Good thoughts for Ripley please - Update post #18

[Felicia's Mom]

Sending prayers and positive vibes to you and Ripley. I hope you can find out what is wrong.

[kittykatharine]

Prayers and thoughts being sent your way. The Sub-Q fluids at home are an extremely good idea, and you are right, it will make him feel better. You and Ripley are in everyone at PT's minds!

[jazzcat]

We are back from the vet. Well there is good news, bad news and were not sure news

The bad - Ripley has a grade 2 heart murmur. My vet did not hear this 6 months ago. For now since it's just a grade 2 we are going to watch and see.

The good - Ripley hasn't lost any weight, he's actually gained an ounce so she was very pleased with that. She didn't feel his kidney failure has worsened so hopefully we are status quo on that.

The not sure - his abdomen did seem even harder to her but when she was able to really dig in and feel she didn't feel any masses but then he would tense up his muscle and pop her fingers back out. So, she thinks what we are feeling are his muscle bands tightened but she is concerned he is keeping them tense and tight because something might not feel right. For now she wants to continue watching and if I notice anything changes she'll get an x-ray.

Basically she said we should just keep him comfortable and happy with supportive care for now. She said at his age she feels trying to do a lot of tests and diagnostics may just aggrevate his conditions. I feel good with that decision and agree 100%.

They also showed me how to give the sub-q fluids and she wants me to do it every 2-4 weeks as needed.

So for now my old boy is loaded up with fluids and resting on the bed. After seeing the angry glint in his eye when they gave him the fluids I knew he still has his fighting spirit and isn't giving up any time soon.

[Barbara]

If Ripley needs the sub-q fluids only every 2-4 weeks he's definitley in good condition kidney-wise.
Hoping very much that also the other things keep in the background for a long time to come.

[Killearn Kitties]

Kisses to Ripley! This doesn't sound to bad all in all. Better than you might have feared.

Please tell him I was asking for him and the girls send headbumpies. He's always been one of my favourites.

[sugarpaws]

Lots of kisses on his favorite spots (which I don't know yet, but will find out). Get plenty of rest on meowmie's bed!
Marina

PS How old is he?

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for keeping us updated. It sounds like Ripley is doing pretty well and hopefully you'll be able to keep him as comfortable as possible. Both my Sunny and Sky also have slight heart murmurs and I don't what grade they are but both my regular vet and holistic vet just said that I don't need to do anything and we'll keep an eye on them. I hope that Ripley will start feeling better soon.