Thank you for taking time to answer some of the questions asked of you. What is your name btw?
I went back and read your introductory post in LL. It was pretty thurough and I can tell you are a very dedicated bean and really want to make sure you are doing the right things for Todd. I also understand your fear and frustration over not understanding what is going on. Their little bodies can be so complex!
One thing that can cause a rise in bun/creatinine is a kidney infection. Of course any infection in the body can also increase BG's. You have noted in some of your posts about back leg weakness Todd has. Certainly there could be many reasons for this (potassium levels, neuropathy, etc). These infections can cause back pain. I wont go into Latte's situation too much, but after learning (too late) about a kidney stone, her battling multiple infections @ one time, and serious issues with walking/mobility near the end, I do think a bad infection can cause enough pain to limit their mobility. Kidney infections are very difficult to 'diagnose'. Often times, when suspected a course of antibiotics are given for 6-8 weeks. Fluids and diet change are also a part of treatment. Im wondering how much this possibility has been explored?
Here is some information on kidney infections:
http://www.petplace.com/cats/pyelonephritis-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.felinecrf.org/causes_of_crf.htm#pyelonephritis
If Todd were my cat, here are the things I would want to do in the next week.
1. Talk to the vet about possible kidney (not urinary tract) infection. Is it a possibility? Could many of his symptoms be related? How would the vet come to the conclusion and how would they want to treat it?
2. More BG spot checks. Do a few curves, both am and pm cycles. This would involve testing every 2-4hrs. You could do a.m. one day and p.m. a day or two later, for sleep and sanity purposes. Take some tests before giving fluids and an hour after. Note this on your ss, for future reference. Test when he eats kibble. Test a few hours later. Test a few hours after that. Get an idea of how the current food is affecting his bg's. Dont hesitate to look at Latte's ss. As you scroll down, you will see how I documented all of this stuff so I could see what was going on. You will notice toward the end of her stay here her BG's could drop 200-300pts in an hr or two and then rise back up that much or more in another hour or two. EASILY missed data had I not been testing so much. I would have just thought she was always HI. I know it feels like a lot of poking. There are a lot of good tips people can share to make it easier on you and Todd.
3. Go to the store with a list of wet foods that are low carb/lower phosphorus and buy 1-2 cans of each. IF ibd is suspected, aim for some grain free. Suggestions that many of us use who have cats with renal issues , fd, and ibd are ff (chicken/liver, chicken, turkey), wellness (turkey, chicken, turkey/salmon), evo (duck, turkey). Look up some of the friskies varieties and see which one's are lower phosphorus. They may not be grain free, but it might be worth seeing if he is interested in it. Pick up some babyfood (meat only - beef, chicken, turkey) for emergencies, enticing to eat wet, or treats. Grab some freeze dried treats to be sprinkled on any wet food you offer (or treats in general). Read over Dr. Lisa's website and give a try offering some wet food. With the mirtazipine at work, you *may* find he is more interested in wet food. Even if you can reduce his intake to 50% wet/ 50% dry that will be a HUGE success.
4. Get a copy of the latest labwork from your vet. Not just chicken scribble they tell you over the phone. Ask for a hard copy. Post it here. Many of us are wondering about other blood work values. If phosphorus is high, you may need to consider a binder (which I could send you free) to mix into his food. The binder would also free you up to use whatever foods you want. You wont feel so stuck on the kidney diet. Potassium may need to be supplemented (could be the reason for back leg weakness).
5. Post an introduction to one of the yahoo groups I suggested in one of my earlier posts. Im favored toward tanya's list (aka helen - feline crf info). But either one can help guide you. They will want to see full blood work as well. So be prepared.
6. Get those keto stix and start testing daily for ketones.
7. Ask the vet about splitting fluids during the day, instead of giving all 150ml at the same time.
8. keep a daily condo and keep asking questions.
9. Love on that boy!
10. Do something for yourself. You must be EXHAUSTED!
