JUST DIAGNOSED: KIDNEYS IN DANGER!! HELP!!

[Shulie]

This morning I brought my furbaby's urine sample to have it tested as
a precaution (recovered from struvite crystals earlier this year).
Results came back with the devastating news that his urine is full of
protein+white cells=kidneys are not working properly (they were
perfectly allright until 3 months ago!!).

Here's what I'm supposed to do for the next 2 weeks:
-mix his favorite moist food with HILL'S K/D RX DIET
-give 2 dropperful 50mg/mL AMOXIL twice daily

I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE WHO'S BEEN ALL THROUGH THIS BEFORE!!

PLEASE REDIRECT ME TO THE APPROPRIATE THREADS DISCUSSING KIDNEY PROBLEMS' EARLY STAGES!!

IS IT TOO LATE TO SAVE MY 9 YO 23.5 lbs INDOOR TONKINESE?? I HOPE NOT!!

-currently very distressd Samson's Mom

[Davis]

Shulie, I'm so sorry.  I've been through kidney disease and it was devastating.  I watched my beloved 19 year old waste away and suffer.  This disease is my biggest fear and biggest concern for the cat I have now, as he is getting older.  Was the diagnosis "chronic renal failure'?  Or acute?  Back then, my cat was also put on Hills KD, but today, knowing what I know now, I would not treat her with that.  However, if it is a temporary illness and he only has to be on it for short period of time, then that may be different. 

My cat was diagnosed with the early stages of this CRF 8 years before she passed away, but it was a rough 8 years at times.  Overall, she had a very good quality of life until the last year, and the last 6 months was pure hell.  I will never forget what she and I both went through.  I had to give her subcutaneous fluids every day.  This does not save them but only makes them feel a bit better. 

Cats can live many years with kidney problems, depending on the severity.  Your cat may have something else wrong with his kidneys and not CRF, however any kidney illness like this can damage the kidneys and greatly increase the chances for it.  It sounds like maybe he has an infection?  Please post back and give us more information, if you can.  What was the actual diagnosis and has he had blood tests?

[lesliek]

Shulie-I went thru this yrs ago with my last cat. She wouldn't eat the k/d or any other rx food.My vet had me try the homemade wet recipe from Dr Strombeck's book "Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets the Healthful Alternative ".It did keep her going for a few mo's;but her kidneys were too far gone.She was too old for a transplant-13.I would look on Ebay for it ,at Borders it was $38.It's a little hard to read[very technical] but the diet does seem to work. Good luck !

[Therese]

I'm sorry to hear about your cat, Shulie! I'm going through struvite crystals with my cat and one of my dogs right now. I tried a few home made diets for Tequila (the cat) and am still searching for the diet that will work for her.

Leslie - thanks for the tip about the book. I think I'll get a copy!

[Shulie]

SAMSON'S UPDATE:

according to Vet#2, who performed Samson's latest bloodwork, he's a pretty healthy cat, there are no white cells in his urine and even if his protein levels are a bit high, there's nothing serious to worry about.
 
ON THE OTHER HAND Vet#1's results prompted her to call me to tell me Samson had an infection and his kidneys are not working properly...!!??
 
I want to believe Vet#2 because he did an extensive accurate bloodwork and actually visited my furbaby IN PERSON!!

BUT NOW I'M UTTERLY CONFUSED!! OH MY GOODNESS...
STILL... MY FURBABY LOOKS AND ACTS JUST FINE...!!

[catmom5]

Maybe it's time for VET #3.  I am lucky enough to live near a major vet teaching hospital so everything that's not "routine" goes there.  Since the blood work is so different, I think I'd want yet another opinion.  Kidney disease is way too serious to do a wait and see IMHO.
Good luck!

[jenny]

Did either vet actually provide you a copy of the lab results?  If not, you should ask for them.  Perhaps you could share what they are?

[Mary K]

Shulie, I'm with Catmom5, and would get a third opinion. That may help you sort this out. Don't think the worst, yet! I have always been amazed at the various opinions, diagnoses and treatments from both MD's and Vets when it comes to problem solving. A bit of research by you will help, also.  I will say a prayer for Samson! May all be well!

[DebJ]

If the bloodwork was done inhouse, I would suggest getting your vet to send it an outside testing facility.  As someone else suggsted, I also think it's a good idea to get a copy of the test results.  Good luck.  I hope your kitty is okay.

[Shulie]

THANK YOU ALL for your info&support!

I did check w/ my county's veterinary department, but they don't have a so called independent lab in the state to do extra tests (at least that's what they told me...They actually referred me to the usual "infamous" vet clinics in the area, HUGE disappointment!).

I do have all tests' results from Vet#2, I will try to post them to have your opinion.

[Shulie]

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5484/s1mx5.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4476/s2nu3.jpg

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9206/s3xp1.jpg

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1803/s4zt8.jpg

HERE ARE 4 DIRECT LINKS TO VET#2 TESTS' RESULTS (I don't have anything from Vet#1)

HOPE YOU CAN READ THE SCANS (I'll try to make them better as soon as I can).