Filou doesn't improve :(

[RedHedd]

Prayers going out to you and Filou (and Tigris and Siegmar) that the going gets easier. I'm dealing with Mishi's kidney disease too right now so I KNOW exactly what you're going through. Do have your vet show you how to give subcutaneous fluids yourself - it's not difficult and I know Mishi is much more comfortable having me do it than taking him in to have the vets do it.

C'mon Filou - All the PT kidney kats have to stick together and stay on this side of the RB for a bit longer. Their PT guardians need you here!

[Vio&Juni]

Oh, dear Barbara, I didn't know Filou's problem is so bad Try to stay positive. You can't let the news about his levels make you lose the faith. You'll do everything to maintain his life quality. You noticed in time and you're taking good care of him. And the vets seem to know what they're talking about.

We'll keep all our fingers crossed, paws, claws, tails, everything. You know the PT powers, they can work miracles.

Juni is sending sweet kisses to her beau. Me and Pichu and all my family is sending healing vibes and kisses too. Kisses to Tigris from me too.

[Logan]

I responded earlier, Barbara, but was having internet problems and obviously it didn't post.

Filou, you and Siegmar are in my prayers. I hope you will have that precious baby with you for a long, long time.

Logan

[Killearn Kitties]

Oh Barbara, what terrible news. Please Filou, get better for your family who love you so very very much!

[rkidsrcats]

We are so very sorry that Filou is not improving. We too have been through this with our very first cat - Roady. All we can tell you is that there were good days and bad days, but we had her for a long time after it was first diagnosed (2+ years). We did the fluids, a diet combo (K/D and high quality protein like chicken or egg whites were recommended by our vet) and just gave her the best care and love we could for as long as we could.
We hope Filou starts to respond to the treatments and will have many more years to be with his loving family.

The Tribe

[rg_girlca]

Prayers and positive thoughts on the way for your precious Filou.

((((((HUGS)))))) for you Barbara

[Catsnclay]

Oh Barbara- I'm so sorry to hear about Filou!

I also think you should get a second opinion, but it should be of a Internist. When we took Lucky to the Internist, he seemed a bit more qualified in this area than our regular vet, but they did work together (because the Internist was so far away!) and Lucky is doing MUCH better.

Don't give up, I do believe that there is hope!! I also agree with Debbie (T&P mom) not only is giving the subQ's easy, but you DO bond more with them. When I gave them to Lucky that was "our" time and we did it in one of our bathrooms that I set up, and the door was shut to the others. I would sit there and hold Lucky to make sure he didn't move during the procedure and talk to him, telling him how much I love him and what he meant to me. Now I have no idea if he understood what I had said, but when it was time to do that, I would tell him, and he would walk into the bathroom himself!! Almost as if he knew what we were about to do was good for him!!!

To this day, Lucky & I seem closer. He still sleeps under my arm every night!!

Hang in there, there IS hope for Filou!!!! Give my best to Siegmar and Tigris too!!

[slick]

Barbara, I just don't know what to say! My heart goes out to you and Seigmar. It does sound like you've gotten some good advice here. Please don't lose hope and keep us posted! Healing prayers going out to you all.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Lots and lots of prayers flying for Filou from me too!
Also (((HUGS))) for the entire family.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Barbara, I'm just now reading this thread and I'm so sorry to hear that Filou isn't improving. I agree that you should learn how to give him sub-q fluids at home because it's not difficult at all and it will make him feel so much better. I sure hope that you'll be able to find something to help improve his health. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are being sent your way. Please take care and keep us updated. (((HUGS)))

[Barbara]

Thank you all very much for your compassion and advice. It means so much to me- in an emotional as well as in a practical way.

What I'm planning right now is the following:

Sub-Q fluids: It would be very good if we could learn to administer them. Since Tuesday F. is very well- has even slept on top of the cat tree, has chased his big brother and did not drink as much.
What I'm worried about is that he is a wiggle worm. He never ever sits still for human attention, even when he is in a cuddle mood he does it by walking your shoulders, always in control and always aloof when you try to hold him. You can always approach him with your head and never with your hand .
I will talk to my vet about it.

Other vet:
Some of you will remember that one of my co-workers rescued a Spanish dog during his holidays. Chulo has a Ehrlichiosis and Leishmaniosis (some bacteria very common in Southern European stray dogs who on the long term can lead to death). He had several rounds of antibiotics but his levels got worse all the time. Then he went to see a homeopathic vet and from then Chulo got better- you could see immediately how much more lively he was and his blood leverls improved as well.
And my other co-worker Gudrun's Teddy (now RB) had an eczema years ago which also disappeared after the homeopathic vet treated him.

I now have made an appointment (in two weeks time) with the same vet who treated Teddy. I called him yesterday and talked to him for 15 minutes- a good sign for me. He is a real vet with an additional homeop. grade. He asked lots of question and said he had the impression that Filou is in an early stage (we all think that) and that homeopathy should be able to slow the development down and to add life quality.

My normal vet is a cat specialist. I trust her fully but of course I will inform her about the appointment. The homeopathic vet asked me to do that but I would have done it anyway. He wants to co-operate.

So we'll do that and I'll keep you informed.

And thanks for everything. I am so happy I joined this board

[Kater]

Sweet Filou I'm saddened by this news about your health. However, I'm happy to hear that you've been doing quite well since Tuesday and I hope that continues.

I'm glad to hear that you are seeking out some alternative healing modalities. The great thing about homeopathy is that there are rarely *any* negative side effects and so it can only help and not harm. I certainly hope Filou responds well to this treatment.

Also, be sure to ask the vet about the possibility of administering the subcutaneous fluids yourself. It might be a bit difficult since he is a wiggle worm but I think if one person holds him and comforts him while another person administers the fluids, then it could be workable. Maybe you could try it yourself at the vet's office first to see if you think you could manage doing it at home.

Best of luck to you and Filou! You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[gini]

There is such good hope here in these posts and I am thrilled to hear Filou is feeling better.

I will be anxious to hear about the results of the homeopathic approach.

Years ago, I only went to my regular vet and I have always wondered if that was not a mistake and if there was not another path I could have taken with my kitties.

Barbara - you will be in my thoughts all of the time.........we love our kids so much!

[smokey the elder]

Good luck with Filou. He is in the very best hands.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

ear Barbara! Sorry for not seeing this thread earlier...
I feel so sorry for your sweetheart Filou. Going to that homepathic vet is a wonderful idea! Please let us know if it helps him