Happy Astor Update!

[sciumi]

Hello everyone!

Since Astor's last blood test, I've been taking him in for subcutaneous fluids regularly and keeping up with his medications: Pepcid for stomach acid, Cerenia for vomiting, lysine for herpes (unrelated, but it started flaring up after he got sick), iron supplements for anemia, Azodyl and omegas for kidney function, and phosphate binder to keep his phosphate down.

For the last two weeks, I started taking him for fluids thrice weekly, and starting this week, we're going in five days a week (the office is closed on Sundays and open limited hours on Weds). It's a five-minute walk and (after reimbursement from Trupanion) only $3 per visit. Which is great because Astor is too squirmy for me to do subq's on my own.


The fantastic news is Astor's blood work from June 15th shows that his creatinine has dropped from 6.7 (stage 4, the most severe stage of renal failure, is creatinine >5) to.....3.8!!! He has dropped down to stage 3 (creat 2.5 to 5)!

This was after just two weeks of three-times-week fluids, so I am very hopeful that his numbers will continue to drop once he's been on his new regimen for a few weeks.

 

[sciumi]

Oh! And my vet wrote the NICEST letter ever for the breeder, detailing Astor's condition, emphasizing my hard work and positive attitude, and stating in no uncertain terms that any fee for a new kitten should be waived.

So, we'll see if Astor's energy improves, but we are definitely on track for bringing home a new member of our little family.

 

[Caloci]

Oh wow that is great. How are his spirits? Will he have to stay on this regime of meds, supposed and fluids forever? Was there ever any official diagnosis as to why he started having kidney troubles?

I bet you are thrilled you have pet insurance. I currently have a free month trial for my new kitten Kazoo. I haven't decided yet if I am sticking with Trupanion or someone else if at all. Thank goodness you had it tho.

 

[assibassi]

so Glad Astor is feeling better . And my questions was the Same as Megan's, will he have to be on this regime his whole life ?

 

[NinaGato]

Sounds Like he is doing well with his regime. That is good to hear plus you ate so close to your vets office. Glad to hear

 

[Catzzzmeow]

I love to hear about the progress.

 

[Hairless Blessing]

How wonderful. So happy for you both.
Continue to heal Astor.

 

[Graddydani]

When I saw the title of your post my heart leapt with joy. I'm so happy there is progress!! What a nice vet you have, it makes you feel so at ease to have the person taking care of your baby on your side. (though it's very true) That is fantastic!

 

[susi794]

Great news!

 

[1sphynxlover]

Glad to hear the good news. Astor is one lucky boy! You need to be commended for such hard work. I'm sure he will continue to improve with such a loving, devoted mom like you.Keep it up Astor. My thoughts and prayers are with the both of you.

 

[SarahLovee82]

I get teary reading how dedicated you are to your little guy. Praying for Astor!

 

[Emily0404]

Fantastic! So pleased to hear some good news

 

[ZiggyStardust]

So glad to hear he's doing well! I hope it continues to improve! ::HUGS::

 

[sciumi]

Oh wow that is great. How are his spirits? Will he have to stay on this regime of meds, supposed and fluids forever? Was there ever any official diagnosis as to why he started having kidney troubles?

I bet you are thrilled you have pet insurance. I currently have a free month trial for my new kitten Kazoo. I haven't decided yet if I am sticking with Trupanion or someone else if at all. Thank goodness you had it tho.

Thank you all for your well wishes! I was so happy to be able to share good news.

I know how anxious I get to hear good news about fellow Lairians' kitties


His spirits are good. He is still not back to his playful, rambunctious self energy-wise, but he is clearly having lots of fun with the energy he has. And while he very sleepy, he isn't as lethargic--when he's up, he's trotting around happily, and he sleeps easily and comfortably.

As for the regimen, yes, it is life-long. I have heard of some cats reducing subq's, but it seems quite unusual--particularly given that the illness is progressive (sadly, the kidneys do continue to deteriorate, and while the kidneys can repair themselves, that doesn't usually happen with chronic kidney disease).

And diagnosis is that--chronic kidney disease (or chronic renal failure). The terms are used synonymously generally, but the former is a little less horrifying-sounding.

As for etiology--how/why he has CKD, it appears to be congenital/genetic--something he was born with. There are a few specific types of kidney disease that result from malformed kidneys or things like that, but Astor's is pretty nonspecific.


And, yes, I am very happy to have the insurance! For what it's worth, Trupanion's customer service is wonderful.


Relaxing on the china cabinet

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Love that second pic...what a sweetie!

 

[MyJezebel]

I'm so happy that Astor is having such a positive response to the treatment! That is terrific news and I hope that he will continue to thrive. I love the pictures that you posted of him too - he's such a handsome boy. I am also in complete agreement that Trupanion customer service is exceptional. I'm so grateful that I have their insurance because it has allowed me to treat my Finn's chronic condition without having to make concessions for financial reasons.