BLISSFUL-BOHEMIAN

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Spike-Update

He is doing well, not perfect, but acting like the old Spike and feeling better. Tomorrow will be the first time I give him his fluids by myself. I will need to be brave :-). I hate needles, but that is not really the hard part, now that I have done it at the vet's it was not so bad, but the part I don't get, is how do I hold him and get that needle where it goes? If Spike survives I will be giving him fluids twice a week for the rest of his life, so I best get used to it.
Thanks to Willowtree, Teri and my friend V sending me links I have found out so much about the food we feed our animals. And I am ANGRY! Angry that no one regulates the crap they put in pet food and angry that dry cat food is the main reason for a bunch of cat diseases like kidney failure. I found out too late for Spike and B, but I can perhaps save Max (he is only 2 1/2 years old) from harm. Why don't the vets tell people about this? I told my vet, who is a lovely wonderful person, and she looked at me with disbelief, but I will keep at her until she gets it and realizes that it is true. If any animal loves are interested, here are a couple links to start you with:
http://www.catsofaustralia.com/cat-kidney-disease.htm

http://www.homevet.com/petcare/feedingyourcat.html

Spike goes back to the vet Monday for more blood tests. Keep praying. Love you, XOXO

9 comments:

Unknown said...

The food is not the only reason for the problem, for males it is the neutering process that also sets them up for the problem. the foods simply are co-conspirators and unless we supplement with things that will help that tendency..well you now know.
I had that issue with several cats until I went all "wild" on my cats and let them live the life they were suppose to (indoor and outdoor, feeding on "wild game"). They lived to 18 and 16 respectively and that is not bad for close companions.

Unknown said...

Found a link that explains the sub-Q fluids really well with pics. This is even a better method than what M is doing with Lali. Just explain it to him first. ;-) Here you go:

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/kidney/subcutaneous/info.html

V.

sukipoet said...

glad Spike is doing better. It is hard to do things like shots with only two hands for sure. Squiggle, scratch. Good luck.

Anonymous said...

So glad that Spike is doing better. I hope he gets used to the injections. Our hounds barely bat an eye to their jabs these days.

Suzanne said...

What wonderful news, Annie. My experience was the same as Whitemist, that when they are neutered so young it sets them up for it. Yes, talk to him and explain. Or have a cat loving friend help out. I love your good news! Blissings to all of you.

Life Potentials Network said...

Oh Annie, I'm so sorry Spike is having problems. And I am learning so much about cats here. We think we are doing the right thing by them and poof! We realize with something like this that we didn't! THANK YOU for this heads up....I am going to be changing some things with Wayne! Hope Spike makes a comeback. I have a friend who uses tons of flower essences with her pets with good results. She uses Marvin's essences that she makes herself with instruction from her cat Marvin. Truly amazing....

angela recada said...

Hi Annie,

I'm glad Spike is doing better! Good luck with giving him the shots.

I had no idea that dry cat food is so bad for our cats. Thanks for the links!

Hugs,
Angela

Anonymous said...

I don't blame you for being angry. I discovered all the dirty secrets of the pet food industry when I stumbled upon a fabulous book by a naturopathic vet some time back, and began feeding my pets only organic brands with no meat byproducts. I would stand for an hour reading the labels before buying. Vets are no help. My own vet recommended Iams, and that is one of the worst if you look at the ingredients list. My thoughts are with Spike and you.

Jan Lundy said...

I am so glad you found out about this. My husband and I have been preaching this to folks for years. Yes, it is not too late for all your loves to eat well. And I shudder when I think about what is in "people food." Not much better, in my view. That is why we try to eat organic, natural, local...Be well and may Spike be well too!