Sunday, June 20, 2010

Skylar's not feeling well

Skylar writes:

Mom and Dad took me in to the vet on Friday.  It was time for my routine doctor appointment and bloodwork, but they were worried as well because I've not been grooming myself.  I keep my face, paws, and chest clean and smooth, but the rest of my fur is matted.  Mom plucks my "feathers" (fur that has come out but is still stuck in the rest of my coat) every day, and picks apart my mats.  Sometimes I let her; sometimes I yowl until she stops.  They were also worried because I've lost a little over a pound since Thanksgiving!

So, off we went.  I complained when it took longer than usual to get there, but then my purrents reminded me that we live farther away than we used to.  That made sense, so I settled down again.  I like to sit on Dad's lap while he's driving, and watch the cars go by out the window.

There was a new doctor at the clinic on Friday, a relief doctor, because the others were gone for the day.  As usual, when I got there I wanted down and pulled at my leash to go back into the back (treatment) room to say hi to everyone!  Nope, Dad wouldn't loosen the leash and let me run back.  Bummers!  My sis used to do the same thing.  Mom and Dad are glad that I like my doctors and staff so much that I immediately want to greet them!  Believe me, I wouldn't run away, I would just run TO someone to be greeted!

The vet tech took me into the back to weigh me, then brought me back out and talked with Mom and Dad after she stuck that thermometer in me.  :P  After she went into the back, I stood on the exam table and looked at the door for a few minutes, then YOWLED!  Ok, so where's the doctor?  I'm ready, so come in!  Everyone laughed at that, then Mom put me on the floor and I went to sniff both doors and then yowled again at the back.

FINALLY, the doctor came!  Should it really take her 10 minutes to get done with the doggie patient and come look at me?  She talked with my purrents, consulted my chart, then took me into the back to have the vampires take some of my blood.  They also took my urine.  Hey, you could have just given me a box instead of poking me!  Mom and Dad could tell exactly when they were poking me, because I think they could hear me down the street.  There's something to be said about being half-Siamese!  ;)

We got the results back on Friday evening:  possible kidney disease.  It's what my purrents were afraid of, especially considering that my kidney levels were elevated back in November.  I'm anemic, both my BUN and creatinine levels are elevated, I'm dehydrated, and I've lost that pound.  My thyroid levels are also low, but that's kind of a separate issue.

So, on to the next steps.  First off, I'm only going to get one pill a day, to even out my thyroid levels.  I've been looking at Mom funny when she doesn't give me my evening meds but takes hers, although I give up after a few minutes so she knows it's more from habit than anything else.  I still get my morning meds.

Then, I will be getting my own special food!  The doctor recommended giving me yummy canned food!  I don't even have to share with anyone else, so I'll get fed in a separate room.  Yay!

My blood and urine will have to be rechecked again sometime, but I don't mind that.  I may have to go back to getting sub-Q fluids, but that's not a big deal either.

Properly managed, which is a see-saw because it can change from day to day, I may have another year or three.  But it's different for every cat, so we'll just take each day as it comes and be grateful for every minute.

12 comments:

Kea said...

Skylar, we're purring hard for you and sending tons of universal healing Light. We know there are lots of resources on the web on how to deal with renal failure, plus a Yahoo group or groups as well.

Good luck to your mom and dad...and lots of kitty kisses to you, sweetie.

Daisy said...

What a good little patient you are! I'm glad you get to eat some delicious canned foods. I hope you are feeling much better soon!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are sending you purrs and hope your medication makes you feel better, and your tests show better results when you go back.
You get your own private supply of Stinky Goodness? Wow!

Kaz's Cats said...

You were a very good patient at the v-e-t. We hope you have lots and lots of good times yet to hang out with your Mom and Dad and your family. I (Gypsy) have CRF, and I've been eating special food for over 2 and a half years now - it's okay and I'm sure that you'll do okay on it.

Sending purrs and hugs,

Gypsy & Tasha

Marg said...

That is too bad Skylar that you are feeling bad. We have had a few cats here with renal failure and with fluids once a week, they did just fine. We hope you can get to feeling better and have our paws crossed and sending ton of purrs to you. Hugs to Mom and Dad.

Hannah and Lucy said...

Skylar - we hope you will love your new canned foods. We are sorry you had to have blood and pee tests but at least that showed your vet what to do to look after you.
Hoping that you will feel better soon.

The Florida Furkids said...

We're glad you like your V-E-T so much. We hope your medicines make you feel better and that you gain your weight back. Mom used to visit all of those CRF groups and a CRF chat on aol every week for the latest info.

Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

The Island Cats said...

Skylar, we're sorry you're not feeling well, but we hope with everything your mom and dad is doing for you, you'll be around for a long while. We're purring for you.

Sweet Purrfections said...

You were a very good boy at the vet. I hope the meds help. I'm purring really hard for healing and relief.

Sparkle said...

I'm sending you lots of healing purrs, Skylar - kidney disease is no fun! But it sounds like your humans and vet are taking good care of you, so you should still have a lot of good times ahead!

Jake and Micah said...

Skylar, we're so sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. We're sure you'll do great on your new food though! We're sure you enjoy all the special attention from your meowmy and daddy now, cuz that's especially nice if you're not feeling so well. If your mom needs anyone to talk to, our mommy is here to listen since she went through the CRF roller coaster with Jake last year.

Samantha & Mom said...

Purrrs to you Skylar!! We are sending lots of healing thoughts and purrayers to you!! We know you'll love the stinky goodness!!
Your TX furiends,