My cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure AND hyperthyroidism

[Critters2]

and she's only 7. I'm blown away. And worried about her quality of life from here on out.

Still, Scooter was convicted, so life ain't all bad.

[unpossibles]

1. aw, that sucks!

I don't even know what to say. My cats are some of my best friends.

[Critters2]

2. I've had cats with each of these conditions in the past

My then-17 yo Moses was dx'd with hyperthyroidism in 1998, lived about another year.

My then-13 yo Ari was dx'd with crf in 2000, lived another 2 1/2 years.

But one cat with BOTH?!! This will be really hard on her, I fear, and I've got some ahrd decisions ahead of me.

Cats are some of my best friends, too. She's a special, quiet, gentle, smart little girl. I feel so bad for her.

[skygazer]

3. I'm so sorry

What kind of care does she require? Do you have any idea of a prognosis?

Animals seem to be remarkably upbeat about health issues a lot of times. I had a female Boxer who had such severe arthritis in her spine that she could barely use her hind legs. Still, she continued to be her happy self and she'd bounce around like she always had - she just skittered out of control a lot.

Her daughter ended up with a tumor on her spine that paralyzed her hind end and she kept going with a wheeled contraption for almost 2 years after diagnosis - again, with a very good attitude. Both were in pain (though we controlled it as much as possible) but it seemed that our love and support did a lot to keep them happy.

I hope her condition can be managed and that she continues to have a good life. :hug:

[Critters2]

5. They want to keep her overnight for fluids and syringe feeding

and will meet with me about treatment options tomorrow. Unless things have changed since last I went through this, the standard treatment for crf is daily sub-q fluids, potassium, and a low-protein, low-phosphorus diet. The three possibilities for hyperthyroid are removal of the thyroid (which can lead to hypothyroidism, thus, not the best option), daily administration of tapazole, or radio-iodine treatment. Of these, radio-iodine is most effective, but muy expensive, and not all vets have the facilities.

So, probably, fluids, diet and tapazole, but I'll know more tomorrow. I'm concerned about the prognosis with the two of these together.

[LiberalHeart]

20. What were her symptoms?

[Miss_Strawberry]

4. Terrible news...

I am so sorry to hear this.

My Nemo was diagnosed with chronic renal failure three years ago. I literally felt like I had been stabbed. The treatment was rough, surgery and subcutaneous fluids for months. However, he was a young cat and I didn't want to give him up if he could live a quality life. We changed his diet, and he's been a happy kitty since his last subcu.

My heart goes out to you!

[Critters2]

6. My Ari had a good life for most of his 2 1/2 years with crf.

It's the combo of diagnoses that worries me. That, and the specter of years of sub-q fluids again. Ugh!!

[Guava Jelly]

7. I had a cat of 17 years die from the same conditions

I cried like a baby when i had to put him down.
He also had tumors and was in pain.
I feel for you and I'm sorry

[Critters2]

8. Both conditions? That's what has me most upset--crf and hyper-t

At least they didn't say anything about tumors or pain, though she clearly is not feeling well.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[u4ic]

17. .

:hug:

[NC_Nurse]

9. I have one with CRF and I had

one years ago with Hyperthyroid - she was 17 though.

Bummer.:-(

Smokey has been doing pretty well since she was diagnosed about a year ago. She's due to go back soon for a check up. She's 10, it sucks that your kitty is so young and has both problems.

I'm sorry. :hug:

[Critters2]

13. Thanks. Do you do fluids for your crf kitty?

I did that for two 1/2 years with my crf guy. I can do it again, of course, but it is her being so young that gets me. I doubt she'll see 10.

Again, thanks.

[ThatsMyBarack]

10. It makes me sad when kitties get sick.

:cry:

[Roon]

21. .

:hug:

[Fran Kubelik]

11. I am so sorry.

:hug:

[Critters2]

14. Thank you, Fran. nt

[steelemagnolia]

12. So sorry

that happened to my 18 year-old Maine Coon, Rhiannon. She was my baby. Because of her age, it took her down quickly and I did the humane thing and sent her over the Rainbow Bridge. My heart still hurts.
Blessings.

[Critters2]

15. I had a crf kitty who lived 2 1/2 years after diagnosis

and a hyper-t guy who only lived 9 months after. I fear that this means I'll have to make a decision to send her to the bridge soon, since she's so young and has both diagnoses. I dread it.

Sorry you had to go through it, and thanks for your support.

[Kajsa]

16. I'm sorry,mycritters2.

My thoughts are with you, your kitty and family.

I wish her a safe and comfortable life with the people she loves.

[u4ic]

18. I'm so sorry, mycritters

I don't know anything about feline health, but I hope there is a successful treatment for her.

:hug:

[LiberalHeart]

19. Oh, what a double whammy....

Those darn cats really grab our hearts, don't they? I'm so sorry for you and your cat.

Here's a link with some cat pictures you might enjoy:

http://thespoiledcatblog.blogspot.com