6/7 Trixie AMBG 108

[Amy&TrixieCat]

Yesterday

Thank you once again for all the support.

I have a mixed bag to report today. IMO, last evening and this morning, Trix is seeming to be doing better overall...not perfect, mind you, but kitten steps towards improvement. Appy is good; she seems stronger; for the most part breathing is good.

But we went to the vet last night for an electrolyte check (routine check when on Lasix) and her potassium has increased, and it's getting a little too high (6.9). This may mean we need to make a decision soon...but it's hard to think about doing that when I feel like we're seeing decent improvement.

I do, of course, have a theory which comes from an old FDMB member whose kitty went into CHF from fluids overload. The overload also put a huge strain on this kitty's (Jetta - some of you may remember her) kidneys - her values went off the charts. Once they got the overload under control, her kidneys and heart both improved quite a bit. So I wonder if Trix's kidneys are in the same boat - not working well because they've been overloaded, hence the increased potassium. Or, the increase potassium is coming from the lasix, which would be bad.

Yesterday was our first full day of reduced SubQfluids...and this is me going rogue, not something my vet suggested. Overload just seems to make sense....whether or not we caught it in time is another story. If she continues to show improvement, I hope to get her to a cardiologist who would (hopefully) be better at managing the juggling act of CKD and CHF.

Only time will tell. I fluctuate between feeling fairly hopeful thanks to Jetta's story, to feeling quite lost. I'm exhausted.

Prayers to all....

Amy

 

[Shoeskitty-GA]

That theory makes sense to me too Amy! Continued prayers for all!

 

[Judy and Boomer]

I hope you continue to see improvement in Trixie with the reduced fluids!

 

[DebG]

Oh Amy Your doing the best you can and I know Trixie feels every attempt you are making
Baby steps toward better is good. Hopeful that the high potassium is from the fluid prayers for you all!!!!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I think you have a good theory. I hope Trixie continues to improve. Sending prayers.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

It's a lot to manage and there is no magic wand. However she has the best bean in the world which goes a long way. Continous vines, prayers and .

 

[Melissa & Tarragon]

Multiple issues are always so hard. Which comes first? Going rogue is probably your best bet right now though. With all of the issues we see on FDMB, we almost know more than the vets anymore. Huge hugs to you and scritches for all the kids but especially healing vines for Trixie. Get better sweet girl.

 

[tiffmaxee]

When Max had fluid drained I had to stop fluids. They felt he wasn't a candidate for lasix. I wish we had tried it. However he then became dehydrated. So what you are doing makes sense to me. It's the worst of balancing acts but if anyone can pull it off it's you three.

 

[Doodles & Karen]

I hope you and Miss Trix have a peaceful, relaxing evening

 

[Wendy&Neko]

Wishing you the best of luck with the teeter totter balancing act. Neko's IM vet and cardio vet used to debate the appropriate amount of fluids for her heart/kidney tradeoff. Basically the fluids would damage the heart faster than lack of fluids would the kidneys.

I love that you are seeing baby steps. Trixie is telling you what to do.

 

[Amy&TrixieCat]

They felt he wasn't a candidate for lasix.

I don't think any kidney cat is a candidate for lasix, but apparently some do OK with it - seems like "luck of the draw" more than anything else. Only time will tell if Trixie is one of them.

You'd think in this day and age the (human) medical community would know how to balance these two conditions - and if it was done for humans, it could be passed down to our pets....

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Amy, That is indeed a "Catch 22" situation. I think your theory sounds right, but of course I don't know anything about it. But it "sounds" right. We are sending positive thoughts and lot of vines for Trixie to continue to feel good.

Hugs and scritches,

 

[rhiannon and shadow (GA)]

sounds good to me....
how she feels is really all that matters....

 

[Josie & Ripley (GA)]

Sending tons of vines and hugs. You are so good at taking care of Trixie (and the rest of the crew) -- I hope you are able to get some rest tonight so you can take care of YOU, too.

 

[Bobbie And Bubba]

Hugs and more hugs and I wish I had something to say that could offer solace but I do not have any experience in either of those conditions.

I can only imagine how exhausted you are. Please take care of yourself too Amy.

 

[HWright]

Amy, sending multitudes of vines for you, Trixie and family. You are an amazing, wonderful and loving mama bean❤ Hang in there and hope you can get some sleep tonight.❤