***Cosmo Has Kidney Disease ***

[jazzcat]

Ripley was diagnosed with kidney failure back in April. The vet said his values were what she would call mild to moderate failure. At that time he was very ill, wasn't eating much and had lost a lot of weight. The vet gave him one round of fluids and within days he improved greatly. Within a few weeks he was even begging for food and that continues on to this day. He may have even gained back a few ounces. He hasn't required any more fluids yet and the vet and I are thrilled with how well he has responded.

I know I'm not much help since Rip has only required sub-q fluids once. The vet has just told me to watch him closely because when the time comes for more Ripley will tell me.

[elizabethann]

Ripley was diagnosed with kidney failure back in April. The vet said his values were what she would call mild to moderate failure. At that time he was very ill, wasn't eating much and had lost a lot of weight. The vet gave him one round of fluids and within days he improved greatly. Within a few weeks he was even begging for food and that continues on to this day. He may have even gained back a few ounces. He hasn't required any more fluids yet and the vet and I are thrilled with how well he has responded.

I know I'm not much help since Rip has only required sub-q fluids once. The vet has just told me to watch him closely because when the time comes for more Ripley will tell me.

Actually, you were a lot of help. It's nice to read about other people's experiences. I appreciate it. I think Cosmo is beyond mild to moderate but I haven't given up on him yet. I used to get irritated when he begged for food. Now I can't wait until he does.

Thanks so much for replying with your experiences. And give a peck on Ripley's hairy cheek for me!

This is Cosmo by the way. Isn't he a cutie pie?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

When we first put Tubby on fluids....it's been awhile, but I think it was 200 cc's a day. After about a week of that, the vet cut it down to 100 cc's every other day. Seems they need more at first, then taper off some like Jazzcat's Ripley. I found the hardest part about giving the fluids is keeping the cat still, especially once they start to feel better. At first I could "do" Tubby all by myself, no problem. Once he started feeling better he did NOT want to sit still. Once he jumped down right in the middle of it. The needle came out and fluids went flying all over the kitchen and I didn't know what to grab first, Tubby or the spewing needle! After that I had Terry hold Tubby while I inserted the needle and held it in.

You will have to find a place to do it also. I found the kitchen table worked best - yes, the kitchen table. I laid a towel down and put Tubby on the towel. I hung the fluids from the chandelier above the table. That way they were high enough, but not too high.

Anyway, don't hesitate to ask questions once you start doing it yourself. There are plenty here who have gone through it.

[elizabethann]

When we first put Tubby on fluids....it's been awhile, but I think it was 200 cc's a day. After about a week of that, the vet cut it down to 100 cc's every other day. Seems they need more at first, then taper off some like Jazzcat's Ripley. I found the hardest part about giving the fluids is keeping the cat still, especially once they start to feel better. At first I could "do" Tubby all by myself, no problem. Once he started feeling better he did NOT want to sit still. Once he jumped down right in the middle of it. The needle came out and fluids went flying all over the kitchen and I didn't know what to grab first, Tubby or the spewing needle! After that I had Terry hold Tubby while I inserted the needle and held it in.

You will have to find a place to do it also. I found the kitchen table worked best - yes, the kitchen table. I laid a towel down and put Tubby on the towel. I hung the fluids from the chandelier above the table. That way they were high enough, but not too high.

Anyway, don't hesitate to ask questions once you start doing it yourself. There are plenty here who have gone through it.

Thanks. Nice to know that they become wiggle worms again once they start to feel better. I'll be doing the fluid therapy by myself. I live alone and am currently single so it'll just be me. It will be very very interesting. So far I figure I will be doing it on the bedroom floor next to the closet. I can hang the fluid from the closet door hook and then give it to him on the floor. Plus, I can shut the bedroom door so that Maxie & Fenway don't wonder in and start sniffing around. Plus I don't want to poke them if the needle should come out.