I need you, my friends

[sciumi]

I think about you all often, even though I haven't had much of a chance to post lately, but right now I desperately need you and your support--I feel so alone.



Astors kidneys are truly failing and he needs a transplant. It will be difficult to try to accomplish that for many reasons, but the hardest part right now is feeling so alone in my desire to fight for him.

I know many of you would fight as hard as you could to save your kitties, but a lot of people aren't like that.


Astor will be two years old tomorrow--his birthday. Despite being so incredibly sick, he is full of life. He is eating, purring, loving---he could live a full life with a transplant.



I want to save him. I want to fight for him. A lot of people thing this is ridiculous and not worth the effort.



I need to hear that I have friends who understand.

 

[susi794]

I get it. You do what feels right to you. If you can afford it and it gives Astor a chance at life without torturing him, then God bless you for giving him a chance.
Where would you get the kidneys?

 

[assibassi]

i think we all would want to fight for our Kitties !!!!! Sometimes we cant , because of finances and its ok because we love them sooooooooooooooo much and they have a part in our Heart for the rest of Our lifes!!
I am rooting for You and her for You and your Baby!!!!!

 

[Caloci]

Oh Jenn, I am so sorry. Do they know what happened to cause his kidney failure? I say fight all you can and all you think is fair to him. Of course money is a big factor as is his tolerance, pain and level of suffering.

I agree with Susi...where will the kidneys come from? Is it realistic to plan and will there be kidneys available. I have not heard much about transplants in cats. What is the success rate for kidney transplants?

Jenn fight all you can, all he can. We will be right here rooting for Astor and here for you no matter what you do. I do not think trying to save your best pal is unrealistic at all, if you can swing it.

Sending prayers, love, hugs and good vibes for you both. Please stay in touch and let us know what is happening. I think of you both often especially when I post a Mr Vito vid on you tube as last I checked you were my first and only subscriber.

Take care Jenn, lots of hugs and headbutts for you both.

 

[NinaGato]

I am rooting for you whatever way you decide. There are no easy decisions just the best on ewe can make at the time. HUGS
Celebrate each day you have together.

 

[Cleopatra Beers]

I am so sorry for you. It is so hard to know what the right thing to do is, but as Susi says, if you can afford it and if it will give him a good life, I would be right up there with you and do it. My prayers are with you on this.
Julie

 

[Sphynx Happy]

YES I understand. If I had had the option for Kosar I would have fought like hell to save him. People may not understand but in the end it will affect you the most. Astor is your family and we try to do best by our family. (((hugs))) I'm keeping you in my thoughts honey.

 

[susi794]

I forgot to say that I am praying for you and for him......please keep us informed.
We're here for you if you need us...
Hugs and love,
Susi

 

[Alimoore]

I'm so so sorry that you are having to go through this. I cant even imagine having to deal with that. Most people view our babies as just cats, so they do not understand as to why we want to do everything possible for them. I pray that something works out for you guys

 

[Hairless Blessing]

I am so sorry for you and Astor. It's heart breaking. I don't know anything about
kidney transplants in cats never heard of it.
But, if the chances are very great and he will not live in pain and suffering.
If it will be easy for his body to accept the kidney, I say go for it.

 

[sciumi]

I feel so much better already

I have always been grateful for this resource, but, at times like this, you all are a true blessing.



As for the transplant itself, it's actually surprisingly simple (well, for a kidney transplant, of course!).


Feline kidney transplants are always from living healthy cats--either another cat in the family, or a cat provided by the hospital. The donor gives one kidney (which still leaves ample function for the donor cat). Oh, and this is kinda weird, but they usually leave the old kidneys in, they just add a third one.

Oh, though there is one catch--you have to adopt the donor!



The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine has a well-established kidney transplant program--and, for us, it's a one-hour drive away.

Nearly all cats recover well from surgery and 60-70% are still healthy after a year--not 100% comforting stats, but considering that the VAST majority of kidney recipients are older cats, Astor's odds would likely be on the more favorable side.

Currently, UPenn's record for longest-lived post-op recipient is twelve years after surgery.




As for what caused this whole thing, it looks like he was simply born with it. I did contact my breeder tonight (via email)--we'll see what they have to say.




Astor's test results are all very alarming. He has lost over 90% of his kidney function, his toxin levels are extremely high (his creatinine and phosphorus are literally off the charts), he is anemic, and now has a heart murmur (likely caused by the anemia which is caused by kidney failure). He weighs 6.2 lbs--he should weigh 9.5.


But despite all that, he perked up and trotted around the apartment when we got home tonight, and even ate a few ounces of Fancy Feast over the course of a couple hours (it's the only thing he's eating right now). He continues to drink water, he is sleeping calmly in a cute little ball (no "meatloaf" pose), he remains alert when awake.



I love him very much. I will treasure him as I always have. I don't know what to expect in the coming days, weeks, months--but I am so glad to know I have a support group here.

 

[Caloci]

Given the info you just gave us, I say go for it if you can afford to. Adopting the donor doesn't sound like payment to me at all. I think it is awesome.

Keep us posted. Good luck if you go through with it.

 

[Emily0404]

I'm so sorry you are all going through this. And no, you are not crazy! I would have continued pouring money into my nalas treatment if I knew it would save her from FIP. You do what you think is right, I've had lots of people say 'you spent THAT much on a cat?!!!' They are not just cats, they are a part of your family . Good luck in your quest for a new kidney x

 

[Catzzzmeow]

Wow what a tough decision. Looks like you have been given a lot of information and stats etc for you to make an educated decision. I agree you need to factor in the cost as well as after surgery costs and quality of life etc for 2 cats...is there a list of people they can provide you with who have had their kitties go through this? Perhaps talking to someone who has gone through this will help. Also knowing you must adopt the donor, how is your baby with other cats etc? I send huge hugs and prayers that you and your baby.
Follow your gut on what is best for all. We are here for you through thick and thin.

Patti

 

[PrimateLove]

If you have the means I say DO IT!!!!! I know how much these kitties mean to us and know that I would do everything in my power to save Emma...

Please keep us posted and you are on my prayer list!!!

 

[Lickleone]

I think the best way is to follow what your heart tells you is the best to do which ever direction that may take you in. I think adopting the donor kitty is a nice idea if you are able to provide it with love and gratitude for its gift that it gives without having a say in the matter like we would, it should live a spoilt life with love.

 

[btfeick1973]

You need to do whatever your heart and mind lead you to do.
You know what energy, strength, funds, etc. you are able to give.

My husband and I both agree we will do whatever we can, and is in within our means, to help our babies live a happy and healthy life.

I have never heard of a kidney transplant for cats. But, the information and stats you provided sound like there would be a very good outcome.

Good thoughts and support coming your way!

 

[kristininn]

I am so incredibly sorry you and Astor are facing this.
I agree with what others have said: do whatever you can and feel is right.
It is not at all crazy to think of getting Astor a transplant. I would do anything for my guys that was in their best interest.

Sending you lots of mental support and hopes that Astor can get the transplant he needs. Please continue to let us know if you need anything!

And happy birthday, Astor. May you have many more ahead of you.

 

[GizmosMommy]

Hello..Im so sorry to her about your Astor. I read through the whole thread and I say go for it! If you have the ability to help him live a full healthy life that would be an amazing gift to give him. Im praying for you both!

 

[lucylue]

I am praying for you and your baby. Do you have pet insurance. I say if you can afford it do it. We are all here for support.

 

[Inflamed]

O my gosh, I'm so sorry to read this and I too agree with everyone else here that you should go for it if you can afford it and you will be able to give the donor cat a happy life too.
We would do anything for our babies too, they are more than "just pets," they are my heart. Please don't let people around you make the decision for you as you may regret later not having done what is in your heart.
I'm sending positive vibes & purrs your way; please let us know what you decide and how Astor fares. Happy birthday sweet boy, may you celebrate many more!

 

[Momrat329]

Oh, sweetie, I am so sorry that Astor is ill. I can only imagine the pain you are ging through trying to make tough decisions.

Don't worry what other people think. You do what you know is right for you and for Astor.

I am new to this site and just added two naked babies to my family. I cannot even imagine what you are feeling.

God Bless you and Astor.

Kelly Jo, Spock and Mocha

 

[GoldHazel]

I think about you all often, even though I haven't had much of a chance to post lately, but right now I desperately need you and your support--I feel so alone.



Astors kidneys are truly failing and he needs a transplant. It will be difficult to try to accomplish that for many reasons, but the hardest part right now is feeling so alone in my desire to fight for him.

I know many of you would fight as hard as you could to save your kitties, but a lot of people aren't like that.


Astor will be two years old tomorrow--his birthday. Despite being so incredibly sick, he is full of life. He is eating, purring, loving---he could live a full life with a transplant.



I want to save him. I want to fight for him. A lot of people thing this is ridiculous and not worth the effort.



I need to hear that I have friends who understand.

OMG! I just have to agree with EVERYONE here. I couldn't have said anything different.
I'm so sorry to hear that you have this decision to make and Astor is so young. Certainly if you can afford it,( as I have no clue how much that would cost especially because I never heard of a kidney transplant in any animal prior to today), then go for it as he is still very young. If Astor was 11 years old, then I wouldn't be agreeing with everyone.

I had a hairy cat for years...that now lives with my married daughter. A few weeks ago he suddenly had kidney trouble and all his enzymes were out of whack. We thought the worst, but miraculousy the meds have helped him because all his levels were perfect as of yesterday's blood test.

Is your Astor on medication and did you go for a second opinion? I'm just asking, not really second guessing anything.

What ever your decision is...you have our full support. We LOVE our sphynx babies SOOO MUCH that words cannot explain to the people out there that will never get "us".

You and Astor are in my prayers. I want to hear good news.

 

[amikhaylov4]

I'm so sorry to hear about Astor's kidneys...and at such a young age. Makes me so sad for both you and Astor. I say do what you feel is right if finances allows. We all love our kitties so terribly much.
Both of you are in my prayers!

Keep us updated
xoxo

 

[admin]

Sorry to hear of Astor's situation. What ever choice you make, we wish you luck and hope it all turns out for the best.