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

[Anikaca77]

Prays coming sorry I don't have any advice for CRF but my prays are here for you.

Melissa

[Ladybug70]

Thanks to you all for replying so quickly! I really appreciate it. I'm encouraged by your experiences and we're willing to put up a fight for our sweet Blackie.

One small victory this morning... he ate some Hill's K/D dry food... at least 10-12 pieces! First time I've seen him eat something in 2 days. Now I hope he keeps it down. At least I know he's well hydrated... he drinks water often (plus the Sub-Qs). He was 15.5 lbs (7.03 kg) and is now 13.8 lbs (6.3 kg)... he's still a big/strong boy so I'm hopeful he can pull through.

Great suggestions from you all that I will definitely discuss with my vet. I'm willing to try anything... that Blackie and my bank account can withstand. I'll keep you all posted. Keep those kitty prayers coming!! It's great to be back on this board again... such wonderful people here!

Purrs,
Lisa

[Catty1]

I was trying to find the link to some CRF boards for you last night...I am so glad Barbara posted them. Your Blackie could have a good long life yet. PT prayers for the little one, and keep us posted!

Welcome back, too!

[Medusa]

Thanks to you all for replying so quickly! I really appreciate it. I'm encouraged by your experiences and we're willing to put up a fight for our sweet Blackie.

One small victory this morning... he ate some Hill's K/D dry food... at least 10-12 pieces! First time I've seen him eat something in 2 days. Now I hope he keeps it down. At least I know he's well hydrated... he drinks water often (plus the Sub-Qs). He was 15.5 lbs (7.03 kg) and is now 13.8 lbs (6.3 kg)... he's still a big/strong boy so I'm hopeful he can pull through.

Great suggestions from you all that I will definitely discuss with my vet. I'm willing to try anything... that Blackie and my bank account can withstand. I'll keep you all posted. Keep those kitty prayers coming!! It's great to be back on this board again... such wonderful people here!

Purrs,
Lisa

KD comes in canned, too. My RB Puddy loved it and normally she would only eat Purina Cat Chow dry and that's it. Any extra moisture that you can get into Blackie is worth a try. Glad to read that he's still a big strong boy.

[Barbara]

Filou loved most Royal Canin Renal Dry. And in the beginning he liked their small pouches of wet food. Unfortunately he changes his preferences every other week.

[kb2yjx]

We have dealt with kidney cats over the years, NINE of them!!!At one point in time, I was hydrating 5 cats! The sub q fluids are the best thing you can do for Blackie. If you learn how to give the fluids, you can order fluids on line and they are much cheaper than at the vet. I just ordered from Brico. They have special rates for the west coast. Barbara gave you one of the sites that I REALLY like the crf.org, Tanya's site. Helen, the woman who runs it, is WONDERFUL!!!! I found that eating canned kidney diet was the way to go. Our Tina Peepers eats the Royal Canin kidney diet and some of their LP dry.However, there came a time when one of our cats refused to eat the special, I would let them eat what they wanted. Feeding a special diet does no good, if the cat refuses to eat it!!! Molly lived several years while eating Friskies...BUT, if they like the special diet, HOORAY!!! It sounds like you are on top of things!!!! Will keep Blackie and you in my prayers, and a candle, too!!!
Good luck....Sandra

[kb2yjx]

An addition: I order my sq supplies, fluids, needles, and IV lines from Brico Medical Supplies. Here is their number: 1-866-589-0971....Also, the BEST item they sell, is an IV POLE!!! No more hanging the bag over the cabinet with a hanger.....Sandra

[Freedom]

My Mr. Amber Cat developed this when he was 8 years of age. Amber was also on sub q fluids. I did them here at home myself. I used a loop of sturdy string, over the hinge of a kitchen cabinet, and an S hook. That stayed in place. Time for the treatment, I'd hang the fluid bag from the S hook, and he was up on the counter top, a nice reach for me.

Amber had undiagnosed over active thyroid for some time, which lead to the kidney failure. So he was quite far along in the illnesses. We started the fluids at every other day; by the end of 6 months he was at 3 times per day. When he needed it 4 times per day, he was not happy in between treatments any longer it was just too much and I let him go to RB. It was very difficult, my first cat.

Earlier in the process, in between gtreatments he was his usual self.

I think he did have steroid pills too; hard to remember, he's been gone 8 years now.

Prayers from RI for you and your Blackie.