We don't know who is happier about it being Friday: we cats or our mom. Mom is happy because she doesn't have to get up at 6:30am (although Sable will attempt to get her up that earlier). We are happy because she will be home for a couple of days.
Fred is doing well. He isn't the most cooperative when it comes to getting his fluids. He may only weigh 5 lbs., but it takes mom and her brother to hold him. He has gotten free a couple of times and pulled the sub-q needle out. He was fine, but the solution was spraying all over until mom could clamp it off.
Lily gets eyedrops every morning, Fred gets fluids every other day, and I get a prednisone pill every other day. It's like an infirmary around here sometimes. But mom said she doesn't mind doing it. If she ever takes a trip she will have to board Fred. She can get one of her friends to take care of me and Lily, but she wouldn't ask anyone to "stick" Fred. Her best friend couldn't give fluids to her own kitty, so mom knows she won't be able to give them to Fred. But as mom says, she'll cross that bridge when she gets to it.
It's been so hot in Louisville. The daily high temperature has been in the 90s, and the humidity has been high. It makes the air feel heavy and sticky. And the "heat index" has been over 100. The weather pundits said that tomorrow, although the temperature should be about 96, the heat index will make it feel like it is 106! That is too hot for anyone!!! We are glad we are indoor cats. Mom said she may put out some water for the squirrels and bunnies that come in our yard.
Stay cool my friends and enjoy your weekend!!!
Showing posts with label sub-q fluid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sub-q fluid. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2016
Monday, July 18, 2016
A note from my brother, "Stinky" Fred
My sweet brother Fred has asked me if he could share his letter to our friends. Of course I said yes.
Dear Friends,
I have always been a thin guy, but I have been losing weight. Mom guessed my weight to be about 5 lbs. and she was right. I went to the vet on Friday morning and I weighed 5.2 lbs. The last time I was weighed was 3 years ago and I was around 8 lbs.
"Stinky Fred" is mom's nickname for me. I've always had really bad breath, but I've always had chronic gingivitis. Due to my kidney disease the vet said he doesn't think having my teeth cleaned is a good idea. The anesthesia isn't good for my system and he is afraid that I wouldn't come out of it.
The vet didn't feel anything unusual in my belly area. He and mom agreed that I should have a full blood panel ran. Dr. R. also suggested sub-q fluids and a B-12 shot. He took me in the back and they shaved my neck, stole my blood, etc. The whole time I was back there I was singing the song of my people: "Help! Help! The vet is a stabby person!" Mom could hear me and she said it was a totally different type of meow than what I make a home. Dr. R. told mom that I should have fluids administer two more days and then every other day for the foreseeable future.
Mom got the lab results from my blood workup and it is as mom feared. My weight loss is due to the progression of my kidney disease. It makes mom furry sad. I wasn't surprised to get the official diagnoses, nor was mom. I've had problems with my kidneys since I was about 4 years old (I'm about 10 years old now). Mom said she will do everything she can to slow the progression, but she is aware that it will eventually take me away from her. With the proper diet, and sub-q fluids every other day, I'm hoping I will have a few good years left with her. But I have promised her that when I am ready to go to my mansion, I will let her know. And she has promised me that, although it will hurt her heart, she will help me cross the Bridge with dignity and comfort. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Purrs and head bonks!
"Stinky" Fred
p.s.
Since getting the fluids and the B-12 shot, my appetite has improved and I'm eating my prescription kibble (I don't like the canned prescription food). I don't look as thin, but that is from the fluids.
Dear Friends,
I have always been a thin guy, but I have been losing weight. Mom guessed my weight to be about 5 lbs. and she was right. I went to the vet on Friday morning and I weighed 5.2 lbs. The last time I was weighed was 3 years ago and I was around 8 lbs.
"Stinky Fred" is mom's nickname for me. I've always had really bad breath, but I've always had chronic gingivitis. Due to my kidney disease the vet said he doesn't think having my teeth cleaned is a good idea. The anesthesia isn't good for my system and he is afraid that I wouldn't come out of it.
The vet didn't feel anything unusual in my belly area. He and mom agreed that I should have a full blood panel ran. Dr. R. also suggested sub-q fluids and a B-12 shot. He took me in the back and they shaved my neck, stole my blood, etc. The whole time I was back there I was singing the song of my people: "Help! Help! The vet is a stabby person!" Mom could hear me and she said it was a totally different type of meow than what I make a home. Dr. R. told mom that I should have fluids administer two more days and then every other day for the foreseeable future.
Mom got the lab results from my blood workup and it is as mom feared. My weight loss is due to the progression of my kidney disease. It makes mom furry sad. I wasn't surprised to get the official diagnoses, nor was mom. I've had problems with my kidneys since I was about 4 years old (I'm about 10 years old now). Mom said she will do everything she can to slow the progression, but she is aware that it will eventually take me away from her. With the proper diet, and sub-q fluids every other day, I'm hoping I will have a few good years left with her. But I have promised her that when I am ready to go to my mansion, I will let her know. And she has promised me that, although it will hurt her heart, she will help me cross the Bridge with dignity and comfort. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Purrs and head bonks!
"Stinky" Fred
p.s.
Since getting the fluids and the B-12 shot, my appetite has improved and I'm eating my prescription kibble (I don't like the canned prescription food). I don't look as thin, but that is from the fluids.
Friday, July 19, 2013
Memphis is back at the vet's
Mom
talked to my vet a few minutes ago. I've lost more weight. He gave me
an appetite stimulant and has two different types of food in front of
me. I am ignoring them. My temperature is normal. He said there is still
some redness in the back of my mouth. They are going to give me some
sub-q fluids and if he thinks it won't interfere with any tests I'll
have to have on Monday, I'll get a steroid shot. I have a 9am
appointment to see an internist/specialist vet on Monday.
Purrs,
Memphis
Mom here. Memphis would not eat last night. He laid on my bed, curled up in a tight ball. He is not showing any interest in food. I was able to isolate him in a separate room last night with his litterbox, kibble, and water. None of it had been touched overnight.
I am trying to remain positive, but his behavior has me frightened. Having just lost Panda to kidney failure in April, I am very concerned that Memphis will have those same problems.
My regular vet suggest that I take Memphis to see a specialist. Hopefully this new doctor can get to the root of the matter. Not knowing what I'm dealing with is the hardest part.
Please keep my boy, Memphis, in your purrs and prayers.
Purrs,
Memphis
Mom here. Memphis would not eat last night. He laid on my bed, curled up in a tight ball. He is not showing any interest in food. I was able to isolate him in a separate room last night with his litterbox, kibble, and water. None of it had been touched overnight.
I am trying to remain positive, but his behavior has me frightened. Having just lost Panda to kidney failure in April, I am very concerned that Memphis will have those same problems.
My regular vet suggest that I take Memphis to see a specialist. Hopefully this new doctor can get to the root of the matter. Not knowing what I'm dealing with is the hardest part.
Please keep my boy, Memphis, in your purrs and prayers.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Panda's Numbers Are Down!!!
The vet called mom this morning with good news. Panda's numbers were down! This is what she was told:
Weight = 12.4 lbs. That's 3 oz less but the vet said that could have been the difference between a full/empty bladder or bowels.
BUN = 70 (was 154). Still needs to be lower but that's over a 50% drop.
Creatin = 6.2 (was 9.5). Should be no higher than a 2.
Phosphorus = 10.4
And the vet wants Panda to have sub-q fluids every other day. Mom said she was confident enough to do it, but the question was would Panda cooperate. So guess what! Mom gave Panda her sub-q fluid at home!!! The full 200ml! She was such a good girl. Our uncle couldn't get Panda to eat or take her meds in the pill pockets today. She stuck her nose up at the pill pockets for mom too. Mom did get her to eat a little bit by opening her canned food in the bathroom. Of course, about 5 of the other cats came in too. Mom had to shoo them out and then Panda came in on her own. Mom shut the door and stayed with her. Serendipity was in there too, but she didn't bother Panda.
When Panda finished eating mom held her while our uncle brought in her carrier. Mom placed her in that and closed the top while she got the needle uncapped (she had already hung the fluid bag on a hanger on the shower rod). She was able to slide the needle in w/o any problem and start the flow. The only thing she said she would do different is have a place to sit. Mom can't sit on the side of the tub because she can't see the measurements on the fluid bag.
Of course, when mom put the carrier on the floor and opened the door, Panda bolted out and under the bed.
The vet has added Benazepril. Panda will get one 5mg pill daily
Panda has started to get picky about eating the pill pockets. Mom hates to have to use the pill shooter, but she may have to. She is going to get some cream cheese at the store and try that.
Dr. Green wants to recheck Panda in three weeks (unless there are any problems before then, of course).
Weight = 12.4 lbs. That's 3 oz less but the vet said that could have been the difference between a full/empty bladder or bowels.
BUN = 70 (was 154). Still needs to be lower but that's over a 50% drop.
Creatin = 6.2 (was 9.5). Should be no higher than a 2.
Phosphorus = 10.4
And the vet wants Panda to have sub-q fluids every other day. Mom said she was confident enough to do it, but the question was would Panda cooperate. So guess what! Mom gave Panda her sub-q fluid at home!!! The full 200ml! She was such a good girl. Our uncle couldn't get Panda to eat or take her meds in the pill pockets today. She stuck her nose up at the pill pockets for mom too. Mom did get her to eat a little bit by opening her canned food in the bathroom. Of course, about 5 of the other cats came in too. Mom had to shoo them out and then Panda came in on her own. Mom shut the door and stayed with her. Serendipity was in there too, but she didn't bother Panda.
When Panda finished eating mom held her while our uncle brought in her carrier. Mom placed her in that and closed the top while she got the needle uncapped (she had already hung the fluid bag on a hanger on the shower rod). She was able to slide the needle in w/o any problem and start the flow. The only thing she said she would do different is have a place to sit. Mom can't sit on the side of the tub because she can't see the measurements on the fluid bag.
Of course, when mom put the carrier on the floor and opened the door, Panda bolted out and under the bed.
The vet has added Benazepril. Panda will get one 5mg pill daily
Panda has started to get picky about eating the pill pockets. Mom hates to have to use the pill shooter, but she may have to. She is going to get some cream cheese at the store and try that.
Dr. Green wants to recheck Panda in three weeks (unless there are any problems before then, of course).
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