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Acute Renal Failure Homeostasis
Hi there,
I've mentioned this story in another discussion but looking for advice for my own particular circumstances. Here's the lowdown:
My 5 year old boy Riggs was diagnosed with Acute Renal Failure a week gone Monday after a he stopped eating and started to vomit over the course of a day. My vets are at a loss to determine the cause although they suspect anti-freeze or pollen (lily) poisoning. He is an outdoor cat and incredibly curious so difficult to pinpoint a source :-( He was immediately started on fluids and after 5 days of hospitalisation his blood levels finally dropped by half their original value (he was way up at the high end!) to allow him to come home for the weekend and see how he got on as he was no longer eating and my vets feared he was getting stressed being kept in.
Now, the thing that is odd with Riggs's case (as my vets and the nurses have all said on more than one occassion) is that despite kidney failure he has stayed really bright and active. Not at all like a cat near death's door. There was another cat in also with renal failure, with levels less than Riggs, but they were physically as different as chalk and cheese. They had hoped that after a couple of days Riggs's bloods were going to show a massive improvement because of his behaviour. They was no difference. And despite the drop at the weekend, his bloods have stubbornly remained the same since. Although phosphate has come down (yay!) his Urea and Creatinine are still high despite 200ml fluids a day. He is also still bright and active and wants to go outside and wander about (he is supervised on his outings before people gasp in horror! lol).
He has reached what my vet is saying is a homeostasis phase which, as has been the case with Riggs, is very odd for an AKD cat. They either get noticeably worse or better, and he is neither. Has anyone else ever had a similar experience, either as a vet or owner, and can tell me what the outcome was? And any advice that helped you through it? He has only just been started on syringe feeding the last day and a half. Did syringe feeding make a difference? Also, any tips on syringe feeding would be great. I am thankfully getting the knack of it but worry about how much it's stressing him out. I'd like to know if there are any tricks that would make the whole process easier for him? He is getting A/D paste and fish or chicken paste alternated between feeds.. I know A/D can up his phosphate levels but my vets would prefer him on it as his inappetance is so severe that hepatic lipidosis is likely to set in if he doesn't get protein fast! He is also getting phosphate binders twice daily to help counter his phosphate levels.
Riggs is due back in for bloods Saturday. I would really love it if my efforts would pay off.
Thanks :-)
Emma xxx
I've mentioned this story in another discussion but looking for advice for my own particular circumstances. Here's the lowdown:
My 5 year old boy Riggs was diagnosed with Acute Renal Failure a week gone Monday after a he stopped eating and started to vomit over the course of a day. My vets are at a loss to determine the cause although they suspect anti-freeze or pollen (lily) poisoning. He is an outdoor cat and incredibly curious so difficult to pinpoint a source :-( He was immediately started on fluids and after 5 days of hospitalisation his blood levels finally dropped by half their original value (he was way up at the high end!) to allow him to come home for the weekend and see how he got on as he was no longer eating and my vets feared he was getting stressed being kept in.
Now, the thing that is odd with Riggs's case (as my vets and the nurses have all said on more than one occassion) is that despite kidney failure he has stayed really bright and active. Not at all like a cat near death's door. There was another cat in also with renal failure, with levels less than Riggs, but they were physically as different as chalk and cheese. They had hoped that after a couple of days Riggs's bloods were going to show a massive improvement because of his behaviour. They was no difference. And despite the drop at the weekend, his bloods have stubbornly remained the same since. Although phosphate has come down (yay!) his Urea and Creatinine are still high despite 200ml fluids a day. He is also still bright and active and wants to go outside and wander about (he is supervised on his outings before people gasp in horror! lol).
He has reached what my vet is saying is a homeostasis phase which, as has been the case with Riggs, is very odd for an AKD cat. They either get noticeably worse or better, and he is neither. Has anyone else ever had a similar experience, either as a vet or owner, and can tell me what the outcome was? And any advice that helped you through it? He has only just been started on syringe feeding the last day and a half. Did syringe feeding make a difference? Also, any tips on syringe feeding would be great. I am thankfully getting the knack of it but worry about how much it's stressing him out. I'd like to know if there are any tricks that would make the whole process easier for him? He is getting A/D paste and fish or chicken paste alternated between feeds.. I know A/D can up his phosphate levels but my vets would prefer him on it as his inappetance is so severe that hepatic lipidosis is likely to set in if he doesn't get protein fast! He is also getting phosphate binders twice daily to help counter his phosphate levels.
Riggs is due back in for bloods Saturday. I would really love it if my efforts would pay off.
Thanks :-)
Emma xxx
Thank you for the lovely post Jade. Sorry it's taken me a couple of days to reply. I've been finding it quite hard to read your kind words and reading without getting upset. I think I'm starting to accept his death although I am still struggling with how he died - how he came to be poisoned more than anything. My vet offered a post mortem to define the cause. Although I didn't accept (I felt my boy had been through quite enough and I just wanted to lay him to rest) I'm now not sure if this was the right thing to do. The unanswered questions are plaguing my thoughts. Nothing I can do about it now so just got to find a way to move on :-(
Anyway, I'm babbling. Thank you again xxx
Anyway, I'm babbling. Thank you again xxx
COMMUNITY LEADER
I've been following your posts, and join you in your grief. What a darling, precious boy Riggs was. Please try not to blame yourself, honey. You went above and beyond for your boy, and did everything you could.
I would like to share the Rainbow Bridge with you. You may know it, but if not, I hope it will bring you a tiny bit of comfort at this incredibly sad time.
Hugs..♥
___________________________
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
I would like to share the Rainbow Bridge with you. You may know it, but if not, I hope it will bring you a tiny bit of comfort at this incredibly sad time.
Hugs..♥
___________________________
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
"Grief is the price of love" - definitely very true Opus :-(
Riggs is the handsome tuxedo cat on the right.He was so cute. Could melt your heart with one look, LOVED a fuss (especially in the middle of the night), had a purr you could hear in the next room and loved his curtain poll ring more than any of the toy we actually bought him! And his paws were the cutest paws ever. I especially loved it when he'd grip my finger with them when he was asleep.
I'm glad he's no longer in pain. It was heart breaking to see him go downhill so rapidly. I wish I could say how much I love him one more time and give him one last cuddle. I'm picking up his ashes tomorrow. At least he'll be home at last and maybe my grief will find some closure. I'm driving myself insane with guilt not knowing how he got ill. I'll never know. Just wish the pain of his loss wasn't so bitter.
Sweet dreams tonight my little Riggs ♥♥♥ xxxx
Riggs is the handsome tuxedo cat on the right.He was so cute. Could melt your heart with one look, LOVED a fuss (especially in the middle of the night), had a purr you could hear in the next room and loved his curtain poll ring more than any of the toy we actually bought him! And his paws were the cutest paws ever. I especially loved it when he'd grip my finger with them when he was asleep.
I'm glad he's no longer in pain. It was heart breaking to see him go downhill so rapidly. I wish I could say how much I love him one more time and give him one last cuddle. I'm picking up his ashes tomorrow. At least he'll be home at last and maybe my grief will find some closure. I'm driving myself insane with guilt not knowing how he got ill. I'll never know. Just wish the pain of his loss wasn't so bitter.
Sweet dreams tonight my little Riggs ♥♥♥ xxxx
I am so very sorry to read this Emma....yes your heart is very heavy right now and many questions too..he knows how much he was loved, he went with you by his side as you always were and he is no longer in pain...words aren't much comfort I know, we've all been there and it hurts so darn much...I once read "grief is the price of love" how true eh....
which one is Riggs in the photo?
RIP little boy...may your journey be gentle♥
which one is Riggs in the photo?
RIP little boy...may your journey be gentle♥
Thanks Opus for all your help, advice and prayers. They meant a lot. I know Riggs felt the weight of your thoughts and prayers too. I wish things could've been different xxxxxx
That's my little fur angel over the rainbow bridge :'( :'( He passed away this morning. There really was nothing else that could be done for him and he was so flat, he barely had any energy. I miss him so so much! A part of me has died today and I don't know how to cope :-(
I really thought he could make it. I wish I knew what happened for him to get ill. If it was through an accident on my part I will carry that guilt forever. I can only hope he forgives me.
I love you little Riggs. Forever in my heart. You will never be forgotten. They broke the mould when they made you; you were perfect in every way
I really thought he could make it. I wish I knew what happened for him to get ill. If it was through an accident on my part I will carry that guilt forever. I can only hope he forgives me.
I love you little Riggs. Forever in my heart. You will never be forgotten. They broke the mould when they made you; you were perfect in every way
Oh Emma I am so very sorry to read this sad news....he kept on fighting so hard I really prayed he would be able to pull out of this for you...he tried hard:(
don't blame yourself, you didn't fail him. accidents and illnesses happen no matter how vigilant we are....you did everything humanly possible for little Riggs to help make him well again. I pray now he just gently drifts off to sleep beside you at home. sending you both my love and tons of (((♥)))
don't blame yourself, you didn't fail him. accidents and illnesses happen no matter how vigilant we are....you did everything humanly possible for little Riggs to help make him well again. I pray now he just gently drifts off to sleep beside you at home. sending you both my love and tons of (((♥)))
I'm writing this in a brief pause between tears...It doesn't look like Riggs is going to make it :'( :'( Earlier on tonight he threw up and since then has been increasingly incontinent. He's just urinating where he's sitting and really flat. Can't believe how quickly he's gone downhill. If you'd asked me this morning I would have said he is the brightest he's ever been since this whole ordeal started.
Just off the phone with out emergency vet and he reckons his kidneys have started to shut down. Riggs is due in to vets first thing in the morning and as he's "comfortable" the OOH vet is happy to get him in in the morning with my normal vet (we have a rather unusual OOH service where I live).
I feel like my heart is being crushed! I'm not ready for this :-( I'm so angry and upset at the injustice of it all. I failed my little guy. If only I could have done more. He is my perfect little kitten
:'(
Just off the phone with out emergency vet and he reckons his kidneys have started to shut down. Riggs is due in to vets first thing in the morning and as he's "comfortable" the OOH vet is happy to get him in in the morning with my normal vet (we have a rather unusual OOH service where I live).
I feel like my heart is being crushed! I'm not ready for this :-( I'm so angry and upset at the injustice of it all. I failed my little guy. If only I could have done more. He is my perfect little kitten
:'(
yes she does a good job of that video, thats why I've kept it on file to help those that have never done it before.
good that Riggs has had a poop....not unusual that he hadn't for a few days since he was on only fluids. as the video showed put a small amount of PURE pumpkin in with the A/D, pumpkin is good fiber, so is cooked zucchini or squash. not too much as it can also be too much fiber and bung him up. between than and the fluids he should move a little each day and not so hard. we hope:)
good that Riggs has had a poop....not unusual that he hadn't for a few days since he was on only fluids. as the video showed put a small amount of PURE pumpkin in with the A/D, pumpkin is good fiber, so is cooked zucchini or squash. not too much as it can also be too much fiber and bung him up. between than and the fluids he should move a little each day and not so hard. we hope:)
Thanks again Opus :-) I never thought to try on the Medhelp Vet forum. Might give it a go. That link was great! Gave me an idea of how to maybe make the whole thing less stressful for Riggs.
On a good note, he pooped for the first time in days! It was pretty dry and hard but at least his bowels are starting to work. Hopefully his appetite will be next! Is a/d likely to cause constipation?
Emma xxx
On a good note, he pooped for the first time in days! It was pretty dry and hard but at least his bowels are starting to work. Hopefully his appetite will be next! Is a/d likely to cause constipation?
Emma xxx
Emma....just wondering if your Vet has suggested using Rehmannia 6 for Riggs? its a chinese herb recommended by many Vets for CRF cats to strengthen the kidneys. Another is Azodyl a probiotic. that is commonly used.
I would also ask about those two.....I think Azodyl is only avail thru a Vet however Rehmannia '6' can be ordered thru various company's I will give you the link to one. just talk to your Vet first.
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Vetri-Science-Renal-Essentials-Cat-Supplement/125043.aspx
I would also ask about those two.....I think Azodyl is only avail thru a Vet however Rehmannia '6' can be ordered thru various company's I will give you the link to one. just talk to your Vet first.
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Vetri-Science-Renal-Essentials-Cat-Supplement/125043.aspx
Emma sending you a good video on assist feeding...there are a few on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6o17wH6ujk
yes you need to be very careful of hepatic lipidosis....he needs to get protein and also keep his calories UP. good he also on a phosphate binder:)
assist/syringe feeding can be the difference between life and death...so YEAH it sure does make a difference:)
on this cat forum there are no Vets only us cat parents...I hope someone with some experience can jump in and help you with your questions...unfortunately we have no permanent members that I know of that have gone thru this...
have you considered posting this on Medhelps Vet forum? there is a $20 charge on that site but as far as I know dr Chen is still available to answer , you could also search in the archives of that site and see if there are some pre answered posts...
here is a link to that forum. wishing you and Riggs our love and prayers.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/request_payment/112
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6o17wH6ujk
yes you need to be very careful of hepatic lipidosis....he needs to get protein and also keep his calories UP. good he also on a phosphate binder:)
assist/syringe feeding can be the difference between life and death...so YEAH it sure does make a difference:)
on this cat forum there are no Vets only us cat parents...I hope someone with some experience can jump in and help you with your questions...unfortunately we have no permanent members that I know of that have gone thru this...
have you considered posting this on Medhelps Vet forum? there is a $20 charge on that site but as far as I know dr Chen is still available to answer , you could also search in the archives of that site and see if there are some pre answered posts...
here is a link to that forum. wishing you and Riggs our love and prayers.
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/request_payment/112
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