Today was Ginger’s check-up at the vet’s.
I was, again, quite nervous about it.
On the way to the vet’s.
The short version: Ginger is okay! His CKD is maintained at Stage 1. He has some lung issues, and he has to lose weight!
The long version:
Here are Ginger’s kidney readings:
Creatinine 98
Urea 7.9
SDMA 14
Based on the above, even though the SDMA is at the high end of “normal”, the vet says Ginger is still at Stage 1. What a great relief for me. The vet also said that it looks like the stemcell treatment is working for him. That’s wonderful news! Ginger was diagnosed with early CKD in 2019 so it’s been 6 years already, maintaining it at Stage 1 despite his FIV+ condition.
I am very thankful.
Ginger’s HCT (hematocrit, ie. percentage of red blood cells in body) is 41.1% which is the highest ever so far, and this is good. He is definitely not anaemic.
But…he is definitely obese again, at 6.5kg. Oh dear…we discussed this and decided we should cut down on the kibble that he likes for snacks. Cutting down on kibble is definitely a good thing, so we shall do it for everyone in Ginger’s Catio. More wet food. More water for everyone, especially naughty Robin.
The vet noticed some abnormality in Ginger’s breathing, so two X-rays were done to check his lungs. His lung condition has improved from the previous time in November 2024 where white lines were seen in the images. These white lines have decreased now, but due to the rather abnormal breathing pattern, the vet has put him back on the inhaler (Flixotide) for 2 months (daily) followed by alternate days for another 2 months. He was on the inhaler in August 2024. The X-rays also showed some arthritis, which we already know he has. He has to lose weight!
Ginger is prescribed Neulin (a broncodilator) for 20 days for help with the abnormal breathing pattern.
The red circle shows the arthritic part.
The vet tried to ultrasound Ginger’s heart to check but nothing could be seen because of his obesity. So, instead, a pro-BNP test was done and the reading was 50% which is normal. Hooray!
So, all is as well as can be for Ginger and I am so thankful!
He just has to lose some weight. We will reduce the kibble from today onwards. It would be good for everyone. Kibble has carbohydrates which causes weight gain.
That being said, I have to work hard at getting the Blondies to reduce their kibble intake too but that is going to be an uphill battle.
A hero’s welcome by the Monsters for their favourite Uncle Ginger!
The Aerokat device to administer the inhaler.
This morning, Ginger had a grand fight with Smurfy which resulted in tuffs of fur flying all over and Ginger chasing Smurfy all the way up to the platforms. Ginger did not yield despite me splashing water like a mad woman.
He is 15 years old, obese and arthritic, but he’s a tough guy! And super agile when the need arises.
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