in doing heart scans is preferred. I've heard a couple cases of people getting incorrect diagnosis when done by someone not qualified.

 

[tiffmaxee]

With Max it was much like what Wendy experienced. I used the weekly rx containers too and had one for day and one for night and assembled weekly. Some meds needed to be cut or crushed so they were put in gel capsules It made it easier. I had a cardiologist do my echo. Once she came to my vet’s office and once I went to her office. I feel a cardiologist is better for the echo. It’s a lot to take in all at once. I understand how you feel. I

 

[kitten68]

Do the best you can I think. If you can get an appointment, go for it and if close by that’s good.

just made it for Wednesday..

I’d see what the instructions say on the package (is it by weight?)
And as Elise mentioned, add the binder to the food when he eats. So divide a daily dose into each meal and snack as much as is possible.

well.. maybe i put too much? instructions say frm level and weight.. 1300 mg.. which is a tsp.. i started today w an 1/8.. but wondering if too much? Haha.. primary said 1/8 is ok.. or 1/4.. idk

 

[Wendy&Neko]

When Neko was on a binder, we'd try that dose for a few weeks, then retake bloods and adjust binder dose as needed.

 

[kitten68]

The vet clinic should be able to help you with dosing for the phosphorus binder. I set aside how much binder I needed to give per day and divided that into the meals I gave.

It can like a lot is happening at once. That happened to me too. Neko's kidneys got worse and she got a heart condition and small cell lymphoma diagnosis at the same time. I got one of those weekly medication dispensers they have at the pharmacy, little compartments where you can put in the daily meds, sometimes divided AM/PM, some even more compartments per day. It'd help me keep track of what pills I'd given or needed to give and when.

Is the person who does the echos at your clinic a traveling cardiologist or a radiologist? Someone trained in doing heart scans is preferred. I've heard a couple cases of people getting incorrect diagnosis when done by someone not qualified.

good lord.. vet suggested 1/8-1/4.. he got the whole 1/8.. company said 1 tsp (!) per day.. so idk

ohh i put the pills in one of those when all this started.. for sure. very helpful .. wendy its so much.. suddenly.. its a lot to bear.

well….. apparently is a sonographer/radiologist.. exactly. i will clarify.. tho i asked if cardoilogist would be looking said yea, but now its the sonographer or something.. but he said shes very good, did his own dog.. idk. Wut think? can get it done by this Wed.. i thought i could send the report and get copies of the images also and send over to a cardiologist willing to look..

 

[kitten68]

When Neko was on a binder, we'd try that dose for a few weeks, then retake bloods and adjust binder dose as needed.

just spoke on phone ~ what we said . Ugh

 

[kitten68]

With Max it was much like what Wendy experienced. I used the weekly rx containers too and had one for day and one for night and assembled weekly. Some meds needed to be cut or crushed so they were put in gel capsules It made it easier. I had a cardiologist do my echo. Once she came to my vet’s office and once I went to her office. I feel a cardiologist is better for the echo. It’s a lot to take in all at once. I understand how you feel. I

omg….. its so hard. i agree.. just distance is far or the appts are far out.. and they want a lot of money. .. this is another option??

honestly all.. i feel like im just making comfortable rn… idk. even then.. hes a bit stuffy and tired.. im just trying to really enjoy what moments are left. its feeling like that.

it didnt get spotted in time. i didnt put labs up.. wasnt thinking.. idk. im worried.. but theres not much to do.. he sounds so stuffy rn.

 

[Mary & Jude]

You're doing a great job. Try to relax. Breathe. You're such a good cat parent/caregiver, and Pudge is so fortunate to have you.

 

[kitten68]

All.. it feels like im just making him comfortable.. i was hoping he’d get better. but idk. depression has me today.. probably cuz i havent eaten.

hes just sleeping tho.. being beautiful.

 

[Mary & Jude]

Get something to eat. You can't take care of him if you aren't taking care of you.

 

[kitten68]

hes snoring tho. his cold might be worse. no discharge i see.. why is it things always go bad on a weekend or at night??……

 

[kitten68]

You're doing a great job. Try to relax. Breathe. You're such a good cat parent/caregiver, and Pudge is so fortunate to have you.

Get something to eat. You can't take care of him if you aren't taking care of you.

I'm trying. its hard.. I don't feel hungry. but im gonna go shower.. he's eating well.. just I can't tell he don't feel great.. but acting ok considering. im gonna shower and maybe go out and buy a meal....

 

[kitten68]

thank you all for being there and being patient.. I know its been like, something everyday lately.. I appreciate the grace, love, good thoughts, and advice.. we thank you a lot.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

1/29/26 Prev Thread Pudgles

...nugget is having trouble walking today. i never did start the phopshorus binder.. i read that could be a reason. is it too late?.. the vet told me it wasnt necessary. idk why i listened or let it fall out my mind. its been so much. can i start it today?

i also need to do some fluids for him. his BG numbers are.. there. i was hoping for a better PS.. oh well. just continuing..

sigh. his muscles are almost gone.. in the legs.
this is awful.

@Wendy&Neko @Suzanne & Darcy @tiffmaxee @Staci & Ivy

And you started giving the Aluminum Hydroxide binder? Yes the phosphorus being high can definitely cause hind leg weakness. I have experienced this in my own cats. How much are you giving? What kind are you using? Did you buy the Thriving Pets Aluminum Hydroxide powder? I would probably give as much as 1/4 tsp. and split it into each of his feedings.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

All.. it feels like im just making him comfortable.. i was hoping he’d get better. but idk. depression has me today.. probably cuz i havent eaten.

hes just sleeping tho.. being beautiful.

You can do this. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but once you get the hang of all the variables, it becomes second nature (although we always worry.) I want you to know that I am going through this same thing with one of y sweet cats right now. It’s easier for me because I have been through it before a few times and I know the ropes.

And there’s nothing wrong with making him comfortable. That’s what it’s all about— making him comfortable, slowing the progression of the disease, giving him the best chance. A cat with CKD can actually live a good life for quite a while with care.

 

[Karolina & Nestle]

️️

 

[kitten68]

And you started giving the Aluminum Hydroxide binder? Yes the phosphorus being high can definitely cause hind leg weakness. I have experienced this in my own cats. How much are you giving? What kind are you using? Did you buy the Thriving Pets Aluminum Hydroxide powder? I would probably give as much as 1/4 tsp. and split it into each of his feedings.

yes!! and its been going well! hes been eating the snacks w it. .. we got the Thriving Pets! I started yesterday w 1/8 tsp and cuz i thought he’d be getting 1 tsp i dumped the whole 1/8 in one snack.. u think that’d be ok to just continue? i have a number of other things that are needed to be added to some snacks too..

u say 1/4 tsp? Would it be all right to split it then into 1/8 in 2 snacks?

 

[kitten68]

You can do this. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but once you get the hang of all the variables, it becomes second nature (although we always worry.) I want you to know that I am going through this same thing with one of y sweet cats right now. It’s easier for me because I have been through it before a few times and I know the ropes.

And there’s nothing wrong with making him comfortable. That’s what it’s all about— making him comfortable, slowing the progression of the disease, giving him the best chance. A cat with CKD can actually live a good life for quite a while with care.

omg ty for saying.. felt like we was drowning a bit.. but once u do a few times, its true.. im sorry u have a kitty tho too.. but theyre in excellent hands.

tysm for saying ….. that toad Internist just rolls in like, hes stage 4 and nothing to stop it.. not much time etc etc..

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

yes!! and its been going well! hes been eating the snacks w it. .. we got the Thriving Pets! I started yesterday w 1/8 tsp and cuz i thought he’d be getting 1 tsp i dumped the whole 1/8 in one snack.. u think that’d be ok to just continue? i have a number of other things that are needed to be added to some snacks too..

u say 1/4 tsp? Would it be all right to split it then into 1/8 in 2 snacks?

They are supposed to have at least some of the aluminum hydroxide binder in everything they eat — even if they eat kibble you are supposed to put it in there by shaking it around in a ziplock bag and letting the powder stick to the kibble. He’s probably not eating kibble though!

What I am currently doing is to take an empty baby food jar and measure out the daily amount of binder into that. Then each time I give food, put a small amount of the binder into the food. It might just be a pinch, depending upon if it’s a snack or a meal. My cat is getting more than a 1/4 dose right now (1/4 + 1/8) and it’s not keeping the phosphorus down as much as I want so I have added in also one scoop of Epakitin binder every day in the morning. I will just have to check her bloodwork in about two weeks to see if it’s working— if not I guess I will go to 1/2 tsp of aluminum hydroxide. She was at 6 last time I checked. Sigh. I want her down to 4 or 4.5.
I also have these little measuring spoons from Amazon with measurements like tad, dash, pinch, drop, etc.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

that toad Internist just rolls in like, hes stage 4 and nothing to stop it.. not much time

They don’t know. They can only guess, and many times they are wrong. I have seen cats on the tanyackd group live for years when they were told they had weeks to a month to live.

 

[kitten68]

They are supposed to have at least some of the aluminum hydroxide binder in everything they eat — even if they eat kibble you are supposed to put it in there by shaking it around in a ziplock bag and letting the powder stick to the kibble. He’s probably not eating kibble though!

What I am currently doing is to take an empty baby food jar and measure out the daily amount of binder into that. Then each time I give food, put a small amount of the binder into the food. It might just be a pinch, depending upon if it’s a snack or a meal. My cat is getting more than a 1/4 dose right now (1/4 + 1/8) and it’s not keeping the phosphorus down as much as I want so I have added in also one scoop of Epakitin binder every day in the morning. I will just have to check her bloodwork in about two weeks to see if it’s working— if not I guess I will go to 1/2 tsp of aluminum hydroxide. She was at 6 last time I checked. Sigh. I want her down to 4 or 4.5.
I also have these little measuring spoons from Amazon with measurements like tad, dash, pinch, drop, etc.

ooooh!! so even if his snacks got Miralax.. probiotic.. etc in them.. the binder needs to be in there too? oh man.. a 15 min wait then for every snack/meal?.. oh boy..

how long was it that you’d see the walking/weakness got better from the binder?..

and aww poor kitty .. i hope things look good, hopefully dont need more.. and based off the maker, hes supposed to be getting like 1 tsp.. and change (?). but i dont wanna do that if we dont have to.

 

[kitten68]

They don’t know. They can only guess, and many times they are wrong. I have seen cats on the tanyackd group live for years when they were told they had weeks to a month to live.

i am so happy to hear this.. well.. honestly yeah he came off kinda ignorant .. i remember me and the cat both just sitting there like what?..