Re: Inky update - Kerry

[Belinda]

Kerry,     He needs to be on Lasix if the fluids are affecting his heart that badly, many CRF kitties are also heart problem kitties and many getting fluids are on lasix, your vet should know that.  If not maybe you can have them recommend an internal specialist more versed in CRF problems.  Cats that have both CRF and heart trouble need to be closely watched, it's balancing act, but honestly Kerry the fluids are very important to help keep the healthy part of the kidney healthy for as long as possible.  And of course dehydration has it's own set of problems. Fred doesn't have any heart problems so he is OK with the fluids other than he just doesn't like getting them, but he has been exceptionally good for me.  I've had to change my routine, he won't eat the treats anymore so I take him in the bathroom, pet him and explain it's time for the fluids and it will keep him feeling good for longer and keep his kidney's working longer, then I stick in the needle among a head turn and grouching.  I hold him in my lap on the floor while he gets them and for now that is working.  He is getting 100mls a day.  He gets a little fidgety towards the end but I just tell him we're almost done and he patiently sits.  Once he knows we're done though, he wants to get the needle out and go.   I just set him on the floor holding him under his belly, turn the roller up to close off the fluids and let him walk off and the needle slips out (sometimes he's in a hurry and I don't quite get the fluids clamped off, oh well, a little waste is worth it if it keeps Fred happy).  What does Inky not like, the stick or the fluids going in or both? I had a communicator talk with Fred and tell him the fluids are essential and he as been much better ever since, he said he knows it's something I need to do just doesn't get the need for it.  I have told him it will keep him feeling good for a longer time.  I have also had to start pepcid AC, he had been vomiting foam every few days, a sign of tummy acid and the pepcid AC is suppose to help, so far he has only had them 2 times, he is getting it every other day.  CRF cats that won't eat good are probably having tummy acid problems even if they aren't throwing up so the pepcid AC really helps with that and helps them get their appetite back. It has to be pepcid AC, not pepcid complete, not sure why that's just what everyone says, it may be the calcium in the other, some CRF kitties have high calcium already, the pepcid AC doesn't have calcium in it. I also have been bringing food to Fred whenever I think about it because he will usually eat a few bites and I have been adding water to his food which seems to make it more appetizing to him.  Each of these tricks works for a while and then I need to vary things.  Right now he is tolerating his fluids pretty well but not eating as well so it is a roller coaster ride!! -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com ------------ BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com