Showing posts with label renal failure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label renal failure. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Thank your vet



First, here's a picture of me getting my fluids on my favorite Tony Stewart #20 blanket. I know it came out pretty dark so you can't see how happy I am, but I really am purring. Caesar's mommy is going to learn tomorrow how to give fluids to Caesar, who was recently diagnosed with renal failure. Although it doesn't look comfortable, it really doesn't bother me at all. Anyhow, we sure hope you'll all stop by Caesar and Princess's blog to leave purrs and prayers for Caesar and his mommy.

Second, many of us don't like the v-e-t, but often times these furry special people play a big role in making our lives happier and healthier. This is the last week that you can enter your v-e-t in a special contest thanking them for making our lives better. You'll have to write an essay of 300 words or less explaining why your v-e-t is the best in America (we think that there are probably really good v-e-t-s efurrywhere). By the way, 300 words really isn't a lot; it only took Mommy and I about a half an hour to fill out the entry. Rules and entry form are on the web at http://www.thankyourvet.org/. Entries are accepted until 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2007 (they don't say what time zone). We think our v-e-t-s, Drs. Laura and Robert Archer of Ash Creek Animal Clinic, are the best but we welcome lots of competition.

Finally, I am very proud to announce that I was quoted in the Bad Kitty Cat Meows on the Bad Kitty Cats blog. Please check it out!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Thursday Thirteen #1

I thought that for my very first Thursday Thirteen post, I would post thirteen things about Acute Renal Failure (ARF). I thought this was especially timely since Mommy was filling out the claim form from Menu Foods today and talking with Daddy about the letter that Menu Foods sent about the various lawsuits. When I was diagnosed with ARF as a result of the bad kitty food, Mommy and I did some research on the Internet and this is some of what we found:

1. Part of the kidneys' function is to remove waste from the body.

2. Kidney failure is also called renal failure.

3. Kidney failure is either acute or chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs when the kidneys suddenly stop performing their filtering function allowing waste products to build up in the kitty's system. Chronic kidney failure occurs when the kidneys gradually reduce their filtering functions over time.

4. ARF is typically caused by urinary obstructions, infectious diseases, trauma, and the ingestion of toxins.

5. In addition to the bad food, ingestion of items commonly found in homes can cause kidney problems for cats. For instance, antifreeze, lillies (yes the flower that many of us may have in our gardens), acetominophen and ibuprofen, and turpentine are just some of the things that can cause kidney problems.

6. Signs of kidney failure usually don't appear until 70% of the kidneys have stopped functioning.

7. Some of the symptoms of ARF are drinking more water, vomiting, depression, reduction in appetite, lethargy, and increased/decreated urination.

8. If you see symptoms of ARF, you should take your cat to the vet immediately. This cannot be treated at home.

9. Blood tests that are used to diagnosis ARF include measurements of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus and creatinine.

10. ARF is treated by providing fluids (such as through a subcutaneous IV) and through certain medications (a nasty pill I didn't like).

11. Cats with ARF also usually are prescribed a kidney-friendly diet that is low in sodium and encouraged to continue that diet even if their kidney functions return to normal ranges.

12. If ARF is caused by the ingestion of a specific toxin, the vet may try to empty the cat's stomach or use charcoal to try to stop more absorption of the toxin.

13. ARF is often fatal. Early treatment is critical to improve your pet's chance of survival.

Some of the websites that we visited are:
Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Feline CRF Information Center
Cat World
FamilyVet.com
Lexington Cat Clinic (content appears to be from Lifelearn)
Petplace.com
Love to Know
Balgownie Veterinary Hospital



Thirteen Things about ARF


Links to other Thursday Thirteens!



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


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