Peanut had a bad morning

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I just got a call from the vet on Peanut's blood test results. He said he didn't see anything life threatening, but there were some things that caused him concern.

The first thing was her kidney levels are a little increased and her urine is a little diluted, indicated the beginning stages of kidney failure - just like Tubby. He said the bladder infection might be affecting this though, especially since it came back, it might have gone further into her system - from the bladder into the kidneys. So for this he wants to do a retest in a month after the bladder infection has been completely cleared up.

The other thing he noticed was an increase in her thyroid levels. I guess the other vet had made a note in her records that he felt something unusual with her thyroid, but evidently didn't see it as a problem, just something to watch. But the blood test showed increased levels and he had noticed her heart rate was a bit faster than normal - even faster than other cats that are scared being at the vet - when we were there, and the blood test confirms it. He said this, too, is nothing that needs immediate attention, but when I take her back in a month, if her weight is down even a little, he will start considering medication or surgery. I'd opt for the medication at this point because I think her weight is doing fine and I don't think I need to put her through surgery at this point.

One thing he said that I found interesting is that by the time the higher levels show up for the kidneys, 75% of the kidney function has already been lost! 75%!!! That means Tubby's kidneys are only working at 25% or less of their capacity! I had no idea! But obviously they're still doing what they need to because he's doing so good.

Anyway, nothing serious at this point, but some things that need to be monitored before they get to the serious point.

And she is back to herself again this morning, begging for treats and refusing to eat her treats that I had crushed the antibiotic into - snot! Must be kinda nasty though because even Tubby - my "he'll eat anything" cat - wouldn't touch the stuff. So that was one pill wasted. So back to her snotty self - which is good to see.

[Barbara]

Debbie, this sounds just like older people. Things start and you can be glad if they are not dangerous immediately

However I am glad to hear, Peanut is getting better. With Filou the antibiotics worked immediately and you could see how his mischievous personality came back.

You may remember Mona's mom Gudrun. She now has to give beta blockers to Mona twice a day and in the 4 weeks has gone through so many pilling tricks that she could write a book about it .

At the moment, Mona accepts crushed pills in joghurt

We seriously think the cat food industry could earn money in creating irresistible cat treats that can be opened and sealed again after you put a pill in (Hint hint for those marketing managers who could come to our website to see what we say about their food )

BTW -the new vet sounds good!

[anna_66]

Even with the new problems, I'm glad to hear that she's being her old self Hope things stay that way!

[Cinder & Smoke]

Originally posted by Tubby & Peanut's Mom
... and refusing to eat her treats that
I had crushed the antibiotic into - snot!

Must be kinda nasty though because even Tubby -
my "he'll eat anything" cat -
wouldn't touch the stuff.
So that was one pill wasted.

Glad yur Feelin Better, PeaNutter!!

Psssssssst... Hey MOM!
Read up on da Pill Shooter an go get one!
Four Bucks (cheep at twice da price) an ya
Kant LOOZE gettin da *pill* Downa Hatch!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Cinder & Smoke
Glad yur Feelin Better, PeaNutter!!

Psssssssst... Hey MOM!
Read up on da Pill Shooter an go get one!
Four Bucks (cheep at twice da price) an ya
Kant LOOZE gettin da *pill* Downa Hatch!

Thanks everyone. Yep, I've got two old fogies on my hands. But instead of being sad that they're starting to show their age, I'm ecstatic that they've made it this far with just these minor health problems. As we all know, there are many younger kitties out there with much more serious problems, so I'm not complaining in the least.

Actually, about the pill taking, Peanut takes them being shoved down her throat pretty well, and I've got no problem doing that, so for me nothing else is necessary except the pill, my finger and her open mouth. However, I'm going to be away this weekend and Anne, the pet sitter, doesn't like using my technique because she doesn't want them associating her with having a pill shoved down their throats - would make them dread her showing up and running and hiding when she does. So amazingly, she is able to get them to take their pills by hiding them in treats. Doesn't work for me....but as long as it works for her, I don't ask how she manages it. But this Baytril is a bigger pill (thought the vet mitta thunk Peanut was a horsey instead of a itty bitty kitty ). So I was experimenting with the crushing thing to see if it worked to make it easier for Anne to dish this one out.

But seeing as how it didn't work, and hopefully this will be a one-time thing, I'm going to have her just shove it in. Peanut just does a little bit of gagging then looks at me expectantly for her treat, so I really don't think she'll hold it against Anne - just this once anyway.

However after all that is said and done, I think I'll ask Anne about the pill shooter thing and if she thinks it'll be easier for her, I'll gladly invest in one.

[Barbara]

Gudrun had tried the pill shooter and no way. I think every cat needs his/her own tricks and you are glad Peanut is not the most difficult

[K & L]

OMG! How did I miss all of this? I can't get on here as much cause they're monitoring us at work now so I overlook a lot. Poor little Peanut. I sure hope she is OK. I'm so sorry I'm just now seeing this!