kidney failure

recently told by vet that my cat's kidney functions were elevated. I do have the lab work print outs. He told me to give her fluids via a needle inserted into her back. She is not showing any physical signs of kidney failure. Just wondering what others think

I'll move this to Health & Nutrition where our experts will be able to help you.

Good luck!

Welcome to TCS. I'm so sorry this is why you had to find us.

How old is your kitty? Kidney problems are often a problem in older kitties.

I don't know anything about kidney problems, but found this EXCELLENT link: http://www.city-cats.com/kidney.html

Unfortunately, it sounds like if you're to give your kitty intravenous fluids at home, the kidney disease is likely very advanced - but there are other things you can do to help. It also sounds like you ought to talk to your vet about a special diet for your kitty. I'm sure others have had this issue here, and a search for diets for kidney disease in this forum may turn up very helpful information.



Laurie

Don't be afraid to give the sub-q fluids. I am very squimish and it was easy for me to learn. I gave my cat sub-q fluids for 4 years(16-20years old) and I believe it prolonged her life and she had a good quality of life. I also gave her a special kidney diet food, and benzaprel(medication to help her kidneys)

She may not show any signs of illness, which is great, but I'm sure the vet has recommended a special diet for her along with the subq fluids. My parents give ChiChi fluids every other day and she has had kidney failure for 3 years. It's definately not a death sentence!

Welcome to TCS. I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis. However, like the others have mentioned, with the proper treatment...it's not a death sentence.

I don't have any experience with kidney disease, but from what I understand, the subq fluids are essential in most cases.

It's always better to start doing fluids sooner rather than later - if your cat's kidney values are elevated your vet has definitely given you the right advice to start doing hydration (sub-q fluids). You don't want to wait to see physical signs of illness.

I do fluids too for my baby - 4 times per week. How often and how much has your vet told you to give? Did he show you how to administer the fluid?
In case he didn't mention it, it's best to warm the fluid bag in a sink filled with warm water - it feels much more comfortable to your cat that way.
Make sure to test the fluid before giving it to see that it's warm.

The hydration will make your cat feel so much better and will prolong her life. It's the single most important thing you can do for her kidneys.

Please let us know if you have any questions about doing hydration. Lots of members here have been doing that for years.

My parents have always kept the fluid bag at room temperature. I believe that's what the vet instructed them to do. I totally agree that the fluids are essential and a necessity. The kidneys are failing so they have to work harder to flush the body of toxins. The extra fluids help so that the kidneys dont have to work as hard causing more and (quicker) damage to the kidneys.

We are all surprised that ChiChi is 18 years old and has been doing so well the past couple years. We thought we only had a few more months with her

The vet said daily. She fights so hard I have a very hard time doing it besides she crys out like it is painful, My baby is almost 15. I have tried several ways. Put her in her carrier, she gets out. Wrapped in towel, she gets out. Had my husband hold her but he is disabled so he doesn't have strength against her. I scruffed at the neck but she scirms so much she pulls the needle out. Any other suggestions

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. The fluids are a huge help. Did the vet mention a low protein diet? Usualy that is the biggest part of treatment for a cat with kidney problems.

Are you making sure that you lift her scruff and puncture her only in the scruff and not her body? Sometimes Chichi will cry if my Dad accidentally hits too low like her body or muscle. It is a lot easier with 2 people, my mom holds her while my Dad gives her the injection. When I help out if one of my parents arent home we put her on the kitchen table and then I put my body over her and and hold her firmly just under her neck, and I give her scritches while she gets the fluids.

Originally Posted by mzjazz2u

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. The fluids are a huge help. Did the vet mention a low protein diet? Usualy that is the biggest part of treatment for a cat with kidney problems.

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Chichi refuses to eat the special diet.. so she still eats Friskies and she's been ok for almost 3 years with just the fluids (and Transfer Factor).
I think the fluids are the main necessity.

CRF or kidney failure is not a immediate death sentence ...

Its been 3.5 to 4 yrs since Kandies diagnoisis and she is still alive and likely in better health than I ... DIET is KEY... SOme do well with low protein adn fluids..Kandie is on high protein( raw and canned ) with some supplement s and herb s and her numbers are better( lower ) than the day of diagnoisis... Many do need fluids ( I am finding when the vet recommends them differs), so far Kandie only gets them when she is sick and at the vet ... ACCUPUCTURE has helped her alot ... I am not at home but there are a few links I will try to paste

I have 4 cats and not one of them will eat the special diet. Theey have Sciene diet for hard food and fancy feast for wet food. With cats being fussy eaters it is hard to change at 15 years or more. Thank you for all your advice. It looks like general conception is the fluids. I will work work with her on this. This is a very helpful site

I've gone thru the IV route with several kitties, and it's never been an easy task. With the last one, I discovered hanging the IV bag on a coathanger, then hanging it over the heating vent. Mine always seemed to handle it better if the fluid was warm. Make sure you have everything ready to go before you start; I discovered that putting the cat in the chair along side my leg kept him fairly still, as he didn't have much room to move around. I had the fluid hanging from a wall shelf above the chair, so gravity was a big help, too.
I rarely had any help giving fluids, and found that wrapping in a towel didn't work at all. For me, being able to use my leg to hold the cat left one hand free for the needle, the other free to give lots of head scratches. If you can, try to vary the times you give the fluids. It may sound strange, but your cat will notice if you follow a pattern and make her/her self scarce.
Wishing you the best of luck with your precious girl.

No advice other than some really BIG hugs to you and your kitty!!!!!!!!!!

Charity
Faith Hope Love Persians

COuld someone please explain to me what Sub-Q fluid consists of and is it basically water or electrolytes given as a Iv ? Like humans???

Thanks!

Charity
Faith Hope Love Persians

Originally Posted by Meower

Don't be afraid to give the sub-q fluids. I am very squimish and it was easy for me to learn. I gave my cat sub-q fluids for 4 years(16-20years old) and I believe it prolonged her life and she had a good quality of life. I also gave her a special kidney diet food, and benzaprel(medication to help her kidneys)

Click to expand...

Originally Posted by fluffysimba

COuld someone please explain to me what Sub-Q fluid consists of and is it basically water or electrolytes given as a Iv ? Like humans???

Thanks!

Charity
Faith Hope Love Persians

Click to expand...

Yes .. i do think they like humans can tweak it but basic solution is salt water

I did the scuff today and it went much better. She still fought me but about half as much as before. Thanks for the hint. I am suppose to give 200cc. Is this about right?