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Old Man Fred

NakedNinja

NakedNinja

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My first rescue, "Old Man Fred," isn't doing so well. We're not sure exactly how old he is, but from our best estimate he is at least 16, probably older. He was hyperthyroid a few years ago, got the I-131 treatment and did really well. But, he's also got CRF, and I think it's getting bad. He absolutely hates the "kidney diet" food, won't touch raw, so my hands are tied except for adding a little phosphorus binder to his food when he needs it.

I plan to take him in to see Annie (our lovely vet) next week, but I've got a gut feeling he's at the "just keep him comfortable" stage. He's losing weight, not grooming himself, and looking pretty gimpy when he walks.

I've been ready to say "goodbye" to him for a couple of years. He's been having good days and bad days for so long. Just wondering if anyone here has experience with end-stage CRF, and if there is anything extra I can do to help him be more comfortable.
 
Hairless Blessing

Hairless Blessing

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So sorry to hear Fred isn't doing well.
Ihave thyroid problems also, and it can cause alot of problems
with your entire body. Greatfuly, I caught mine when it first
devolped, and my medication keeps it normal. I have blood test
once or twice a yr. and I do fine. Glad he has people that love him so much that he is taken well care of:ThumbsUp:.
 
TotenEngel

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CRF was what finally got my 'old man Josh' aged around 20-21, really for us it was a case of keeping him as comfortable as possible (he also had terrible arthritis) making sure he is still eating/drinking/pooping/weeing etc and just giving them that extra bit of love :)

My heart goes out to you as it is terrible to have to sit and wait until it gets 'too bad' Josh was diagnosed with early stage at around 18 and we had 3 years after that. Its terrible sitting and waiting for them to get worse.

The most important thing I think you can do for them is know and appreciate when the time is finally right rather than keeping them going for your sake.
(Not suggesting at all thats what you are doing, but it was the one thing I was very concious of with my old man)

Good luck at the vets next week
 
Mews2much

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I just lost my Coco Sept 10th to CRF ect.
What do you need to know?
The end was terrible.
Have you used Azodyl?
I could send you some of Cocos left over meds if you need anything.
What are his numbers?
Have you had his bp checked?
What is his PCV?
Coco became very anemic at the end because her kidneys were getting worse.
We did blood transfusions and I had to give her epogen shots.
What type of binder are you giving him?
Have you tried Hi Tor Kidney food?
Coco hated most of the foods but she did like the Hi Tor.
How often are you doing fluids?
My Coco had heart problems at the end and threw blood clots.
If you need to talk let me know.
I have ideas for your cat.

 
marlene

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I'm so sorry about your Fred. I lost my last two Maine Coons to CRF; they lived comfortably for four years after diagnosis. I think Tammy said the most important thing: Love him and listen to him when he tells you he's tired of it all. I've always maintained that it's time when my kitty loses the joy of being a kitty.

**hugs to you** Sadly, kidneys get our babies if nothing else does first. I pray that Fred's remaining time is filled with joy and love for both you and him.
 
susi794

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Fred is lucky to have been rescued and loved by you and your family--any quality time he has left will be a bonus....and when he's had enough, I know you'll give him the only gift left to give....I hope he still has some good time with you yet.
Hugs and love,
Susi
 
NakedNinja

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Mews2much said:
I just lost my Coco Sept 10th to CRF ect.
What do you need to know?
The end was terrible.
Have you used Azodyl?
I could send you some of Cocos left over meds if you need anything.
What are his numbers?
Have you had his bp checked?
What is his PCV?
Coco became very anemic at the end because her kidneys were getting worse.
We did blood transfusions and I had to give her epogen shots.
What type of binder are you giving him?
Have you tried Hi Tor Kidney food?
Coco hated most of the foods but she did like the Hi Tor.
How often are you doing fluids?
My Coco had heart problems at the end and threw blood clots.
If you need to talk let me know.
I have ideas for your cat.
Click to expand...

I'm going to print this list and take it with me to his appointment. He hasn't had labs in quite a while, because he's been doing really well until the past couple of weeks. We tried the RC renal, both wet and dry, and he was having none of it. The binder is aluminum hydroxide gel powder. He's been off subQ fluids for a while, but we're going to have to restart them, I think. I'll PM you all his info after we see Annie on Friday. Thanks!

I can't really complain. Fred was diagnosed with CRF about six years ago. He's done really well, with a few ups and downs. It's just that this particular "down" is lasting longer than the others, and I can see in his eyes that he's getting tired. We know the end is coming soon, we've gotten a few bonus years with him that we weren't expecting Now I really think it's just a matter of keeping him comfortable until he says it's time to go.
 
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Mews2much

Mews2much

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I think I can help you.
Coco was on the same binder you are using except hers was powder.
There are so many treatments many vets do not know about.
Have you tried Purina N/F?
Coco hated the wet but she liked the dry.
She also liked the Hi Tor Wet.
She hated the K/D and like the R/C pouches.
Once they changed the food she hated it.
Have you used pepcid yet?



 
NakedNinja

NakedNinja

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Mews2much said:
I think I can help you.
Coco was on the same binder you are using except hers was powder.
There are so many treatments many vets do not know about.
Have you tried Purina N/F?
Coco hated the wet but she liked the dry.
She also liked the Hi Tor Wet.
She hated the K/D and like the R/C pouches.
Once they changed the food she hated it.
Have you used pepcid yet?
Click to expand...

We used pepcid when he flat-out wouldn't eat. He's still eating, for now. I'll ask about the Purina N/F and Hi Tor, see where to get it. Thanks for all the info!
 
NakedNinja

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He's stopped purring, and is being very "clingy" to me. He wants to be on me, or touching me, all the time. He's still eating well, but I think he knows something is up.

Just now he was laying on my chest, looking me in the eye, and kept reaching out and "patting" my face. He looked so sad.

I had some left-over pain medication from Gabe's surgery, so I gave him some to help ease his discomfort. He's sleeping now. I think I'll call Annie tomorrow and see if we can get him in sooner than Friday.
 
Gizzymom

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NakedNinja said:
He's stopped purring, and is being very "clingy" to me. He wants to be on me, or touching me, all the time. He's still eating well, but I think he knows something is up.

Just now he was laying on my chest, looking me in the eye, and kept reaching out and "patting" my face. He looked so sad.

I had some left-over pain medication from Gabe's surgery, so I gave him some to help ease his discomfort. He's sleeping now. I think I'll call Annie tomorrow and see if we can get him in sooner than Friday.
Click to expand...

You are such a strong and compassionate mommy... My heart breaks for you... I remember that look.... Gizzy and I are sending all kinds of warm wishes and loving purrs to the both of you.:Cry:
 
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sydkat7

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I'm so sorry to hear about Fred. I know what it's like to have an older sickly cat. Sounds like you're already doing the best you can for him by giving him good medical care and keeping him comfortable. Hope Fred hangs in there!
 
NakedNinja

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Fred saw Dr. Annie today. She's running a basic blood panel on him, but we already know what's going on. His right kidney has failed completely, the left is still functioning, but not very well. While we await the lab results, we're giving him 100 cc subQ fluids daily, and feeding him baby food chicken mixed with raw turkey, with his phospate binder mixed in. He eats that really well, so he'll keep his strength up. She said his blood pressure was great, so that's one less thing to worry about. He's lost about a pound since his last visit.

She's checking his blood glucose, just in case, because his hind legs aren't working right. Could be arthritis, spine DJD, pain from the CRF, or diabetic polyneuropathy. I REALLY don't want to have to mess with insulin and blood sugar curves with this poor old guy, so praying it's just arthritis and she can give him some glucosamine or something to help.

Basically, he is on "comfort care." It's okay, we expected this long ago, and have had three really great "bonus" years with the sweet guy. He'll just get some extra loves for the next little while, until he goes to play with Yule, Shiva, Rupert, Mr. Pibb, and all the other friends waiting for him!
 
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