BraveHeart (disappointing UPDATE 3-17-08, page 7)

[jenluckenbach]

A quick update.

BraveHeart went to the vet. His PCV has improved with his 2 doss of epogen. So we are going in the right direction.

A blood transfusion was discussed, but the vet feels he is not a good candidate due to his reduced kidney function. feels that his body will try to reject the foreign blood.

He had an xray:

His heart is enlarged (not unexpected as we do know he has a heart murmur)

He does have a kidney stone.

He has what "appears" to be fluid in the abdominal cavity. Cause, unkown. It is not a major amount, but needs to be monitored. A possible way to reduce this would be to use a diuretice, but again, BraveHeart is not a good candidate for this. It could dehydrate him even more.

So, what do we do?

We give the sub-q every day again. We continue with the epogen. We start an antibiotic hoping that if there in infection causing the fluid build up, it can be treated. And we retest blood next monday.

While he still is not up to the point of feeling good that he had been at, I believe he is just a little perkier today. He was bathing himself on the vet's exam table.

Come on BraveHeart, we can beat this!!!!

[Medusa]

Wow, an awful lot for one little guy to go through. I sure hope that all this turns around soon and that Braveheart feels on top of the world.

[Barbara]

I am so sorry to hear Braveheart does not feel well.
I think it cannot only be the anemia that makes him feel low. Filou now is anemic too- but still VERY perky, especially in the night.
Have you tried to give him some nice red meat? Of course it is too much protein for kidney kitties- but on the otehr hand keeping weight up is just sa important.

[Catty1]

HUGS to that brave boy!

Come on, sweetie, you can do it.

Jen, lots of gentle scritchies from me please?

[jenluckenbach]

One by One got 2 more donations for BraveHeart!!! HURRAY!!! Thanks Candace {{{{{HUGS}}}}} but the second one, I have to admit I do not recognize the name. But if she is a pet talk member, {{{{{{JULIA}}}}} from GA.

Barbara, I doubt BraveHeart would even look twice at a nice piece of beef. He just isn't hungry right now. Besides, I don't think the problem is his iron level (they say that is a rare form of anemia in cats) it is most likely a lack of red blood cells being made in the bone marrow. That is what the Epogen is suppose to be stimulating.

I have been delivering eveyone's scritchies and kisses (I just love to kiss his little nose). Maybe I'll get Charlie to get photographic evidence of this, tonight.

[Laura's Babies]

Ok Boy! Lets get at it and get better! We are pulling for you and I have been praying for you off and on all day!

[kb2yjx]

Jen!! I do not know what to say! I am glad that BraveHeart's PCV has improved, but I am concerned about the " fluid in his abdomen." Ascitis, that is what Molly had. How is BraveHeart's liver??? As they say " the check is in the mail..." Hopefully, One by One will receive it by the end of the week!!! Continued prayers for dear BraveHeart!!!!!!!