Conference misery::feline

859.0. "Marvin's Results - Back to Reality" by POWDML::MCGOWAN () Mon Feb 20 1995 06:34

    Marvin's results came back on Saturday.  I was a little disappointed
    to find that his BUN had moved from a level of 29 to a new level of
    59 and that his Cratinine had moved from a level of 2.9 to a new
    level of 3.9.  However, the vet seemed optomistic.  She said that
    she was glad that the levels did not jump all the way up to where
    they were before, 88 and 5.7.  She also said that it was more important 
    that Marvin was eating and putting on weight.  He is also much more 
    active and sociable.  However, being a numbers person, I was quite 
    upset with the increase in the levels.  However, the vet assured me 
    that such an increase is normal since he was not eating anything at all 
    during the time that the levels had dropped.  Anyway, I called Sandy 
    Merritt who had some good suggestions.  She said that I probably should 
    probably not test Marvin so often.  That I should be happy with his 
    good eating and behavior.  I plan to start fluids once a week.  THe 
    vet thinks that this will help.  I will not have him tested for another 
    60 days.  
    
    He really does seem better and because of that I had expected to see the 
    levels drop.  Like my husband said, I had a hard slap in the face and was 
    brought back to reality.  Marvin will never be 100% again and I have to 
    face that fact.  Sooo, weekly fluids will start on Thursday.  Hopefully 
    he will stabilize.
    
    Thats it for now!
    Arlene  

    My feelings are that if Marvin is eating great and acting fine...
    let Marvin be the one to say when he needs help.  I do this with
    Ziggy now...we don't do any more kidney profiles unless Ziggy is
    acting sluggish, stops eating, and shows me signs that something
    is wrong.   My opinion is the tests only upset Arlene more and put
    more stress on Marvin...and what did the results buy??  His
    diet wasn't changed...he wasn't put on meds...the results told
    you there are still kidney problems. (which you already knew)
    
    I think it's great that your learning to give fluids...I know when
    Ziggy was sluggish the fluids really made him feel better.   Ziggy
    has not had to have any fluids since his bout with pnemonia last
    fall....and is doing great!!  And everyday Ziggy does well...I thank
    the little kitty angel for keeping him strong for me!!!
    
    Arlene...the way your taking care of Marvin and spoiling him rotten...
    he's going to be around for quite awhile just so he can enjoy the
    pampered life!!!   Give him a big hug for me!!!
    
    Sandy