Update on Puddy; she's gone*9/29* see post #421

[Catlady711]

Is there any kind of iron supplements that you could add to her diet and see if that would increase her levels?

I had to look up the drug her vet recommends, I'm not familiar with that one myself.

The information I found indicates that the anemia her kitty has is not just a lack of supplement.


http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB...00/PR00043.htm

Erythropoietin as a Therapeutic Agent. Erythropoietin (Epogen[TM] - Amgen) is used almost exclusively in treating anemia associated with feline chronic renal disease. Dosage is 100 to 150 units/kg subcutaneously every two to three days. As it is a human recombinant product, about one fourth to one third of cats receiving this hormone will produce antibodies against it in six to eight weeks. Care must be taken against overzealous use of this product, which can lead to as polycythemia with severe to fatal results. As the Hct reaches the reference level, the interval dosage of erythropoietin is reduced to every fourth or fifth day. The underlying renal disease is unaffected, but the quality of life is markedly improved.

[Moesha]

Ahh, I'm familiar with the name erythropoietin from use in humans.

[Catty1]

Mary - seems to me iMom has had clients who need out-of-the ordinary medication. Why not try them?

Is it possible that after a while she would be able to go down to fewer injections?

And we here will help too!
(PS - would it be any cheaper if you learned to do the injections? Just a thought.)

[Medusa]

the quality of life is markedly improved.[/I]

It's this line that got to me. If Dr. Lee had said that it might not make a difference in Puddy's overall health, I'd say that I won't do it. But he told me that he has seen remarkable results w/it. So I'm going to ask him if giving her iron supplements could possibly help or maybe a homeopathic remedy. And if the shots are given under the skin, I can probably do it myself if they teach me how. I just don't know. I'm going to think about it over the weekend and see how I feel. I want to give Puddy every chance but I also have the rest of my Fur Posse to think about and my own health problems. If I'm not well myself, I won't be able to take care of my cats. I hate it when it comes down to money!

[Catty1]

I know she will need the shots for the rest of her life - but always three times a week? Ask Dr Lee

I think Jen's BraveHeart (RIP) was on that, and perhaps Mr Meow also. You might want to ask her.

Again, try iMom for initial help with the cost, especially if it won't always be that high.

And your Abundance Check just might come through unexpectedly!

[Barbara]

Epogen is one of the things cyclists take for doping. It has been in discussion with Filou as well ( who also is anemic). I don't know what it would cost here but I know 400 € a month would be trouble