15-year-old cat with kidney failure

Hi. First, thank you to the many posters on these sites who have given me so much great information.

My beautiful loving cat Bailey (he'll be 15 in October) was diagnosed with renal failure a week ago. His creatinine was 13 and his BUN was 166, very high numbers. 

He's been on 150ML of subcutaneous fluids per day for the last five days. He tolerates the injections well but I've seen no obvious improvement. He has very little appetite (highly unusual for him; he always ate too much if given the choice) and is lethargic, only getting up from my bed to use the litter box. He's also weak, and can no longer jump onto the bed without assistance (I built him stairs). He still likes to sit on my lap. So far he hasn't vomited.

My questions: How long should it take for the subcutaneous injections to have an impact? My doctor wants me to bring him in for yet another blood test, but from what I understand the prognosis isn't good. He hates the visits and the blood test and at this point I'm more interested in making him comfortable.

I'm wondering if instead I should just continue the fluid treatments at home, keep him as happy as possible, and make the tough decision when/if he continues to decline.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. Anyone been in this situation?

Thank you.

Did the vet check Bailey's phosphorus and potassium levels?  Did the vet prescribe a low phosphorus food for Bailey?

My cat Sandra was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013.  She was doing well up until about December of last year.  She became very weak.  Her back legs were very weak, and she was wobbly and having a hard time getting around.  She would often stumble and fall.  When I took her to the vet, the blood work showed elevated BUN, Creatinine and phosphorus (level was at 15).  Also, her potassium was very low.  She was put on the Hills k/d diet.  Sandra really likes this food.  She gets both the canned and dry version.  The diet helped gradually improve her wellbeing.  It took about a 3 weeks to see improvement with the diet.  The vet also prescribed sub-Q fluids for her.  I give her fluids every other day at 100 ml (lactated ringers).  She was also put on a phosphorus binder.  An elevated phosphorus level can really make them feel crummy and not want to eat.  Her binder is in powder form.  I mix it with water and give to her by syringe (she would not take it with her canned food).  I try to divide the phosphorus binder to give her before meals throughout the day.  She is also on a potassium supplement (Vet Solution Renal K+).  This potassium supplement also has B vitamins, so it helps give her some energy. 

I would say the combination of k/d diet, fluid therapy, phosphorus binder and potassium supplement has improved her appetite and wellbeing.  She still has some weakness in her back legs, but she is not at all stumbling and falling like before.  She even demands attention now.  Before she just wanted to be left alone and just sleep.  She does have days where she doesn't have a good appetite, but she seems to bounce back and have more good days.

I forgot to mention, Sandra is also on Miralax for constipation.  Constipation can be a real issue for Kidney cats.

I hope your baby gets better.  Sending prayers to your baby Bailey

Thank you. It's so hard to see him go through this.

His phosphorus level was 19.8.

Indeed, my vet recommended the Royal Canin renal support diet, which Bailey has been eating (when he eats) for a few days.

I'll be patient and give him more time. Useful to know that it took a few weeks for Sandra to show some improvement.

A good source of information is Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease website:  www.felinecrf.org/

Bailey's phosphorus is very high.  If his phosphorus doesn't go down by the next appointment, I think you should ask about the phosphorus binder.  And also the potassium as it can really help with weakness. 

Please make sure to visit Tanya's website. 

Hugs to Bailey and you