Today was my recheck at the vet since I was last there on Christmas Eve. They were waiting for me when I arrived.
See, they even have my name on the white board. Vinton Veterinary Hospital is an American Association of Feline Practitioners Certified Cat Friendly Practice*, and they always treat me wonderfully.
I got weighed today, had my blood drawn to check my values and got a shot of cerenia as I had vomited a couple of times. I also got some liquid vitamins to take everyday.
GOOD NEWS: My BUN has come down from 157 to 138. Now, I know that isn’t much, but my humans and I are happy for even the teeniest improvement.
I am letting my humans know my displeasure when I get my daily SubQ fluids by twacking them with my tail and emitting my best caterwaul until the needle in withdrawn. The fluids make me a bit perkier. When we had some balmy weather on Sunday, I spent time on the catio. And I purrticipated when we finally opened our Secret Paws gifts last night. (We’ll be telling you all about that in our Thankful Thursday post.)
The biggest obstacle right now is getting me to eat one of the renal diets or even just something other than treats. I licked some juice off one of the Royal Canin canned renal foodables and a little juice off our regular stinky goodness. Otherwise it is all treats all the time. My preference is Friskies Party Mix.
Mom and I want to thank Savvy and Sage’s mom (Savannah’s Paw Tracks) for sending us the article, from the veterinary medical school at Tufts University, on feline kidney disease diet. Mom also found a great article about boosting appetite from Frederick Cat Vet in Mount Peasant, Maryland. We’d be happy for any additional information or suggestions anyone can provide.
Something totally unexpected happened today just as we were getting ready to leave the vet. Mom’s favorite word is serendipity, and this was a totally serendipitous event. As we were going out, Jeanmarie (aka Dr. Short) was coming in. Jeanmarie started as our vet tech so long ago we can’t remember. Then she went to Vet school and became our doctor and our cat sitter when the humans traveled. A few years ago she left our vet office and the area to study to become a dermatological specialist.
In town for a couple days, Jeanmarie stopped by the office to see one of the other veterinarians. She and Mom were all giddy and hugging, laughing and smiling. It was nice to see Mom happy. She’s been so sad ever since I was diagnosed with CKD.
My next appointment with Dr. Neel will be next Monday. So, unless something unusual happens, our next update will be a week from today. If you can keep purring and praying for me, I know it will help. With all my thanks and appreciation.
Purrs and paw-pats, Fiona
* Mom will be writing a post in the near future to tell you about this certification.
We got our paws crossed for Fiona. Keep smiling Fiona…we are rootin’ for you our friend.
Shoko and Kali
Hello Fiona girl…sounds like you are giving your Mum a run for her money! When Mingflower was diagnosed with Kidney Disease I mixed her old kibble with the Royal Canin kibble & withdrew the regular kibble over time! As for the RC wet food I had a trick I used on Mingflower. I would put RC wet in bottom of bowl & then some Friskies wet on top……warm it for 8 seconds & Mingflower would start eating & keep right on going….so she got the renal wet & that helped a lot. She was not allowed any commercial treats but could have Medi-cal Cat treats which she ‘hoovered’ up! With this regime of foodables she lived 2 1/2 yrs with Kidney Disease…..amazing kitty girl. I hope you can get Fiona to eat more….anything is worth a try.
Sending you love & prayers of healing,
Sherri-Ellen & Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=
We are happy to hear your BUN came down a little, Fiona. We, too, are glad for every improvement, no matter how little. We hope you end up liking one of those renal foods. Moosey really enjoyed those Royal Canin ones (they’re the ones with letters like T for tasty, right?). Hugs, and continued purrs and prayers.
Fiona, I have not forgotten you a single day although you have not heard me meow it. I would not say this if it were not true. Please continue to improve. My Robin was like you with the KD foodables. That was 22 years ago. She buried one sample in the litterbox…I am not joking. Get better darling. I know how your momma feels. xxooxx
We are glad to know that there is already good mews going on.
We sure hope and purr that son you will decide to eat kitty noms…not just treats, MOL!
Fiona, we are so happy to hear that you are improving. Improvement is improvement, no matter how much, and that is good news!! Now you just need to start eating! We wish we had suggestions, but it looks like the things we would suggest have already been suggested – baby food or sprinkling things on top. We are going to keep the purrs and prayers coming and expect o hear of more improvement very soon! Sending lots of love and hugs to you and all of the Kitties Blue, with extra special hugs to your mom, and extra kisses to Astrid from Sampy!!!
I agree that any improvement is good. I am praying for you sweet Fiona. I am sure someone told you about this site, but if not, it is very comprehensive http://felinecrf.org/
We’re so happy to hear you’re feeling better, Fiona ! We keep purring for you ! Purrs
I’m so happy to hear about those better BUN numbers. Yay!
Troy was a challenge to feed when his kidneys went south. He was queasy much of the time, and his breath was really horrible due to waste buildup in his body. If I felt and smelled that way, I wouldn’t eat, either.
I found that giving food about 10 minutes after water injections helped a ton. That’s when he felt at his best. He would reliably eat Weruva BFF products (the packets, not the cans), especially if they were warmed up just a touch. I’ve had good success with baby food, too.
Hang in there!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Fiona, we are all purring and praying for you. It’s very brave of you to endure all that, and if it continues to make you better, we say flick that tail all over the place and sing the song on your people loudly!
Mom had a kitty who needed that fluid under his skin so she knows what your Mom is going through. Big hugs to her!
Just keep trying new foods and you’ll find something you like. However, treats are also great!!!
That is awesome that Fiona seems to be getting better. Even the smallest of improvements are helpful! I hope that your next veterinary visit shows that she is continuing to improve. Good luck on keeping that BUN down.
We’re happy to hear good news and will continue to send purrs and prayers for more! It was nice that your mom got to see Jeanmarie so she could be happy again!
we are glad your numbers are improving. and we hope they can find something you will eat (not that treats all the time are anything to complain about, but we suspect the v-e-t won’t be a fan of that idea – MOL)
Happy to hear of improvement! I do have a suggestion. Ask your Vet if PRO-BIOTICS are allowed. I sprinkle it on Paprika’s food when she gets finicky, and she loves it so much she eats all the food under it. The Pro-biotic I used is called Purina Plan Forti Flora for Cats here is chewy link or you can buy it thru Amazon and at some pet stores https://www.chewy.com/cat/purina-pro-plan-veterinary-diets/dp/49853. I originally started using it after a round of antiobiotics for both 3 yrs ago but its fine to use it all the time according to what I know. I use a tiny quantity, one pack lasts about 6 meals.
I’m glad to hear that you are feeling better even if it is only a tiny bit. Being sick is no fun at all. Cinco, Manna, and I will be sure to send out some prayers and purrs for you. I hope that you adjust to your new foods easily. It would be great to see you make a full recovery!
I am glad your BUN has gone down. Any decrease no matter how small has to be good. I have mostly lost my appetite since I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Some days I will eat only a few treats. Mum calls it my junk food diet, but she says junk food is better than no food. Sometimes eating treats gets me eating my wet food. I hope your next vet visit is a good one.
Oh sweetie, we are so happy to hear that your BUN has come down. Maybe you will get used to the fluids after awhile. The kitty before me had to be on them for about 2 years, and she got used to getting them. M thought maybe she knew she felt better after getting them because she never once tried to get away while my peeps were giving it to her. I’m still purring for you, and M has you in her prayers.
Fiona, that is good news that your vitals are improving.Our Mama says that Tulip enjoyed Fancy Feast and baby food when she was ill with kidney disease. Our Mama also some times sprinkled parmesan cheese on her food or added bits of ham. She realizes that all of this wasn’t as good as Tulip eating a high quality food( she ate Wellness and Innova Evo prior to her illness) but as long as she ate and took her meds, everyone was happy! We hope you start eating too Fiona. A girl can’t live on treats alone! ;p
Love and hugs to all of you .We are thinking of you and sending you our best healing thoughts.
the critters in the cottage and their Mama Sophie XO
It’s great to hear that your numbers are trending the right direction! And it’s so nice of them to welcome you on the whiteboard like that. Your vet sounds like they’re very conscious of their client’s happiness.
Royal Canin is a good brand. I make my own cat food unless I am overwhelmed for time (with 9 cats that does happen) or a cat has a special need, in which case we use Royal Canin.
Still sending purrs and prayers for Fiona. Good to hear she is doing better!
Royal Canin is a good brand. I make my own cat food unless I am overwhelmed for time (with 9 cats that does happen) or a cat has a special need, in which case we use Royal Canin.
Still sending purrs and prayers for Fiona. Good to see her doing better!
Fiona that is a pawsome update, we are continuing to purr for more good news!
Any drop in BUN is cause for celebration. Concats Fiona. Mom L just sent Mom Blue an email about food. Purrs
Fiona, I am so glad to hear that your BUN went down (even if only a little – it’s a move in the right direction)! What’s more, I love seeing how perky and alert you look in these pictures! Sometimes you have to look at the animal and not the numbers, and by looking at you, Fiona, I’d say you’re feeling better!
My angel Rosie didn’t like renal food either, Fiona. She would occasionally nibble at dry Royal Canin renal food, but past that renal food was a no-go. After her renal diagnosis and after we got her on a treatment regimen that worked wonders for her (which included daily doses of sub-Q fluids, potassium supplements, pepcid, and RenAvast), we got her to gain weight primarily on a mixture of Fancy Feast moist food (liver and chicken was her favorite!) and baby food (here ham was the flavor of choice!). My Rosie loved baby food, and that’s how we administered a lot of her meds. Of course baby food isn’t cat food and so can’t be a kitty’s primary source of nutrition, but as long as Rosie took her meds in her baby food, then she’d feel good and would eat her cat food as well. She usually went through at least an entire can of kitty food and a jar of baby food each day, and on that she gained enough weight that at one point her vet gave her a body condition score of slightly overweight. We were all sort of happy about that, though, because how often do you have an overweight renal kitty?
We purr and pray for you constantly, Fiona, and we’ll continue to do so each and every day! You and your mom are doing great with your renal care – keep up the good work!
so wonderful your bun is down keep trying to eat honey eating is very important feel that honey we are sending you and your mom a big zen hug and many prayers and healing purrs love lorraine and frankie
Fiona, we’re so glad you’re doing better. Now you do have to eat more than just treats. We hope you’ll find a food that you like. We continue to purr for you.
We are sending you lots and lots of purrrrs….. We’ll keep watching for good news…
hugs, Bugsy, Knuckles, and HH
YAY Fiona!! We are sending all of our purrs and prayers…we have a friend (who doesn’t blog), whose kitty was just diagnosed with the same. She might be contacting you! xoxoxo
We’re glad to hear some good news, Fiona. We’ll continue to send purrs. (P.s. when your mom gets time tell her our mommy sent an email.)
We are all rooting for you Fiona ! glad you are making progress.
Happy for the good news! After trying many of the diets, we ended up with the Royal Canin. It is expensive, but it is worth it! I know you would agree. We are praying very hard for Fiona, and for you parents, too. Much love to all of you! HUGS.
Fiona, I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. Here’s lots of purrs and prayers (and a few doggy wags ’cause they care too) heading your way. Hope you’re getting better!
–Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Good update. Hang in there sweet girl. We are sending you and your Mom lots of hugs and purrs.
XOXO
Fiona so glad to get your update! Glad there was some improvement in your kidney value. We will keep up the POTP and prayers.
Marty, Mom and the Gang
Glad things are improving. Will keep praying and purring for you
Fiona dear girl, we are sending every bit of POTP we can muster for you…….Mom and I hope that your Mom can find a food that you will eat as you must keep up your strength to deal with your CKD. IT’s a big adjustment for all of you I know. You’re very brave though and I know that you’re doing your best to “cooperate” !! We pray for you and your Mom every single day………..and always will. Mom sent some ideas to your Mom about food this morning in an email – – – I have been incredibly picky with food since I was diagnosed with my thyroid condition. Mom says “whatever works” !!
Love and Hugs, Sammy and Mom Pam
Any good news is great, Fiona! I’m continuing to purr lots for you.
Good that you are doing better.
Purrs you get some appetite back too.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
Oh yeah! Fiona we’re so glad to see you!! Any improvement – no matter how small – is great!!! We hope you get your appetite back soon and we’re still purring and praying for you!!
We are so pleased to hear that your bun has come down a little Fiona. We have Royal Canin too (chicken and rice) at bed time as it stops Lucy from being sick in the night.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Fiona, that is good news! Getting your BUN down even a little is important!
You might need an appetite stimulant to get you eating again. My Punkin kept refusing everything when he was in ICU for CKD. The vets told me to give the stimulant and in a few hours to try and give him anything he would eat just to get him started!
His absolute favorite treat is chipped chopped ham. So he got a little piece of that and he started eating!
I also give him purreed wet food warmed up with a little hot water (about a teaspoon). Or microwave for 10 seconds. It brings the temp up just a little and makes it smell better to him!
We haven’t been on the internet during Christmastime, so we Just read that you were sick, Fiona. We are so sorry, purrecious girl. Come to bring Healing Pawkisses and purrayers and hope you feel better soon <3 <3 <3
Oh, Fiona, I’m so happy to hear you are showing some improvement. I hope your mom can find some appropriate food that you like and will eat. Purring for you.
My dear Fiona, I am so happy to hear this encouraging report and I am continuing to send you mega purrs and positive healing thoughts. I’m purring that your appetite will increase and you will start eating more foods ASAP, lots of love to you my sweet furriend. Cuddles to G too.
Dear Fiona, you are so very brave! I am praying that you will be healed and free to live the rest of your life without pain or sickness:) Hoping too that food will taste good to you once again with the new diet..praying for your Mom too…my heart is with you. I lost Minnie Mouse a year ago so I am without a kitty angel kitty right now but Ellie, she is 2 years old, a young Aussie and so tender hearted…she missed Minnie so much. We still do…I love seeing that fire in your eyes as that is life girl! Keep that fire and keep on getting 1000% well….hugs for your mom and dad and kitty rubs and loves to you:) HRCG and Ellie