Dehydration but kidneys ok....

darkhorse321

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Hi All!!

Just updating you on my little girl, Skye. She's 17 and been doing ok---arthritis has been really bad with this crazy weather in my neck of the woods.

I got Skye to the vet today for fluids--she's been drinking more than normal, but being on prednisone, I've noticed she does this. Vet confirmed she was dehydrated and gave her fluids, and we ran blood work to make sure kidney function is ok. It was fine in December and I'm not seeing any signs of kidney issues, but I figured let's do it. He may test for hypo-thyroid if prelim blood work merits this.

She's not diabetic, so that's good.

She did have elevated pancreatic levels back in December, but no other levels in her blood work were off. Likely she has some damage to the pancreas due to her acute case back in August. Would that cause dehydration? They are running tests for the pancreas and liver, but she's got a good appetite, is playful (as much as she can be), has been mobile despite being very, very stiff.

I'm just super worried over her as she's my godsend right now, helping me with Bandit's loss. She's my little snuggle-bug.

Have any of you had elderly cats that just needed rehydration now and again?

Thanks for any help!
 

margd

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Thank you for updating us about Skye. I'm glad to hear how she's doing.  She actually sounds like she's doing quite well, 


Have you gotten the blood work back yet giving information on kidney function?    Even though you haven't noticed any changes in kidney function, often the only visible sign is excess drinking of water and huge puddles in the litter box.  This was how my old cat Wesley presented for seven years after his diagnosis at age 12.  In other words, even if Skye does have reduced kidney function, that doesn't mean she is on her last legs.   Yes, for many cats it can mean serious trouble ahead but this is not always the case. 


I have quite a few elderly cats and none of them appeared to need fluids simply because they were elderly.  I may have missed the symptoms, however, with two of my seniors so that's said somewhat cautiously.  Hopefully, other members will chime in on this issue.  I do wonder if the prednisone might be associated with Skye's dehydration since it seems to be associated with her increased thirst.

Wishing you good news from the vet and hopes that Skye has many more years ahead of her.  With cats living into their 20's these days, that's not an impossible wish. 
 
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darkhorse321

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Thanks so much! We did get her blood work back. She does have the early stages of kidney disease, which I would figure at her age of 17. She's JUST starting. The vet called me again today because he said one of her protein levels is on the high end of normal and he said we need a urinanalysis to get a better idea before we can better treat it. She has lost some muscle in her hind legs and lower back, but she's also been on prednisone for the pancreatitis---sort of a catch 22.

I'm more familiar with kidney disease since my first kitty was diagnosed at 17 and a half, but she was in very, very bad shape--it was 1999, so not as many tests available.

Skye is a happy kitty and has benefited from fluids. I may have to learn how to do subq fluids again, but part of me would rather the vet do it so I don't hurt her. She's a very good patient though ;) She's taking care of me now as I've come down with the flu.

Prednisone use can also cause increased thirst, but not dehydration--pancreatitis can cause it too, so I'll get her more fluids at our vet visit this Tuesday. Thanks for your response! :)
 

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 It sounds like the blood work results are a little troubling but promising at the same time since the kidney issues are just starting and the protein levels are still within the normal range, even if high.  It sounds like you have a very good vet which makes a world of difference, doesn't it? 


I've never given subq fluids myself but from what I've read here, some kitties barely bat an eye when they're being treated.  Hopefully, Skye will handle it well.  I'm so glad to hear that she's happy and doing so well.  And earning her keep by nursing you.  The flu - ugh.  I hope you recover quickly from that. 

Thanks for giving us the news about Sky's blood test results.  Crossed fingers that the urinalysis comes back normal. 
 

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If you decide to do subQ fluids, ask for a smaller needle than usual. The fluid takes longer, but I found my cat tolerated it much better.
 
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darkhorse321

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Had a bit of an odd hiccup today and I took her to the emerg clinic. It's possible it was due to medication, but I have never seen it before:

Skye began to just lay her head into her water bowl and slurp water----she'd rest and doze off, then do it again. I've NEVER seen ANY cat do this and I was very concerned.

She was eating and didn't seem in distress, temp was normal (I"m sick and she was cuddling with me and I brought the water onto the bed in a container), but the drinking was just SO WEIRD! I got upset and decided to take her to the emerg clinic--my ever wonderful vet did call me back as I called him at home to see if anyone was due to go into the clinic tonight to give any animals there medication. He said no, and he said it didn't sound like an emergency, but I wasn't about to wait until late into the evening to wait for her to get worse.

The emerg clinic is about 20 mins from me and I'm running  a fever/sick--so my wonderful mom, who has been dealing with her own health issues, took me.

There was NO ONE there, so they checked her--all systems were good--heart/lungs/temp. She was mildly dehydrated. I did get an abdominal Xray though--she'd not been pooping as much and I wanted to rule out any blockage or stones. All looks good!! There is some question if there is fluid in her belly , but I'm pretty sure it's fat ;) My girl is a bit...chubby. Needless to say, she was hydrated and we went on our way. She is MUCH happier and slept for a good hour, had a bit to drink and a lot to eat, and is sleeping soundly in her kitty bed!! <3 

I'm wondering if I gave her too much medication: While my vet said I could give gabapentin and buperenorphine together (it would have been about 7 hrs, gabapentin 1/2 tablet and bupe, a droplet on my fingertip)---Skye's got a sensitive system and I am wondering if that's why she was so thirsty--much like us getting lots of pain meds and being groggy and dry mouthed after.

Going to back off meds for this evening---she's settled and nothing else is needed. Let's hope I get a good sound sleep and start to feel better tomorrow.
 

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How is Skye feeling today?  I'm glad to hear that her trip to the ER vet revealed no problems - those are the kinds of results you want to hear when you go to the ER, especially when you feel crummy yourself.

I have never seen a cat lie down to drink before but I have seen dogs do that.  It's been so long that I can't remember why unfortunately but my first thought is that they are simply tired  - too tired to lift their heads.

It makes perfect sense to me that Skye was feeling sleepy and more sleepy than usual because you mixed gabapentin and buperenophine.  It doesn't seem to have done her any harm though.

Please let us know how that sweet old lady is doing!
 
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darkhorse321

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Sadly, my darling sweet Skye crossed the Rainbow Bridge March 21st 2017.   Her condition worsened over monday night--she was again hanging her head in her water bowl just slurping water. I began to think she may have had dental pain and just resting her head in the cool water,  but no. With the flu, I rushed her to my vet after no sleep Tuesday morning. She was massively dehydrated and her belly was bloated....again, I was thinking it was due to air intake with all the water.

No. It was fluid--Ascites. The fluid was clear that was aspirated. I had been sent home as they were busy and wanted to get her some tests---blood work showed nothing. In fact, kideny and protein were good---which brought us to the reality---cancer. Bandit and Skye were blood siblings. My vet offered to do an ultrasound to see what was going on...for free. But, between their schedule and my need to have her home....I elected not to. Being away from her for 4 hrs would agony. All I wanted was to have her home and spend the rest of the day with her cuddling. They gave her subq fluids and we made the appointment for her to be euthanized at home.

Crying, congested and running a fever, I lay with her in her kitty bed, and a bowl of water in a second container so it wouldn't spill, she ate a bit and then slept soundly next to me---wondered why I was bawling my eyes out.

I wish I could say her crossing was peaceful, but even that was not. SHE was in no pain (sedated), but sadly, she had really bad edema from her veins leaking fluid---which lead to them not being able to get a vein and to have to put her on her back in her kitty bed, not in my arms, and ...I won't write the rest. But I am glad I was there and wouldn't have had it any other way. My beautiful little angel deserved to just slip away quietly.....in my arms with no discomfort or fear. I don't think she had either.....but I don't think she wanted to leave.

I am staying at my mom's until I recover from the flu and find a new fur baby.....my home seems so empty I just cry there.

Thank you everyone for your help and kindness with my two wonderful babies and their health issues. 17 years just flies by and suddenly, you are saying goodbye and it feels like an axe is breaking your chest apart.
 

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darkhorse321 darkhorse321
I'm so sorry for your loss. Skye sounds like she was a remarkable kitty.

It's so hard when we lose our babies. They take a piece of our hearts with them. I lost my soul kitty Kiki just two months ago.
 

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I'm so very sorry about Skye.  It seemed like she was doing so well there for awhile, too.  It was such a shock to see your post.  Letting her go was a very loving thing to do but now your pain begins.  Your description about 17 years just flying by and suddenly it feeling like an ax is breaking your chest apart is so true.  You conveyed the feeling perfectly.  My only solution to that kind of pain was to find a new kitty- I see you're doing the same thing.  Giving a new cat a home is one of the best ways to honor the one who just passed, I think.

RIP Skye. 
 
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darkhorse321

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Thank you so much. I am so sad. I am seeing a new fur baby tomorrow----her face reminds me of Skye's, but she's a chinchilla Persian. 9 wks old. I hope it works out. Mom's kitty has been glued to me since I've been here. I think she knows I'm very sad and also sick to boot. 
 

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Let us know how things go tomorrow.  I hope it's love at first sight for both of you.   


I also hope you get over that nasty flu soon.  It must be a help to have a cat nursing you.  They understand. 
 
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darkhorse321

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Well, it wasn't love at first site...but it was a solid connection that I brought home little Savannah. 9wk old chichilla persian x flame himalayan. 

I am home and miss my darling Skye so very much, my heart is in my feet. Savannah has been wonderful, licking my face when I cry, and snuggling with me when I'm sad. She's been wonderful. She's currently sacked out on my laptop case. Mom's cat, Mia, couldn't figure her out.

My home....this home I"ve lived in for 15 years, has only ever known Skye and Bandit.  They lived here almost their entire life...15 yrs.  Sigh. 
 

margd

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Savannah sounds like a sweet little girl.  I bet she will help you as you grieve for Skye (and Bandit.)   She already is comforting you when you cry which is a good sign.
  It's hard, I know, without Skye.  The loss must seem overwhelming at times.   Savannah will never replace her but your heart will only grow larger as Savannah settles into it.  I know when I've gotten a new cat, there is always a period of time before they seem like they're an integral part of my family but they always do. 


Do you have any photos of this little darling?  I would love to see some and I know that I'm not alone. 
 
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darkhorse321

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I will see if I can figure out how to upload a photo of Savannah.  Yes---I'm in that period of transition where...I still want my Skye in my arms. Seeing the videos I took, and seeing older videos...I can see the difference. My dear sweet girl. I saw the same with Bandit. 

Thank you for your kind words. Knowing others here have gone through this does help some what. I know I am in 'good company' so to speak. My heart just feels like lead....
 
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