THE BIG THING: Skeeter is back from being at the vet for another day of IV fluids. The vet is certain Skeeter has chronic renal failure (CRF). I have discussed the situation with the vet after each visit, and I have read several veterinary websites that discuss CRF. So, I have some idea what to expect even though the timing of progression of the condition is uncertain.
Some of you are too sadly familiar with this, but others may not be...
1. Chronic renal failure is irreversibly fatal.
2. It means that Skeeter has lost at least 70% of kidney function.
3. Complete failure could occur in days or months.
4. Aggressive treatment can extend life.
5. Aggressive treatment means (progressively) continuous subcutaneous fluid therapy (forced hydration, IV drips, etc), dialysis, and kidney transplant.
6. Skeeter is not in "pain". He feels lethargic and tired. He may lose his appetite or become nauseous, but that has not happened yet.
7. One early sign of CRF is excessive thirst. Skeeter has ALWAYS drunk a LOT of water, so that one slipped past me.
8. CRF cats often have difficulty urinating. Skeeter does not have that problem.
9. The vet told me to watch for Skeeter to start losing his balance, lose his appetite (CRF can cause increased stomach acidity), or the urination difficulty mentioned above in #8. Those will be signs that his kidney functions are diminishing further and finally.
10. There are veterinary disagreements about the role in diet for treating CRF. Some argue for high-protein diets; some for low-protein; some say no fish of any sort; some say getting the cat to eat is best, whatever it prefers.