I can only provide input on the part of your question about causing your kitty discomfort with fluid therapy. If your vet recommended fluid therapy, *and* you agree with the treatment, *and* the only thing stopping you is fear of causing pain, then my positive experience with Annie enjoying and benefiting from fluid treatments might be helpful in your decision. But IF and WHEN to start fluids, and determination of frequency and amount, is an individual prescription and must be carefully determined by your vet and with your complete understanding and cooperation. I did months of studying and consulting about CRF and had the assistance of my vet office staff and other kitty parents who were experienced with fluids. Not all cats would be expected to have Annie's somewhat incredible results, and Annie was a lot younger than your kitty when her kidney numbers started going bad.
thank you for the feedback. I got her levels back and I don't know what "stage " it is but her creatinine and bun are mild to moderate.... I don't know if that is still withing beginning middle or end.........
When our Annie was diagnosed with beginning stage kidney failure about three years ago, I would have bet my lifetime income that she would never let me give her sub-Q fluids. Annie has to be completely knocked out at the vet office just to be weighed! And the thought of sticking her with a needle made me faint. But, I felt I had to at least try. ... Amazing thing -- she likes it! She does not even feel the needle. It goes just under the skin into the nape of the neck, where Mama cats grab their babies with their sharp teeth and carry them around. There isn't much sensitivity right there, and there is a technique to numb it by rubbing and pinching the skin. Receiving fluids is obviously a very soothing and pleasant experience for Annie. In the winter, I warm her fluids and then she really likes it. Her daily fluids is our bonding time, and it is followed by a treat. She knows exactly when she's had the right amount, and gets up and starts to leave, too cute. I do this every day, I've read that is really best for optimum results. Nobody would blame you for opting out of fluid therapy -- you have done a heck of a job caring for your kitty if she's reached 22 years old! But I'm here to say that it isn't that hard to do, and it does not hurt the kitty.
Hi there and I am very sorry to hear about your kitty's diagnosis. Sadly, as we have increased the life expectancy of our feline friends, we are seeing more renal failure.
First, since cats are evolutionarily desert animals, it will be hard to keep her drinking enough water. The fluids given Sub q help tremendously to fight off dehydration. Thankfully, most cats tolerate the slight needle stick very well.
You might consider giving her more canned diets (high quality, of course) as that will help with her water intake and studies have shown that cats on canned foods actually drink more water.
Finally, you could also post this question in the Expert Ask A Veterinarian forum and get feedback from our more than 30 DVMs who are here to help.
Good luck with her and thanks for being such a concerned pet owner.