My kitty just diagnosed w/ CRF - need advice & prayers

[Ladybug70]

Thanks so much, Mary and Sandra. How often do you go through the IV lines? Sandra, you mentioned you ordered 6... how long does that last you? Just trying to figure out what the monthly cost would be for fluid (200 ccs 3-4x/week), needles, IV lines, etc. Thanks again.

My vet charges $20 fluid and $30 to administer it. I'm usually spending almost $60 per visit. To maintain 3x/week with occasional vet exams would be $800/month. Not doable!

Another question... with you administering the fluids at home, how often do you visit the vet for check-ups and blood tests to check kidney function?

Thanks... so sorry for the questions... just trying to get all information before I sit down with the vet in a few days.

Purrs,
Lisa

P.S. Blackie has been doing great in the last 24 hours. Lots of energy, eating KIBBLE (yes, kibble!), and being very affectionate...including his trademarked "murring" - term I use for his "musical purring"....kind of a cross between a sing-songy meow and purring. Truly music to my ears.

[Medusa]

Thanks so much, Mary and Sandra. How often do you go through the IV lines? Sandra, you mentioned you ordered 6... how long does that last you? Just trying to figure out what the monthly cost would be for fluid (200 ccs 3-4x/week), needles, IV lines, etc. Thanks again.

My vet charges $20 fluid and $30 to administer it. I'm usually spending almost $60 per visit. To maintain 3x/week with occasional vet exams would be $800/month. Not doable!

Another question... with you administering the fluids at home, how often do you visit the vet for check-ups and blood tests to check kidney function?

Thanks... so sorry for the questions... just trying to get all information before I sit down with the vet in a few days.

Purrs,
Lisa

P.S. Blackie has been doing great in the last 24 hours. Lots of energy, eating KIBBLE (yes, kibble!), and being very affectionate...including his trademarked "murring" - term I use for his "musical purring"....kind of a cross between a sing-songy meow and purring. Truly music to my ears.

Don't reuse the lines; one line per bag. Don't reuse the needles either, not just for sanitary reasons but also b/c it dulls the needles and will cause Blackie unnecessary pain. A fresh needle for each treatment, a fresh line for each bag.

As for vet visits, I leave that up to my vet. I could tell when Puddy needed to go in b/c her subQ's weren't perking her up. Usually after a treatment, she felt much better and was actually peppy at times. When she wasn't, I was on the phone to my vet.

You're spending a lot of money right now but that will decrease significantly once you start administering the subQ's yourself. Your vet or a vet tech will show you how. I'll say in advance that you'll more than likely screw it up the first couple of times. I sure did. My vet is 45 min. away but my local vet is less than 10 min. away and I called him crying b/c I not only couldn't get the needle in right, I poked myself in the thumb so hard that it turned blue. LOL He said 'Come in right now and I'll take my time w/you to show you how". Maybe I shouldn't have told you this but I just want you to know that it rarely goes smoothly right away. You'll be nervous but once you get over the initial nervousness, Blackie will relax and so will you and it will become second nature to you.

So glad to read that dear Blackie is doing better. Now that's the kind of report I like to hear! Never worry about asking questions. That's what this site is all about. I've learned so much on here that I'm amazed.

[Ladybug70]

Thanks for the honest feedback, Mary. I know it won't be easy to do sub-Qs at first (and I'm a stress case to begin with - LOL).

So, I think I understand with the equipment/supplies: assuming I administer 200cc every other day, I'd probably go through one 1000cc bag, one IV line and 5 needles every 1 1/2 weeks... or 3 bags, 3 IV lines and 15 needles per month. Or double that if I have to go to daily injections.

I'll definitely price compare between purchasing through the vet vs Brico site (but looks like Brico is really reasonable - ~$100-$200/month w/ shipping!).

[kb2yjx]

I agree with Mary with the use of the needles!!! I keep the IV line for a month. I think you will find Brico very reasonable evne for the West Coast!! And Hugh is a very nice guy, please feel free to use my name as the one who gave your their info: Sandra, Flemington NJ. There are about 100 needles per box, which costs about $6.00+ change. As far as the vet goes, I watch the cat carefully, note eating, output, and behavior. If there is a significant change, I will call the vet...OR if the cat is going in for a vet visit(q six months) then bloodwork gets done. Please do not get stressed, you will see that once you get a handle on things, you will be a pro!!!