Question about diabetes and CRF

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pitaess2

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Hello Everyone,

I was a member here previously (beginning in 2005) when my cat Shadow (now 17) was diagnosed with feline diabetes and congestive heart failure. Over the years I've wondered (to myself) if he truly is diabetic as everytime I test him, his numbers are normal.

Anyway, I recently took Shadow in for a check up and we've discovered he is now in the early stages on CRF (chronic renal failure). I have him on 9-Lives and Friskies canned food for his diabetes. Shadow is also on Benazepril for his congestive heart failure as well as Azodyl and Sub-Q fluids for the renal failure. Anyone have any advice as to what else we could do for him?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sonya
 
hello!
i would check janet and binky's lists for the phos levels on the food you are feeding. I try to keep Cosmo eating food that is relatively low phos (under 250, and closer to 200 or under if possible). I know friskies makes some special renal diet or somesuch food that is also low carb.

hope that helps!

ps. you might htink about phos binders if your cat won't eat low phos, low carb foods. and maybe join the YAHOO CRF group?

there is also tanya's CRF site. it is to CRF what FDMB is to feline diabetes, IMHO. :)
 
Hi there! I totally remember you! I am at work so I can't post much.
I have gathered several CRF links and put them together in my signature.

I'll try to come back on tonight and write more.

Holly
 
Hi Sonya,
I see that Cyn provided a link to Tanya's CRF site. It is a comprehensive site, very well organized and easy to navigate; actively managed by an extremely knowledgeable person, Helen, who has years of experience with CRF. You'll find everything you need to know about managing a cat with CRF, including info on related diseases such as diabetes, anemia, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, HCM and congestive heart failure (CHF).

She also runs a companion CRF message board similar to FDMB, with many caring, knowledgeable members there to guide you.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Feline-CRF-info/

You'll want to have all of Shadow's lab values ready to post (CBC, a full chem panel, urinalysis) along with any symptoms he may be experiencing. The kidneys play a big role in regulating minerals and electrolytes and other metabolic processes... helping the cat to maintain balance in his body chemistry is a big part of managing CRF.

For example, if Shadow's diabetic foods are high in phosphorus, you'll want to monitor his phos levels, and ask the vet about using binders if his blood phosphorus goes over 6 mg/dl. Other common symptoms to watch for are loss of appetite, stomach acid, and nausea; there are lots of treatment options for these and other issues.

CRF is a complex disease and the steep learning curve can feel a bit overwhelming at first. These 2 pages are a good place to start:
http://www.felinecrf.org/key_issues.htm
http://www.felinecrf.org/just_diagnosed.htm

Special considerations for giving subQ fluids to a cat with CHF can be found here:
http://www.felinecrf.org/related_diseases.htm#CHF
http://www.felinecrf.org/symptoms.htm#fluid_buildup

Overview of managing diabetes and CRF:
http://www.felinecrf.org/related_diseases.htm#diabetes

Here's a story about Pooter, who lived with CRF and diabetes for nearly 7 years after being diagnosed at age 16.
http://www.felinecrf.org/success_stories.htm#darlene_and_pooter

Hope this helps a bit!
Deb, angel Evie, and the boys
 
I know it's quite late for this, but I wanted to thank you all for the information about food for cats with renal failure. Shadow is doing pretty good. He'll be 20 in late March/early April. At his last visit (about 2 weeks ago) he'd even gained a little weight. :smile: He is still on the Benazepril for CHF and sub-q fluids for the renal failure. I guess that's about all we can do.

Thanks everyone!! :)

Sonya & Shadow
 
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