Question:
My 9 year old cat, Nutmeg, was diagnosed 9 days ago with chronic renal failure. Her original bloodwork showed BUN 126 (normal is 16-36) and CREA 13.2 (normal is 0.8-2.4) She stayed overnight on IV fluids at the vet and the bllod the next day showed BUN 97 and CREA 11.8. We have given her sub-q fluids once everyday since then and had her blood rechecked yesterday with the BUN 56 and CREA 7. She is moving in the right direction. BUT the vet told me the CREA at 13.2 was the highest she ever saw. Nutmeg is acting fine, eating, playing, everything else good. She is her normal self, the only difference being that she is actually becoming more affectionate. She has always been a scardy cat and jumps at every noise. She has been difficult to administer the sub-q. The vet says we can switch to sub-q 2 times a week, maybe 3 depending on how she is in between. I feel better with 2 times a week than everyday because I have been having a hard time with the needle. Luckily, my boyfriend has been doing the needle part, I just hold her. However, he travels a lot and pretty soon I am going to be on my own for a week. Has anyone seen similar numbers as these for the BUN and CREA? How bad is it?

Answer:
I am not sure what affects the crea but has your vet suggested a change in diet. From what I know a cat in renal failure should be on a low protein diet and canned if possible. The sub-q fluids given at home is a good idea and its good that your are trying; needles are scary at first but overtime you should be able to get use to it and so should your kitty. You can practice getting a feel for it by using an old needle on an orange. Also some cats take fluids better if they are a little warm. Put the bag in a sink of warm water and then test on your wrist like you would a babies bottle. I have heard of giving milk thistle suplements but can't remember if its for the liver or kidney's so you may want to ask the vet about it. If you can give the fluids more often than twice a week like the vet suggested it will help to remove the toxins faster and then when the levels are what the vet likes move to less often (from what I have heard anyway).

Good luck and that the next results show better results.

Answer:
http://www.felinecrf.com/manag0.htm

This is a link to a CRF site. I found it very useful. It even has step-by-step instructions for giving Sub-Q fluids. I hope it helps.

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