Along with Ginger, we also took Tabs to the vet’s for her PCKD check-up today.
Unlike Ginger, Tabs’ CKD has progressed. Granted, hers is actually a PCKD and not CKD alone. Tabs has polycystic chronic kidney disease whereby multiple cysts presents in both her kidneys. It is a structural deformity and there is nothing we can do about it except to manage the CKD. The presence of these growing fluid-filled cysts impedes her kidney functions thereby leading to CKD. She could have had it all her life and usually it presents in pedigree cats. Tabs isn’t pedigree but from her looks, it is likely she has a big of British Shorthair in her.
The ultrasound of her kidneys shows bigger and more cysts. So, the CKD is definitely progressing. Her SDMA is 16 (from the previous 14 in April 2024). Her creatine is 204 (no change) but her urea is high at 18.8. Tabs always has higher than normal urea levels. Her phosphate level is normal at 1.21 and her HCT is also normal at 39% (she is not anaemic).
The vet managed to draw some urine from her bladder and the urinalysis shows proteinuria (UPC is 0.75) and her urine SG is 1.019 (low). In fact, the urine colour is as clear as water. I’ve also noticed that she has been drinking more water and producing more urine volume. For the proteinuria, the vet prescribed 1/2 tablet of Fortekor once a day. Clear urine means she is also more prone to UTI so we would have to watch out for that. But today’s urinalysis shows no presence of any bacteria.
Since Tabs isn’t dehydrated, we can continue her subcut at 150ml for 6 days a week.
The ultrasound also showed a big cyst in her liver, but her liver readings are all normal, which is good.
Although Tabs’ PCKD has progressed, which is not entirely unexpected, the vet says she is still okay.
Tabs’ balding problem is mitigated, so that’s not a concern anymore.
For the whole week now, I’ve been worried about this PCKD check-up, expecting not-so-good news, because we could already see that Tabs looks thinner and more frail, like she has aged significantly.
Looks like my fears are confirmed, but the vet said her condition can still be managed. She is 4.4kg today (lost some weight).
However, Tabs will not be suitable to go through another stem cell therapy when Ginger gets his next year, because it will not help Tabs. We will just manage her condition with the conventional ways.
We are in this together, Tabs.