Kidney Issues

mrsgreenjeens

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If she fell hard, it's possible she has a bone chip or something like that, because I would think that after a couple of weeks, if it were a strained muscle, she would be better.  Poor thing
.  I guess I missed the part where she fell
.

As to your question about the potassium levels of Abady Apex 2...honestly I had never heard of this food until you mentioned it.( AND, I made a mistake and meant to say the food should be low in Phosphorus vs potassium
.)   It sounds like a very good food, but I cannot find anything about it except the ingredients.  You will probably need to contact the company direct and ask them.  But from what I've read, it's a great food, especially for diabetic cats.  Hope Dora likes it, as I see it's very expensive
I forgot to mention it. I didn't really tie the two things together until a few days ago when my husband mentioned it. I feel like her leg was already hurting her though but the fall definitely could have aggravated it.
Took her to the vet today. The vet messed with her leg trying to feel for any tears or fractures. She couldn't really tell what was hurting since my cat screams, hisses, and growls at every visit. She said she would do X-rays but i just can't afford it right now. My husband and I have hit very rough financial times since he's on disability for a broken hand. The vet said we can wait another two weeks to see if it is just a pulled or sprained leg. In the meanwhile I'm trying to restrict her movement. Drives me crazy not being able to get the X-rays right away.
As far as the Abady food, she actually loves it. It is expensive but if it keeps her healthy ill try my hardest to keep buying it. I only bought two cans for now
Well,I certainly understand financial issues
.  She, the Vet could not feel anything awry?  Darn!  Was hoping maybe they would be able to feel something.  Restricting her is a good idea...if nothing else maybe just keep her in one room with no high furniture for her to jump up on to..

Glad she likes the Abady.  So...how were her blood results?  Improved?  And what did the Vet have to say about her leg?  Anything at all?

 
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kittykat718

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My 17 year old girl, Alafair, also has issues with her kidneys.  Close to a year and a half ago (she was still living with my parents at the time) she went through a phase when we thought we were going to lose her to these problems.  According to my mother she just sat on a chair in the living room for 24 hours and did not move before they took her to the vet.  When we first found out that her kidneys were going to be problematic I made the decision that I would not put her through daily shots, but my mom decided with the vet that she would take her in several times a week for three weeks to get fluid shots to see what happened.  I was not happy that they were going to put my kitty through this, but I ended up being so glad that I did.  She ended up making a full recovery and has been kicking my new kitten's butt since.
 
It makes me feel better your cat was able to make a full recovery. I was so worried there was no looking up from  here but she seems to be so much better.
 
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kittykat718

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Well,I certainly understand financial issues
.  She, the Vet could not feel anything awry?  Darn!  Was hoping maybe they would be able to feel something.  Restricting her is a good idea...if nothing else maybe just keep her in one room with no high furniture for her to jump up on to..

Glad she likes the Abady.  So...how were her blood results?  Improved?  And what did the Vet have to say about her leg?  Anything at all?

Nothing at all. I was hoping they would find something also, as bad it that sounds. I just wanted there to be something we could FIX. Its also very difficult because my cat is a wild rabid beast at the vets office. They have to wrestle her with a towel to examine her. So you cant really determine whether her screams were cause she was angry or in pain. When we're at home and shes relaxing, I massage her leg and sometimes put pressure where I think its bothering her and sometimes she pulls it away quickly. So I feel like I know where it hurts. Are there any animal hospitals where I could get her x-rayed for maybe half of what I was quoted? I live in NYC. I hate letting this stew. Id never forgive myself if it turns out to be something worse because I couldnt afford an xray
 

duckdodgers

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It makes me feel better your cat was able to make a full recovery. I was so worried there was no looking up from  here but she seems to be so much better.
Yeah, I forgot to mention that the point of that ramble was to show that these sorts of problems can be dealt with.  Unfortunately it is a fact of life that a cat won't live forever, but sometimes they will surprise you.  I do fully know that Alafair may eventually begin having problems again with her kidneys, but I could not be happier with how she is doing right now. 

Also, for what it's worth, she has not had to be on any special supplements.  And if I remember right the k/d is a product similar to NF by Purina.  I recall when these issues first started my vet recommending either diet, but that most cats more readily accept the NF.  That coupled with the fact that I have a dislike for science diet prompted me to switch her to the NF instead. 
 
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kittykat718

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Her leg seems to be getting worse. Today she was sitting and kind of letting it float in the air. I can't let this sit anymore. Tomorrow I have to find somewhere to take her
 

mrsgreenjeens

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Poor little one.  I just hope someone can figure out what wrong with that leg, or hip, or whatever.

 

white shadow

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My cat...is now on a product called Renavast which comes from California and I am sure is keeping his levels down and maybe alive....worth checking out and perhaps ordering.
Hi Debs Moore and welcome to TCS!

The Oracle for all things kidney - Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - "reviews" RevAvast and other 'miracle products' in this section of the site (entitled "Save Your Money") http://www.felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#save_your_money

To cut to the chase:
Based on the information currently available, I would save my money  and put it towards more proven treatments than RenAvast.
 

catfan7

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I was able to extend my dog's life by 3 years and improve her quality of life greatly using the info at this site to create a low phosphorus, high protein, nutritious diet:

http://dogaware.com/health/kidney.html#start

I am convinced, after years of discussing this with many pet owners and vets, that this site is THE best source for this topic on dogs.

I would encourage you to contact the site owner directly and see where she might direct you for best info on cats.  Chances are, she probably knows about it.  She has run her site for many years now, has done extensive lay research of primary source documents, and created and updated a successful dietary approach that really saves and extends dogs' lives.

Good luck!
 

gerard danjou

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I also feel for you and your gal,I really don't have anything to say beyound that sorry , but I do know what you are going through ,seek medical help for her if not to sure, but this will cost , but isn't she worth it?
 
 

profjjohnson

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I went through nearly two years of doing the subQ fluids and appetite stimulants with my Siamese with chronic renal failure (CRF) until his condition was so severe that I had to put him down.  My Jackie did have difficulty walking at some stages, and the  vet attributed this to the muscle deterioration associated with the kidney failure.  It would typically co-occur with a major weight loss (often hard to detect with the fluids that artificially plump up the body), so it really needs to be monitored by your vet.  During those times, my vet would up the potassium levels in the fluids, which often helped with the leg weakness.  In addition, I was giving the cat injections of pepcid (he was impossible to pill), which seemed to help with keeping on the weight and preventing "crashing". 

I see you are in Queens, and I was too at the time when Jackie was diagnosed.  In fact, the last 6 months of his care I was living in Princeton, NJ and still did the commute to my vet in Queens to keep up the continuity of care.  If you are looking for a vet who is really good with the CRF condition, try Forest Hills Cat Hospital (actually is in Middle Village and very close to the Queens Mall).  Either way, it is a difficult road and I hope your kitty keeps off the worst of the condition as long as possible.  Sadly, it is an expensive treatment regimen with frequent blood tests and medications, so be prepared.  You may want to look at the the following CRF website as well. http://www.felinecrf.org/ I found a large array of information on that site that helped me to learn about behavioral signs, food options, and treatments.
 

bcpnpt

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The Prescription Diet brand makes many foods -  k/d   c/d   a/d   for cats and dogs.  Check with your vet for what might be best for your animal. 

Our male cat is on c/d (dry food) for bladder problems.  

Most of these products k/d, c/d, a/d etc are made as wet canned food and as bags of dry food.  Our cat can not stand and will not eat or touch the CANS of c/d food HOWEVER he LOVES the dry food.  If you are going to purchase the canned food, most vets will sell you one can instead of buying the whole case.  Do this just in case your pet does not or will not eat the canned food.  Saves you lots of money, buying one unwanted can vs buying one case of unwanted food.  Years ago we bought a whole case and then ended up donating it to a shelter as our cat would have nothing to do with it.  If your vet recommends some type of food and your animal with not eat the canned or the dry, there are appetite enhancers that can be sprinkled on top of the food to entice your cat.  (Just make sure if you have any dry food to keep it sealed very tight for freshness). 
 

lesliecat

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If this were my cat, I'd get a second opinion on renal failure.  Not sure what you mean re Kidney Issues.  Kidneys are either failing or they are not.  There are several veterinary prescription diets out there.  
 

lesliecat

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Thank you so much for this post.  It will be helpful to me in the future as I have some old cats that will probably go into renal failure.  Good job!
 

lesliecat

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I went through nearly two years of doing the subQ fluids and appetite stimulants with my Siamese with chronic renal failure (CRF) until his condition was so severe that I had to put him down.  My Jackie did have difficulty walking at some stages, and the  vet attributed this to the muscle deterioration associated with the kidney failure.  It would typically co-occur with a major weight loss (often hard to detect with the fluids that artificially plump up the body), so it really needs to be monitored by your vet.  During those times, my vet would up the potassium levels in the fluids, which often helped with the leg weakness.  In addition, I was giving the cat injections of pepcid (he was impossible to pill), which seemed to help with keeping on the weight and preventing "crashing". 

I see you are in Queens, and I was too at the time when Jackie was diagnosed.  In fact, the last 6 months of his care I was living in Princeton, NJ and still did the commute to my vet in Queens to keep up the continuity of care.  If you are looking for a vet who is really good with the CRF condition, try Forest Hills Cat Hospital (actually is in Middle Village and very close to the Queens Mall).  Either way, it is a difficult road and I hope your kitty keeps off the worst of the condition as long as possible.  Sadly, it is an expensive treatment regimen with frequent blood tests and medications, so be prepared.  You may want to look at the the following CRF website as well. http://www.felinecrf.org/ I found a large array of information on that site that helped me to learn about behavioral signs, food options, and treatments.
Thank you for this post.  I will use it in the future as I have several old cats who will probably go into renal failure.  Good job.
 

onyxkits

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Nothing at all. I was hoping they would find something also, as bad it that sounds. I just wanted there to be something we could FIX. Its also very difficult because my cat is a wild rabid beast at the vets office. They have to wrestle her with a towel to examine her. So you cant really determine whether her screams were cause she was angry or in pain. When we're at home and shes relaxing, I massage her leg and sometimes put pressure where I think its bothering her and sometimes she pulls it away quickly. So I feel like I know where it hurts. Are there any animal hospitals where I could get her x-rayed for maybe half of what I was quoted? I live in NYC. I hate letting this stew. Id never forgive myself if it turns out to be something worse because I couldnt afford an xray
 

onyxkits

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Does NYC have any animal welfare societies that have vets ? I live in Florida and they have programs like this and the prices are half of what our regular vet would charge.
 
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