Yes, it's a really difficult decision but I agree, if they live longer but sleep all the time....?? The vets are fixated on how great it is. I just hope that if I decide not to keep him on them, that when the proverbial hits the fan (which it will) he's not sniffy about treating him.
His readings are only just above normal which I know means that a big % of his kidney function is gone. I wondered at what point the disease became 'advanced' and fortekor may be really essential or worth another go?
I think (I know vet doesn't agree!) Swampy was agitated and nervy when he started the pills. He's been pulling hair out from near his tail. He last did that in France after a major op and had a curative short course of cortisone to stop the nervous habit. (that worked). The vet thinks he couldn't get blood from him too easily at the vet (4 attempts over 2 days) cos he's now deaf; I'm not so sure. I think he was hyper from the pill. Then he got sedated, as did Max - who has had less side effects, but food fussiness increased and so did kipping. The vet does accept lethargy is a side effect but nothing else.
I am already chancing it with his bp as Istin sent his ALT right up. He should be on Istin as his bp is 200 odd+ at the vet's, only a bit lower when done on his tail.
I find the literature and articles are all single issued based ie your cat has high bp do this; your cat has CRF do that; liver disease do the other; there's nothing I've seen which takes account of the fact that old kittycats have multiple health issues. Then we as owners have to make life and death decisions and sometimes argue with the vets - who know a lot, but don't live with our cats do they.
Wish me luck for tomorrow!!!! Vet is so vague that I texted him about diarrhoea and he left me a nice message about Swampy's vomiting! He's a good vet and nice guy but if there was a pill for vagueness, he should self-medicate
Hope Clapton's eating? Do you give fortekor at about 6am, then he may eat about 11pm?! Trouble is, if he's like mine, he won't eat too much in one go. all the best. Sorry for long rant.