Beau needs to start sub-Q fluids soon

My Beau, who just turned 15, was diganosed with CRF last fall. His creatinine levels have been climbing, and the vet thinks that soon we shall need to start him on subcutaneous fluids. I knew this was coming, but did not know that it would be so soon, and feel very sad about it. I know many cats have lived for years on sub-Qs, so I do try to think as positively as I can about it, but it is still hard, because I know that it is the next step in a direction I do not want to see......his declining health. He is so much a part of me that I have no idea who I will even be without him. I just pray that he will stay with me for a long time yet.

Originally Posted by D'Elle and Beau

My Beau, who just turned 15, was diganosed with CRF last fall. His creatinine levels have been climbing, and the vet thinks that soon we shall need to start him on subcutaneous fluids. I knew this was coming, but did not know that it would be so soon, and feel very sad about it. I know many cats have lived for years on sub-Qs, so I do try to think as positively as I can about it, but it is still hard, because I know that it is the next step in a direction I do not want to see......his declining health. He is so much a part of me that I have no idea who I will even be without him. I just pray that he will stay with me for a long time yet.

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I will be in your place at some pt also... I send you and Beau a big hug... there are a few "experts " on here to help out...

I can see why he's called Beau, what a beautiful cat. Face full of character. I'm sorry to hear your news, thinking of you and hoping you have better news for us soon- hugs to you and to Beau. Keep us posted.

I wish you and Beau years more together...if it helps a bit, Patrick has been on sub-q's the entire almost 3 years since his diagnosis with crf.

Was Beau a candidate for Calcitriol? I am convinced this has been part of why Patrick has done relatively well.

Thanks for all of the good wishes. Yes, Beau has been on Calcitriol since mid February. I have no way to know if it is helping or not, actually, but I am willing to keep giving it to him just in case. I love hearing about cats who have been on sub-Qs for years.not that this is a good thing, to be on sub-Qs, but it shows me that cats can live a long time even once this is necessary. I just feel so sad at times because now he is on several medications already, and we have to start yet another thing, and I just wish there were a way that I could spare him all of this. Of course, knowing Beau as I do, I don't doubt that it will all be much more stressful for me than it is for him. I know that I can handle the sub-Qs, it's just that I had hoped so much that we wouldn't have to start doing them so soon. Thanks again for the support.

Your first post in this thread really got me, especially when you wrote "he is so much a part of me that I have no idea who I will even be without him." That is exactly how I feel about my girl who has CRF.

The good news is that giving fluids will definitely extend Beau's life. Like Pat & Alix, I've been doing subQ fluids for my cat for about 3 years too. It is absolutely the best thing you can do for Beau, and you'll see tangible results. My advice is not to wait anymore to start doing fluids, though you mentioned doing them "soon". If Beau's creatinine levels are already high, you should be giving fluids now; don't wait til the levels worsen. Get a demonstration from your vet showing how to administer them, and order your fluid equipment ASAP (it will be far less expensive than buying it from your vet. Your vet will need to write a prescription for the equipment). I buy my fluids and equipment from www.dmi2.com

Several members do hydration (subQ) for their kitties, so if you ever have questions or need advice, someone will be able to help.

Beau is a beautiful boy - I wish you both many more happy years together!

Originally Posted by D'Elle and Beau

Thanks for all of the good wishes. Yes, Beau has been on Calcitriol since mid February. .

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What is Calcitriol???

Originally Posted by sharky

What is Calcitriol???

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I could never explain it as well as at Tanya's Site click here

hth,

ps there is a calcitriol yahoogroups groups as well, with many of the same folks on the feline support list.

Aw I'm thinking of you and Beau!