Help!! Diabetic/CRF Cat's health suddenly deteriorates...

iluvcuddles1031

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My cat, Cuddles, is almost 18 years old. He's lived a very active life as an expert hunter, fearsome guard kitty, and wonderful friend.

About 3 years ago, he was diagnosed with diabetes. He responded extremely well to his protein-based insulin, and lived very much like a normal cat (excepting his insulin shots twice a day). About a month ago, we had to switch insulin brands because his was discontinued. His new insulin is synthetic.

On Wednesday of last week, I noticed he seemed to be walking a little funny - much the same way he walked right before he was diagnosed with diabetes. He was still very much himself, though, just walking strange. I took him to the vet on Thursday. On Friday, we got the diagnosis: Cuddles has kidney disease. The vet said he also has a UTI. Right now, he's on 4cc's of insulin, twice a day + the antibiotic for the UTI. She said that he's too old to respond well to fluid treatment for kidney disease as an IV might kill him. She said he might have a few months left.

Since Friday (LESS THAN A WEEK AGO), he has gone rapidly downhill. He no longer meows, he can barely walk, he's lost all muscle mass, and he's reluctant to eat or drink. I knew he would decline, but is it normal for the decline to happen so quickly?

He's no longer the same cat - his personality is gone. His will is still there, though. I can tell that he wants to go to the litter box or the water bowl, but his limbs just won't listen. I'm beside myself with what to do. We're going to the vet tomorrow, but I'm still so nervous. Could something else be causing this? Maybe the change in insulin or the antibiotic?

Thank you so much for your help!
 

threecatowner

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Oh, the poor little guy. I don't have any advice, I just wanted to send your kitty healing vibes

I hope the vet can figure something out for you guys, and that he does better. I lost my 19 year old Annie a few years ago, it is so hard...

Get better, Cuddles!
 

mews2much

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My Coco is 18 and does get fluids for CRF every other day so why does the vet think he is to old.
Like your cat she was having bladder infections also.
She was put on Baytril in Jan 2009 because the infections would always come back and it has worked.
It sounds like the CRF is causing him to act like that.
He needs fluids with CRF or it will get worse very fast.
I would call a vet and see if he can get fluids tonight.
 

snickerdoodle

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Why would an IV kill him? Did she mention anything about trying sub-q fluids? I have no experience with a diabetic cat, only a CRF cat, but one thing is for sure, if he's lost muscle mass (My Boo lost so much of his) and he's got kidney disease, he's most likely dehydrated. When Boo was first diagnosed with CRF his skin was like a potato chip. If you pulled the skin over his shoulder blades up, it wouldn't go down at all. Just stayed pulled up. That's how badly he was dehydrated. I would ask about fluids of some sort, especially since mews2much has an 18 year old cat getting fluids, I don't see why this would be a problem? Very curious.
Vibes for your kitty and let us know how it goes
 

kluchetta

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I agree with the above. Maybe an IV wouldn't be the best idea, but subcutaneous fluids are very non-invasive, and once you get the hang of it, can be administered at home. There are lots of times that just becoming un-dehydrated can really turn a cat around!
 
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iluvcuddles1031

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Spoke with the vet today...she says Cuddles's body is shutting down, and that we're going to have to decide whether to put him to sleep. He can't have an IV because he has a heart murmur, and that coupled with his diabetes is likely to send him into cardiac arrest. I was mistaken - I assumed that since he's an older cat this thing she called "kidney disease" was Chronic Renal Failure. She says he's actually got Acute Renal Failure. Thus, it's too late for subcutaneous fluids.

The antibiotics are not helping his UTI, and his insulin is no longer keeping the diabetes under control. He's drinking and eating a little better than before, but the poor little guy can barely walk. His back legs just don't seem to function anymore.

The vet suggested putting him down today, but I just can't bring myself to do it yet. His eyes still have a little spark in them, and he purrs when I rub his chin (he never was a cat that purred much). I know he's not going to get better, but I need more time to accept this. I have loved Cuddles since he was born when I was a little girl. It's hard to think of life without him. I know it's selfish, and I've made an agreement with myself that I won't let him suffer. He just seems content to sit with me on the sofa right now.

I'm really having a hard time coping...how have you all dealt with these feelings?
 

rockcat

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You and Cuddles are in my prayers. My heart goes out to both of you.
Cuddles is a family member and you love him very much.

You don't need my advice, but you have my support. God bless you both.
 

mews2much

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I lost to cats to Arf and no how you feel.
Patches died at the vets from ARF and Stormy was pts from ARF at age 5.
Having her pts was so hard but she could not even stand and nothing helped.
The vet did try fluids with her.
Stripe had ARF but she was saved then ended up with CRF and I lost her 2 years later.
You have to decide what you want to do.
Sorry you have to go through this.
I am here for you if you need to talk.
 

farleyv

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Oh golly you poor thing....we have all been where you are. Many times over. I wish I could tell you it's easy.

You have had Cuddles so long! But Cuddles age is certainly proof of what a good life he had. Your signature name says it all.

Then again, Cuddles age is also proof that everything that ages ends up at this point. You are so loving, but also know you don't want him to suffer. It's a battle between what we know we have to do and what we wish were true.

I am thinking of you two today and will say a few prayers for you to have strength, and Cuddles to be comforted in this sad time.

God bless you both Hon, you are not alone.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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I am getting teary-eyed as I read this, because most of us have gone through this (too many times), and it is never easy, but none of us want to see our furbabies suffer. I guess that's really the key...when you stop seeing that spark in his eyes, it's time. Don't wait too long, though, even though you're heart is breaking. Don't keep him around for your sake if he is truly suffering.
 

darlili

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I am so sorry - just remember you're making this decision from love for him, and that you'll bear the pain of losing your baby because you're freeing him from pain.

Many prayers for you both.
 
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iluvcuddles1031

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Thank you all so much for your support!! I cannot tell you how nice it is to check my e-mail and see all these wonderful messages. You all have certainly made me feel a lot better.

Cuddles is still here with me. I read that ARF cats will sometimes eat baby food when they turn down other food. Boy is that the truth! He LOVES Gerber's Beef with Beef Gravy. I've been mixing in egg whites with that, and when he sees me coming with the spoon, he perks up a lot. He's also drinking more frequently than he was the past few days. I know I don't have much more time with him, but I'm hoping I at least helped restore some of his quality of life.

I feel guilty because I have been giving less attention to my two other outdoor cats - one is Cuddles's brother, Reggie, and the other, Tex, is three years younger. Both are healthy and tend to irritate Cuddles, so I've been letting him stay inside all day while the other boys roam around outside. They've had some interaction, but I don't want them to upset Cuddles. I don't think they understand what is going on.

Anyway, thank you all again for the continued support. I will certainly keep you updated!!
 

booktigger

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I am sorry to hear things aren't looking good, but ARF is better than CRF, as cats can recover from ARF. Do you have access to another vet for a second opinion, as I can't understand why fluids can't be done?
 

pakratjo

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I've just been through loosing one of my best friends, (it will be a week tomorrow), and deciding what to do was one of my hardest decisions ever, so I'm with you.....

My vibes and prayers are with both of you.

 

phillygal

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Please know you and Cuddles are in my thoughts and prayers. I needed to make this same decision for my beloved Casey nearly 2 years ago. He went downhill very quickly after being diagnosed with kidney disease. He was 15 and was so very dear to me. It is very, very difficult.

I have had to make this decision for 3 of my wonderful pets now. The only thing I can tell you is that for me I just knew when it was time. I cannot begin to explain it, but I just knew. Also, if your dear friend is any way uncomfortable or in any pain, you will want to do what is best for him. You know your pet better than anyone. Enjoy and cherish the time you have now and follow your best instincts with regard to Cuddles. God bless!
 
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