Quote:
Originally Posted by tiff123
Thank you for the advice on the bag of solution and the angle of the needle. Fred doesn't have a lot of extra skin and he tenses up so it feels like the needle will go right into his body.
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Before giving fluids take a couple of deep breaths to calm yourself - Fred can sense the nervous energy. Stroke him a couple of times or if he'll permit a very light muscle massage before giving fluids to relax him a bit, randomly do this at other times when he is not getting fluids to get him used to being handled in this area in this way & to show it's not always going to result in a poke
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Another good tip is don't poke the same spot every time, there's a pic on Sofia's site listed above that shows the "saddle" area, where anywhere in that area is okay to give fluids. Lessens the chance of continued soreness/scarring in one area.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiff123
Fred's blood is bright red on the anus and feces, which would seem to indicate hemorrhoids or other lower system bleeding. But it had the distinct smell of bloody feces (I used to draw blood from patients at hospitals and nursing homes, and the smell is so distinct....).
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If this is an ongoing issue I would still discuss this w/the vet, it may be anal fissures or could be indicative of something more serious.
What are Fred's poops like? Hard & dry, soft & mushy, normal?
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiff123
Why is the k/d food bad for him? This is the only food available in my area for cats with kidney problems. What are the options for that? Fortunately he still has an appetite and manages to steal food from our plates when we are not looking or the kid's crumbs.  |
If you were to read the ingredients of the k/d and compare them to the foods listed below, you can see a marked difference in the quality of protein and other nutrient sources. The k/d and other renal prescription foods are based on the theory that CRF cats should have low protein food because that means lower phos numbers. Problem with that is there isn't enough protein to maintain muscle mass, as well as protein fat is also greatly reduced both of those combine for a food that isn't very tasty to obligate carnivores. Cats eat based mostly on smell - if it smells really good they'll eat it, protein & fat is what gives a majority of aroma/flavour to food.
Some high quality low phosphorus foods to get you started:
By Nature Organics Turkey & Turkey Liver, Chicken & Chicken Liver, Turkey & Chicken, Chicken & Mackerel, Beef & Beef Liver
Innova Flex Beef & Barley Stew
Evo 95% Chicken & Turkey
Felidae Platinum
Felidae Cat & Kitten
Felidae Grain Free
Merricks Before Grain 96% Beef
Merricks Before Grain 96% Turkey
Merricks Cowboy Cookout
Merricks Thanksgiving Day Dinner
Halo Spots Stew Wholesome Chicken
Halo Spots Stew Wholesome Turkey
Wellness Turkey, Chicken, Beef & Chicken, Beef & Salmon, Kitten, Wellness Core Chicken Turkey & Chicken Liver (other flavours are too high in phos)
Holistic Select Turkey & Barley
Holistic Select Duck & Chicken
Many more choices listed here
http://www.felinecrf.org/canned_food...od_data_tables
Quote:
Originally Posted by tiff123
On the bright side, I heard Fred purr for the first time in a long time, and he is cuddling with me at night again after we started giving him Rubenal.  |
Wonderful that means he's feeling a bit better already