Acromegaly and CKD

[Pablosmom]

Hi everyone,

Pablo goes the specialist on the 8th to discuss his recently elevated protein in his urine. Based on how things have been, I am starting to lose hope in having him for at least a few more years. He is only 8 years old but the SRT takes time to work and I feel that we are going to start experience CKD earlier than expected. I’m worried for him and everything was okay a few months ago but now things are looking scary and I’m worried he’s going to be diagnosed with CKD soon. I’m not sure what to do or how to feel as I have been doing all that I can to help him but it seems like it’s never ending. He’s a very loving and happy boy and I’m scared to see him start declining so young. Any advice or support is appreciated.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

First of all, you might get more experienced acro eyes on your posts if you post in the acro forum. Those of us who have or had acros tend to watch that forum and not always this one.

Neko had a couple of years after elevated protein was first detected in her urine. We were a little late in getting the UPCR done and treatment started. Is there any plan to address Pablo's higher UPCR? Have you read this page: Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Proteinuria

The other suggestion I have is to try to get him to a dose as soon as is safely possible, where he spends more time below renal threshold, and thus less work for the kidneys. I'm not sure what dosing method you are following. You'll have to get used to shooting those blue preshot with the full dose. With Lantus, shooting lower numbers leads to flatter cycles.

 

[Pablosmom]

First of all, you might get more experienced acro eyes on your posts if you post in the acro forum. Those of us who have or had acros tend to watch that forum and not always this one.

Neko had a couple of years after elevated protein was first detected in her urine. We were a little late in getting the UPCR done and treatment started. Is there any plan to address Pablo's higher UPCR? Have you read this page: Tanya's Comprehensive Guide to Feline Chronic Kidney Disease - Proteinuria

The other suggestion I have is to try to get him to a dose as soon as is safely possible, where he spends more time below renal threshold, and thus less work for the kidneys. I'm not sure what dosing method you are following. You'll have to get used to shooting those blue preshot with the full dose. With Lantus, shooting lower numbers leads to flatter cycles.

His internal medicine specialist at MedVet wants to see him first and run a few tests before starting any treatment for it, so we will know on the 8th what’s going on. Anytime he is in the blue I get nervous giving a full dose that he will go hypo. Also I can’t be home 24/7 which doesn’t help my anxiety around him getting too low.

 

[Sienne & Gabby (GA)]

I worked full time throughout Gabby's diabetes journey. She was a challenging cat who had an early nadir and her numbers could dive. I made adjustments to accommodate her needs. I moved my shot time to 5:00. The 5:00 AM shot allowed me enough time to be home to get a few tests in so I had a reasonable idea where her numbers were going. If she was diving, she got her next small meal with higher carbs. I also had a timed feeder and would adjust the carbs based on the tests before I left the house. I was generally gone all day. I could bolt home over lunch if necessary and if I had to schedule a late meeting, it was a 5:30 so I could run home, test, feed, and shoot, and go back to the office. I followed TR pretty strictly and would shoot anything over 50. If you want to get Pablo into a range that's below renal threshold, you are really going to have to consider shooting lower numbers.

What I suggest is give thought to what you are comfortable with. You've been at this long enough that I'd suggest looking at 150 as a reasonable number there you can give a full dose. You can pick a higher number but the idea is that you work your way down to shooting lower numbers. It might be best to give this a try when you know you're going to be around to monitor. Generally, with TR, 150 is the post and ask for help number for new members.

Wendy may be able to direct you to other spreadsheets for acro kitties. You may be more confident if you see how their cats respond to getting a full dose.