Long time no post, and updatey things.
Wow, so in my last post from July I seem to have mentioned that I can't believe it will be Labor Day soon. 0_o Happy Labor Day to my US flisters, and happy September, everyone!
I'm about two days late if I have my time zones figured out correctly, but I want to send out better-late-than-never happy birthday wishes to hidden_houses - I hope it was a good one ( Read more... )
I'm about two days late if I have my time zones figured out correctly, but I want to send out better-late-than-never happy birthday wishes to hidden_houses - I hope it was a good one ( Read more... )
There's a wonderful online resource called Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease that I've been hanging out at a lot lately, and they very aptly describe CKD as a roller-coaster for both the CKD cat and her human. Sophie seems to be on the happy end of the roller-coaster at the moment, so her mom will try to do the same thing although it's easier said than done. *G*
Best of luck to your Riley, hopefully whatever's going on with him is easily controlled. Christopher actually did something similar this year, except that his weight was on the decline - re-checked his thyroid panel and found a very subtle hyperthyroidism that seemed to be at the root of everything. He's doing really well on his meds and his weight and appetite are stable again, so that might be another thing to check on your little guy.
How are you and your little family adjusting to life without Roxy? *hugs*
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I have heard that about CKD, about it being a rollercoaster for cat and human. So many things about kitties being unwell can be difficult for their parents, too. At least that's how I feel.
Riley had some bloodwork done and he's purrfectly healthy, at least as far as blood sugar and kidneys are concerned. The vet didn't do a T4 on his thyroid, but she did physically feel his thyroid and thought he was fine there. Desi and Scotty were hyperthyroid and I recognized the signs in Desi before the vet did, so I'll keep an eye on Riley for that.
No, the problem is probably their food. I switched them to really good high protein food. I did the research -- protein helps speed up the metabolism (adding more protein to my diet helped me lose 20+ lbs) -- and found out which were the best foods to try them on and they like what they're eating. Riley is a bit fussy about the wet stuff so he eats mostly dry. There's more fat in their diet now, but fewer carbs. I was concentrating on grain free, fewer carbs, and forgot about the fat. He's drinking water because he's thirsty. There's probably a bit more sodium in the food or in the fat or something. I haven't gotten that sorted out yet. I'm not crazy about this new vet. A bit snooty and she seemed annoyed that I had forgotten to mention I'd changed their food. I had told her two weeks ago but we both forgot and she didn't ask. To be fair, there was an emergency that came in just before I got there and she seemed tired and stressed. Anyway, I'm keeping an eye on Riley, feeding him a little less, trying to keep track of calories so he loses weight, though not too quickly.
We're managing without Roxy. There are still days when I expect to see her follow me into the bathroom or see her sleeping at the foot of the bed. It's such a powerful feeling that I'm always surprised when she's not there. Or maybe she is and I just can't see her! In a way she'll always be with us. She had such a huge personality. :)
I'm glad you're making sure we're stuck with you. {hugggs}
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I feel like I'm not being supportive enough here. My stoooopid job is really wearing me out physically and mentally and I don't sleep and I've become a zombie. Rick and Michonne will be showing up any time now to lop my head off! I really hope you get that reference. lol
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