Aluminium hydroxide for CRF/thyroid?

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

My MIL cat has thyroid problems and CRF. She just started tapazole and they are trying to get her regulated. They also prescribed aluminium hydroxide powder but she stopped eating much after that and started to hide all the time and not be so friendly. MIL stopped giving her the powder and shes acting normally again.. any ideas why? Is there another option?
I know this isnt diabetes related but you guys are experts in a lot of cat issues and thought you might have an idea.

 

[BJM]

It doesn't taste very good. (Note: this was in a human aluminum hydroxide mixture that I gave to one of my cats with renal disease).

Perhaps wrapping a bit in a Pill Pocket would help it go down without affecting the appetite. I'd take half, flatten it out, put in the aluminum hydroxide powder, roll it up, then take little bits of that and wrap with plain pill pocket. That way, the powder is less likely to get on the tongue.

 

[Just-As-Appy]

I suggest that you join Tanya's crf group in YahooGroups. There is a wealth of information in the documents (you don't have to join to read them - only to post and read others posts).

 

[Larry and Kitties]

The pure aluminium hydroxide power is tasteless. I have even tried it myself. Some the powder comes flavoured andthe cat may not like that.
What was the phosphorous blood value upon which the vet said to start the powder? How much were you giving?

 

[Julia & Bandit (GA)]

Phosphorus binders aren't necessary unless you have a high phosphorus value-- if the value isn't too high (6 or under is ok) feeding a high quality protein, low carb (for the diabetes), low phosphorus canned food is sufficient to help manage the CKD.Merricks, Wellness, and Evo all have a few flavors that fit these requirements.

Phos binders do have side effects, so you really don't want to give them if they aren't needed.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

Wendy:

You may want to print out the list Dr. Lisa put together of low phosphorus foods. Like Julia said, making sure your MIL's cat is eating a low phos diet may be all that's needed. Also, you may want to ask if she's adding water to her cat's canned food. Water is very important for kitties with CRF.