Kidney disease in my 7 year old cat. His creatinine level is at 6.97.

Hi, my cat was diagnosed with a kidney problem about nine months ago. His creatinine at the time was 2.20. Back then was treated with sub-cuteanous fluids, etc. and after a couple of months' treatment, his creatinine was back to 0.19. He was on certain medications, and he seemed pretty normal and okay since then. But when we did a blood test after he began to lose his appetite, we found that his creatinine was risen to 6.97! And his BUN is 93 mg/ dl. The vet tells me that this is the last stage of his disease and that he has lost a lot of his kidney function and that the condition is so far advanced that it might not be reversible at all, or even controllable. We have started him on sub-Q again now and other medications. The vet has said that there is very little chance, but that with sub-Q fluids and medications, we might be able to keep him with us for a little while longer. I am worried sick. Is he so far gone in the kidney failure that there is no chance of reducing his creatinine levels to normal? Or might he get well with treatment? Any help, any sharing of personal experiences will be appreciated.

I am so sorry you and your kitty are going through this. Lots of vibes for you both.

I don't have any personal experience to share, but the best site I know of for information on kidney disease is here. http://www.felinecrf.org/

atahska said:

...The vet tells me that this is the last stage of his disease and that he has lost a lot of his kidney function and that the condition is so far advanced that it might not be reversible at all, or even controllable.

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Hi atahska and welcome to TCS!

It may be that your Vet has good reason for suggesting that your kitty may be in the late stages of kidney disease.....BUT....considering that many cats initially diagnosed with CKD go on to live a number of years when the disease is adequately managed - and, considering that your cat was only diagnosed nine months ago - well, let me just say that I'd not be giving up just yet. I say that especially because many general practice Vets simply do not have the experience/expertise to either manage the condition nor provide "crystal ball" advisories.

The absolute best online advice for kidney cats is undoubtedly to be found here: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/tanyas-crf-support/

That is one of many such specialized online groups targeting  almost every chronic feline disease/condition. While "general" forums like this one can be very helpful, the members of those specialized groups have a single focus and have developed years of collective experience in managing their cats' specific condition. That collective experience far outstrips that of anyone's individual Vet. They are also on top of the latest treatments and clinical trials - unlike the average Veterinarian.

If you think this might be helpful - or, even if you'd like to give it a try - a "test drive" - you can read more about how it works here http://www.felinecrf.org/tanyas_support_group.htm

If you're going to try it out, I'd recommend that you get yourself a new, separate Yahoo email address - it will help you manage the information easier.

That group is a natural offshoot of - what has become - the "oracle" on feline kidney disease: http://www.felinecrf.org/index.htm That website has received wide international recognition, including the recommendation of The American Association of Feline Practitioners http://www.catvets.com/healthtopics/medical_conditions/?Id=211

Hope this helps!

Hey, thank you so much. I would be ready to try out any treatments that would help. I live in India though and it isn't the best place for veterinary services. Treatment at the local vet's already costs too much to try anything costlier. It's painfully sad to have financial constraints when it comes to making things easier for my darling, but so it is. I will look up Tanya's support group. Thanks for replying.

atahska- I do know what you mean about Veterinary costs - they do seem to be the same everywhere....TOO MUCH!

Speak to the people on the group, though.....there are people on there from all over the globe. They can also help with advice to minimize your vet costs. Just as an example, the sub-q fluids are something you can do yourself at home.

If you are a reader....a rare find these days, it seems...Tanya's website itself is a wealth of information. It can quickly become overwhelming, though, so "biting" off small chunks and digesting them can work - then questions can be posed to the group.

Don't be a stranger here, though...and, keep us posted too! (and ask questions!)