Early Stage Kidney Failure in Monty??

[Medusa]

I noticed that Peeka had lost weight and she was always a chubbette. I watched her that night and noticed that she didn't move out of the spot where she had lain all day in the sun. So I called the vet, they took her right away and told me that they were almost positive it was renal failure. Peeka didn't respond to any treatment, none of it. She wouldn't eat, not even cooked chicken, her absolute favorite. She was on IV fluids and still could not get hydrated. Then her eyes and the inside of her ears turned yellow which meant jaundice and that meant her liver was shutting down, too. She stayed in the hospital for 5 straight days and didn't respond to any treatment whatsoever. When she cried every time I left after visiting and I asked if I brought her home, would it be painful for her to die naturally, I was told that it would be, so it broke my heart but I had her PTS. So I guess you can say that some of the signs are that a cat goes downhill rapidly and doesn't respond to treatment. I'm sure the vet tech who posts here (I think her screen ID is Catlady711 but I'm not sure) can give you more concrete things to look for.

[Freedom]

I purposely didn't mention that until someone else had posted with a good result. Thanks, Mary (Medusa).

Amber died 8 months after his initial diagnosis of kidney problems. It progressed VERY rapidly. He refused to eat ANY of the food the vet sent home. I could just hear him saying, "I KNOW you snuck meds in there somewhere and I'm NOT touching it!"

He peed all over the place from about 6 months before the diagnosis, right through to the end.

I wish Monty a long life!

[Catty1]

Found this online:

Treatment: Cats with severe chronic kidney failure will require hospitalization so that they may be treated with intravenous fluids, nutritional support, and medications. Less severe manifestations of the disease may be managed at home with medications and dietary changes.

The veterinarian may recommend certain commercial cat foods, available only through prescription, that are reduced in protein, phosphorus and sodium -- and should therefore reduce the work load for the kidneys. Other medications are prescribed to control symptoms of kidney failure such as nausea, inappetence, mineral and electrolyte imbalances, hormone deficiencies, and high blood pressure. It is important that fresh water be available at all times to cats with the disease.

The veterinarian may instruct the owner how to administer supplemental fluids under the skin, called subcutaneous fluid therapy. This method usually is recommended for cats with moderate to severe forms of chronic kidney failure. Re-examinations to monitor the disease are recommended on a regular basis. The number of visits will depend on the severity of the cat's disease and its response to treatment.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jenn, I'm so sorry to hear about Monty. I sure hope that he'll be able to be treated at home and remain comfortable and that he'll live a long happy life. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent his way.

[Medusa]

I don't see it as a death sentence at all since the vet said Monty is in the "early stages" of kidney failure. To me, that indicates chronic renal failure and as I mentioned in a previous post, he could live for years. Acute means that it comes on suddenly, already in full progress, and not much can be done. Your vet can set you on the path to a proper diet, medication and probably subQ fluids down the line. Don't panic; PT prayers work miracles every day.

[jennielynn1970]

Mary, thanks for the advice. He's not my cat, he was my foster, and I just feel so badly now that he finally has a home and he is sick!!! I feel badly for the adopters too, because they are so sad about this, as they've gotten very attached to Monty. I have assured them that if the time comes that they feel that they can't care for him any longer, I'd be more than willing to take him back with me. He's just such a sweetie.

[Catty1]

Tell her to follow the vet's advice, and he could have many many good years.

Change of diet is the most crucial.