Renal failure in old cats

Henry is in exactly the same condition (hyperthyroid - treated and CRF). He's still drinking huge amounts and eating - sometimes the kidney diet when he cooperates.

When the kidney failure progresses past the steady state of chronic, they go into a pretty rapid decompensation where the kidneys actually shut down and produce no urine. They can sometimes be brought back to a steady state with intensive IV fluid therapy but the underlying condition is not changed. The key symptoms are dehydration, loss of appetite, little or no urine production, vomiting and lethargy.

We've pretty much decided not to do the subQ fluids with Henry when he gets to that point as he isn't real keen on being handled/restrained except on his terms and doing the fluids would make his life miserable. He's so happy now just being in the RV that we can't see making life a hassle for him.

Hope things are not that serious for Edna.

Doug

Our 19 year-old grey and white cat finally had to be put down due to renal failure. He had been loosing ground for a while, but when I put him down after petting him and he staggered and had trouble standing, we knew it was time. With three vets in the family, they say it's usually renal failure or feline congestive heart failure (a different etiology in cats than in humans for HF). Sorry to hear about Edna.

Judy

Sorry to hear about your cat. I lost two due to renal failure. It's always hard to know when "the time" is, but your Edna will let you know. They know their bodies much better than we do.


Don