Max

[zippy-kat]

I asked him about the Azodyl and he said that it's not an option either because it can cause major kidney damage.

If this is true, I need to have a major talk with my vet as that's what we're on to help K'Cee's levels come down. It was my understanding that it's not the safety that's contested, it's the effectiveness, and therefore it's considered a supplement rather than a "medicine." (IE you can buy it without a prescription) The fact that it might cause damage just blows my mind.


{{My prayers are with you and Max. Wishing you many more cuddles and happy days.}}

[slick]

Zip: Before I sent to see Dr. Singh I googled Azodyl and the only side effect I found was vomiting. I can deal with that but when I researched further there were some kitties that experienced so much vomiting that they were taken off it. However Dr. Singh and I discussed the drug anyway and he did mention kidney damage. Now....it could be that he meant that "anything I give Max will cause kidney damage since his kidneys are already in such a sad state" not specifically "this drug causes kidney damage in all cats" - a play on words.

Please do speak to your vet about it and I'm anxious to see what he/she says. Maybe I heard wrong.

Edit: 8pm - just arrived home from work and once again, all 3 litterboxes have not been touched. He's peeing somewhere and for the life of me, I can't find the spots. I'm really thinking that he just can't lift his back legs over the side. I will have to get something in place but don't have time until this weekend. Durn w-u-r-k keep getting in the way. I do have a fourth litterbox that I can set up - it's much smaller and the sides are not as high. For now I've opened up the guest BR door and put 2 - count them, two!!! - litterboxes in there so there is no way he can get to the toilet without stepping over each one. We'll see what happens. BTW, my apt doesn't smell at all and I'm amazed by that. I did hear somewhere that an old cat's pee doesn't smell that much - don't know if it's true or not.

[katladyd]

Our young, six-year-old, female kitty has taken to "thinking outside the box" the last few days. If the litter boxes aren't real clean, she does that sometimes, but now it doesn't matter if the boxes are squeaky clean, she does her business outside the box! I suppose a vet visit is in order.

[Catty1]

Prayers for you and Max.

[carole]

Slick I am so with you on this unpleasant rollercoaster ride, i can so understand where you are at, i fear I am not too far behind you with respects to my Ash, i believe you have made the right choices with your dear Max, personally i am not going to put Ash through anything that causes him discomfort, they have enough of that with CRF IMO,but of course that is entirley up to you his beloved Mama.,and i respect anyone's decisions regarding their kitties, we have to do what we think is for the best.

I am continually thinking of you both and hoping that Max will keep eating, that is always a good sign, and when he is ready ,he will let you know, i feel sure about that, in the meantime, keep up the fantastic care and HUGS to you both.

[slick]

Tonight he only has eaten half of what he used to and I discovered where the pee is. You see, he's taken up residence on the dining room chairs and they are covered and plush. Well, I guess he's peeing in his sleep because I just had to scrub two of them. The seats really smelled bad. All indications point to loss of bladder control.

The good news is that he used the litterbox about 1/2 hour ago so at least he remembers what it's for....I hope.

Thank you all for your understanding and compassion. I know that many of you are or have been in this situation and understand the struggle that lies within. I was thinking tonight that maybe Dr. Singh is giving up on Max. There is an emergency clinic close by me that's open 7pm to 7am and the few times I've spoken to them they have been extremely caring and empathetic - they helped me when I first had trouble with the sub-q line. I was thinking of getting a second opinion from them and drilling them about the Azodyl and Kayexalate. Do you think it's worth it? I will already know what they will tell me. Am I just grasping for that elusive straw????

[carole]

Slick since you have asked i will respond, although my opinion might be somewhat controversial here, however that is what it is my opinion and it is up to you as your pet's owner to make the choices for Max.

Personally i think there comes a time where you just have to draw the line, and think of what is best for Max, if something is worth trying and it will not cause him any side effects or pain, then i would go with it, other than that,I would just keep him comfortable,because as i see it,what is happening is just life and the effects of old age,there does come a time where you just have to let nature take it's course, and luckily for pets we are able to give them peace when it is needed.

I think clutching at straws is normal, but as long as it is not at Max's expense and you feel ok with it.

Again only YOU and YOU alone can make those decisions on Max's behalf, i wish you well,and do whatever gives you peace of mind, just remember no matter how hard it is to let go, we just have to for the sake of our kitties comfort,in other words we have to put our wishes last, and their's first, no matter how much we want them to continue to be with us. I think Max will let you know when he has had enough.

Thinking of you both and hoping you can come to a decision that you feel is right for you both.

[katladyd]

slick, I would definitely confer with the other vet. What can it hurt? Maybe they can actually give Max some relief. That would be a blessing. The worst they can do is tell you nothing can be done. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Max.

[kitten645]

I am so so so sorry you are going thru this. My heart breaks for you and Max. Just know that you are doing the best you can for him. It's all you can do. Much love and support to you both.