Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: clarenmax on January 28, 2008, 10:49:47 AM
-
Just got back from the vets now, as I wanted to check him over as I do every year!
His teeth are not too bad, one or two are looking a wee bit iffy, but nothing requiring any action right now. Its a case of monitor again next year (unless he looks to be having problems), and see how they're doing then.
Weight is OK, still 5.2kg which was his ideal weight beforehand, so I'm really pleased we've managed to maintain that.
We decided to do some bloods on him this time around, as he does seem to be drinking a bit more at the moment. I personally do think its due to the air being so dry with the warm air heating system in the house, but I just wanted to make sure, especially as the vet said his thyroid felt as though it could be a little larger than 'normal'. I get the results tomorrow for the bloods.
What else, oh yes, I had him microchipped as well, as although he is indoor only, I'm ultra paranoid that if he ever did do a houdini and tested postive for FIV with no know owner, the unthinkable would happen, so I'm taking no chances.
Got him some more profender and dental food too, a nice bill for £135 and my bank account some way lighter ;)
My boy is worth every penny though!
I'll update this tomorrow when I've got the bloods results back :)
-
Oh lovely Max and I am so pleased that he is fit and hope the bloods come back good ;D
-
The smiley says everything ;)
Good stuff.
-
Sounds like a good visit (except for the financial aspect!). Fingers crossed for the blood results.
-
Cheers ;D
Just noticed he's got a little shaved bit under his chin, would this have been for the blood test, or a specifc thyroid test? The invoices says Blood Profile D and then Idexx T4, which doesn't mean much to me if I'm honest :shy:
-
Would have been for the blood sample clare, taken from the jugular vein. Just one needle though but blood then used for the different tests.
-
Thanks Lynn :)
-
Great to hear that your darling Mr. Maxipuss is doing well, let's hope the blood test will come back a-okay!!
Keep up the great job Clare, sending loads of huggies and headbutts on your way :Luv: :hug:
-
So pleased for Max and hope it's continuous good news tomorrow with the blood tests Clare. :congrats:
Money well spent, better than the money I've had to pay out for a new TV ariel with the wind destroying my other one. At least you can cuddle up to Max - the TV don't even have all that many good programmes on!!! End of moan!! :evillaugh: :rofl:
Mary
-
Aww, fingers crossed for good blood test results.
-
Hi hun,
Well done on the visit to the vets, I'm really pleased to hear the Maxy is doing so well. Frankie and Alfie are both drinking more since I started therm off on the Plaque Off, I guess that's how it's supposed to work, the other reason might just be that I'm leaving the water for 24 hours between re-fills so that the Chlorine gets evaporated and it might just taste better for them. The good thing is that they all have a lot fresher breath now. Hope the blood tests come out all clear. I've been working on the film all hours so I haven't been aroud that much.
Cheers hun and a big hug to Maxy
Leigh
-
Glad Max's visit went well, fingers crossed the bloods come back OK too :)
-
Very pleased Max's MOT went well. Paddy says he is too. ;D Says he knows all about little shaved bits. ;) Am sending a little chin chuckle for Max :hug:
-
Well done Max ;D
-
Well Done on a clean bill of health Max, hope the bloods come back ok
Max Monster :hug:
-
Well, bloods have shown a reading 'higher end of normal' on thyroid and kidney, so I've got a kit to get a wee sample and take it in tomorrow.
Trying not to get all worried and paranoid now :shy:
-
Sending positive vibes for Max's results to be okay! :hug: :hug:
-
Aw Clare, please don't think too hard about it being bad - keep the positive thoughts going girl :hug:
So, for someone who has never had the privilege of getting a cat's pee sample - how the chuff do you do it!!?? :evillaugh: :rofl: :Luv2:
Mary
-
So, for someone who has never had the privilege of getting a cat's pee sample - how the chuff do you do it!!?? :evillaugh: :rofl: :Luv2:
I was thinking the same thing... is it like
Clare: Well, Maxy boy, could you please wee just a wee bit into this little cup? I mean not too much just a little of it, and you can relieve yourself into the tray as usual for the rest.
Max: Why is it that complicated just to take a wee? Anyway I don't feel like it now.
Clare: The doc must test your wee to make sure you don't have a problem. Perhaps you can have a little sip of water?
Max: No I am not thirsty right now, I feel fine anyway I don't need a doc sniffing at my wee and stuff.
Clare: Oh hunny please, I want to make sure you are healthy, I will give you some bit of tuna if you can do that for me...
Max: Hmm, tuna? Maybe a few prawns on top?
Clare: Sure darling, prawns too!!
Max: Awlright I shall let you know when I feel like going, whenever that is.
Clare: Oh thank you darling, you are the best!!
??? :shocked: :shify: :innocent:
In any case I hope Max will be A-okay!! :hug:
-
Nice one Licia, I'm certain that will be cheering Clare up :naughty: :Luv2:- she probably is doing something on those lines - I would have to be doing a lot of talkiing to get Bonnie to give me a sample - she won't even use her tray if I'm looking at her.
Mary
-
Your vet can (or should be able to) supply litter that is specially designed for collecting samples - feels like the real thing but is sterile and allows the sample to accumulate in the tray.
-
....Also you can use fish tank gravel! ;)
-
I actually just left an empty litter tray where it usually is and it was used ...
-
Lol Licia, that cracked me up! Got some weird stuff from the vets, but Max doesn't want to use it .......... who will buckle first :evillaugh:
-
Lol Licia, that cracked me up! Got some weird stuff from the vets, but Max doesn't want to use it .......... who will buckle first :evillaugh:
Now, stress on that tuna and prawn bit, I am sure he will cave.... :sneaky: ;D ;)
-
Defrosting some prawns as we speak :evillaugh:
-
:rofl: at 'licia - oh yes, can just picture it beautifully.
Seriously though, hope all turns out to be fine. Know you'll be worried until you get the test done and results back. :hug:
-
Good luck for him using teh special litter - I know CS said she used two bags, and they were happy to use it. Tom however, preferred to jump on hte sofa where the normal tray was, or to sit in the bathroom for 5 hours and do absolutely nothing!!
-
Lets hope it's all OK. MY new vet said vet trips can cause readings to be off due to stress etc.
-
Thanks Mark I hope so :)
Well, the little monkey refused point blank to use the funny crystal litter they gave me......I tried a different tray as I'd only just refilled his usual tray and didn't want to waste a whole trayful, but my little monster just sat next to it shouting at me as he needed a poo and wanted his normal litter :evillaugh:
I gave up last night, but will try again with the crystals in his normal tray, but as they don't even cover the bottom, I think I'm gonna struggle.
If I don't get one tonight I'll call the vets in the morning to see what they can suggest, or as you suggested Desley, maybe try another bag of the litter to make sure it actually covers the bottom of the tray.
Why did I just know this wasn't gonna be easy :Crazy:
-
Amber wouldn't use that litter, she refused to pee for a full 24 hours in the end I followed her around the garden with a tea cup and didn't have to wait long!
-
Amber wouldn't use that litter, she refused to pee for a full 24 hours in the end I followed her around the garden with a tea cup and didn't have to wait long!
I can just picture that :evillaugh: Hope it wasn't your best china though :rofl:
-
When I needed a sample from Tiggy I just bought a urine sample pot from the chemist and stuck it under the flow while she was going, would Max be bothered by you doing that?
-
Not sure, but worth a go if I don't get anywhere tonight I reckon. Trouble is, his litter tray is on the ground floor of a 3 storey house, so I'm going to have to stay on my toes and follow him every time he goes downstairs to see what he's up to :evillaugh: What our little monsters have us doing eh :evillaugh:
-
Amber wouldn't use that litter, she refused to pee for a full 24 hours in the end I followed her around the garden with a tea cup and didn't have to wait long!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: - Can just imagine taking a china cup of rosie lee to the vet!!! C'mon Clare get running after Max. :naughty: :Luv2: :hug:
You're gonna deserve a Blue Peter Badge after all this Clare!!
Mary
-
Tell me about it ......... and a large glass of wine or something stronger :evillaugh:
-
Oh yes of course - an EXTRA strong mint!! :naughty:
Good luck chuck.
Mary :hug:
-
Amber wouldn't use that litter, she refused to pee for a full 24 hours in the end I followed her around the garden with a tea cup and didn't have to wait long!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Hope you managed to get some wee today.
-
Max is being a little butter :evillaugh: He still won't use that litter, he was moaning so figured he needed a poo again, so put the other tray down with his normal litter with the intention of moving it again straight away ............. well my darling boy did a poo and a wee in one sitting lol, so I'm still no closer to getting this sample :rofl:
Why do I feel like he's playing games with me :sneaky:
-
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: So sorry Clare but I really do wish I had a hidden camera in your house - I can't stop laughing - in fact I'm nearly peeing myself - you want a sample?? :naughty: :rofl: :hug:
Mary
-
I am definitely seeing the funny side of this, but my little monster is really not helping me :rofl:
Might have to ring the vets in the morning to see if they have any better ideas :shy:
-
Maxy,watch out your mum is after your wee wee,she wants to take it to the V.E.T just beware my friend of any objects and food she may try to make you fall into the trap :shify: :shify:
Ging :innocent:
-
Clare,he must of heard me telling my OH about Max's dilemma and sneaked on the pc :shy:
Come on Maxy,your mum wants whats best for you :hug:
-
Gwen, Ging is very naughty giving my boy the heads-up on what I'm up to :rofl:
-
He is and now he's lying on the sofa having a wash as if butter wouldn't melt :innocent:
-
I just heard him skulking around in the kitchen, but alas, only munching and not weeing :tired:
-
I wanna join Mary in the hidden camera booth :rofl: :rofl:
-
I'm glad my pain amuses you :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
We had a silly moment downstairs just now, I'd say Weeeweeeee, J said Piiiiddddle and Max went moooo, about 5 times over ....... sorry I guess you had to be there :rofl:
-
Share a huge pot of tea with him that should do the trick fairly soon!! :innocent:
-
I even asked if wanted some of my beer, but he said he didn't fancy it :evillaugh:
-
[quote author=clarenmax link=topic=11667.msg198994#msg198994 date=1201727935]
I'm glad my pain amuses you :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
We had a silly moment downstairs just now, I'd say Weeeweeeee, J said Piiiiddddle and Max went moooo, about 5 times over ....... sorry I guess you had to be there :rofl:
[/quote]
What do you mean, Max went Mooooooooooooooo - is he pretending to be a cow!!? Perhaps you can get some milk as well as pee!!! :naughty: :rofl:
Mary
-
He does go mooooo :rofl: Well that's what we call it :shify: :evillaugh: If he miaws a lot, he's mooing :rofl:
Gawd, I think we need to get out more :rofl:
-
I'll second that Clare - I'm ready for hitting the brandy!!!
Poor Max - he better be ok after us taking the P!!!!!!!!!!! Oooops, sorry!! :rofl: :hug:
Mary
-
Come on Maxy boy we got better things to do than wait for you to go WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :evillaugh:
Actually I haven't,long may this thread continue cuz I'm having a good old chuckle :rofl:
-
I can see this turning into another totally unsuspicous type thread :rofl:
-
Just spoken to the vets, and they have told me to persevere with the crystals.....so I'm going to get another bag tonight, which I will transfer into the small tray I bought, at least 2 bags should cover the bottom the tray.
They've said I shouldn't give in and put his normal tray back, as he will have to use it eventually :shify:
I have to say I'm a little uncomfortable with doing this, but apparently I have to and it won't do him any harm. My only concern is whether he may start boycotting the tray completely and going elsewhere. Guess I'll have to see how tonight goes and not let him have his usual tray until he's given me a sample :sneaky:
-
I love your vet Clare - he's letting us have more laughs!! :evillaugh: :hug:
I really do hope you get it soon though as it's needed to help your little Max. I'd feel like I was being rotten to him too, but like the vet says - it's not haming him - but he's not the one who has to look at hi sliitle face and no doubt his eyes will be saying PLEASE mummy ....... and making you feel more guilty.
Good luck chuck.
Mary
-
This is just soooooooooooooo funny
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMScWnUJnCs
Mary
-
This is turning into a wee battle of will isn't it (no pun intended :innocent: )
Poor Max I feel bad for him I know I would be in trouble if there is no proper place to relieve myself around and have to hold it in for 2 days :Crazy:
Probably he doesn't want to go on any slick surface. How about putting some crumpled kitchen roll sheets inside the tray, take that to the vet and they can squeeze out what they are after... :evillaugh: well, just a thought.... :innocent:
-
I have to say that I feel like a very mean meowmy right now :(
But, its got to be done, so this evening I will top up the small tray with a couple of bags of stuff, and see what happens. I'm out for a couple of hours tonight, so he won't be able to win me round and will just have to go wees in there :naughty:
-
:rofl: Love the idea of squeezing out the kitchen roll Licia. :rofl: :hug:
Hope it works tonight Clare. :hug:
Mary
-
What an entertaining thread :rofl:
I've never had to get a sample from my two, but I think it would be easy with Jaffa as he usually comes to use the tray when I clean it and he often does 'walky wees' :shify: so I think I could just stick something under him quite easily ;D
Good luck today, Clare!
I don't think it's difficult for vets to get a sample at the surgery if you fail.
-
Walky wees, am picturing all sorts now :rofl:
Max will usually have a wee as soon as I change the litter, but not with this stuff he wont :evillaugh:
I refuse to be beating my big black furball though, so lets see what happens tonight :naughty:
Yes, the vets can do the sample if needed, they just take it straight from the bladder, so I'll threaten him with another vet visit and nasty needles if he won't comply and play nice :rofl:
-
I'm enjoying this thread just as much as everyone else but on a serious note if you don't have any success soon why not try the empty tray like Blackcat suggested. Korky is quite happy to use an empty tray and he's very fussy about the type of litter he uses. I'm sure the sample doesn't need to be sterile for tests on kidney function (better ask the vet though) and less stress for Max than having the vet take it.
-
Thanks Carol, will keep that in mind if no success today ;)
-
Max 1 Clare 0 :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
-
For now.............. :rofl:
-
In have only just caught up with this..............goooooooooo Max ..........Oh dear reckon that was a pun :rofl: :rofl:
-
Well done Gill, you've got the hang of it girl! :rofl:
Mary
-
Welllll............ he's used the litter ............but only to do a big No. 2, still no a wee in sight :sick:
-
:evillaugh: Max 2 - Clare 0 :rofl:
-
Max,Ging here again :shify:
Well done me boy,your doing good,keep it up as your meowmy is starting to give up :briggin:
Ging
-
Dear me poor Maxy, something's gotta give or he's gonna blow!! :shocked: :Crazy: :shify:
-
Aw Clare, poor Max and poor you. If only he would realise it's only to help him. Maybe you should sit him where he can hear water running and it might make him go. :naughty:
Mary
-
Well, we're back to square one again and I'm going to have to buy yet more of this stupid litter tomorrow. Where he pood earlier he messed his tray and he crystals as of course he couldn't bury it, so he ended up shoving it everywhere :sick:
He hasn't used the empty tray either, I left that when I went out, but may also leave it overnight, but I think its an unlikely prospect.
Why does my boy have to be so bloomin awkward :doh: :Crazy:
-
HAs he got the crystals all over the floor Claire, as they are washable.
-
I won, I won, I won :evillaugh:
I got fed of playing games, so put his normal tray down this morning, knowing full well he would go in it, and when he started to pee I shoved a shot glass under his unmentionables and caught it mid stream :rofl:
He looked as me as if to say 'WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING WOMAN!!!!!!' but it did make me chuckle.
-
Well done Clare - you truly deserve a medal for that. Wish I was as happy - it's Smudge's 14th birthday today and he's still missing. So I'm gonna cuddle up with Bonnie and hope I never have to catch her pee.
Mary
-
Aw hun, sending you a huge :hug: xxxx
-
Cheers Clare, it's really spooky as well cos I've not had my reminder for his insurance which was today also. So glad I've got Bonnie to help me get through it and all the nice people on Purrs. :Luv2: :thanks: :hug:
Don't take Max's pee out in this weather - it'll freeze - we got snow here but not settling just yet. :evillaugh:
Mary
-
Snow, oh yuck! Its really bright and sunny here, but bloomin freezing so anything could be around the corner :evillaugh:
Max's wee is safely with the vets lol, I took it down somewhat trimphantly this morning, and need to ring on Monday as they needed to ask the vet whether it was just a stick test required, or a send-away test.
Not sure what they'll be testing for in his wee though ?
Give Bonnie a cuddle from me, and tell her she's doing a great job of looking after her mum today :hug:
-
Cheers Clare - she really doen't know how much she means tome today - Or maybe she does as cat's seem to be very very intelligent.
Hope you get results soon - at least Max can have a pee in peace now, bless him. :hug:
Mary
-
Yay - well done, Clare!! ;D And Max!
Happy Birthday to Smudge and a :hug: for Mary. Maybe Smudge will decide to come home for a birthday tea.
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/urmaniac13/animated%20gifs/36_1_33.gif) :clap: :clap: :catlove:
Mission Impossible has been accomplished!! :congrats: you too!! (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/urmaniac13/animated%20gifs/thumbup.gif)
I am sure Max is relieved just as you are and feeling much lighter... (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/urmaniac13/animated%20gifs/36_1_22.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v309/urmaniac13/animated%20gifs/Muttley.gif)
-
Yay - well done, Clare!! ;D And Max!
Happy Birthday to Smudge and a :hug: for Mary. Maybe Smudge will decide to come home for a birthday tea.
[/color]
Thank you - really wish he would he could have anything he wanted.
Mary
[attachment deleted by admin]
-
Well done Max :cheer: :cheer:
-
Glad you managed this at the finish :hug:
Mary - :hug: to you too, 'cos I know how that feels.
-
Good boy Max ;D
:hug: :hug: to Mary
-
Thanks ever so much Sue and Gill - it's been a very hard day and I'm so glad Bonnie is here to help me get through it. It hasn't helped with it snowing as Smudge loves playing in the snow with me throwing snowballs for him.
Any way - have you had a peaceful evening Clare? No running after Max for his pee must've been a really boring evening for you!! :rofl:
Mary
-
Have to say it was quite refreshing to have a worry free night about pee :rofl: Think Maxy boy is also pleased I'm not following him around as well :shy:
After the indignities of this morning, it appears that I am forgiven, unless of course he is lulling me into a false sense of security and he's planning warfare tonight be waking me every hour on the hour :rofl: :rofl:
-
After the indignities of this morning, it appears that I am forgiven, unless of course he is lulling me into a false sense of security and he's planning warfare tonight be waking me every hour on the hour :rofl: :rofl:
I do hope he is not too vengeful and he would stop at that... I can also picture a rather disconcerting scenario Maxy squatting down on your pillow going "wee weeeeeeee, wee weeeeee, are you happy Mummy????" :scared: :scared: :scared:
-
I can also picture a rather disconcerting scenario Maxy squatting down on your pillow going "wee weeeeeeee, wee weeeeee, are you happy Mummy????" :scared: :scared: :scared:
Nooooooooooooooo, don't give him ideas :rofl:
I've now banned him from reading this thread lol :evillaugh:
-
Licia, you've given me an idea - Clare, you can count his toes and do the rhym ...... this little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed at home, this little piggy had roast beef, this little piggy had none, AND THIS LITTLE PIGGY WENT WEEEE, WEEEEEE, WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ALL THE WAY HOME!! :evillaugh: :Luv2: :naughty: :rofl:
Or perhaps NOT!!!! xx
Mary
-
:rofl:
I am defo forgiven, Max behaved last night and gave me lots of under-duvet cuddles as it was cold, so I guess he's put the wee issue behind him!
My friend Tessa has got to get one from Frank soon, so I've imparted all my 'useful!!!' advice about bypassing the litter, and just stick a shot glass under him :rofl:
Got to call on Monday to see if the samples suggested anything.
-
Well done Clare on your patience and enthusasim to get the job done, would love to have seen Maxys face when you shoved a glass under him :rofl:
Hope everything comes back ok on Monday
Mary thinking of you and Smudge :hug:
-
Glad to hear you won, I will remember that!! Pebbles wee was tested when she had debatable kidney values, and I Can't remember what it was tested for now, nor whether it was sent away or not.
-
Did her results show anything Desley?
-
No, there was something raised in her kidneys, but the urine test showed it was a UTI rather than kidney related - or something along those lines, as it is nearly 3 years ago now. She didn't have her thyroid tested then though, vet just did basic as cos we knew she had something underlying all the time I hd her, she wanted to make sure it was just a UTI and nothing worse
-
See Clare - you're an expert now - even giving tips to others. :clap:
Fingers crossed for Monday Max xxxxxxx
Thanks Angie.
Mary
-
Hi All,
Right, just spoken to the vets, and the extra tests have showed that Max's wee is slightly dilute, and perhaps with a trace of protein as well.
They reckon this is the early signs of kidney issues (not uncommon I'm told for a cat this age?), and that we need to get him on a low protein diet. They're putting some different types of food out for me tonight, wet and dry renal foods as Max tends to eat both, and we're to do more blood tests in 2-3 months time to see if the levels have reduced following the diet change.
This is all we need to do for now, they don't think tables are necessary yet, as its only very early stages and its been caught early.
I'm just so glad I went with my instincts to get him checked as I was sure I'd seen him drinking a bit more than usual. I guess nobody knows their cat better than a slave :shy:
-
Doesn't sound overly serious, Clare, but you're right that it's best to start treating it now in order to slow down the progress of any kidney problems. Jaffa's blood tests showed his kidney values to be towards the high end of normal, but the vet didn't advise any further tests or any treatment. I do keep an eye on the phosphorus content of what I feed him though. I think that is more important in early CRF than low protein. The CRF 'bible' is a good read
http://www.felinecrf.org/
Good luck with the renal food!
edited to add - felinecrf.org isn't keen on the idea of low protein food for cats in early CRF
However, there is a lot of controversy about how useful low protein diets are for CRF cats, and when they should be introduced. Many vets recommend a low protein diet immediately; but this is not necessarily a good move. Cats need a relatively high amount of protein in their diets, compared to say, dogs or humans; and if protein is reduced too early, it can cause weight loss, raised liver enzymes, and may in some cases contribute to the development of anaemia. This is particularly true of those CRF cats who leak protein in their urine (proteinuria), leading to low protein levels in the blood.
I wouldn't advise going against your vet's advice, esp so early on (and before you even know whether Max will eat the renal food) but it's something to bear in mind, esp if he refuses to eat the food.
-
Wow, all that information is a bit overwhelming :shy:
-
Well done for catching it early Clare, you good slave you!! Fingers crossed that all goes well. :hug:
Mary
-
Well done Clare .................Clare 2 Max 1 :evillaugh:
-
Oh Gawd, I really shouldn't have started reading about CRF /kidney disease :-[
I know that Max is only very early stages, but it does mean that it will progress one day, and its made me think about his mortality and I'm sitting here in floods :'(
I know that in every probability we will have many more happy years together, but what with his FIV (for which there is no cure), and now this, I just feel so sad.
Sorry guys, I know I'm overreacting, but its horrible when you start to think about the fact that one day they won't be here any more.
-
Try not to worry too much. Early stage CRF can be managed and it may not deteriorate very quickly at all. I don't know that much about it, but I di did a bit of research when Jaffa had his blood tests (originally picked up when he had pre-op bloods before a dental). Jaffa has never been described as having CRF by a vet but I sort of consider him 'pre-crf', if there's such a thing. But any cat of that age will have lost kidney function, it's just a case of whether it's picked up or not. The fact that you've picked up on this means you can deal with it while Max is fit and healthy. It was 2 years ago when Jaffa's first blood test showed his values to be high. They are still within the normal range.
-
I know I shouldn't really worry too much, and we'll know more in due course when bloods are done again in the future....
This isn't really my rational head today, I blame pmt :tired:
-
Am calm again now :shy: and feeling a bit foolish :shy:
-
dont feel foolish we all worry dont we its our job, :hug:
-
Hey Clare I would be so exactly like you if I were in your shoes, I am sure this is what should happen to any doting mummy and devout slave!! :briggin:
You take such a good care of Maxy boy I am sure he will be okay, keep up the great job hun!! ;D ;) :hug:
-
Glad you've calmed down - I went into panic mode when I first found out but with meds and attempting to control Clapton's diet, his numbers have improved every time. He is almost within normal range. I know it won't stay like this forever but forewarned & all that - The amount of reading is mind numbing. As for the foods, after all I have read, I wouldn't feed Clapton on all renal food even if he would eat it as I have read some negative things about it. Apart from being unpalatable, some people think restricting protein isn't a good idea (the research was done with Rats). Senior food is an alternative as it has lower phos. Max must be very borderline if the vet is only suggesting diet to help :hug:
-
Thanks guys, I knew I could rely on you to make me feel better :thanks:
Yup, from what the vet said the results were only just showing higher end of normal, but with the wee sample, it did point in the direction of kidney issues. We have to do more bloods etc in 2-3 months time to see what's going on. I am truly glad that I went on my instincs though and got him checked :shy:
I've taken on board the thoughts on food, and what I'll probably do is switch his dry food to the renal stuff, and just check with his wet food with phospherous levels etc. He has Natures Menu so I'll have a looky when I get home :)
Senior food is also a good idea, anyone have any good recommendations for wet and dry?
-
Just read this Clare - been in a grotty meeting at work all afternoon.
:grouphug: :cuddle: :Flowers: :ahh: :lick: YOU ARE NOT OVER REACTING ........ don't you ever say that again young lady!! :hug: :Luv2:
Thing is, we all think of the bad things and mustn't. Easier said than done - More TLC than usual and you and Max will be ok chuck. Lots more years ahead of you. xx
Hope your gonna get him a nice valentine's treat :Luv2:
Mary xx
-
Thanks hun :hug:
-
Thanks guys, I knew I could rely on you to make me feel better :thanks:
Yup, from what the vet said the results were only just showing higher end of normal, but with the wee sample, it did point in the direction of kidney issues. We have to do more bloods etc in 2-3 months time to see what's going on. I am truly glad that I went on my instincs though and got him checked :shy:
I've taken on board the thoughts on food, and what I'll probably do is switch his dry food to the renal stuff, and just check with his wet food with phospherous levels etc. He has Natures Menu so I'll have a looky when I get home :)
Senior food is also a good idea, anyone have any good recommendations for wet and dry?
I just give Alice & Clapton what they fancy - as far as senior goes, they seem to prefer Whiskas (£2.50 a box in Tesco right now ;D ) The favourite senior food is Whiskas senior fishermans but I can only get it in Sainsbury's. They won't always eat senior so I give them regular as well if they are being picky. The only wet food Willow will eat is Perfect Fit senior (I ordered it from Petplanet today) As for dry, Hill's senior seems to go down quite well. I know others buy JWB & RC but none of mine seem to like them.
There are lots of figures on Tanya's CRF site and lots of other information, including reports that reduced phos is more important than reduced protein, especially in early stages. I just saw how bad the figures are for regular hi-life :Crazy:
http://www.felinecrf.org/tinned_food.htm
-
:thanks: Mark, that's really helpful. I know Max likes Whiskas wet food as he has that as his 'junk food' in the morning and NM in the evening, so I'll take a look when I go shopping later in the week ;D
-
Jaffa has felix and perfect fit senior a few times a week, but the rest of the time he just has normal adult food. I try to feed more of the ones that are lower in phosphorus and keep the higher ones for occasional treats but I dont get too obsessed about it. He has all wet food with some added water.
-
Hi Clare
Just wanted to send :hug: :hug: and glad you're feeling a bit better now. We wouldn't be good meowmies if we didn't worry ourselves silly over our babes. Sending headbuts to dear Max.
-
The whiskas senior figures aren't on there but I got some figures from them that Helen helped me work out - from memory, they were slightly lower - around 1% phos. As Susanne says, best not to get to obsessed with it but just be aware of lower ones. Also I try to avoid processed meats as they have added phosphates ;D - My own little thing is I am guessing that bottled water is purer so I only give them that.
-
Max has bottled water as well ....... I don't drink tap water so I don't make him either :evillaugh:
-
:evillaugh:
Don't give him the Gin though :evillaugh:
-
:rofl: He's more partial to a drop of Baileys ;) :evillaugh:
-
Forgot to say - it's in the job description of cat slave that we worry over every little thing.
-
The phosphorus content of natures menu is 1.5 (I emailed them for that information last year) which is pretty good for a non senior/renal food. Applaws are about 0.7. Both are calculated on a dry matter basis (felinecrf.org recommends below 1 for crf kitty and below 0.5 if poss). So if he likes NM, I'd say that's a good food to feed for early CRF esp as it has a lot of meat so good quality protein. But see how he goes with the renal food.
-
:rofl: He's more partial to a drop of Baileys ;) :evillaugh:
Reduced lactose I hope :shify:
-
Just put some renal wet food down, one sniff and wandered off lol!
He's munched a bit of dry though, so I'll probably try a mix of the dry and his Natures Menu ..... thanks for that Susanne, really useful :thanks:
I'll see if he's eaten any when I get back in :evillaugh:
I got a copy of his bloods as well, the results were as follows:-
Glucose 6.75 (values between 4.22 and 8.06 normal)
Crea 236 (higher than normal, values range between 71 and 212)
Urea 12.1 (normal reading between 5.71 and 12.85)
Alt 51 (normal reading between 12 and 130)
ALKP 29 (between 14 and 111 normal)
Looks as though Creatine (?) is the one which is the most problematic on here, so guess that's the reading they're most concerned about.
-
Glucose 6.75 (values between 4.22 and 8.06 normal)
Crea 236 (higher than normal, values range between 71 and 212)
Urea 21.1 (normal reading between 5.71 and 12.85)
Alt 51 (normal reading between 12 and 130)
ALKP 29 (between 14 and 111 normal)
Looks as though Creatine (?) is the one which is the most problematic on here, so guess that's the reading they're most concerned about.
Only just caught up with this thread! Looks like creatinine is only slightly raised, think they refer to that as kidney insufficiency, rather than failure. Hope he takes to the the renal food, but as others have said, don't stress too much about it if he doesnt and look for the lower phos foods that he will eat. :hug:
-
He's just eaten some of the renal food ;D
Yesterdays offering (RC pouch) as looked at with disgust, but I tried one of the RC Pate ones tonight mixed with a bit of water, and so far he's eaten about 1/3, so will probably eat some more overnight.
He had his NM this morning along with some of his normal crunch, so hopefully a gradual and partial changeover will be workable here ;D
Thanks again to everyone for their words and hugs yesterday, I was all of a panic, and you all really helped to calm me down again, so I cant say :thanks: enough really :shy:
-
C'mon Maxy - you godda be good or that mum of yours will be panicing and getting worried again. It's not nice for us to panic em really - we can carry on teasing them though. :naughty: :rofl:
Your getting all sorts of new food so make the most of it cos we want you to stick around with us and be healthy and happy for a long time yet matey. :hug: :Luv2: :hug: :Luv:
Bonnie (Mary's Boss!)
-
At least those results aren't too high, so hopefully by changing his diet, you can keep them low for years to come.
-
Yay, he eat all the pate stuff, and he's OK with the crunch, so at least I know that I can mix the proper rental stuff with say his usual NM, and I'll get some Whiskas Senior as well as the levels are lower, so he can still have the different flavours that he likes ;D
Now its just a matter of keeping him eating it :sneaky:
-
If you can get to a Sainsbury's, the Whiskas Fisherman's choice senior is the favourite here. The gravy one doesn't go down well at all, the Mixed Jelly one is hit or miss with flavours - and that's not just Clapton as Alice is on partly senior food as well and she is the same. I wish they would eat the senior supermeat but they don't like it. (annoying that it's double the price of regular :tired: )
-
I've got to go to Sainsbugs at lunchtime today so I'll take a look. I'm also going to sneak into Pets at Home after my meeting this morning so will take a look at what they have there too ;)
-
One food I have some luck with is their own brand "ocean fish" pate (in an orange can). It's really stinky but good as a fall back when they are being fussy as they love it ;D
-
Cheers dears, will have a looky :wow:
-
Just thought of another senior food that goes down well here. Asda own brand Tiger senior. It only comes in chicken in gravy but Clapton is a big fan - good for a bit of variety - box of 12 £2.09 ;D - I don't go to Asda often but usually get 2 or 3 boxes - It reminded me as Clapton just had the last 2 pouches after rejecting Sheba and Tesco this morning :tired:
-
I've not got an Asda that close, but have Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys and Waitrose all within a 10 mile radius, as well as PAH, so reckon I should find some decent stuff he'll eat.
I tried him on the RC renal pouch again last night, there's no way he's going to eat that, but the pate did go down better, so I'll get him some more of those. I've seen on VETUK that Hills also do tins, anyone have any experience on whether these are better than the RC ones?
-
Only just caught up with this thread again - my 'puter's been on the blink. Clare, what flavour are the RC renal pouches that Max wont eat? They do two - chicken and beef. Korky turns his nose up at the chicken but would kill for the beef. He also loves the RC renal dry. Might be worth trying a different flavour. However, as Max seems to prefer pate (which Korky isn't all that keen on) he might like the Hills K/D which is a smooth paste rather than chunks.
-
The RC pouches are chicken, he just looks at them as though I'm trying to poisen him :rofl: I'll try and get my hands on some of the beef though, a good idea thanks!
I tried him on a Hills pouch last night, and same reaction as to the RC (even though it looked much nicer and lots of gravy stuff), so I'm going to try a Hills tin tonight and see if that's better.
He is loving the RC crunch though, so even if I can guarantee to get that down him, then its a start ;D
-
We're off to the vets again after work to do a new set of bloods for Max, and see if the change in diet has made any difference to his results. Was trying to get a wee sample last night, but after the escapades last time, I'll revert straight to plan 'b' with the shot glass :evillaugh:
Keep fingers and toes crossed that the levels haven't increased, and that we don't need to medicate just yet :)
-
Keeping all fingers, toes and paws crossed, Clare. :hug:
-
Everything crossed that there is an improvement
-
We're off to the vets again after work to do a new set of bloods for Max, and see if the change in diet has made any difference to his results. Was trying to get a wee sample last night, but after the escapades last time, I'll revert straight to plan 'b' with the shot glass :evillaugh:
Gotta live and learn, don't we all :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
Keep fingers and toes crossed that the levels haven't increased, and that we don't need to medicate just yet :)
My bestust wishes for Maxy boy, hope it will be all good news!! Come on he looks too well to have anything go amiss!! :hug: :hug: :hug:
-
Hope all went well for Max :hug:
-
Bloods all done, re-doing kidney and thyroid as well, as his thyroid is still a little enlarged.
Get the results on Tuesday, so lets see what they bring!
For being such a good boy today, he's had a Nature's Menu pouch for his tea, and he's wolfed it down in one go, so he may have some more later :Luv:
-
Well done Max ;D
-
He's a bit miffed that he's got another little baldy bit where they took the blood. He'd only just grown back properly after last time :shy:
Needs must though :Luv:
-
Poor boy , with a cold spot ;)
-
Fingers crossed for Tuesday :luck:
-
Awww bless Max :Luv2:
Have everything crossed for Tuesday :hug:
-
Fingers crossed for the results.
-
Just got Max's wee sample :yesss:
Same as before, put down the crystals in the smaller spare tray, knew full well he wouldn't use it, waited patiently for 3 hours, put back normal tray, crept up behind him with my trusty shot glass, and BINGO :yayyy:
-
Fooled him!
-
Nice one Clare :ok: :evillaugh:
-
Well done Clare. Have fingers crossed for tomorrow. Hope that little baldy bit is being kept warm in this arctic blast we're having. :hug:
-
Good work Clare! Give the big boy a cuddle from us.. hope it all goes well. :hug:
-
:thanks: everyone. I'll keep you posted when I get the results tomorrow, fingers crossed :Luv:
-
MAX'S LEVELS HAVE IMPROVED :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy: :yayyy:
Crea has come down from 236 to 223 (still higher than the normal maximum of 212, but still better)
Urea has come dwon from 12.1 to 8.5 (normal levels 5.71 to 12.85).
;D
We've got to do bloods again next month, and thyroid again as that's a little elevated, but not much.
His urine was better as well, not as dilute.
Have to say I'm pretty pleased with the results so far :)
-
Excellent news! ;D
-
Go Maxy :wow: That's great Clare :wow: Creatinine can be influenced by dehydration so he could well be in the completely normal range ;D
-
Aww, that is good.
-
That's smashing Clare. Good news for you both. :hug: ;D
-
Fab news Clare....so glad his levels are improving! :hug: :hug: :hug:
-
Great news ;D
-
Wahoooooooo exellent news,he's a true credit to you Clare ;D :Luv:
Still want him though :shify: but as you are taking such good care of him I think he otta stay with you :innocent: :Luv:
-
Aw Clare I'm so pleased - it must be realy worrying having to wait for results all the time. The TLC is doing him good - keep it up girl. Love you Maxy. :ahh: :catluv: :hug 2:
Mary x
-
What good news ;D ;D
I'm so pleased for you, Clare.
-
well done max ;D
-
Great news! ;D
-
At a boy Max. Keep up the good work. Well done Clare....we all know ya love him to bits...and it shows! :catluv:
Lots of love to our fave little FIV boy.
Roz
-
Awwww, :thanks: everyone for the lovely comments, its so great having the support of everyone on here, especially when you're worried about the health of your little ones.
You're all great, you know that :Luv:
-
:Luv: :hug:
-
More blood tests tomorrow (Sat) morning!
Keep the good vibes coming, hopefully the levels will have dropped a bit more (fingers and toes crossed!) :wish:
-
Fingers crossed for Max ;D
-
fingers crossed for you both :hug:
-
Fingers etc crossed everything is ok
-
Fingers and paws crossed for Max :hug:
-
Sending positive vibes for Max's results today.......Good luck hunnies! ;) :hug:
-
Fingers crossed for today
-
Thanks for all your good luck vibes hunnies :wow:
Still waiting for the thyroid results, they won't be in until Tues/Weds. The kidney results showed a slight elevation over last time, but the readings are only still a tiny bit above normal range. Vet wants to wait until we have all readings to see what's going on, but hopefully we just keep doing what we're doing in terms of diet and no medication.
He's also put a bit of weight back on, back up to 5.2kg which is good, as I want to maintain it at that level if I can, despite the lower protein diet.
Will post more next week when the full results are known, but he seems healthy enough to me at the moment and still has a good appetite, so I'm not too concerned right now.
Fingers crossed thyroid comes back OK, then we can hopefully do the bloods every 3 months or so, instead of every month which is getting expensive lol!
-
Sounds promising, fingers crossed :hug:
-
Fingers crossed for his thyroid results.
-
Sounding good. Fingers crossed for a good thyroid result next week
-
Looking good for you Max - Clare's looking after you, you gorgeous hunk.
Fingers and paws crossed for you chuck.
Love Mary and Bonnie
-
Max sounds good to me ;D
-
Well, still waiting for the vet up update Max's notes, but its not looking bad at all!
His thyroid readings are in, and although still slightly elevated, they are a tiny bit less than last time (53.3 down from 56.6, whatever that relates to lol!).
We've left it that the vet will call me if she needs to discuss anything ASAP, otherwise I'll take him back again in another month to get the readings done again and see if they're settling at around those figures.
It doesn't sound as though they are too concerned at the moment, and still no mention of medication yet, so I guess I just have to keep doing what I'm doing :Luv:
-
Sounds like good work, Clare :Luv:
-
Sounds positive!
-
Wooooohooooo vets don't want any more blood tests for 2-3 months now, unless he seems to be drinking more again .......... :yayyy: :yayyy:
Have to say, its a lovely birthday pressie :Luv:
-
Great news Clare - I know how it feels :hug: ;D
-
Thanks Mark :hug:
I know this isn't the end of all of this, and we will probably have to start medicating at some point in the future, but for now, he's happy, so I'm happy :Luv:
-
Aww, I am glad to hear that things are going OK for him.
-
That's great news hun, I'm so pleased for you and Maxy boy and a very Happy Birthday
:hug: to you both
Leigh
-
Thanks hun :)
-
Brilliant news, you must feel great. Happy belated birthday
-
Awsome news Clare ;D
-
Blimey, 3 months gone by already!!!
Its that time again - blood tests are due!
Max is booked in at 2.40 tomorrow, so once again would appreciate the good vibes you've always been so fabulous to send, and hope that the readings are all still fine :)
His drinking and weeing are still the same, his fur is mega shiny, his appetite is just fine, and he's as playful as ever, so I'm hoping above hope that all is still well with my little man :Luv:
-
Good luck for tomorrow Clare - Max is a credit to you chuck. I'll say a little prayer and keep my fingers crossed.
:catluv: :catluv:
Lots of love and licks from Mary and Bonnie. :hug: :Luv2:
xxx
-
Lots of luck tomorrow
-
Best of luck tomorrow hun,
Big hugs 'n hadbuts to you all from my puds.
Cheers
Leigh
-
All the best tomorrow,shall be eagerly awaiting the results ;D
-
:luck: Max
-
Fingers and toes crossed for you, Maxy baby! :hug: :hug:
-
Good luck tomorrow Clare & Max :hug:
-
Good luck this afternoon :Luv:
-
Are you and that brave, fit, healthy, gorgeous Max back from the vet yet??
Mary x :hug:
-
Heya ;D
Got the kidney results, creatinine levels are slightly higher than last time, but still not enough to require any medication, so we just keep doing what we're doing for now, and do more tests in 3 months time!
I've done the thyroid one again too, wasn't totally necessary, but would like to know where that's going too, and will get that result probably Tuesday.
He was as good as gold today, did his usual jumping off the table to go and explore a few times, but the new vet nurse fell in love with him and said he's adorable :Luv: :Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
-
:yayyy: :happy dance: :clap: :catluv: Good boy Max - you keep them busy atthe vet and have a roam around while you are there, those tables are horrid aren't they - I try and jump down all the time but I only managed it once.
Bonnie and Mary xxx
-
Great news Clare - it sounds like it is well under control :hug:
-
Great news :)
-
Excellent news! :wow:
-
This is the best news I've had all day ;D
-
:thanks: , you guys are great ya know, help keep me sane when I'm worrying about all the blood tests :hug:
-
Fantastic news hun, give the big fella a hug from me.
Cheers
Leigh
-
Tyroid levels are up on last time, from 53 (55 is higher end of normal) to 65.5, so we've got 3 weeks worth of Vidalta to take, then re-do kidney and thyroid readings again.
Are there any side-effects I need to look out for at all? Its similar to Felimazole apparently?
-
Come on Max - get yourself fit lad - we can't do with your mum worrying about you.
Side effects - oh no, Max, are you going to change into a tiger?? :rofl: Sorry chuck I've no idea on that one.
Mary and Bonnie xx
-
Cheers hun :Luv: :hug:
He's already a panther, but I think a tiger is much bigger, will need a bigger house :rofl:
Well he was a good boy and took his tablet yesterday, we need to try and do them the same time each night, so hopefully he'll get used to a bit of a routine if he has to keep having them!
I'm going to find out if his insurance will cover these costs if they are ongoing, as any cat can become hyperthyroid, not really moreso with FIV, so hopefully they will put it down to age (he's 11 next month we reckon :Luv: )
How does it work with insurance? For example, if I have to keep having the blood tests at £70 a time, and drugs etc, how does it work, do I pay for a year and claim it back?
Sorry being fick, I've never had to deal with pet insurance before :shy:
-
I'm hopeless Clare - Can't help you chuck as I only ever made one claim with Smudge for his teeth. I paid and claimed it back. With Bonnie being on the elderly scheme from the RSPCA when I got her in December I just pay their vet £5 for a consultation and get medication cheap and annual injections free.
My friend doesn't have her cat insured and for the past 2 years she has been on tablets for her thyroids and thye cost a fortune, but dear little Molly is so worth every penny. She is as good as gold with the tablets too - she sees the bottle and she just sits there waiting for it to be thrown in her mouth - when I look after her she's even good for me too.
I was told Bonnie was 10 when I got her so I'm classing her birthday as the day I got her from the RSPCA - so she too will be 11 in December.
Mary
-
Wish us luck for tomorrow morning, back at the vets at 8.30 for follow-up bloods having started the thyroid medication.
Keeping fingers and toes crossed his levels might have stabislised a bit again :wish:
Am also hoping that AXA will run this through my insurance and that they won't say its FIV related (all these blood tests getting mighty expensive, especially if we now have ongoing medication as well :shy: )
At least I managed to sneak a wee sample this morning so they will have the results ready for his examination tomorrow :)
Will let you know how we get on.
-
Wee sample expert now Clare :evillaugh: :rofl: :Luv2: :hug:
Got everything crossed for Maxy tomorrow - he's a fighter and I'm sure he'll be ok.
Mary x
-
Keeping everything crossed for you both hun, :hug: from the Alfie Cat Crew. :Luv2:
Cheers
Leigh
-
A wee sample of what? :-:
Seriously, everything crossed here as well for the little lad. I'll look forward to hearing his good news. Will we know tomorrow?
xC
-
A wee wee sample Chris or maybe a wee, wee sample or maybe even a wee, wee wee sample , sorry don't want to take the p1$$ ;D ;D
-
Aw, WEE love you and Max really Clare :naughty: :evillaugh: :Luv2: :hug:
Mary x
:catluv: :need loo: :need loo:
-
Lol, defo a wee sample expert now :evillaugh:
They want to do a culture test on his wee as well now, apparently the dip-stick test showed possibility of infection, so now I'm thinking what next :Crazy:
I doubt we'll get the thyroid results from tomorrow until about Tuesday/Wednesday, but the kidney readings are done in house so should know more about that tomorrow I guess.
I truly truly am hoping that the insurance covers some of this, otherwise I'm going to be a but stuffed for the next month :doh:
-
Lets hope the insurance will cover it - does it not cover any FIV related stuff? I mean, is that outside of the policy?
-
His FIV would be pre existing as he was adopted as a positive cat TB, policies dont exclude FIV otherwise ;D
Good luck for his results Clare :hug:
-
That's right, if AXA believe they can relate any of the kidney/thyroid issues with his FIV then they will not pay out.
I'm hoping that my vets will vouch that its age related as opposed to anything else, fingers and toes crossed :shy:
-
I've crossed everything and so has Jameson. :hug:
-
Thankees :hug:
-
Lots of good vibes for Max and AXA ;D
-
Wishing max ans yourself lots of luck :hug:
-
Max was his usual self at the vets today, refusing to sit still for Emily, and jumping off the table at every opportunity :evillaugh:
Results will be in on Wednesday, so can't really do anything else until then!
Max's heart rate has come down a bit, as that was a bit elevated last time, together with the thyroid levels, hence the start of medication. His weight is the same so that's good, he's about 5.2kg which is about right for him I think :)
Insurance form has also gone in, we looked through what I can claim for, and I've also got up to £250 per year for prescription food too, so we'll see what they can try and push for :shy:
My renewal date is 2nd Nov, its gone up about £30 from last year, but heck if I can get some money back from the blood tests etc then I won't be complaining :shify: :)
-
Thats good news Clare glad the tests went well. ;D
-
Me like Max's catittude :evillaugh: :evillaugh:
Hope the results are good on Wednesday :hug:
-
Sounding good Clare - hope he's getting lots more hugs. Hope Wednesday brings more good news.
Mary x :hug:
-
Eeep, just called to get kidney results, the creatinine level has rocketed from 244 to 534 since we've been treating the thyroid :doh: Urea level was normal.
Looks like we're going to have to start with Fortekor, but Emily is waiting for the T4 count tomorrow/Wednesday.
She did warn that this may happen, as the thyroid can mask other problems like liver/kidney etc, so I guess we just need to try and find a balance on what medications he will need :-[
-
Sorry Clare - I'm sure they can control it. I'm sure you vet is aware that Fortekor peaks at the beginning so needs to be watched as it's alreasy high?
Will insurance cover the Fortekor? - otherwise, it's worth asking for a deal. I am paying £25 for 56 tablets as opposed to £48 at my last vet just for asking for a prescription. They said they would rather sell them to me cheap. I made it clear that I don't begrudge one-offs but with something that I am likely to be buying for years, I want it cheap!
-
Hope the insurance will, guess I'll have to wait and see.
I'm also wondering that if there is a urinary infection at the moment whether that might have pushed some of the readings up too? Still waiting for the result of the culture test, so can't really do anything until all the results are in.
I hope all this calms down, he seems fine in himself and is eating and playing well, so I'm hoping this is a 'blip' which can be brought under control :shy:
-
Oh no, poor Max. It's good that he seems fine in himself, like you say this could be a blip, if not then hopefully the Fortekor can sort him out :hug:
-
Fingers corssed for the rest of the results :hug:
If AXA link CRF to FIV then they suck big time
-
Insurance form has been sent to AXA - can everyone keep their fingers and toes firmly crossed for us please :shy: :Luv:
The total amount of claim less the excess is about £600, so this will make an absolutely huge difference to us. I really had no idea how much the bills had amounted this year with food as well, its no wonder I'm permanentely skint :tired:
BUT, my boy is worth every penny :Luv:
-
fingers crossed hun
-
Fingers crossed for ya hun, let us know what they say, as my two are FIV (as you know) and with Axa too!
-
Fingers crossed for ya hun, let us know what they say, as my two are FIV (as you know) and with Axa too!
Certainly will :)
-
Good luck tomorrow chuck - Bonnie and I will be saying a prayer for you both tonight. More for Max than your purse though!! :rofl: :Luv2: :hug:
Mary and Bonnie x
-
Fingers crossed Clare! Max is such a gorgeous boy, I always think that he and Doc are so alike ;D
Doc ses that his mate Max dunt need 'culture' test cos its easy to see he's got loadsa culture as it is! :hug:
-
Max is very cultured, he knows about art and everything :evillaugh:
Well, just spoken to the vets again, and the thyroid levels are now too low, so we're now doing the Vidalta every other day as opposed to every day now. He does also have a urinary tract infection, so we've got 10 days antibiotics to try and sort it out.
We have to re-do kidney and urine tests after the anti'bs are finished, so will probably know more then.
No Fortekor yet, think Emily wants to see if the reducted thyroid levels and infection combined may have affected the readings in any way first.
-
Goodish news then Clare BUT poor you -- wee wee samples AGAIN :need loo: :need loo: :need loo: :need loo: :need loo: :cat laugh:
Mary x
-
Lol, wee samples are a piece of cake now, just a case of knowing when to catch the dear thing :evillaugh: :naughty:
-
well, we're off to the vets again tonight to do repeat wee samples (if I can get one grrrrrr), and to kidney and thyroid tests again.
I'm keeping everything crossed that his kidney readings have come down a bit, and that his thyroid has stabilised as well.
Still no news from AXA by the way, they wrote to me saying they've requested further info from the vets, so will see if they can tell me any more tonight.
Wish us luck :shy:
-
good luck!
-
Lots and lots of luck Claire :hug:
-
(http://www.leigh-kemp.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/tomaxy.jpg)
Keeping our paws crosssed (except when walking of course) ;D
Alfie 'n Frankie
-
Best of luck, fingers crossed you get the results you are hoping for :hug:
-
Good luck chuck and big hugs to you both. :hug: :hug:
Mary x
-
hope visit goes well :hug:
gosh what a very stressful time for cat owners on purrs.
i have no idea what frantas bill is gonna be but as they doubled his premium , they can expect everything claimed now!
i am sure you will hear from axa in next week .
-
i am sure you will hear from axa in next week .
Hope so, just praying its good news and they will pay :wish:
-
Still no results through yet..........
BUT........
AXA ARE PAYING £461 TO ME!!!!! ;D
I've had £100 excess to pay (£50 per condition per year), and they apparently only cover prescription food for the first 4 weeks of the illness (which is a complete nonsense :Crazy: ), but even so, that is a huge relief :shy:
The next lot of bills are going to be paid directly by AXA to the vets, so I'll have another £100 excess to pay, along with the ongoing food, so not so bad.
I've no idea if the medication is covered, I'd have to assume so as they haven't mentioned any deductions from the Vidalta, so fingers crossed :)
I can now only pay that Max's results are as good as AXAs :shy:
-
Thats great and gives me optimism about what I suspect is gonna be a large Franta bill.
I hope the results come back soon and are good, Frantas are back but I dont know the details yet except the GA has not made his kidneys any worse ;D
Hoping for a good reslt for you and Max :hug:
-
The next lot of bills are going to be paid directly by AXA to the vets, so I'll have another £100 excess to pay, along with the ongoing food, so not so bad.
Excellent :) It may be even better news than you first thought as you shouldn't have to pay the excess every time you claim, just once a year for each condition so you shouldn't have to pay the £100 excess on your next lot of bills ;D
-
Yes I think that is right too, cos each claim on the same illness should be a continuation claim.
My excess is £50 and hope that I will only have to pay one lot of that cos all frantas probs are related.
Gonna be a bit cross if they call the dental and the kidney probs two claims cos they all came out of one operation.
-
Yup, its £50 per year per condition, so even though we're doing all the bloods etc in one go, as one is kidney, and one is thyroid, they're classed separately and its £100 charge for the year, if that makes sense :evillaugh:
-
Nooooo that doesnt make sense to me at all :rofl: :rofl:
If its blood tests and all done together it should be just one excess, thats a bloomin con.
Tests for Kocka were never double excessed like that >:( >:( >:(
-
Results are in, well most of them!!!!!!
Emily is happy that thyroid is stabilised, so carrying on with the Vidalta every other day as we have been.
Creatinine levels are down again (phew!!!), and 277 this time down from 500+ last time.
Only thing we're waiting for is the results of the wee samples, so hopefully they'll be OK too and show that the infection has also cleared up :shy:
-
Thats great ;D ;D
The creatanine levels in Franta were normal I was told but dont know what that signifies.
-
So pleased for you both Clare - hope you're wee is good quality Max :Luv2: :rofl:
Great news from AXA too - it really helps when your mind can be put at ease with the vet bill.
Love Mary and Bonnie xx
-
Glad his levels are fine, but you shouldnt keep paying an excess, with AXA it is a one off excess (unlike Sainsbury's) that you just pay once a year, so you shouldnt have to pay again until his renewal. IF they keep taking an excess, I Would ring and query it, as they shouldnt on long term conditions - Sainsbury's didnt with either PEbbles or Tiger, till it had got to the amount they then take 15% off, but AXA dont work like that
-
The only reason we have 2 excesses to pay now is that the claim went in for the end of the previous year (up to Nov 08), and the new year started on 2nd November, so when the next claim goes in for the latest tests, I'll have to pay the excess for the current year too, then nothing else until the next renewal.
-
That makes more sense, just a shame you left it so close to the end of your year before claiming really, or you would have had more of a gap between tehm
-
Yeah I guess, but I would have to pay it anyway, and I've spent so much this year, that to get some of it back is such a bonus, that I'm fairly relaxed about the excesses to be honest.
I'll be paying the next one out of the payout anyway, so not really costing me anything, if that makes sense :evillaugh:
You know what they say, easy come, easy go with money these days :(
-
INSURANCE CHEQUE RECEIVED TODAY WOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Slight downside is the urinary tract infection is still there a bit, so more antibiotics, but other than that, keep doing what we're doing ;D ;D ;D ;D
-
So when are you having the spending spree? Make sure you treat Max :evillaugh: :rofl:
So pleased for you Clare and I hope the medication works.
Take care Max :catluv:
Mary x
-
So when are you having the spending spree? Make sure you treat Max :evillaugh: :rofl:
I'm sure Max will get a very nice treat out of that, the rest of the money will go pay the next £100 excess and his ongoing food bills ;)
My boy sends a big prmph and headbut to all his well-wishers on here :Luv:
-
Glad to hear that - I noticed on a thread you mentioned about a prescription for his food, you dont need to do that, you can buy prescription food from VetUK without one, so not 100% why it is called 'prescription' food. Zooplus also do 2 renal foods, the one we tried was more pate style, but went down better with Rosie.
-
Cheers for that Desley, I'll take a look :)
-
Schui and Byron send big prmphs and headbuts back to Max xx
-
Woohooo, just been told that the urinary tract infection has cleared up now ;D ;D ;D ;D
Blood tests for kidney and thyroid again in New Year, but for now, I can rest again!
His appetite has increased massively over the last few weeks, where he was being very picky, I'm coming home and getting up to cleared bowls daily again, which I'm really pleased about as he's lot a bit of weight recently.
I'm proud of my boy :Luv2:
-
great news Clare!!!
-
Thats great news ;D
-
wonderful ;D
-
super duper news! :)
-
So pleased for you both Clare, a lovely end to the year.
Mary
:yawn: :clap: :catluv:
-
More blood tests today, he's lost a tiny bit of weight, but that's probably the thyroid I would guess. Creatinine level is up a bit, and thyroid readings are awaited on Monday.
Fingers crossed we just have to keep doing what we're doing for now...... :)
-
I'm sure they will be fine :) :hug:
Does your vet have to send them off? - I got Willow's in 10 minutes the other day.
-
Thanks Mark :hug:
Yeah, the thyroid ones have to be sent away, but they do the kidney ones in house.
Creatinine is up from 277 to 334 so a marginal increase.
-
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :ahh: Lots of cuddles for you Max and a hug for you too Claire cos I know you will be worrying about him. :hug:
I'm sure he will be ok - fingers crossed for good results.
Love Mary and Bonnie xx
-
Sending big :hug: to you and Max, and i hope the results are fine. :hug: x
-
Sure handsome Max will be fine :hug: :hug: :hug:
-
Big hugs to you and Max and hope the test results are nothing to worry about :hug:
-
Fingers crossed; let us know :hug:
-
Best of luck for Max's results Clare xx
-
Not much to report, which is good news!
Thyroid levels are around the same as before, so we're now splitting the tablets and doing 1/2 every day, instead of 1 every other day, to try and keep it a bit more constant.
More tests in 2 months, so I have to say I'm pretty happy with that :)
Thanks to everyone for your posts on here too, you guys help keep me sane :hug:
-
No news is indeed good news :)
-
Oh well, off to the vets we shall go again this evening, the bloods are due again for kidney and thyroid.
I got a wee sample off to them yesterday, Max was very compliant :heeee heeee: so hopefully all will be well still.
I have a feeling he's lost a bit more weight, but he's eating well still, so guess that's still the thyroid to be balanced properly?
Anyhooo, would appreciate the usual positive vibes for my boy's results :shy: xxx
-
Hope everything goes well today, fingers and paws crossed here.
-
You've got my vibes as usual chuck.
You kept it quiet about the wee sample yesterday - you didn't want us taling the mick again did you? :naughty: :evillaugh: :rofl: :hug:
Mary
-
You kept it quiet about the wee sample yesterday - you didn't want us taling the mick again did you? :naughty: :evillaugh: :rofl: :hug:
I tell you what, it was a military precision job yesterday :evillaugh:
Lurk around cleaning his tray and adding some new litter to it, which usually guarantees a speedy wee visit (don't they always lol), shot glass waiting on the side, he squats, I'm in with the quick tail lift, and bingo :rofl: :rofl:
-
I bet Max didn't say BINGO - bless him, he is good.
Good luck chuck.
Mary :hug:
-
shot glass waiting on the side
If anyone goes to Clare's have a soft drink :evillaugh:
-
shot glass waiting on the side
If anyone goes to Clare's have a soft drink :evillaugh:
:heeee heeee:
-
Nice one Mark.
I had to take my mum to the doctor last week and he wanted a pee sample - I told her I would give her one of my plastic jugs to make it easier for her.
Yes, you've probably guessed - she asked me if I wanted the jug back :rofl: :rofl: Dish washer or no, I still said no thanks.
Mary
-
Fingers and paws crossed for Max ;D
-
Sending good vibes for Max . :hug:
-
Well, apparently he's lost about 100gms, not sure how much of an issue that is yet, or whether its his kidneys or thyroid causing the gradual loss.
I'll get all the results on Wednesday, they'll be delayed due to the Easter break.
This is the new vet who's taken over from my normal lady who's on maternity leave, a lovely Aussie lady called Claire, who commented on how lovely Max looks, and that he's in really good conditition, shiny fur, bright eyes etc.
That made me feel really :Luv: :Luv:
-
Hmmmm, well this is very strange............... :shify:
Kidney readings, i.e. creatinine and urea are back within normal range..........
Thyroid is slightly higher, so we're upping the Vidalta to 1 10mg tablet a day, instead of half every day as we were doing before?
Now I know that increased thyroid can mask kidney issues, but as we're already treating the thyroid, I can't understand why the jump is so high!!??
I mean, creat last time was 334, this time its 168 :Crazy:
We've got to test again in 4-6 weeks, so hopefully we will know a bit more about what's happening by then, but for now, I'm confused.com :shy:
-
We've got to test again in 4-6 weeks, so hopefully we will know a bit more about what's happening by then, but for now, I'm confused.com :shy:
me too but hope hunky max is doing just fine :hug:
-
Are you sure it was Max's pee sample you handed in :naughty: :rofl:
How strange - hope it get's sorted soon and it's a good result.
Mary :hug:
-
Strange indeed but don't knock it - enjoy :)
-
It is likely that the dose wasn't high enough - I am surprised they told you to split them, as the manufacturers guidelines state that if a cat needs less than 10mg, not to split them, but use a different product, they also dont get into their system as well split, as they are slow release. 100g isn't that much of a loss in 2 months, so I wouldnt overly worry - if your vets do a free weight clinic, you could monitor that monthly.
-
Thanks Desley :) With the increased Vidalta we're due back mid/end May to do repeat bloods, so will get him weighed again when we go then. His appetite is still good most of the time, so hopefully he can put a bit back on.
-
Next lot of results in, thyroid levels are a tiny bit low now, but she's happier with that than too high, so we're carrying on with 1 Vidalta tablet a day.
His creatinine has crept up a bit again to 271, but still lower than it has been in recent months. Urea is back within normal range.
His teeth are looking bad though, so she's recommending a dental in the next month or so ideally, not sure if any extractions will be needed at this stage, they just want to have a better look.
As his kidneys readings are still higher than they should be, they want to keep him in the night before on a drip, as there are obviously risks associated with the anaesthetic.
Is this normal practice?
By the way, I'm really loving our new Aussie vet :) I didn't really like the lady we had been seeing, she was always quite cold towards my boy, and my friend said the same about her cat.
However, Claire, well she was talking to Max when he came out the carrier, saying what a big handsome boy he is, and gave his tummy a tickle while she was holding him :Luv2: We like that :Luv2:
-
Sounds like he's getting there slowly but surely Clare. I took Smudge for his teeth scraping and polishing twice and he went in to the vet in the morning and then I picked him up in the afternoon - worried sick all day and phoning before the time they gave me!!! He was always ok.
I think the precaution of putting him on the drip doesn't sound nice but it does sound sensible and sounds like the Ausie cares.
Good luck and well done Max. :Luv2:
Mary :hug: :hug:
-
D'you know - oddly, my two favourite vets are Aussie. Sadly, Elise is going back as her sister has just given birth to her first child. I understand her reason but will be sad to see her go.
Hope the dental goes smoothly. Spratt is booked in for one at the beginning of June and I'm really nervous. (The vets are going to call me when they start the operation so I can be there for when it's done and sit with Spratt as he come round. :scared:)
Not sure if the extra precaution for Max is usual in an FIV cat, but it might be. Glad things seem to be doing alright. :)
-
Sounds like Max is doing really rather well :Luv2:. I've never had a cat kept in the night before surgery on a drip but certainly both Tiny (Hyper-T) and Korky (CRF) have been on a drip on the day of the op. Mind you, Korky's last dental was a few years ago so he was only in the the early stages of CRF then.
When Korky had his ears cleaned under anaesthetic last year in France I'm convinced that they didn't even put him on a drip (despite my checking beforehand that they would) and next time we had his creatinine tested it had deteriorated a lot. Sounds like your vet knows what he's doing. Funnily enough I know other people who have glowing reports about their Aussie vets.
-
:) Sounds like he is doing not too bad Clare!
Before Schui had all his teeth removed was when the bloods first showed raised kidney levels so he was on a drip throught the op, maybe had they done the test a few days before the op he would have been on it sooner I'm not sure.
-
Sounds like a successful visit overall :) I know the fluid before an op thing is normal for older cats but didn't know it was normal to keep them in the night before. I'm sure he'll be fine in any case :hug:
-
Thanks guys :)
It may be that they want him overnight so they can get him on a drip first thing, I'm not sure, my head is kinda spinning from all these readings and results to be honest :shy:
-
I've never had a cat go on a drip overnight before a dental either - my CRF cats that have had dentals, were on drips during the op though.
-
Both Franta and Ducha went in the night before and were on a drip and also it helped the problem of not feeding them when the other cats were eating.
Its just a sensible precaution for older cats and am sure Max will be fine :hug:
-
Both Franta and Ducha went in the night before and were on a drip and also it helped the problem of not feeding them when the other cats were eating.
Its just a sensible precaution for older cats and am sure Max will be fine :hug:
Thanks hun :)
-
Gooey had fluids before and after his op and stayed an extra 24hrs due to bleeding and his fluids continued over that day too. (His bloods were ok apart from one slightly raised level, which on its own indicates infection so i havnt had to have follow up bloods.)
It helps them recover better and reduces the burden that removing drugs places on the liver/kidneys so is a postive in my eyes :hug:
The overnight thing is probably to do with how they plan their theatre time, gooey had time to get some fluids in before his op but if max was going to be done earlier in the day he wouldnt have that. I went for an interview at a non purpose built vets and they did all their dentals last because they are dirtier procedures and the building layout was poor.
-
Glad his results aren't too bad, and fingers crossed for his dental - Sam and Rolo had fluids with their dentals, dentals are done last at my vets and Rolo was kept on them after the op too - never had them there the night before though, but am sure it would be a good thing