As the reality of the situation sinks in...

I feel like cying. I realize perhaps for the first time that there is no turning back for Sasha. At best, we may able to keep him stable at stage 2 of CRF for a while but the kidneys won't turn the clock back. Not that I expected it, but... All we can do is to keep him comfortable and make his quality of life as good as possible.

The Vet okayed Hi Tor as an acceptable food for him. His lack of appetite might be due to nausea...no vomitting, but he might need to be put on Zantac or Pepsid.

She suggested that I switch Sasha's dry with his more familiar RC Mature formula and to leave a dish of the appropriate (wet) kidney diet and to see if that triggers his appetite a bit more.

She even agreed that mixing in a teaspoonful of Performatrin Ultra to the kidney-safe food would be acceptable if he eats it. At this stage, he's eating a bit less than half a can of Medi-Cal renal diet. He drinks, but I couldn't tell you whether or not it's enough...

She said that he would definitely benifit from Fluids therapy (I can even learn how to do it myself at home)...$19.00 a visit, twice a week, then once a week...$25.00 for the kit once I've learned how to do it myself...

I've found a Petsecure policy that would cover Sasha's needs even at his age; but the deductible ($400.00) would defeat the purpose of getting the policy at all...

Facts are that the peeing the floor won't stop (he isn't even making the effort any more, last week was 50% the box and 50% the floor, this week it's been all floor).

Visiting my parents would mean kennelling him (plus fluids therapy) for a week.. I was hoping that a home pet sitter would do, but not any more. Having any visitors staying over would mean keeping their luggage somewhere where he won't pee...

Sigh...sorry for ranting. I love Sasha, I want to do what's right for him; not what's convenient for me...right now I just wish I knew what is right...

My gut is saying it's too early to think euthanasia...but what if he's too sick and suffering? I've covered the bedroom floor with clear plastic table covers...at least it's making cleaning up easier.

Thanks for listening (reading) guys...I just needed to get this off my chest...

Sorry you are going through this...
The post about his UTI... You said he took a long lasting antibiotic shot for it - so you remember what was that?
I have not heard about treating UTIs with a shot before, so I am curious about that and wondering if a course with a regular antibiotic would be better - did they run a culture on his urine? Or just a urinalysis? A culture will say what type of baceria is in there, so you can use the proper antibiotic for it - it does take longer to get the results back, usually though.
Since he had traces of blood in his urine and bacteria, and he has CRF, I tend to strongly believe his peeing is not behavioral... I know I keep pounding on the same key, but putting all those facts together, it just doesn't make sense to me that an 18yr old cat would start peeing outside of the box when all these medical issues are in fact going on... I really do believe it is medical, and it can be solved with treatment...
I know you are trying, and I know it is frustrating... I have a boy with Chronic issues who is always in and out of the vet (this Monday the latest), so I do share your pain... Again I am sorry
I hope he gets better soon
Oh, I forgot - what are you using to clean the spots? Sorry...

Originally Posted by Carolina

Sorry you are going through this...

The post about his UTI... You said he took a long lasting antibiotic shot for it - so you remember what was that?

Click to expand...

I believe she referred to it as a "smart antibiotic" ? She said that based on the bacteria found in Sasha's urine shewould rather play it safe than sorry. I could have given him pills or the liquid antibitoic (Clavaomox?) but after the stress giving him the Torbutrol (from the prior Vet) I figured that the shot would be a better option.

I have not heard about treating UTIs with a shot before, so I am curious about that and wondering if a course with a regular antibiotic would be better - did they run a culture on his urine? Or just a urinalysis? A culture will say what type of baceria is in there, so you can use the proper antibiotic for it - it does take longer to get the results back, usually though.

Click to expand...

Urinalysis, based on the invoice from the previous clinic.

Since he had traces of blood in his urine and bacteria, and he has CRF, I tend to strongly believe his peeing is not behavioral... I know I keep pounding on the same key, but putting all those facts together, it just doesn't make sense to me that an 18yr old cat would start peeing outside of the box when all these medical issues are in fact going on... I really do believe it is medical, and it can be solved with treatment...

Click to expand...

But which one?

I know you are trying, and I know it is frustrating... I have a boy with Chronic issues who is always in and out of the vet (this Monday the latest), so I do share your pain... Again I am sorry

I hope he gets better soon
Oh, I forgot - what are you using to clean the spots? Sorry...

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Nature's Miracle Urine Destroyer. My spouse found a home made version (has vinegar and I forget what else...I have it somewhere in my notes) I'll try the home made version once I run out of Urine Destroyer. Before this, I used Urine Off.

I'm not writing Sasha off just yet though. Call me a dreamer, call me in denial...but as sad as I felt an hour ago, I'm more determined than ever to (at the very least) provide my little buddy with good quality of life.

Hi Lucky,

I, too, have a cat (15 yr. old Calico) that was diagnosed with CRF near the end of this past summer. Yes, I cried as well knowing that this is a terminal situation and so I know how you feel. However, I've read that with proper treatment it is quite manageable. My cat, Jasmine, was switched over to canned, chicken-flavored K/D renal food. I was really worried about it since Jasmine ate dry food her whole life, and yet I was pleased to see that she took to the canned food immediately. In fact, she likes it right out of the fridge! I started fluid therapy (once weekly) back in September. I haven't done it myself yet though. The fluids in combination with the special diet definitely help. My Jasmine, who is also in stage 2 like Sasha, went from a BUN level of 38 to 31 (which is actually the higher end of normal limits) since getting fluids and K/D food. Jasmine is also hyperthyroid, and so she also gets treated for that. The two conditions together present a pretty tricky situation since the effects of one can have an influence on the other. It's a medical balancing act - especially to manage the T4 hormone level.

I wish you the very best and certainly hope that Sasha will have many good days ahead yet. I'm so sorry to hear about the incontinence issues that you are dealing with. I know that is very hard. My vet recently told me that, with geriatric cats, every day is a day of Grace and we just have to enjoy our kitties for as long as we have them with us. I know that difficult days are ahead for Jasmine, but I'm trying to do my best to help her enjoy the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. Keeping you and Sasha in my prayers.

Regards,
Keith

Ok... I get a better picture now...
I would do a Culture as it gives a better view... Clavamox is not the best antibiotic, but it might work for the bacteria found on the urine depending on what is found.

As far as what problem is making him peeing outside of the box, I will guess the bacterial issue, and I will bet it is not resolved yet...

Nature's miracle is not even close the best choice out there IMHO - get a product called Nok-Out; it is sold online only (do a search here on TCS or PM LDG for it - Anti-Icky-Poo is great also...) The home made stuff.... hum.... nope

For the stress of giving him meds, get yourself a cat bag ASAP - it is a LIFE SAVER - it takes the stress away from giving meds, and since you are going to start giving fluids, it will be a dream come true for you... I give meds to bugsy, an 18lb STRONG cat once a day for life, and when he has issues, such as now, twice a day - being pills, liquids whatever, a cat bag is the way to go. IMHO the BEST is called "Klaw Kontrol" google it and you will find it... Also get a pill popper... With a cat bag and a pill popper, giving meds will be a non issue for you... Pinky promise

I know you are not giving up hope on him... I am know it is not denial... You are not crazy either... He is your baby and we all understand here

Originally Posted by three4rd

Hi Lucky,

I, too, have a cat (15 yr. old Calico) that was diagnosed with CRF near the end of this past summer. Yes, I cried as well knowing that this is a terminal situation and so I know how you feel. However, I've read that with proper treatment it is quite manageable. My cat, Jasmine, was switched over to canned, chicken-flavored K/D renal food. I was really worried about it since Jasmine ate dry food her whole life, and yet I was pleased to see that she took to the canned food immediately. In fact, she likes it right out of the fridge! I started fluid therapy (once weekly) back in September. I haven't done it myself yet though. The fluids in combination with the special diet definitely help. My Jasmine, who is also in stage 2 like Sasha, went from a BUN level of 38 to 31 (which is actually the higher end of normal limits) since getting fluids and K/D food. Jasmine is also hyperthyroid, and so she also gets treated for that. The two conditions together present a pretty tricky situation since the effects of one can have an influence on the other. It's a medical balancing act - especially to manage the T4 hormone level.

I wish you the very best and certainly hope that Sasha will have many good days ahead yet. I'm so sorry to hear about the incontinence issues that you are dealing with. I know that is very hard. My vet recently told me that, with geriatric cats, every day is a day of Grace and we just have to enjoy our kitties for as long as we have them with us. I know that difficult days are ahead for Jasmine, but I'm trying to do my best to help her enjoy the best possible quality of life for as long as possible. Keeping you and Sasha in my prayers.

Regards,
Keith

Click to expand...

Thanks! I've rebounded from my sadness...focusing on treatment helps a lot !

Originally Posted by Carolina

Ok... I get a better picture now...
I would do a Culture as it gives a better view... Clavamox is not the best antibiotic, but it might work for the bacteria found on the urine depending on what is found.

As far as what problem is making him peeing outside of the box, I will guess the bacterial issue, and I will bet it is not resolved yet...

Nature's miracle is not even close the best choice out there IMHO - get a product called Nok-Out; it is sold online only (do a search here on TCS or PM LDG for it

- Anti-Icky-Poo is great also...) The home made stuff.... hum.... nope

For the stress of giving him meds, get yourself a cat bag ASAP - it is a LIFE SAVER - it takes the stress away from giving meds, and since you are going to start giving fluids, it will be a dream come true for you... I give meds to bugsy, an 18lb STRONG cat once a day for life, and when he has issues, such as now, twice a day - being pills, liquids whatever, a cat bag is the way to go. IMHO the BEST is called "Klaw Kontrol" google it and you will find it... Also get a pill popper... With a cat bag and a pill popper, giving meds will be a non issue for you... Pinky promise

I know you are not giving up hope on him... I am know it is not denial... You are not crazy either... He is your baby and we all understand here

Click to expand...

You got me teary-eyed there...and I'm at work! Hard to focus I confess...at any rate, the company that makes Hi Tor Neo diet also makes a product called "Vita Gravy"...I'm thinking of getting some of both, this way it might make the Medi Cal more palattable to him?

Originally Posted by Lucky Luke

You got me teary-eyed there...and I'm at work!

Hard to focus I confess...at any rate, the company that makes Hi Tor Neo diet also makes a product called "Vita Gravy"...I'm thinking of getting some of both, this way it might make the Medi Cal more palattable to him?

Click to expand...

I hear great things about Vita Gravy... Just don't get the Savory Sirloin one... my kitties could care less for it

My Ootay enjoyed 3 happy years after her CRF diagnosis. She received sub q fluids at home, and all the pampering I could offer her. She had a lot of other issues too, some that came before the CRF and some after. She took medicine 8 times a day, she was a brave happy little girl. It was a third stroke, not CRF that ended her time with me.

Make sure your vet keeps tabs on thyroid (test t-4) and blood pressure. Both often accompany CRF. Constipation can also be an issue for CRF kitties.

By the way, I had my vet write prescriptions for the fluids and supplies and I got them at my regular pharmacy and saved hundreds of dollars a month.

Hang in there.

Two excellent resources:

http://www.felinecrf.org/

http://www.felinecrf.com/

My RB Kandie made it about 4.5 yrs after a stage 2 diagnosis ... I went 90% holistic with her and unfortunately fluids were a vet only and as needed thing ( bad Tempeer)