Geriatric Kitty Advice Needed for Grasshopper

[kohala]

Originally posted by jenluckenbach
Biddy White Whiskers is accepting some of those scritchies as we speak!

It is good to hear an update about Grasshopper.

Looks like we could start a whole series of Tuxedo sub-Categories - Looks like Biddy and Hopper both belong to the white-on-chin only facial variety - Hop also is a short gloves and midi-boots variety, with full ascot, and bikini (since it's on the tummy area only, does that make it a thong?)!

[RockysMommy]

In no way does Pepcid help the kidneys. It does not help increase blood flow to the kidneys. Pepcid is excreted by the kidneys, further stressing them, so you should only use it with your vet's approval.

Pepcid helps cats who suffer from excess stomach acid, which cats with chronic renal failure (crf) are prone to, by reducing acid production and thereby eliminating vomiting and nausea, and improving appetite. Vomiting clear and/or yellowish liquid and/or foam is a sign of "acid tummy".

Pepcid is not indicated for vomiting due to reasons other than excess stomach acid.

Be advised that Pepcid AC tablets now come in two different strengths - 10 mg and 20 mg. It's the 10 mg strength that you want to give 1/4 tablet of every other day, to start off with. You may need to increase the dosage up to 1/4 of a 10 mg tablet twice a day (with your vet's approval). Pepcid may actually increase vomiting in a small number of cats, particularly those with high bloodwork, in which case some other H2 blocker, such as Zantac or Tagamet may work.

For more info on feline chronic renal failure:
Tanya's Feline CRF Information Centre
Feline CRF Information Center
Feline CRF Support Group
Sources for CRF Supplies

[kohala]

I don't give her Pepcid on regular basis, and she's doing so much better I don't give her any form of med at all. I give her the 2.5mg (1/4 10mg tab) when she seems to be off food, which she hasn't for a while.
At the time she was so ill, both my husband and I had been very ill, also (he ended up in the hospital.) This is not the first time in her life that she got sick when we had the flu. I am pretty convinced that (and encroaching age) were the primary contributors to her last illness. It's been over a month now.
Thank you so much for the links. She does have kidney problems, but not severe, apparently.