Kidney Failure - what to do

[larmkel]

Hi there, I have a 13 1/2 year old cat who was diagnosed with kidney failure 2 1/2 years ago which I know is a long time to have the disease. 2 weeks ago she stopped eating and drinking and I thought it was just because I went out of town for a few days and had someone look in on her. I've been giving her IV fluids and syringe feeding but she still hasn't gotten her appetite back. Other than her appetite, she is still playful, energetic cat that constantly purrs and follows me around. Not much in her personality has changed. Has anyone experienced this problem and if so, how do you know the time is near and you need to make that final decision. It's been a long time to constantly syringe feed and give IV fluids but it's hard for me to make such a decision when her personality isn't affective. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[honeybears]

Larmkel, I am so sorry about your kitty, sounds like he has lived a long happy time with the disease. I lost my cat in August to Kidney failure, he was daignosed the year before. In June he took a turn for the worse, not eating at all. the vet said this is when the kidneys really start to fail when they stop eating. He gave him fluids and said it would help if I could do at home. I chose not to go with me doing the fluids, Midas was a phsyco cat and under no circumstances tolerate that. even the vet had problems with Midas attacking him, and said if he had to do it again he would need to sedate him. so that wasnt an option. He did well until August and stopped eating again, I knew it was time, my poor kitty was starving himself. It took me a week to put my thoughts together and spend quality time with him and thinking about all of the good times he had. My mom went with me and and I was there for him, I brought him home and had a mini wake for the dogs to understand since they were so close.

As for when the time is right, you just know deep down in you heart. I came to understand I couldnt keep him alive for me, and when I could finally see it in his eyes, tellimg me to let him go


honeybears

[Mary_NH]

there is a medication, cypro something, that will enhance a cat's appetite. Ask your vet if your cat can have this (it's prescription so the vet would have to give to you anyway). It is an antihistimine and will make your cat sleepy but one of the side effects is an increase in appetite

[larmkel]

Thank you for your advice. It is a difficult decision but it really isn't about me anymore, it's making Sweetie's life a better one. It's a hard thought to think about it with her vibrant personality. she is one of those cats that everybody loved. I will keep you posted on her progress.

[kismet]

The prescription given to stimulate appetite is Cyproheptadine . However, stimulating the appetite is only part of managing this condition , there are dietary changes as well as other measures that have to be taken that support kidney function and repair.

[larmkel]

I wanted to thank everyone who responded to my post. I made the decision last Saturday to have Sweetie put out of suffering. It was the hardest decisiion I have ever made and I really appreciated all the words of advice to make the decision for her, not me. 13 years is a long life and I miss her greatly.

[honeybears]

Think now that Sweetie has passed to the Rainbow Bridge and is no longer suffering.

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...

[vene]

I'm so sorry for your loss.