Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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Hello
Things have been on an improvement upswing here as far as eating. Both Jolie and Mignon had substantial bm's today so I skipped syringe feeding this evening. They also ate snacks and played with the toy on a string. Jolie is quite strong and quick to catch it even with one paw.
Their energy and activity level seems good. Both seem to be gaining weight back.
I think with the IV that I just can't seem to get the angle right.
As far as the meds I just wanted to have the Zofran on hand just in case Jolie stops eating again.
I wish the vet was closer so I could go in and have a talk with the vet. I'll just have to wait until the next appointment.
If things stay the way they are now I would he thankful.
I sent some pics today so you can see how well they looked today.
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This is all brilliant news!!! YAY 
I understand wanting this on hand and agree with you 100%. We want to avoid being in that position again; having the necessary tools makes all the difference. With Jolie, you will have good and off days, and having the tools helps. I believe with all my heart the more practice, the better you will become with the fluids. Don't beat yourself up anytime it doesn't go purrfectly.
Yes, take each day as it comes, and you have LOTS to be thankful for,🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻 whoo hoo.
Look furward to seeing the boys!
HUGS
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I was thinking about the possible differences in vet treatment philosophies between U.S. and Korea. Is the prescribing of Cerenia and Zofran for CKD cats standard practice in the U.S.? I am asking because the vet here doesn't seem to see it as standard practice.
I'm so glad Holly sent you that information. I looked at my other veterinary resources for disease management guidelines and couldn't find this specific type of CKD guidelines document. Thank you Holly.
I don't think there's a real difference between US and Korea vets, they both go to veterinary school, they both care a lot about animals. What really matters is how informed a veterinarian is about specific disease protocols, regardless of what country they are in. There are so many diseases and multiple species a veterinarian has to care for, that it's very difficult for most to know everything about everything, and stay current with the latest science. Human medical doctors only study one species, veterinarians study many. They deserve to get paid more in my opinion!
Thanks to your advocating for your boys, your vet has the opportunity to learn so much about CKD from you, as long as you both keep the channels of communication open, respectful, and understanding. Sounds like your vet is very open minded and willing to look at new approaches, which is the sign of a great vet! And as Holly said it's going to help other kitties too.
Good to know it's been smooth sailing and Jolie is eating!
These pictures are PROOF of how much better Jolie is doing from several weeks agao....and Mignon too! His eyes are bright, he looks far more alert and engaged..
One of the pictures show how Edward is greet when he comes home. I believe the other is how he os greeted when he wakes up. Whole lot of love being shared 💖💖💖
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Awe, how sweet!!! Isn't that one mighty paw the best;)
I 100% agree, Sally, DITTO, on all counts; they look like regular kitties here. They didn't have any issues. AMAZING AND SO GOOD TO SEE. The two little miracle men!!GREAT job to you, Ed!!! Look how far you got them both.
Give them both a smooch from us, please.
(Thanks for posting Sally💖)
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Hello All:)
This morning went well with the IV. I opted to do the Syringe feeding even though I heard Jolie eating last night. After that, the meds went down without incident. Then 2 snack tubes and Feline Greenies. This is becoming the morning ritual. Right after the IV, Jolie follows me around and it seems like he is asking for snacks. So, when I take out the snack pouch, he comes and sits to get ready to eat. Mignon soon follows. Jolie seems very happy. Before he got sick he was more sphynx-like and really didn't show his emotions like Mignon does. But now, he always seems happy. He also used to live for his food, eating on and off throughout the day and night. Before all of this happened he was 6.7 kilos. Now he is 4.12 kilos.
Now that they both are eating, I have been able to breath easily and think about things more clearly, so I have been reading the information that you have kindly provided me with. It is such a lot of information, but basically it is all about restoring balanceo to all the imbalances created by CKD. I have been learning about BUN, Creatinine, and potassium levels. I am guessing that the IV functions to keep moisture in his body and dilute the harmful levels of urea, etc. that the kidneys are now having trouble maintaining.
Remember I was telling you how giving the Renal Feed to Jolie seemed to be catalyst for vomiting to start. But looking at the ingredients, the main ones are potassium and calcium. I am thinking maybe he already has hyperkalaemia (excess potassium in his system) and feeding him more potassium via the renal feed is causing the vomiting? I should discuss this with the vet, I know.
As you said, whatever I am doing now, it seems to be working and creating the right balance. I guess the trick is to stay on top of things and anticipate things that could happen and have the remedies at hand....
Exactly, and ideally, that's the trick we learn as we go. STILL, we can't anticipate everything if only right 🥺
But yes, knowing some signs - you already have learned & having some tools to use at a moment's notice is ideal. The nausea is from all the toxic buildup, and I agree there is much information to learn. I'm glad things are so good you can finally relax and read about the disease. It will help you and Jolie both. We don't need to understand everything, just the essential parts and what can happen. Yep, keep doing what you're doing, and know you may have to tweak things here and there, or who knows, you may not. One day at a time is all we can do.
Are you still feeding that kidney food? I have read countless times renal diets are not the greatest, and most cats don't like them. Food is life; you can always add a phosphorous binder to the current food.
TANYA'S COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO FELINE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE is one site to bookmark and reference. And you have the IO group; don't hesitate to ping them. They are gold and will have answers & advice; some won't, and you know you have us. I, too, would continue to syringe Jolie since he does not mind and ensure you have calories in - get him on the scale every three days to watch it closely. That tells the tale.
I LOVE you have your routine down, and Jolie knows he get special treats after these times. PURRFECT routine.
Love to both the boys, please
Hugs
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I am staying far far away from the 'Renal feed powder' I have no doubt that it triggers cascading vomiting although I don't know the reason why.
I have 4 different dry foods set out for Jolie and Mignon. Mignon prefers royal canine fit and Jolie prefers royal canine special renal. More than any special renal diet, I am all for anything Jolie or Mignon will eat.
I agree that there is no use to put Jolie on a restrictive renal diet if he is not going to eat it. That's why I am feeding the chicken snack tubes and feline greenies. They can't afford to lose any more weight. I am all for anything they will eat.
Right now I think he is eating enough on his own that I will only syringe feed in the morning. I don't want to overload his stomach.
You mention a 'phosphorous binder'. What exactly is that?
I will discuss further with the vet when I see her.
It has been a good week.
I am thankful every day for the support of this group...
♡♡♡
I 100% understand & agree stay away from it 🥺!!!
The vet should be and likely IS watching Jolie's Phosphorus level in labs. You are entitled to your lab results, and you want those so you can also keep an eye on things. I assume she did and why she prescribed the renal diet.
I agree with you food is life, and you know the other was a nightmare. If the phosphorus needs to be managed, there are binders you can add to food. Now, the same applies food is life, but from what I see, MANY use the binders and tolerate them very well.
The link takes you to all the info and more - i took little screenshots of the overview so when you have the time you can read further.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PHOSPHORUS CONTROL
Yay for another great week 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻we are delighted to hear it and keep it up, boys.
Hugs
Give the boys a snack from us, please, crunchy and tubes;)
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Starting on page 226 on the pdf I posted post 360, adding back in here;) It also has info on phosphours and binders. I do 100% get it is A LOT of information to take in. Save this stuff and return to them as you can; more will be absorbed each time.
ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Feline Chronic Kidney Disease
(((hugs)))
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If you jave any doubt about how well Jolie and Mignon are doing, just look at the pictures. Honest to goodness, you can SEE the improvement from the photos, especially Mr Jolie!!
Edward said they were enjoying bathing in the sun and it's clear they are thoroughly enjoying soaking up the warmth of the sun.
I love the photo of Jolie looking over his shoulder at the camera. I think he qhite likes being a photogenic Tripawd RockStar😎
Been meaning to ask you Edaward, do they always stay close to each other like that? They truly are bonded best friends.
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
The boys look excellent, 🙌🏻so lovely to see! Jolie's fur is coming in so nicely. 👏🏻
I also love the second one of Jolie looking over his shoulder. You can SEE how much better they both feel. whoo hoo
Thanks for sending Ed, and thanks for posting, Sally.💞
Give them both a chin scratch and a crunchy treat, please.😽😽
(((Hugs)))
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Hello All:)
Jolie and Mignon. I brought them here from a small town called Jinju (korean for pearl) when they were 3 months old. A lady had posted them on line for someone to adopt them because she had too many. My own cat, Sweetpea (a britsh shorthair) had just passed away still a kitten from cardiomyopathy. I had had him for less than a year. So the two became my new family. They are mostly always together. Before Jolie lost his leg most morning they would chase each other and then wrestle like 2 sumo wrestlers. They can't do that now but they spend most of the time side by side. It's a good feeling to see them eating and resting together comfortably and enjoying their snacks. They still have a little play time each day chasing the little butterfly on a string.
We are sorry for the loss of your Sweetpea so young!! We know the tragedy of heart disease and cats. Clearly Sweetpea sent you the boys.
Yes, they will still play, just a little differently; sumo wrestling is not the greatest for Jolie now;)
Give the boys a smooch and a snack from us, please.
Hugs
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Hello All:)
Jolie vomited all of his food last night...alot...(so at least I know he is eating). He vomited a tiny bit of clear vomit this morning during iv.
But he ate his post-iv snack with gusto and I gave him Cerenia with his medication. Hopefully this is just a one-time vomiting. Should I continue the Cerenia for several days?
He seems ok now....but vomiting always scares me ....
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