Our specialist in Missoula, Dr. Dave Bostwick, called today with an update on blind and deaf Angel. After three days of IV fluids, her kidney values did indeed come down ... but are still elevated. This strongly indicates Angel has chronic kidney disease.
She'll remain at the clinic until Wednesday. In the meantime Dave will take her off IVs and see what happens to both her kidney values and her appetite (which perked up a lot over the the weekend.) If her BUN and Creatinine spike again and her appetite diminishes, this means we'll need to give her regular sub-Q fluids (i.e., injected under the skin) back here at the ranch. Of course, we will also be putting her on a low-protein diet to make it easier on her kidneys.
Meanwhile, tomorrow Alayne will take Widget back to Helena to see Dr. Brenda Culver for a re-check on her prosthetic eye. And on Wednesday I'll trailer blind Chance and Lonesome George into Missoula for their IV chemotherapy treatment at Dr. Bill Brown's clinic.
So sorry to hear about Angel. What you describe brings back memories of sweet Cindie Marie, my companion of 17 years. Steroids for asthma (despite regular acupuncture sessions, I couldn't completely get her off the pred) led to diabetes which in turn led to kidney disease. I gave her sub Qs twice a day and she was able to maintain her health comfortably and keep me company for another five years after the diagnosis. She was as stubborn a kitty as you'll ever find and refused to slow down. Hopefully Angel will have a little bit of Cindie in her and she'll be hanging around RDR for quite a while to come!
Posted by: Cathy | February 22, 2006 at 11:13 AM
Hopefully Angel will be home real soon without the added stress of kidney disease.
Widget, I hope that you get good news re: your eye and that the lampshade comes off ASAP!
Chance and Lonesome George! You two are precious...may everything go smoothly for you both at the treatment clinic!
Posted by: Nina | February 21, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Oh, I hope Angel doesn't have kidney disease and I hope she isn't too scared being away from home. Kitty prayers sent her way.
Posted by: Roz | February 20, 2006 at 11:53 PM