11/26 Pepper - He's Home!

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Nancy&Pepper (GA)

Nancy&Pepper (GA)

Member Since 2012
yesterday

Pepper is still at the hospital, but might be coming home this evening. I spoke with the vet on duty today, the Culture and Sensitivty test hasn't come back yet. They weren't going to look into the possiblity of a kidney infection with an ultrasound, but if I want them to, they will schedule one tomorrow. Marje and Sienne: do you think I should heve them do this? What would make a vet suspect a kidney infection? I can't remember the words he used, but I think he said something would be elevated if a cat had a kidney infection and that Pepper's values (or whatever he said - unfamiliar terms to me so they didn't stick in my brain - i need to start recording my conversations!)were mildly elevated.

It was a little expensive which is why I hestitated, and he seemed to act like it wasn't necessary (kind of humoring me, I think), but if it is the best thing to do, I will do it gladly for Pepper. Is this how most people find out if their cat has a kidney infection?
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - Question about ultrasound for Marje or Si

When my sister's cat went through this, he'd lost weight and had minimal appetite. Some of the signs like drinking and peeing a fair amount which her cat was experiencing could easily be attributed to the diabetes in a diabetic cat.

The simplest thing would be to do what the vet suggests and see if Pepper improves. If not, then you can get the US. Keep in mind, we haven't seen Pepper -- your vet has. Seeing the cat and doing a physical exam along with lab work can make all the difference, especially if you trust your vet.

At least that's my 2 cents.
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - Question about ultrasound for Marje or Si

Giving you a bumpup for more eyes.

I did find this page http://www.helium.com/items/817800-how-to-diagnose-feline-kidney-infections:
Diagnosis
The vet will begin by taking a urine sample, and examining the dilution as well as actually analyzing the sample. The urine may show blood, protein a low gravity specific and/or granular casts. A blood test will be done for a serum biochemistry analysis. The results vary on the severity of the infection but can show an elevation in urea, creatinine, protein and phosphorus. A vet will also be able to tell if the kidneys are enlarged by performing a physical examination.

If the surgery allows it a Renal Ultrasound may also be performed, although in my experience as a veterinary nurse, it is not usually necessary, as the diagnosis can be done easily using blood and urine samples.
Click to expand...
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - Question about ultrasound for Marje or Si

OK, thanks. I wasn't sure from your replies yesterday if you were saying he should definitely have an ultrasound, or just to discuss the possibility of it with the vet. The vet didn't seem to think it was necessary, so I'll see how Pepper does with the antibiotics they're prescribing and take it from there. i appreciate your help so much!
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper -

I'd still get input from Marje or Sienne. that was just a little quick search info I found. But it might help you w/ what questions to ask.
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - Question about Pill Pockets?

There's going to be some pilling going on around here for a couple of weeks. I've seen some people talk about pill pockets - where do you get them and what brand is good? Thanks!
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

Pill Pockets is made by Greenies. You want to go to the dog section of any of the big box stores (Petco, Petsmart) and get the allergy formula variety -- it's duck and pea flavor. You don't use the entire pill pocket. You break off as much as you need to wrap around the pill. The allergy formula variety doesn't contain corn syrup.

You can also get blank capsules to put a pill in. This is particularly useful if a pill is really bitter or Pepper thinks it tastes bad.
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

The duck and pea don't have sugar but they do have carbs. Use as little as possible to wrap around the pill. You can also order them from amazon.
Liz
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

I use pill pockets with 1 of my civies - 3xday.
I read a suggestion to split the pill pocket in half, split the half into 3 little balls and put the pill in one of them (obviously depending on pill size).
Then I roll them to him, 1 after the other. He's so busy getting the first one down so he can move onto the next one, that he doesn't chew - just swallows - that way, he doesn't taste the pill, which I believe is quite bitter.
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

Thanks! Hopefully, Pepper will like them and it won't be hard to give him his pills!
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

That was a HUGE stress-reducer when we started with the pill pockets. Paws crossed for Pepper.
Liz
 
Re: 11/26 Pepper - New Question about Pill Pockets?

Hi Nancy, Hope Pepper is feeling better and can come home soon. cat_pet_icon Good luck with the pill pckets. Some of our cats will eat them, others wont. You may want to try offering Pepper a bit of pill pocket by itself as a treat to see if he goes for it.
 
Pepper came home tonight! He looks great! The techs said he was the nicest cat (He really is). Many, many thanks to everyone for their support.
 
Woohoo! Great news that Pepper is well enough to be home now. Give him lots of hugs and scritches from us.
 
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