I heard the news today, oh boy...

[ellid]

Two bits of news, one exciting, one unnerving -


- One of my oldest friends, Walter Hunt, just announced that he's under contract to write a novel in Eric Flint's successful 1632 universe. Walter's best known for his military SF, but he's a history buff from way back, so this should be very good. I'm going to see him at Arisia next weekend and plan to offer myself as an unofficial consultant on material culture, especially textiles.

- Siren's test results show reduced kidney function and some blood cells in her urine. I'm to talk with the vet tomorrow about changing her diet and other options. I did a little reading myself and found that cats with kidney problems can and do live for years with proper care, but I'd welcome input from those who've faced this with their own pets. chrisilin? Any advice? She's almost seventeen and otherwise in decent shape, poor little thing.

Comments

[cathouse-mary.livejournal.com]

Giving subcutaneous fluids at home can help.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

I just talked to my vet, and she said we're not at that point yet - Siren shows zero clinical signs of kidney problems, although she is seriously pissed at me this morning and was off somewhere sulking when I left the house. However, a prescription diet is in her future, plus bloodwork every few months to check her kidney levels.

She's almost seventeen so it's not a surprise. Best of all, my vet says that cats with kidney issues can live for quite some time, as in a couple of years. We'll see what happens.

[embermwe.livejournal.com]

I have had several cats over the years that had kidney problems in their older years. It is one of the commonest health problems for cats.
Since we got our dogs, at the suggestion of the breeder, we have done alot of reading up on raw feeding pets/pet nutrition.
Here is an interesting article on nutrition for pets with kidney disease. Best wishes to you and to Siren for her continued longevity and relative good health!
http://www.aplaceforpaws.com/blog/2010/07/kidney-problems-and-raw-feeding/

[fitzw.livejournal.com]

Rosalind had kidney problems, and lived to age 22.

[ellid.livejournal.com]

That's very comforting to know. Siren is otherwise in good health (and voice) so I hope she has a few more years left!

[chrisilin.livejournal.com]

The key is keeping on top of things - I've seen cats go for 4-5 years easily post diagnosis, other ones (that have less strictly controlled diet/managed water intake) don't go as long, but the earlier you catch it, the better things usually are!

[orphandani.livejournal.com]

I'm not "conversant" in CAT, but with DOG, it's pretty much keep fluids going. And I have heard that cats can live a long time with proper care so I'm sending Siren lots of feel good vibes. :) And some relax vibes for you! *hugs*