Any theories?

happilyretired

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My boy Grigio is just about 6 (adopted from a shelter 2 years ago), and is a real sweetheart. Last month, just a couple of days before his scheduled annual check up, he started drinking a lot of water, and urinating much more.

When I took him in, I told the vet and asked for urine and blood tests, as I was worried about diabetes. The vet told me that at his age, he would have suggested bloodwork anyway.

Diabetes was ruled out from the tests, but his renal values were in the high range of normal, and the vet suggested we re-test in a couple of weeks. I started researching CRF, and I got the impression that by the time the cat is showing symptoms, the blood values should be much higher and kidney function already impaired.

When we retested, only the creatinine was above the lab range--it had gone from 2.4 (with a lab limit of 2.5) to 4.0. But the BUN was within range as were all the other blood values. In light of the creatinine, vet suggested an ultrasound, and that was done yesterday, along with another blood draw.

Ultrasound showed no problems with the kidneys. The creatinine was 3.5, and the BUN 35 (lab limit is 36). The specific gravity, which should be 1030 or higher, was 1016. Phospherous, potassium, sodium, and calcium were all normal.

They've sent blood off for a culture in the event of a bacterial infection, but he shows no other signs of infection.

My vet is inclined to think that this is CRF at its earliest stages, but doesn't yet feel comfortable with that diagnosis. When all the labs are in, he plans to consult with a specialist.

Anyone here have any ideas?

By the way, my boy is acting perfectly normal--except for the water drinking. He plays, grooms himself, and takes his usual naps. He's even adjusted to the senior food that the vet suggested a couple of weeks ago as a precaution.
 

ldg

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Sorry, I know nothing about CRF. Sounds like a specialist is a good idea. Just wanted to post after reading, I'm sending vibes to Grigio.
 
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happilyretired

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Thanks so much!

On Monday, they gave him a precautionary antibiotic shot which is supposed to work for 2 weeks, and last night he 'seemed' better--was playing with his toys. This morning, he ate well for the first time in a while.

Of course, I'm neurotic and can be imagining this, but I'm hoping that the antibiotic is helping and indicating that this is just an infection that can be treated rather than CRF!

I should know more in a couple of days when the cultures come back.
 

farleyv

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I just want to chime in and send vibes and prayers for Grigio.

I hope it is something easily dealt with.
 

nutrolori

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I hope all turns out well. A specialist is never a bad idea if your regular vet thinks it is necessary. Sending vibes your way for Grigio.
 

sharky

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A second opinion is good .. but based on the numbers I would say stage 1-2 CRF which is in reality renal insufficiency ... Yes by the time symtoms show up usually 75% of function is gone but on a Happy note many many cats live years on that... My RB Kandie did for about 4 years with occational fluids , diet changes( mostly raw ) and supplements
 
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happilyretired

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I'm still hoping for an infection! The cultures aren't back yet, but the specialist suggested that his slightly low white blood count could indicate that he's 'sequestering white blood cells" to fight an infection.

I've never heard of this and don't know if it's only true for cats, but my vet says that while you normally see higher white blood cell counts when infection is present, my boy's system could be marshalling them in a way so that they don't show up in the blood tests but are being used to fight an infection.

I suspect that my vet is still inclined to CRF because we're scheduling another blood test in 2 weeks when the antibiotic has run its course.

Thanks for all your replies and good wishes. I'll keep you posted.
 
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happilyretired

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We go for another blood test on the 25th, and I'm naturally hoping for a drop in the creatinine level. I just read that large, muscular cats can have a higher than normal creatinine as 'normal' for them, and I plan to ask the vet about this if his level is just over the lab range.


Since we've been going to the vet so frequently, he now gets very stressed over these visits. Does anyone know whether my giving him Rescue Remedy will affect the blood test? (I know I can call the vet, but I thought I'd ask.)
 
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