I have been feeling very anxious about this follow-up, knowing fully well that Tabs’ PCKD would eventually progress. Her last two visits had been good – the kidney readings were maintained, but sooner or later, the disease will progress because polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition and there is no cure for it at all.
I tried to be as optimistic as I could be, but at the same time, I had to be prepared for a deterioration of her condition. But Tabs has been behaving in a very normal way and not showing any signs of pain at all, which gave me hope.
The vet first listened to Tabs’ heart and lungs and all seemed good. Then, she checked Tabs’ blood pressure and it was normal at 130, which is also very good.
The vet also remarked that Tabs seemed to be well, comfortable and did not show any signs of discomfort at all.
Blood was drawn for further tests. The pro-BNP test to check for heart disease was done and her reading had actually improved from the previous time. It is now 66.5%. This is good.
But the blood also looked a bit diluted, and true enough, her PCV had dropped to a low normal at 25%.
The bad news is that Tabs’ kidney readings have increased a lot.
Her creatinine is now 426 and urea is 37.6, both considered very high. Her SDMA is 16, which is just above normal. Phosphate is 1.85 (slightly high).
I had not expected her creatinine and urea to be so high because she hasn’t shown any signs on discomfort or deterioration. Her weight is also quite stable at 4.1kg.
Based on these readings, the vet suggested we start her on Porus One, which is works by removing the precursors of toxins before they even hit the liver (and then kidneys). It is a black powder (contains charcoal) in sachets, to be mixed with food.
Tabs is already on daily Amlodipine (to maintain her blood pressure), Fortekor for her heart and to reduce proteinuria and Renal Combi for her kidneys. These will be maintained.
The vet also has laser therapy now and suggested we try it for Tabs to reduce the inflammation of her kidneys. However, Tabs was very stressed from the treatment, so we decided not to carry on the recommended twice-weekly laser therapy. The stress isn’t worth it.
What’s most important for us is to keep her as comfortable as possible.
When at home, Tabs’s behaviour is normal, she seems comfortable and doesn’t display any signs of pain.
We are here with you, Tabs.