In the fall of 2013, Askher, a beautiful 10 year old Japanese bobtail cat, became very ill. She had stopped eating for several days, had bad breath, had become lethargic and was losing weight. During her physical examination at Centrepointe Animal Hospital, other than some mild tartar and a heart murmur, Askher appeared visually healthy from the outside. Dr. Theoret recommended further testing to pinpoint the cause of Askher’s symptoms.

Blood and urine tests were performed to give the doctor an internal look at Askher. The results were not hopeful. Askher’s kidney values were severely elevated indicating kidney failure. There were also other abnormalities in the blood and urine, likely secondary to her kidney failure. Askher needed immediate attention and was hospitalized and placed on intravenous fluids in hopes of saving her.

Over the next 3 days, Askher received IV fluids, oral and injectable medications and was closely monitored. An appetite stimulant was given in hopes of encouraging her to eat as her liver could be affected by her lack of appetite as well as other bodily functions. Her blood work was reevaluated 2 days later to see if her kidney functions had improved with current treatment; unfortunately, little improvement was made. Radiographs of her abdomen were discussed but not performed at that point.

Askher’s prognosis remained bleak. Due to the long hospitalization stay that would have been required, it was decided that Askher was to be discharged and her owner taught how to give fluids subcutaneously (under the skin). He brought her home to try and treat her and was instructed to start her on a kidney medication. Over the next week, Askher started to improve slowly. She responded well to the appetite stimulant and began eating. A kidney diet was also prescribed. Finally Askher’s condition took a turn for the better.

Her owner stayed strong and continued with the fluids and medications while we closely monitored Askher. Follow up blood work, urine testing and radiographs were performed. Askher’s radiographs revealed that she had kidney stones and had developed a urinary tract infection. Her kidney values, however, had improved significantly and she was eating well and was no longer lethargic. She was given antibiotics and continued on her renal medication and diet and was slowly weaned off fluids.

After the course of antibiotics, Askher’s urine was reassessed and indicated that the infection had disappeared. Her condition had greatly improved. Blood and other urine testing indicated that it would be best to keep Askher on her renal medication lifelong to maintain the health of her kidneys. Although her kidneys will be monitored for the rest of her life, Askher is now back to her happy and energetic self. Way to go Askher!