2/28 Yum Kidney Failure/Seizure/HOME

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by MJW, Feb 28, 2018.

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  1. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Yesterday's: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/1-27-yum-gi-issues.191840/#post-2140912

    Yum is hospitalized for kidney failure. I am starting this at the local vet, so she will be on fluids during the day and I will bring her home at night.

    On 1/30 her kidneys were holding their own. Now this.

    I am pretty sure I read that cabergoline does not affect the kidneys negatively.

    She has been getting high phosphorus food for the past week.

    They did in-house labs and she was off the scale so they did dilutions. Maybe her creatinine was 6.
    Her hematocrit was down to 23. Her 1/30 labs on her chart weren't bad.
    She wouldn't eat this morning at all.
     
  2. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

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    I'm so sorry. Are they checking for a kidney infection? Sometimes that can trigger sudden change in kidney values. The best way to diagnose a kidney infection is with an ultrasound.

    Tons and tons of prayers....
     
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  3. Mandy & Rex (GA)

    Mandy & Rex (GA) Well-Known Member

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  4. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

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    Sending tons of vines....
     
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  5. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending some vines Yum's way.
     
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  6. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Sending all the vines to you and Yum. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:

    I second suspect a kidney infection for sudden changes in numbers. I think Asia had a UTI that turned in to a kidney infection, it went undiagnosed for several months. Lab values didn’t show anything other than increased BUN and creatinine, ultrasound confirmed the suspicion. I know Yum has had some UTIs recently as well, so not a crazy suspicion at all.
     
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  7. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

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    More vines for Yum from us. I hope all will be OK.
    :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  8. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    This sounds so sudden and with readings that are "off the charts", that I would suspect an acute kidney infection. That hematocrit is not critical, though it is worrisome. Are they administering anti-biotics, just in case it is an acute infection?
     
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  9. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    Oh, and I forgot to ask, if they are administering fluid iv, or sub-q? It's often recommended that an iv be used in acute cases, because it gets into the cat faster and more evenly.
     
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  10. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    I drove back there with her food and glucometer and test strips.
    They don't believe in using their ultrasound to check for kidney infections.
    They will do a urinalysis and send it out for culture.
    Her WBC was not elevated.
     
  11. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    She can't tolerate Orbax or Zeniquin. She gets severe diarrhea that is hard to cure. They will do a urine culture before administering antibiotics.
     
  12. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    They said I could not do the fluids at home, and there will be a catheter in a vein that they will tape over when I bring her home overnight.
    I guess that indicates fluid iv?
    I hope it's not a mistake that I am opting for day treatments so she can be at the familiar clinic during the day and with me at night.
    I can change my mind of course if she doesn't respond or when the weekend arrives.
     
  13. Tasha & Darwin

    Tasha & Darwin Well-Known Member

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    I’m so sorry to hear this - sending vines :bighug:
     
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  14. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    I googled cabergoline and renal failure again.
    I again did not find it contraindicated for patients with kidney disease.
    I did find this:

    Get medical help right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest pain, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, lower back/flank pain).

    Also

    Extracardiac Fibrotic Reactions
    Postmarketing cases of pleural, pericardial, and retroperitoneal fibrosis have been reported following administration of DOSTINEX. Some reports were in patients previously treated with other ergotinic dopamine agonists. DOSTINEX should not be used in patients with a history of cardiac or extracardiac fibrotic disorders.

    Fibrotic disorders can have an insidious onset and patients should be monitored for manifestations of progressive fibrosis. Therefore, during treatment, attention should be paid to the signs and symptoms of:

    • Pleuro-pulmonary disease such as dyspnea, shortness of breath, persistent cough or chest pain.
    • Renal insufficiency or ureteral/abdominal vascular obstruction that may occur with pain in the loin/flank and lower limb edema as well as any possible abdominal masses or tenderness that may indicate retroperitoneal fibrosis.
    • Cardiac failure: Cases of valvular and pericardial fibrosis have often manifested as cardiac failure. Therefore, valvular fibrosis (and constrictive pericarditis) should be excluded if such symptoms occur.
    On reading this the vet wrote back

    I do not suspect a kidney infection since her white blood cell count is normal, but I will get a urine sample from her this afternoon. We can submit it for culture which is the gold standard test to rule out potential kidney (and bladder) infections. That information on fibrotic reactions is interesting. When I get the urine sample I will check out her retroperitoneal space (where the kidneys are located in the abdomen) and look for any indication of fibrosis.
     
  15. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    If Yum were my cat, I'd want her overnight at least for tonight, the first night. But do they have any overnight staff who can check the catheter?
    And yes, they are using the correct protocol.
    Again, are they administering anti-biotics, in case this is an acute infection, for there is surely a good chance that it is.
     
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  16. Judy and Boomer

    Judy and Boomer Well-Known Member

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    Sending lots of vines for Yum!
     
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  17. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    Good. s/he sounds very open to techniques. It is telling that her WBS count is normal, and the RBS lowering is also atypical of an acute infection. Still the sudden onset, history of UTIs, and "off the charts" values are suggestive of a kidney infection.
    However, it's also possible that Yum was compensating and compensating for kidney problems, and then crashed when compensation no longer worked.
    Whichever it is, you can get the values down with the proper procedures. The main goal now is to nurse her thru this crisis. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  18. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    They can't support iv fluids overnight at my local vet. I will pick her up around 5 pm and take her back in the morning.
    I will fret over this decision. They really care about Yum there.

    They have not automatically started antibiotics because of Yum's past history. She develops severe diarrhea immediately. They could give her a shot of convenia.
    I don't think she suffers side effects with convenia.
    I believe they will call me after the urinalysis at 3 pm (when they will check her blood glucose).
     
  19. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Yum will turn 16 on Monday.
     
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  20. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Asia’s WBC were also normal, except when she had a UTI, from what I recall, if the infection is too far up there, it may not show up in a culture. Nothing cultured for Asia either, but her renal pelvis was dilated on the ultrasound. They have other antibiotics they can use if she doesn’t tolerate the first choice ones like zeniquin.

    From Tanya’s:

    “Even if you suspect that your cat might have an infection, it is quite common for tests to indicate that this does not appear to be the case when in fact one is present. Unfortunately not every vet accepts that this may happen. One human study,Establishment of a persistent Escherichia coli reservoir during the acute phase of a bladder infection(2001) Mulvey MA, Schilling JD & Hultgren SJ Infection and Immunity 69(7) pp 4572-9, found that in some cases the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections can burrow so deep into the bladder lining that they cannot be detected in the usual tests. In a later (2004) study reported byScience Daily, researchers found that the bacteria commonly involved in UTIs pass through four distinct developmental stages, including a dormant stage in some cases, which may help explain why UTIs often recur.

    It is also quite common for nothing to grow in a culture if the cat has pyelonephritis rather than a lower urinary tract infection, particularly if the infection is chronic rather than acute. Some types of bacteria do not grow in a culture, or levels are too low to measure easily. Pyelonephritis in small animals (2016) Brown SA Merck Veterinary Manual says of chronic pyelonephritis "Although abnormalities in the urinalysis are present, they are often less dramatic than with acute kidney infection. A single urine culture can be negative if bacterial numbers are low."

    http://www.felinecrf.org/pyelonephritis_utis.htm
     
  21. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Asia tolerates convenia well, but it was a last choice option with my vet because she said it has a very hard time getting in to the kidneys. I hope they figure this out, feel better Yum. More vines your way. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  22. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Yum's hematocrit was 28 on 1/30 at IDEXX and 23 today in-house. She gets a weekly shot of cyanocobalamin. She is due for her shot tomorrow.
     
  23. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Oh dear. Should I second guess the junior vet already?
    I will send them your post.
     
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  24. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

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    Praying for Yum!!
     
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  25. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    In-house and IDEXX results often do not match. I'd be inclined, if I could afford it, to have an IDEXX value. But that's a big " if".
     
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  26. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    I think you might want to take in a copy of the report Beth found. In such situations, I often say, Well, I understand what you're saying, but I'm very worried, so can you, please, just humor me, and start some antibiotics. This is said after s/he's read the material.
     
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  27. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    I can request that. You don't think it will take too much blood? I think they have to test her blood again tomorrow to check progress. The IDEXX result has a 1 day turnaround. In-house it is 15 minutes. But you're right, I have seen questionable results in-house.
     
  28. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

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    Piling on the vines for sweet Yum. These are for you. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    Acromegaly is hard on kidneys by itself. Don't second guess that it's something you did or gave her.
     
  29. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    They did an ultrasound of her kidneys to check for cabergoline related fibrosis. They didn't see any evidence for fibrosis. I guess they looked for signs of infection too, but she didn't mention that.
    Yum peed right before they took her out so no urinalysis yet.
    Her BG was 91 at AMPS+8.5.
     
  30. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    Well, not necessarily questionable ( though it is possible) , just different. You are comparing apples to oranges, and you need to compare oranges to oranges. You might want to, get their check in-house, because it will compare the results that the same machine gets. I'd also get the IDEXX, because it is more accurate. No, it won't be too much blood taken.
     
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  31. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    I've requested the extra IDEXX blood draw. Thanks.
    I should probably switch to SLGS from TR while she is hospitalized and not eating.
     
  32. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

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    What part of TR wouldn't work for you? I did TR with Neko when she was inappetant. You can always raise the reduction point a bit if you want, that's what I did at times. Don't forget to ask for ondansetron today.
     
  33. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending prayers. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  34. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    How did you bring her BG up when she went hypo? Just Karo syrup in the mouth? I kind of wish I had done that instead of feeding her high phosphorus high carb foods.
    They gave her a half a pill of cerenia instead of the Ondansetron. (I had been giving 1/4 pills.). It was late when I asked for it. We'll see.
     
  35. LizzieInTexas

    LizzieInTexas Well-Known Member

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    The last time Gizmo was hospitalized with panc after 3 days of not eating on his own and calling me in to force feed because he wouldn't let the techs near him, they allowed the over night home releases. Same as what is planned for Yum. They left the catheter in. I would pick him up after work and take him back in the morning. Gizmo did very good on this plan. This was pre FD so that wasn't in the mix. I would offer him any of servral foods and then force feed. By the 2nd night he was eating a bit on his own and the 4th night he finished a 3 oz can in one sitting.

    Praying for you and Yum :bighug:
     
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  36. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    There were bacteria in Yum's urine (rods and cocci)!!! Maybe her kidneys will bounce back some when we cure the infection.
    They sent it out for culture. They gave her a shot of convenia in the meantime, which she has tolerated well in the past.
    She has had such bad reactions to other antibiotics in the past they are worried about treating her with the wrong one.
    I will take her back for more IV fluids early in the morning. They gave her subq fluids for overnight.

    Their in-house bloodwork machine is an IDEXX. So they feel it gives results comparable to the lab.
    They will do the SDMA tomorrow.

    Thank you everyone her for all your suggestions and support. I thought it was all over this morning.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2018
  37. Sandy and Black Kitty

    Sandy and Black Kitty Well-Known Member

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    Just catching up on today’s developments...:bighug::bighug::bighug:
    Sending tons of healing energy to Yum.
     
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  38. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for describing your experience. I have been fretting about my decision to bring her home. She is very happy to be here.
    She walks funny with the catheter, wrapped in a pretty purple stretch bandage. I hope she can get comfortable.
    They haven't advised me to force feed her yet, since she ate a little yesterday.
     
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  39. LizzieInTexas

    LizzieInTexas Well-Known Member

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    I suggest leaving food out (free feed). Put is in close proximity to her but not in her face. Same with water. Also move the LB close (same room).

    Are you using phos binder? If so, let her eat anything at this point. Got to get her eating. But will defer to others advise. Petco now carries Tiki Cat mousse (zero carb). That is a good one. The a/d is another (6%). Gizmo lived on it for about two weeks. A/D is rx and you need a prescription of get it from the vet office. Both are low phos also.
     
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  40. LizzieInTexas

    LizzieInTexas Well-Known Member

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    For future reference...

    WERUVA Cats in the Kitchen pouch Chick Magnet is a good medium carb food.

    16% carb, 157 phos and has really good gravy. Not cheap but you don't use it often and I put it in the fridge for a few days in case I need it again.
     
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  41. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

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    I used Chick Magnet with Neko. I also had some Weruva Grandma's Chicken Soup around, it's over 20% carbs and renal friendly with no wheat which Neko's GI didn't like. But Neko was carb sensitive, Chick Magnet was usually enough. I did a drop of karo/syrup on food if below 40.

    Glad Yum is home. :bighug:
     
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  42. Alicia & Maggie (GA)

    Alicia & Maggie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending vines for Yum. :bighug:
     
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  43. Ter and Sally

    Ter and Sally Member

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    As usual praying for Yum. Shocked to read what's been going on. Sounds like you're doing the right things and we always second guess and blame ourselves. Remember you would never do anything or make any decision that would do any harm. You make the decision based on what is best at the time. Kisses for sweet Yum
     
  44. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

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    We are sending lots more vines and praying that Yum and you will have a good night.
    :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  45. Red & Rover (GA)

    Red & Rover (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Vines and more vines. Do take some time to focus on snuggles.
     
  46. Chubba (GA)

    Chubba (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending more vines, prayers, and :bighug: for both you and Yum.
     
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  47. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

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    Sending healing vines to Yum. :bighug:
     
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  48. Carol in Chicago

    Carol in Chicago Member

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    It sounds like the infection was caught early. Hope the fluids help and she bounces back. I'm glad she will be comfortable at home with you tonight and you are confident in the care from your vet. Sending vines and prayer for a quick recovery!
     
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  49. MyTitan (GA)

    MyTitan (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending huge vines to Yum and you
     
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  50. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

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  51. Squalliesmom

    Squalliesmom Well-Known Member

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    So sorry to hear what Yum and you have been going through! I really hope things are looking up for her now that they've diagnosed the UTI. Just be aware that she may still need conventional ABs if the Convenia doesn't clear it up; Convenia is designed to treat skin infections and is frequently ineffective in treating UTIs. Sending prayers and vines that it clears it up and her kidneys bounce back quickly! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  52. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

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    How is Yum doing today? I've been thinking about you and her!
     
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  53. Kris & Teasel

    Kris & Teasel Well-Known Member

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    I hope your girl is getting better. :bighug:
     
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  54. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    Prayers to you and sweet Yum , that her vetty stay today is peaceful :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  55. Pamela & Amethyst

    Pamela & Amethyst Well-Known Member

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  56. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

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    This is terrific news! It's entirely possible that this kidney trouble is transitory. I don't think convenia works in anaerobic environments, so it's good that they sent out a culture. They can give her antibiotic(s) specific to what the culture finds.
     
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  57. Bobbie And Bubba

    Bobbie And Bubba Well-Known Member

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    Sending vines to Yum and you! :bighug:
     
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  58. Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey

    Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey Well-Known Member

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    We are all watching for an update and sending thoughts and prayers and vines your way. :bighug:
     
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  59. Bronx's dad (GA)

    Bronx's dad (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Hopefully just an infection, more vines for Yum :bighug:
     
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  60. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Thank you so much for caring. Please keep those prayers coming.
    She was not improving at my local vet yesterday so she is now at the hospital in critical care with 24 hour IV fluids.
    Her SDMA was 58, her phosphorus 16, her creatinine approximately 6. Wow. She was doing great on 1/30.
    I am trying to not grieve in advance, but it is tough. They said her condition is not without hope.
    We bumped foreheads and she purred and looked me in the eyes when I left her at the hospital last night.
    She could not be more loved and she knows it.
     
  61. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

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    Oh Yum! Please get better soon! I will continue to pray for you and Yum.
     
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  62. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    Prayers for Yum all day today :bighug::bighug: To me it’s very encouraging that vet said there is hope ... they so often are pessimistic . Does she have some of your clothing with your scent on it to sleep on in hospital ? I’m sure you already did this . Prayers for your heart to have peace , Melanie :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  63. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    PS .... Elmo went thru a 3 day stay in critical care at 17 years old and made it . Our seniors are tough and strong !! Yum has their expertise and your love so she is covered :bighug::bighug:
     
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  64. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Sending more prayers. :bighug::bighug:
     
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  65. Doodles & Karen

    Doodles & Karen Well-Known Member

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    Prayers and :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  66. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

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    More prayers from us....
     
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  67. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

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    Prayers and vines for Yum. :bighug:
     
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  68. Tracey&Jones (GA)

    Tracey&Jones (GA) Well-Known Member

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    More vines and healing white light coming Yum's way.

    I would be encouraged if the vet said there was hope...they don't do that too often.
     
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  69. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Please get well, Yum! I do agree, it's a good sign if the vets say there is hope. The high phos maybe explains why she didn't want to eat and is nauseated. Let us know when the culture comes back. Hope all the fluids and antibiotics start working right away and Yum is home with you and feeling better really soon! Tons more vines your way! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  70. Bronx's dad (GA)

    Bronx's dad (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Prayers for Yum :bighug:
     
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  71. Myagi (GA) and Heidi

    Myagi (GA) and Heidi Well-Known Member

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    :bighug:continued prayers for Yum:bighug: downloadfile-3.png
     
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  72. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Mar 29, 2017
    Well, the prayers may be working!!! Thank you!!!
    The critical care vet just called.
    The ultrasound confirmed infection of one kidney and her ureter.
    They have her on 2 antibiotics.
    Her creatinine has come down from around 6 to 4.5.
    They are very hopeful they will get her back to about where she was.
    There may be some intestinal thickening which wasn't there last spring, but we'll worry about that later.
    I will go in and see her later and give them her cabergoline to start that back up again.
    :cat::cat::cat:
     
  73. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2017
    Woohoo! I was so happy when I found out Asia had a kidney infection and now I'm so happy Yum has one too! I know how weird that sounds, but it's way better than the alternative with those numbers. I'm so glad they decided to do the ultrasound to look for it and I hope Yum tolerates the antibiotics well and is back to her awesome self very soon! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
  74. AZJenks

    AZJenks Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2014
    More get well soon vines for Yum! Hoping that whatever it is turns out to be not very serious and easily treated.
     
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  75. Bronx's dad (GA)

    Bronx's dad (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2016
    Happy to hear it is "only" an infection :bighug:
     
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  76. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

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    Aug 2, 2016
    Dancing around my kitchen for you and Yum :bighug::):bighug::):bighug::joyful::joyful::joyful: Prayers continue til she is back at home !!!
     
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  77. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    This is fairly common with a kidney crash that's due to an infection. And 6 creatinine is lower than the 7-12 numbers that I've seen. PS: many of those cats recovered. If this is due to CKD, it's still possible to help her thru. Visiting her might be important - they need us when they're in hospital.
    How is her rbc (red blood cell count) ?
    Prayers and good energy coming to both of you.

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  78. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    So happy to hear! I've been thinking about you guys all day! :)
     
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  79. Chubba (GA)

    Chubba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2017
    Sending more prayers, healing vibes, and :bighug:
     
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  80. Kathy and TiTi

    Kathy and TiTi Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2016
    This is the news I was hoping to hear. If all goes as they feel it will, you'll have her home soon.
     
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  81. LuvinThisPig

    LuvinThisPig Well-Known Member

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    Dec 8, 2017
    Prayers and good feels for you and Yum! I am so happy to hear she is doing so much better!! :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  82. Pamela & Amethyst

    Pamela & Amethyst Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
  83. Beth 73

    Beth 73 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 2, 2016
    Happy Saturday , Yum and Melanie :bighug: Coming Home Prayers coming your way :bighug:
     
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  84. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    Thinking of you and Yum today, I hope your sweet kitty comes home soon and she is starting to feel better. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  85. DebG

    DebG Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2016
    :bighug::bighug::bighug: healing prayers and comfort ones for you!!!!
     
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  86. Ter and Sally

    Ter and Sally Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2018
    Bring on the birthday plans. Great news to wake up to. Continued recovery!!!!!
     
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  87. Lesliejm

    Lesliejm Member

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    Dec 1, 2017
    So happy for you!
     
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  88. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

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    Mar 29, 2017
    Her hematocrit was down to 23 on Wednesday (from 28).
     
  89. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

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    Oct 2, 2017
    Creatinine coming down a good bit already? 3.7 from 6? :woot: Phos coming down too already?

    I'm sorry she is having diarrhea, are they giving a different antibiotic other than convenia right now?

    How is she feeling otherwise? Does she seemed to have perked up any since all the fluids and such?

    :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  90. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    Her creatinine was down to 3.7 this morning from 4.5 yesterday morning. Her phosphorus is just down to 13, but they haven't restarted the phosphorus binders yet.
    She has diarrhea. I thought this would happen from the Cabergoline or the antibiotics. I took in S. boulardii yesterday and pureed pumpkin today.
    They've dropped her insulin to .5u, since they don't want it to go below 100.
    She was stable enough today that they took her out of the cage and let me hold her in an appointment room. She squirmed of course but bliss for me.
    They want to keep her until Monday. I may have to do subq fluids for a while. Whatever it takes.
    I pray her creatinine drops further. She was 1.7 on 1/30, but drinking 19 oz of water a day.
    Thank you everyone for your support.
     
  91. Sean & Rufus

    Sean & Rufus Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2018
    Sounds like she is doing better and going in the right direction! And she gets to be home for her birthday :) Continued praying for you and Yum!
     
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  92. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    She was already perked up yesterday morning. No more droopy eyes. Big round eyes. Playing with the IV tubes, until they put a collar on her.
    She is on 2 antibiotics, the names of which I didn't catch on the phone. Maybe amphocyllin and raxophin. (That's what I "heard'; haven't googled them.)
    Stacy, I have to thank you so much for bringing up the kidney infection, before my regular vets thought of it. They even resisted it as an atypical story. They were thinking her kidneys had just given up the ghost. I remember posting how horrified I was when it took an ultrasound to diagnose Asia's kidney infection. Then poof---Yum and I wound up in the same place!
    There is so much knowledge on this forum!!!
     
  93. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    You posted it before me!
    Yes, she should come home for her birthday. Nice coincidence.
     
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  94. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    So glad she's perked up! That is the best news and trumps any of the numbers IMO! :)

    You're so welcome, I'm glad our experience could help, it was perfect timing since we just went through all this. I'm very glad you're vet didn't ignore you when you mentioned it. Asia had some UTIs and then symptoms of a UTI where nothing cultured from it, I suspected a kidney infection months ago and it was brushed aside, even after her numbers started to dramatically climb because the labs didn't show any evidence. @Marje and Gracie was the one that told me the ultrasound could diagnose the kidney infection and that's when I made it a priority and got it done and found a new vet that was on top of everything.

    It is crazy that sometimes that's the only way to find it, but it's not all that common either, given the diabetes, CKD with sudden rising numbers and UTI histories, it makes sense to look for it even if the labs didn't show anything. The other part is it usually takes 6-8 weeks of antibiotics to clear, which Marje also pointed out to me. Some vets think 2 weeks will suffice and Tanya's says otherwise (and has studies to back it up).

    So excited the soon to be birthday girl is on the mend! :cat:
     
  95. Wendy&Neko

    Wendy&Neko Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 28, 2012
    Unfortunately, not uncommon with acros. :( Diarrhea can be a symptom too. Neko had constipation instead, depends where the thickening is. She took budesonide for it, and it started helping within a couple of days. Pred is usually prescribed, but Neko couldn't have it due to her heart.
    Awesome news! :joyful::joyful:
     
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  96. MJW

    MJW Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 29, 2017
    Well, she had a seizure or stroke overnight. She was unconscious with tremors for maybe 30 seconds.
    Her BG was 178 at the time.
    Her blood pressure has been normal.
    They have no explanation.
    They have stopped her insulin (BG currently 137) and put a bell on her collar.
    She is alert and actively supervising the critical care unit.
    Her creatinine is only down to 3.3. Still, that's another more than 10% drop. Her phosphorus is down to 12.3 from 13.5.
    Could the pituitary tumor cause seizures?
    Any words of advice on this development?
     
  97. Stacy & Asia

    Stacy & Asia Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2017
    I don't know about the seizure. :bighug::bighug::bighug:

    It can take time for antibiotics to start working and creatinine to come back down, Asia had 4 weeks of antibiotics before we got the numbers we did, its impressive it's come down that much already though.

    Glad to hear she is alert and her BG is pretty great without insulin so far. More healing vines for Yum and hugs for her awesome bean. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  98. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
    I don't have answers, either. Trix did have an unexplained seizure once, too - she wasn't acro, but did have CKD, so maybe related to the kidney issues?? It never happened again. Prayers that this is an isolated incident for Yum.....it sounds like she is improving and doing very well otherwise. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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  99. Chubba (GA)

    Chubba (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2017
    Oh my ... sending more healing vines, prayers, and :bighug:.
     
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  100. carfurby (GA)

    carfurby (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 19, 2012
    Sending more prayers. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
     
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