Misi went for her bloodwork yesterday (results later today or tomorrow). Still
no further forward on her mouth problems, so I'm resorting to homeopathy for now... Pretty sure it's a mouth rather than kidney prob. now.
For a change in tack, the vet actually suggested giving her some fluid therapy while we were there. In the course of this she said, "Oh you shouldn't do sub-qs very often because the stretching of the skin across the shoulders is uncomfortable". Misi sat through the whole thing completely still and as good as gold. What is WRONG with my vet? She thinks it's JUST about rehydration, and doesn't take in the therapeutic effects of improving circulation and blood-flow through the kidneys (and if you use Ringer's, it has potassium in it). Sigh. So, depending on what she says after Misi's result sare in, we're thinking of going maverick if she still resists and doing the sub-qs on our own. Thing is, we haven't been shown how to do it, even though we've seen it done a few times. I think you can get lactated Ringer's without a prescription here (Italy). Yesterday Misi just had saline.
Misi seems really "up" today. I wonder why...

__________________
http://catscanjump.blogspot.com

Wendy, mum to:
Simba von Wurzbachtal, Turkish Van, born Austria, 5/9/10

RIP
Tarka, 1989 - 2008 my gentle Phileas Fogg
Bruno, 2008 - 2010 taken too soon my darling boy
Misi, 1993 - 25/3/2012 My brave, beautiful tabby

Hiya

Im still so new to all this that i have to say im more than a bit confused...excuse my ignorance!!

Do only some cats need sub-qs? Ive read storys where people do this once or twice a week for their cats??! And others dont have to?!

Anyway, bless Misi she sounded really brave and i hope her bloods come back good

It's kind of a this side, that side of the Pond thing. In the US, they start sub-qs as a first line in the treatment of crf. In Europe, vets tend to be more reticent, for a variety of bizarre reasons. Most cats with creatinine over about 3 would probably benefit from sub-qs. They're always peeing so wash out essential minerals such as potassium and calcium, and are by nature usually somewhat dehydrated. These can be replaced with a hydration of Lactated Ringer's solution. It improves circulation through the kidneys and helps them flush out toxins. Generally it then leads to them feeling better. Misi ate loads yesterday after her sub-q on Wednesday.

So, onto the blood results:
Her BUN is down to 46.1 from 65.6 in April. Creatinine is down to 3 from 3.4. So they're all higher than normal, but lower than last time. Sodium's 154, potassium's 4.5, and phosphorus is 1.3, calcium 2.5, all pretty much the same as last time, and completely normal. (Sorry, here in Italy they use the US system, so it may be different to what you're used to) Anyway, I am soooooo delighted as I've been so worried about her. We might even be able to brave going away on a short holiday now!
Just need to address her poor, sore mouth now! We're trying homeopathy for that...

__________________
http://catscanjump.blogspot.com

Wendy, mum to:
Simba von Wurzbachtal, Turkish Van, born Austria, 5/9/10

RIP
Tarka, 1989 - 2008 my gentle Phileas Fogg
Bruno, 2008 - 2010 taken too soon my darling boy
Misi, 1993 - 25/3/2012 My brave, beautiful tabby