Kidney Failure

[Kathleen and Fred]

It was suggested that I post here. Fred has been OTJ from Prozinc for 6 months. Diet regulated.

One month ago I noticed his left eye was dilated. Vet tests and subsequent eye specialist found nothing wrong with his blood pressure, or sight. Some creatin elevations were noted but no treatment suggested.

When he became lethargic and stopped eating as much (big eater), I got worried and took him to an Internist June 30th. She did blood work, urinalysis, something called an IMRD exam and a guided cystocentesis. The results showed mild, no regenerative anemia, BUN 81 mg/dl, creatinine of 2.8 mg/dl, BGs within regulation range (I still test and showed her my charts). The urinalysis USG was 1.016 with no glucose or ketones and no indication of infection.

I was sent home with NormosolR for daily 100 ml IVs. Also, I have been giving 1/4 tab of Mirtazapine for appetite improvement every 3rd day, as well as 1/2 tab of Famotadine (Pepcid AC) for indigestion.

He perked up initially, but now is very slow and only nibbles at food - albeit multiple times per day. He had stopped urinating outside the box, but has now returned to doing that. His stools are a little runny and smelly - which could be due to the different foods I've given him just to get him to eat. His BGs popped up, but came back down in a day....could have been those treats!

I'm a little confused about his numbers and treatment. Also, with the speed of his deteriorating health. He will turn 16 on July 26th. Any hope of his making it that far?

Please let me know if you have any experience with this serious problem.

Thanks.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

Hello. Sorry you and Fred are going through this. I'm not great at reading kidney labs. If you post the whole report, there are members here who are much better than myself. And if you have a pre-diagnosis, but recent lab report for comparison. That would help.

Two things strike me about your post. One is that NormosolR can sting. This might account for the discord leading to the peeing outside the box. The second is that the Pepcid AC dose may be too high. You don't mention how many milligrams. The dosage is 1/4 (roughly 4mg) of a human 10mg tablet. Pepcid AC is excreted by the kidneys. Some cats have problems with Pepcid AC.

Here is your encyclopedia regarding everything kidney related. It's a lot of information and a lot of reading. The forum there is very knowledgeable as well. http://www.felinecrf.org

If you want to skip the introduction for now, the page you want to read is this one: http://www.felinecrf.org/nausea_vomiting_stomach_acid.htm#famotidine

Like diabetes, chronic kidney disease is something that can be managed.

 

[troublelaurak]

I'm sorry to hear Fred is experiencing difficulties. I haven't had a diabetic kitty for a long time, so hopefully someone can help you with his numbers. But, I'm wondering if Fred has has a GI panel, specifically if he's been tested for his fPLI (feline Pancreatic LIpase) levels? fPLI would be useful to let you know if Fred is having a problem with his pancreas (aka pancreatitis). The ultrasound could tell you a great deal more. It just sounds to me like more than kidney problems are going on because to my uneducated eye, his kidney numbers do not look bad enough for what you are seeing. I hope Fred feels better soon. Laura

 

[Kathleen and Fred]

Thank you Red & Rover....that was very helpful. I noticed that Fred was uncomfortable with the NormosolR but thought it was just the feeling of fluid going in. Tomorrow we go back for his week's checkup a I'll ask if there is something less stressful for him. Also, I will ask about the Pepcid. I was told to buy a generic brand for humans at 10 mg and half it. Think I 'll skip the dose tonight.

I have read those reports on CRF, but didn't know they had a forum. That's a big help.
As for the vet reports, I only wrote here what was given to me at his visit. I don't have anything else to compare, but the internist did have the original vet's blood work to compare.

Thanks again. If you think of anything else before our 11:30am vet visit tomorrow, please post.

 

[Red & Rover (GA)]

You can ask for a photocopy of the lab reports. Read Tanya's page on subq fluids before you go in. Also, are you warming the subq fluids beforehand? The discomfort could also be from cold fluid.

 

[jayla-n-Drevon]

Hi --My non diabetic kitty has been CKD for 6 years -he was dx at 11 and just turned 17.
It is manageable in in my opinion starting fluids early is key.
Tanyas site has lots of good info-
I an so grateful to have my boy with normal blood work after 6 years on fluids and a dental 6 weeks ago!
This is my handsome Rico he just turned 17

 

[Kathleen and Fred]

Hi --My non diabetic kitty has been CKD for 6 years -he was dx at 11 and just turned 17.
It is manageable in in my opinion starting fluids early is key.
Tanyas site has lots of good info-
I an so grateful to have my boy with normal blood work after 6 years on fluids and a dental 6 weeks ago!
This is my handsome Rico he just turned 17
View attachment 21702

Wow! Rico really is handsome - and 17. Gives me hope!
Fred looked a little better this morning, and ate a little more. Almost like his old self.
I'm concerned about the anemia they found, but it's probably all part of the same problem - kidneys.
Tanya's site is truly a blessing! It helped to put everything in layman' terms, but it's still a lot to take in.

As to fluids.....will I have to keep doing that forever? He really doesn't like it and I'm not very good with the big needle. Also, trying to keep him still on the floor while I hold in the needle and try to watch the IV bag (hanging from the chandelier) is serious trauma for me. Of course, I thought the same thing 6 years ago when I began testing and shooting for diabetes !

I was told the NormosolR did not need to be refrigerated, so it's been administered at room temperature. Hope that was right.

Anyway we're off to the internist in about 2 hours. My regular vet called to say she felt something else is going on and recommended the ultrasound. Guess that's what I'll do.

Really appreciate the continued support from all you at this site. It gives so much peace of mind in the middle of stress.
Thanks!