Update on Tiffy - kidney failure

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Hi, i just wanted to quickly update this board.
Tiff was my acc diabetic rescue. very high bg, which i was able to manage from approx 10 units of prozinc a day down to 1.75, which is where she is now

my only regret is that because of the attention i paid to the management, and i have data in a book, i can print and send to you guys or upload a scan, is that i didn't stay in touch with you guys because i was so busy and she was so well-managed. bloodwork every six months.

then within one of the bloodworks, bam, it happened.

i think it was due to constipation. i wanted her on fluids at the last checkup but he said she was fine.

i kept her on 1/8 a day of miralax, and she was acting weird, eating very light, and if anybody knows tiff, she is a big eater, and then bam, no urine. i waited approx 12 hours because i have three cats, and thought maybe she went in the other box, but i wound up rushing her to vet, they did bloodwork, and bam, renal failure.

i feel like i let her down. maybe you guys would have pushed me to bring her in on memorial day weekend when i started with glycerin liquid suppositories to move her every three weeks.

she pooped but needed miralax and suppositories, etc.

then 3 weeks ago is when i rushed her in. i am not so sure i like miralax because it is osmotic and with diabetics i feel like they a border dehydrated.

anyway, i joined yahoo renal board. they helped . she is anemic too now.
so brief history on tiff:

acc rescue, myocardiopathy (found out after pull)
some kind of trauma (x rays showed after the pull - broken ribs, possible pelvic fracture or leg))
type 2 diabetic (i knew at pull)

all sorts of digestion problems, shelter cold, hospitalized a month right after pull due to shelter cold and other issues.

now to kidney failure, so far okay.

she is on hills renal, i know loaded with carbs, but this give them the best chance. very low in bg still on 2.50 a day total. let's see how that goes

still on atenonol.

hivites 2x a day

appetite stimulant (she is eating)

b12 shots

zantac 2x a day

colace 3 tabs a day for now.

fluids 200 mls a day, and this will decrease. she is hydrated well. redoing bloods in 2 weeks. i have lowered to 75 in am and approx 100 at night or maybe a litttle less. Sodium Chloride

Alumium hydroxide phosphate binder too.

now yahoo renal board pushed because her neutrophils were high. they said this is an infection. he didn't prescribe a shot. don't know why, but may change vets. ???

i brought her in and pushed. she is 90 percent better within 24 of the convenia shot. i don't know why he didn't give her a shot. very upset

any in put will help and be respected.

broken hearted in ny with tiff

she is better though. maybe i will upload a pic. she is eating 4 oz a day with snacks (raw).
 
Oh my goodness, Theresa. You and Tiff have your hands full! I have no ideas for you - you seem to be a wonderful advocate for her and are doing as much as you can, as fast as you can. Just love her, take pictures and enjoy the pleasure she brings to your life and yours to her.

You might also post on Health and indicate you have a compromised cat on lots of meds and would like help.
 
Holy smokes! And I thought I had it bad with my athsmatic, congestive heart failure, chronic inflammation of the larynx, possible squamous cell cancer ( won't know for sure without a biopsy but there's no point in putting her thru that as she'd never survive treatment) cat.

You really are to be commended for your dedication to a kitty that most people would've PTS. She very blessed to have to you! :cat:
 
Oh my, poor Tiff and poor you. What a roll coaster ride. Glad to hear she is doing a little better. Merlin is in Stage 3 and I just started giving him aluminum hydroxide phosphorous binder too. Like Sue, I bet there are some folks on the Health Forum that had experience with some of the issues that Tiff is experiencing. There is a few commercial food out there that is low in carbs and under 200mg Phosphorous. I am feeding Wellness Grain Free Turkey. There is EVO too that has lower Phosphorous. So far, that seems to be good for Merlin.
 
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Oh Theresa! I don't know what to say. I think you've done a wonderful job with Tiff...most would have given up but you've continued to love her and advocate for her. Don't beat yourself up...taking her in earlier may or may not have done any good. It doesn't really matter at this point. The point is that you've done everything you can. Tiff is lucky to have you.

I agree with the others...try posting on Main for some help with the other issues? I also agree with Sue...take pictures, have snuggles, spend time and love Tiff with all your heart...as I know you already do. :bighug:
 
Here is a food list for CRF kitties, as you may know phosphorus control is a must: http://www.felinecrf.org/canned_food_usa.htm

I do have some questions for you.

1. Cardiomyopathy------what specifically. With heart kitties caution is needed when giving sub-q fluids; giving too much at one time can overtax the heart. I saw that 200 mL is being given and I hope that is not all at once.

2. Any meds being given for the cardiomyopathy?

3. What is the BUN and Creatinine Levels?

Most importantly, renal diets may not be the best. They are lower in protein and can lead to loss of muscle mass. Cats, being obligate carnivores, need a protein based diet. If you choose to keep Tiff on the renal diet I would suggest adding cooked egg whites to the food. They are high in protein but low in phosphorus.
 
I hope you don't mind Theresa.

Anita - Do you mind if I ask a few questions too? Merlin is at an ideal weight but his hips are so skinny. I am assuming that this is muscle waste. Currently I am giving Wellness Grain Free Turkey but the protein is only 31 (carb 4 and phos 1.00). I am assuming that the protein should be much better but do not know what protein I should be shooting for. By adding egg whites, would that is all that I need or do I need to find something else? If so, how many egg whites per day? Can he gain back his muscle? BUN - 55, Creatine 4.0, Phos 5.7. Thanks.
 
Cooked egg white, 1 ounce to 5 ounces cat food.
Mix well.
Portion out for meals.
I do not know if there is a limit on egg whites per day.
 
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