Feline Renal Failure

[237SJ]

Has anyone had a cat who`s creatinine levels were 488? I know there are other factors (urea, phosphorus etc) but I just wondered how you got on regarding getting them to eat, treatments etc.

[Buenchico]

I've no personal knowledge here. (My four feline nutcases thankfully all seem fit and well at present).

However there's a US website (set up by pet owners who've had to deal with the condition) that might be able to give you a few pointers:
http://www.felinecrf.com/

[jourdain2]

How old is your cat? My last, darling Skimble lived into his 20th year, but eventually his loss of weight and other symptoms caused me to visit the vet with him for a terminal visit - yes, it was his kidneys. It took two lethal injections to cause him to sleep peacefully, because his kidneys were simply not functioning. The vet explained to me that 1) this was normal for his age and 2) that to let him die of kidney failure would be excruciatingly painful for him.

I cuddled him as he went to sleep for the last time - and I've started again with tears now so I'm leaving this thread. You may not be at this stage, but please, please be aware and do not let your cat suffer. :)

[237SJ]

Thanks Chris. I have looked at every website going. Jourdain - I don`t know how old my cat is as she turned up outside my house circa 2004. She has a complicated history. She had hyperthyroidism which masks kidney disease (and protects against it due to high levels of blood passing through the kidneys) As soon as you sort out the hyperthyroidism, the CRF shows itself. There are measures that you can take to help the kidneys (renal diet, phosphorus binders, vasodilators) but they only work if the cat will eat. She has had a large shot of B12 tonight to try to stimulate her appetite. IF she responds (and she has about 3 days), I just wanted to get an idea as to how she will fare.

[237SJ]

Sorry Jourdain - didn`t mean to make you cry. I have been bawling my eyes out as well as poor Puss`s problems have come on top of my Mum passing away.

[jourdain2]

It's OK (still weeping actually :) ) that's what loving animals brings you. My Mum died in 1990 and I still well-up and cry, I don't think you ever properly get over it. Lots of weepy smiles sent to you :)

[Mosaic]

If the cat had to scavenge for a living before coming to you, then sadly the likelihood is that its poor kidneys have been damaged, and if this is the case although treatment can prolong life it doesn't get better or easier to bear. Also, the smell gets pretty difficult to love. Best of luck with your furry pal.

[237SJ]

Thanks Mosaic. The cat didn`t scavenge before she came to me. It`s just that where heart failure tends to get humans who live a long time, kidney failure catches up with cats. She doesn`t smell though. In fact if she would just eat, you wouldn`t know there is anything wrong with her. She`s her usual self which is what makes it so hard. I`m going to try blending tuna and water in the blender later and put a bit of cat nip on her food.

[Barmaid]

I have had cats with both renal failure and hyperthyroidism so I do know what a horribly traumatic time you are having.

It sounds as if the HT is sorted because one of the things with HT is an increased appetite. Low protein is the key with renal failure. My old lady was on a low protein diet but she just WOULD NOT EAT IT. She liked chicken and fish (high protein). After struggling for many years I gave up and said "she can eat what she likes and when she goes she goes".

You could try wiping some tuna water round her mouth and gums. That should stimulate the cleaning response, which might help salivation and therefore she might (only might) eat.

Best of luck - my heart goes out to you.

[Barmaid]

Oh and my old lady lived for 5 years after the renal failure first kicked in.

[wolf63]

I know from trying to get Frankie to take his medication that the more you try to get him to eat something the more determined he is not to eat it.

If only we could communicate properly with them and explain our actions it would be much simpler.

I hope that she gets munching away soon.

[237SJ]

Thanks Barmaid and Wolf. I have tried all sorts of things so far -I`ve just tried Sainsburys cat food mousse but she even managed to like all over that without injesting any. I`m really hoping the B12 will kick in but it`s not looking good.

[237SJ]

*lick*