PT Prayers for Henry please *Update*

[3Catcondo]

Thoughts and prayers to Henry, that he can be healthy and pain free for a long time to come! Thank you for taking good care of him!

[Emeraldgreen]

Prayers that Henry will feel better soon. I had a Tortie cat named Jade that had kidney failure. She was diagnosed with it at the age of 18 when she was getting a dental and the bloodwork prior to that showed she had kidney issues. She went on to live for 4 more wonderful years. At first she was on K/D and she LOVED the dry version but wasn't too keen on the wet.
After a while she didn't want any of it and the vet said to make sure she was eating, even if it wasn't low protein. So she was on regular food for the last year or so.
The biggest impact on her disease was fluids. They really gave her quality of life. Before we started, she looked alot like Henry did in that photo you posted. She was dehydrated and her fur had that dehydrated look to it.
The techs showed me how to administer the fluids and let me practice a few times at the clinic and then sent me home with a bag of fluids. I swear, it is not that hard at all once you get the hang of it and it only takes 5-15 minutes, depending on what gauge needle you use and how many cc's of fluid you are giving.
I gave Jade 100 cc's once a week and she felt better within an hour of getting it. She would race up and down the carpeted stairwell and play. It made all the difference. Cats with kidney disease drink so much but they have trouble staying hydrated so providing extra fluids helps them feel so much better.
Plus, it isn't expensive. One bag of fluids lasted 10 weeks for Jade.

[Anikaca77]

I'm afraid I don't have any advice to offer regarding kidney's but I'll say a big pray for Henry.

Take care,
Melissa

[CultureJunky]

Thank you Emerald Green, Lizzie and Taz for all your advice and information. I will definately be asking the vet at his next appointment about extra fluids and if there is anything available over here in the UK. Even if there isn't a vetinary equivalent I will ask if there are ones I can purchase anywhere else. I have taken a lot of comfort in all you've said and am determined to give Henry the best care he can have within the limits we have. It has made me feel very positive about his future.
The vet was quite negative about it, though I suppose it's because they feel they have to prepare you for the worst.
I now feel so much better about his future and trying to keep his disease as balanced as we can.
Thank you everybody, and special smelly kisses from Henry!

[Medusa]

My computer got another virus and I was w/out it for nearly 3 days so I've had a lot of catching up to do and I guess I somehow missed this update. I'm sorry to read of Henry's CRF but as Emeraldgreen and others have said, your vet/tech can show you how to administer subcutaneous fluids to Henry. My RB Puddy had CRF and I gave her subQ's for years. In the beginning I thought that I'd never be able to stick a needle in her and I was nervous at first and screwed it up a couple of times but once I got over the nervousness, all went smoothly and Puddy got used to it and even purred sometimes during it. If you use a thicker gauge needle, it may sting a little more when you first put the needle in but the treatment is over much more quickly. It can mean the difference between a 30 min. treatment and a 5 min. one plus it saves money (you don't have to depend on a vet/tech to do it) and Henry won't be stressed out from going to the vet's over and over.

Good luck w/this and know that our prayers are w/you and Henry and that he'll be w/you for years to come. Puddy lived for approximately 6 1/2 years w/CRF and went to the Bridge at age 14. The last two years of her life were pretty intense but she had many other health issues besides CRF. Keep the faythe.

[Freedom]

Henry is quite lucky to have both of you involved in his care.

My RB Amber had CRF, unfortunately the fluids only kept him with me for 8 months from diagnosis to PTS. But I know many cats have lived for longer. Amber refused to eat the prescription diet, which likely was a factor.

Prayers for Henry, and hugs for you and Linda.

[jennielynn1970]

Poor Henry! I'll be keeping him in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that the vet will allow you to give him fluids at home. He's such a handsome boy, I hope he will have a peaceful rest of his life, being loved on by you and your neighbor.