Bhu had his annual vet appointment yesterday and got his shots and "behaved well." Generally, it went well: he acts much younger than his age and he impressed with his handsomeness and masculine demeanor! He hasn't lost any weight, but he is in the early stages of CRF, which means no more Fancy Feast and no more Appetizers! The vet has made several suggestions for low protein foods that will help and I asked her if she knew of any recipes for home-made versions. So, I am asking all Bhu's furrends out there if you have any opinions or experiences with these foods and if you have recipes would you please share? I am googling the topic and finding information and some recipes, but nothing beats personal experience.
There was also some chatter about subcutaneous feeding, about which I am currently in denial. Have any of you had experience with this?
Today's photo is courtesy of Ann at Zoolatry. She made this portrait of Bhu long ago and I love it. Thank you, Ann! xxoo Patty
10 comments:
I haven't (yet) had experience with CRF, but I know Tanya's site on it is fabulous.
Here's a link, specifically to the diet page, but I'm sure the entire site is filled with good info:
http://www.felinecrf.org/diet_and_nutrition.htm
Purrs from the boys!
Wizard developed CRF because we had been feeding him tainted Iams and did not know it till the recall came out. We attempted the subcutaneous fluids and were never comfortable with the process. It helps the kidneys function, but all three of us would be very upset by the process. I am not trying to scare you off on this, it is necessary and you will learn how to do it.
WE are sending all our love and purrs to you and Bhu!
Oh no, Uncle Bhu! We are purring for you.
Mom Paula - Why don't you send this request into KC on the Cat Blogosphere and let her post it to everyone? I know there are several people out there that make food for their cats.
We had to do sub-Q fluids with a cat and it really wasn't that difficult. Our vet gave us a couple of lessons and it got so we could do it in just a few minutes. Of course, it depends on the cat. Some will put up with way more interference than others.
Definitely get your cat on to the foods recommended by the vet. It does help a lot as do the sub-Q fluids.
I hope you find a food that Bhu likes and that you find that, in time, the sub-Q fluid thing really isn't that hard to do.
I am really sorry to hear this. Not having had kitties, I can't help in that regard, but you know my prayers are with you that he does well. The portrait is beautiful!
Oh poor Bhu! no more appeteasers and fancy feast? What's a kiteh to do? I see a kidney specialist too Bhu and I don't eat appeteasers OR fancy feast! Go Figure!
Guess we eat rabbit food.... ummm... Bhu I didn't say rabbit, just their food!
Our Chica has had CRF for 6 years and at 20 1/2 is still going strong. First off we did not change her food - we feed her Wellness and it is fine. Not all vets find low protein is the way to go. Our holistic vet suggested Standard Process Feline Renal Support twice a day in tablets to help the kidneys. I added Renelix a homeopathic liquid mix from askariel.com, a good web site for natural remedies. I recently added Tripsy by Petwellbeing.com - an herbal mix and this has helped tremendously. I give sub c fluids twice a month - Chica puts up a big fuss so I do supplement her water intake by giving her 50cc of water via a plastic needleless syringe. Sub c fluids are essential at some point. All along I have been giving her water via a syringe to prevent having to do sub c. I have done sub c with other cats and it was not hard - some cats are fine and others will not tolerate it. Please feel free to email me if you want more info or to chat - calcatsndogs AT gmail DOT com. I took the holistic route and am very happy with the results. I would suggest doing Tripsy first - check out the web site for testimonials.
Two of my kitties-who-went-before had CRF. I second the recommendation for Tanya's site. It is well-researched, thorough, and up to date with the latest information. There are two yahoo groups for feline CRF that I recommend you join. No question is beyond those good people. The current thinking is that low phosphous rather than low protein is the best for CRF cats. Tanya's has lists of both wet and dry foods starting with the lowest in phos (and other info). Many kidney products have diuretics which is the last thing CRF cats needs - they already pee too much. If there was any "miracle" supplement, all the list cats would be on it! Early CRF cats may be able to keep themselves hydrated by drinking (and the water in, even, dry food), but eventually become dehydrated at which point water supplementation becomes necessary. I used an oral syringe with both my kitties as well as sub-cus with one for years. Study the site and learn some of the symptoms for the commonest signs of chemical imbalance; it's easier, and better for kitty, to catch problems early with the proper treatment, than to have a crash that could have been prevented. And ask your vet questions. Thus will help determine if s/he has the knowledge needed or if you need to find another vet. Over the years many have come on the elist crying that the vet said their cat should be put to sleep at the first sign of trouble. Many cats, with good treatment can be happy for years. Get copies of all of your cat's labs and keep track. There are several sites that explain what each result means. You can help your cat by being informed, so that you can ask pertinent questions about your cat's care. You can do this!
PS: Please consider removing the word verification. I've gone through it theree times and haven't gotten it right yet.
Hai BHU! So sorry to hear about your kidneys. Momma's first calico american short hair kitty had CRF so I will let her types now. Purrrrrs
Love the comments from Cats of wildcat woods and Laura & Taffeta Rose. There is one thing to consider depending on your kitties age too. For example on the one comment her cat Chica has had it for 6 years meaning she was diagnosed at 14. When a younger cat is diagnosed like ours was at just about 10 years old there can be an underlying issue. Our cat had cancer and we didn't even know it, we were fighting for her kidneys but not fighting the real battle. So you might want to find a specialist that will possibly look for underlying conditions if BHU is younger. The yahoo groups were a god send for me, we gave sub q. The trick is just to find a system that works for you and your kitty. You may have to try different positions, areas, and offering the most tantalizing treats, like she loved ice cream. Tanya's site is the most helpful as well. The more water BHU takes in the better, so consider getting if you don't have one already, a fountain that runs fresh water. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to ever discuss.
HUGS
Everybody has already said most of the wisdom we could share.
Talia is our CRF cat #4 in the past 7 years. She was diagnosed three years ago, and is still going strong. Keeping her drinking a lot has been key.
During our first experience with CRF, with Cyrano, our vet suggested a water bowl in every room of the house to encourage drinking. ("Oh, look, water, I'll just have a drink...") It is one tip I rarely see, and it has made a difference for the CRF kitties that have gone before.
I echo Laura and Taffeta Rose above. The best thing you can do is be informed and be able to talk to ask good questions and understand the answers you get from your vet.
You really can do this!
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