Winston goes for MOT

Hi. My name is Elaine. I have a 20 year old puss, Winston. He has CRF, an over active thyroid and arthritis in his hind quarters. He was diagnosed over a year and a half ago. He has his good days and bad days but generally over all he has more good than bad. Anyway he was pretty sick last night but seems bright and playfull today. He is eating well.
He is off to the vets tomorrow for more blood tests to check on his progress. I am really hoping he has remained stable but will have to wait and see what the tests show.
Still havent worked out the photo bucket thing yet but as soon as I do I will post some pics of my handsome old boy. He really is quite a smasher for his years.
Almost forgot why I am posting all this.
I would be very interested to share experiences with any one on the subject of CRF etc.
Thanx for your taking the time to read about my handsome old boy.

Awwww bless him! I hope his checkup goes ok Elaine.

If you need any help putting Winstons pictures up just pm me

http://photobucket.com/albums/a398/E...?sc=1&multi=10
You can find pics of my beautiful babes here. I personally think Winston looks very handsome and sexy for his age.

Can't see - it asks for your password

Oh heck, sorry
Have changed settings so it should work now.

Good luck Winston. You must be a very caring owner to have kept him going well until now.

I think its fair to say he has had a good life. He has out lived his brother and his long time companion. His new companion is only a year and a half. With hind sight I should have got 2 kittens or an older cat but we wouldnt swap Eva for the world now. Winston admires her beauty but wishes she wasnt so energetic lol.

Winston sure is one healthy looking fellow and very handsom too.......... All my best with Winston and of course plenty of hugs and kisses

I can only hope my kitty lives that long He looks pretty darn good!

Winston is indeed a lucky fellow to have such a wonderful meowmy. He is a good looking "old" fellow!

I love Eva's markings too - she is beautiful.

Winstons blood results were not good I am afraid. His Urea and Creatinine have risen and the vet is talking very seriously like there isnt much more we can do to help him.
He is on medication and I try to feed him good quality low phos and low protien foods. I also give him vitamin supplements and slippery elm bark syrup, to help his stomache acid and constipation.
Out wardly he looks so good to be so sick.
Have posted a message to the Crf support group to see if things are as bad as the vet has painted it, am waiting for a reply.
He also has an over active thyroid but has always maintained his weight and his heart beat is strong and steady.
Feeling really upset and sad. I am very frightened for my old boy.
Will keep you posted.

Oh no! Just hang in there and keep us updated on what the vet says. Poor baby

Healing vibes sent your way for Winston.
He is a beautiful kitty....

Thankyou for all your kind words.
Have been informed by the support group that I should now be asking my vet about giving Winston fluid therapy. They reckon he would benefit from this greatly.
I have asked my vet before about this and will ofcourse call him in the morning to discuss it again. He opposed it last time and said today that we were doing all we possibly can for him. Am wandering if its because of his age that he doesnt want to consider him for it.
Feel very confused and emotional. I want my old boy to be happy and comfortable. I wouldnt want to put him through any unecessary stress, pain etc.
Will keep you posted.

Any advice please. I have called my vet today regarding sub-q fluids or IV fluids to help my old boy. The vet wont entertain the idea. He said it was a last resort and Winston doesnt require it yet.
I called another vet who said they would only consider fluids therapy for larger animals.
Am going to call every vet I can think of in the North East of Scotland to try to find one that is more knowledgable on CRF in cats.
I cannt sit back and watch him decline knowing that there may be some other possibile treatments for him.
Thanx again for your time, your kind words and any advice you can offer.

It's a pity you weren't in the North East of England where i am I'd be annoyed if my vet said that to me because it's not as if he won't be getting paid?!

Have you googled for vets in Aberdeen?

After much phoning and discussions I have finally found a vet in Aberdeen who is sympathetic to our plight and more knowledgable on CRF and treatemnts available.
I feel a bit happier now and we are going to see them early next week.
Even the recepionist was extremely helpfull about the whole situation.
Thanx again and I will keep you posted on how the new vet goes.

The person to talk to here is Pat & Alix. She has two older cats and plenty of experience with CRF. If you search the forum for her posts (maybe try Pat & Alix AND CRF), I'm sure you'll find a lot of information and advice.

Thanx for that I'll give it a whirl.

Thats brilliant!!!