Another CRF Diagnosis - Both Whimsey and his Mom Need TCS Vibes

It has been a long time since I've logged in to TCS.  I wasn't even sure if I could still log in, but this place was a wonderful resource when my darling Whimsey was going through IBS and pancreatitis.  I thought that with the help of both allopathic and holistic vets at the time that he was at least stablized.  This was several years ago.  I'd learned to give him his sub Q fluids and B12 shots.  I'd learned to hand feed him his food to coax his up and down appetite.  I'd learned to watch him like a hawk and always be there for him.

Last week I got home from work and knew that something was very wrong with my darling.  I rushed him to the emergency vet and to make a long story short he has what seems to be Stage 2 CRF.  Since then, I've read everything I can about CRF.  I know that it is not a death sentence and heaven knows I know how to take care of a sick kitty.  But I'm so depressed.  I feel that I've been fighting the long defeat with his previous challenges with IBS/pancreatitis and that this is the final blow.  He is 12 years old and I've had him since he was a 5 year old rescue kitty.  Right now he seems to be more concerned with comforting me.

Tomorrow, I'm taking off work to take him to his holistic vet (who has been unavailable due to a personal loss of her own) to work out a treatment schedule for him.

I'd really appreciate some TCS vibes. 

Elizabeth & Whimsey

I wish you and your well loved Whimsey nothing but wonderful results and a very easy go of things. Amazing how the love we give them can carry them through so much. It was so sweet to read that he is comforting YOU. Whimsey is a lucky boy with you always going the extra mile for him. Here's all the safe, happy thoughts I can send to you both. *HUGS*

Brenda (and Dexter and Buddy and Puppy Cat and Fartley and Footsy!)

Hi there,

I NEVER log in here but I got an email about your post and remembered how much your encouragement and sympathy meant to me when we were having our ringworm and calici virus fun with the kittens and two senior cats in 2009. You and this site helped me get through such a rotten time! (That is ancient history; Possum and Wendy are big cats now; Possum is kind of, um, stout, but still bears a remarkable resemblance to Rufus Sewell. Wendy is still skittish when she isn't demanding attention and belly rubs... Snicky is weak and skeletal at 17-1/2 but still doing her thing, despite what is probably a malignancy somewhere. She also has CRF, high blood pressure, and IBD. Takes prednisolone, potassium, amlodipine, anti-nausea pill, monthly B-12 shots...)

Snalbert developed what I suppose is Stage 2 CRF and high blood pressure in January. (My vet doesn't tell me stages, she keeps me minimally informed, which is honestly what I prefer to be on this one subject, as I trust her.) He's 16. We give him fluids every night, warmed in the sink, and he purrs through it. I feel like we're "recharging" him, and it's keeping him stable. My husband and I aren't thrilled to have another task every single night, but it's great to know we are helping Bertie; it's his special "quality time" with both of us. He loves the treats afterward, too. He had lost a lot of weight several months ago and looked lousy, but then he perked up and gained a pound and a half. His levels have improved.

It's not the end of the world.... but I do understand how you feel. It would be nice if they could just live happy and be healthy. But you can help them have the next best thing. You're going to do a great job for him, and he'll have a longer, better life because of you. Bertie doesn't know he's sick; he bosses the other cats, tries to get into all the baked goods, and howls his head off just to show off. Your cat won't know he's sick, either, I'll bet. I know he's going to have the best care possible with you.

I never won the battle of getting all the cats to eat healthier food, but the older ones have good appetites for the disgusting K/D my vet recommends and it apparently helps their levels, too. With your knowledge and a holistic vet, I wouldn't be surprised if you can actually turn the CRF around with some diet changes. My groomer managed to do that with one of her elderly cats. The kidney levels went normal.

Sending you warm wishes, gratitude, hope, and hugs,

Bunnelina

Good News!!!!

Thanks to the amazing TCS vibes and the two wonderful and encouraging responses that I received, my holistic vet thinks that Whimsey had an infection but not the dooms day CRF diagnosis I was originally given.  I have also switched vets to the emergency vet that I originally took Whimsey to.  This facility is open 24/7 and has all the lab work, etc.,, done on site so the vet was on the phone to me THREE HOURS later with the results of Whimsey's blood work which showed an infection.

Anyway, to make a long story short, my boy has responded to the meds and is looking his usual magnificent self. 

Thank you so much.  TCS rocks!!!!

Elizabeth & Whimsey

Oh, that's GREAT news! Congratulations! Cupcakes to celebrate all around!

Thanks Bunnelina!  I'll drink to that!!!!