Cello.... early signs of CRF or Diabetes? advice?

I'm worried about my big man. He's 11, and he is in great shape, got checked out well at the vets recently. However in the past month he's been drinking a lot more then normal, and his pee's have been bigger. He's always a been a big drinker so I wasn't too worried. Now all the sudden his appetite is decreased a bit. And by this I mean he is still eating quite a bit, but usually he is ravenous and he isn't anymore, so it's small changes. He is also a "bit" constipated. He is pooping everyday, but it's dried out and he will sometimes leave a tiny poop outside the litter box, like it was "stuck". Other then that he is his normal self, he is happy and acting like normal.

I need to take him to get the second half of his shots on May 10th, so I called them and scheduled a blood panel. I would go sooner but I'm away on vacation next week and my brother is caring for the cats, but Cello sometimes reacts to his vaccines so I don't want him sick while I'm away.

In anycase does this sound like early signs of anything? what other tests can I get done? I'm worried about my poor guy.

Since he is eleven, he needs a full senior panel done. I am sure the vet will know what needs to be done for him. I hope your cat will be okay.

Also ask for a urinalysis. That will help with the diagnosis, too.

You mentioned he's a big guy; what's his weight? Senior cats are at more risk for diabetes, particularly ones who are larger (I had a big boy who was 23 lbs; yes, obese but also a large framed cat to boot, when he was diagnosed w/ diabetes; once diagnosed, he was put onto a strict twice daily diet of low carb canned and he slowly dropped down to 18 lbs and he maintained that weight for 6 yrs until cancer took him).

His symptoms could be caused by CRF, diabetes or even hyperthyroidism -- all can cause increased thirst/peeing and decreased appetite. Be sure to ask vet to INCLUDE a T4 level, to check his thyroid. Some clinics don't automatically include this as part of a 'senior panel' and you have to specifically request it.

They should also be sure to do a urinalysis on your kitty; this can show a lot about kidney function (presence of protein? kidney's ability to concentrate the urine?), diabetes (if there is glucose in the urine).

Does your kitty go outside, is that why you continue with yearly vaccinations? If not, something to consider......it's best to hold off on vaccinations when a kitty is dealing with some type of health issue as the vaccinations can really put a strain on the immune system. I think most people who have strictly indoor older cats don't continue with the yearly shots (except maybe rabies as required by law in their area). Until my 2 oldest past over the past year, I had 5 seniors, all indoors and I stopped yearly vaccinations many years ago (I'm in Canada).

My Taco had early CRF for several years. Then there was a time several years ago that I noticed he was not as active, not eating as much (and this was a cat who LIVED for food!). Due to his large size, I had always feared he would develop diabetes. I went out and bought a human blood glucose monitor and checked his sugar level, it was sky high. To the vet the next day, bloodwork done that confirmed it. As overwhelming as it was (and I'm a human RN so not a stranger to insulin shots, testing sugar levels), I joined the Feline Diabetes Message Board online and received a wealth of support and info, and in time I got him so well regulated on twice daily insulin that his blood sugar was always maintained at a normal level. Had it not been for the sarcoma he developed, he'd still be here I'm sure. He was diabetic for 6 years and there were diabetic cats on the forum who had lived nicely with diabetes for even longer :-)

Let us know how things turn out. It's too bad you can't get into the Vet sooner than May 10th? Sounds like kitty is a bit dehydrated (the constipation) which is common with CRF and diabetes...despite them drinking lots, they pee so much it usually ends up with them losing more fluids than they take in. Dehydration can make a cat feel rather rotten. Vet can give subQ fluids to help rehydrate.

Can your brother take Cello into the vet for the blood work and urine tests?

For most older age illnesses wet food is something that should be fed ( provided Cello will eat it)

I also agree with the discussing no shots.... even my conventional vets do not push in animals over 10

I hope he's OK

Thanks everyone for the words.

Cello does eat wet and dry, I am going to switch him to almost only wet.

He was overweight, but isn't anymore, he is still 15lbs, but he is a huge cat and would be underweight if he lost anymore.

The thyroid was a great idea, I didn't even think of it and I should have because I just got my dog tested for that, so I'll include that for Cello as well. And I will also do the urinalysis, also a good idea, get everything checked out at once.

Cello is a therapy cat which is why I cannot quit doing his shots, he goes outside in my backyard, but only 100% supervised so I'm not worried about him picking up anything, however if I have to take him out of therapy for his health, I of course will.

As for anyone else taking him to the vet.... he is... ummmm... a challenging boy at the vet, so I don't want anyone else to do it. I did call the vet and tell them his symptoms as I would have taken him earlier for the tests and then just got the rest of his shots after but she said he sounds like he'll be fine for a week: since he has always had all these symptoms (big drinker, big pee's and the odd time a little bit constipated) but I've only had him since he was 7 (he's had blood panels every other year) but I do think these things have gotten worse. He is eating as much food (which the vet said was good) he just isn't as "excited" about it? for lack of a better term.

If he has something it isn't severe yet.... but obviously if he does the sooner I start treating him the better.

My brother also rents out the apartment in the basement of my house and knows cello very well, and he knows that if he takes a step wrong he has my blessing to take him to the vet and let them do whatever they need, so I'm not worried about going away,.... I'm more concerned that my poor guy might have something chronic. But if he does I'll be ready to help him anyway I can.

The obvious ones have already been mentioned, but many vibes and hugs that it is nothing serious

Just thought I'd update.... looks like I paid $250 for peace of mind.

His blood results came back perfectly clean, no kidney or liver issues. His thyroid is in the perfect range and his urine was clean, no protein, no infection... and he'd gained weight!

Guess it's just old aged maybe mixed with the dryness of spring?

Oh well! now I know!!!

Yeah!!!!!!

That is GREAT news! I am so happy that he is fine. I know you were worried though.

Peace of mind is money well spent! Besides it's important to have base line numbers for a senior cat, to know what's normal for him.

I recommend you get his bloods done annually now, or sooner, if you see any more changes. Check ups every six months, if you can afford it.

Originally Posted by otto

Peace of mind is money well spent!

Besides it's important to have base line numbers for a senior cat, to know what's normal for him.

I recommend you get his bloods done annually now, or sooner, if you see any more changes. Check ups every six months, if you can afford it.

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Agreed... if you have a good working relationship with your vet and $$ are tight ... many times the vet will reduce the office call to make a 2 times a yr exam more affordable