Tabs’ polycystic kidney disease has been gradually advancing and in the last two blood tests, there was a rapid rise in the creatinine level. The vet prescribed medication and we gave them a try, but none of them worked anymore. I knew it was time to stop the intervention and focus on letting her be comfortable and happy.
And she was, for months. All this while she had been very alert and went about her daily life happily. Her eyes were bright too. Despite the rising creatinine level, the hardness of the kidneys which I could feel in her body, Tabs had good appetite…until yesterday.
Yesterday, Tabs stopped eating. It happened suddenly, but it happened. She simply refused all foods.
With the advanced PKD and rising creatinine, this is a clear sign of the end stage. Any veterinary intervention is just going to be very stressful for her and it is not going to help.
As with Ginger, we need to focus on comfort care and respect for Tabs now.
Tabs probably had PKD all her life, but it was only detected in September 2023 in a routine check-up. At that time, she was already at Stage 3 of CKD and it also happened suddenly with no outward symptoms at all. But subcut fluids and intervention brought the readings down to Stage 2. It’s been more than two years since then. Her creatinine rose quite rapidly in the last two blood tests and I knew the PKD was advancing and there was nothing more that could be done.
This morning, Tabs found a box in quiet place and slept inside it. In the afternoon, she went out to Bunny’s Garden, slept on a platform under the sun. She was comfortable. It was her wish.
I just brought her inside now and she chose to be at her favourite spot in the kitchen.
With two seniors in their end stage, this is a difficult time for us. We need the strength and serenity to give them calm, peace, respect and lots of love.