Rapid onset CKD in a 16+ year old cat
Our Mabel is at least 16-- she's a rescue, so could be older. She's always been a bit of a picky eater, but that got worse this year. We had bloodwork done on January 28th, and it was perfect. We treated her for a UTI, and her appetite seemed to improve at first, but then got much worse. We did bloodwork again (and an X-ray to rule out bladder issues) on April 6th, and she was the border of Stage 2-3 renal failure. In a matter of 5 weeks. This month her appetite has gotten worse to the point where she is literally turning her face away from even the yummiest of food. We started giving her subQ fluid at home but that didn't help. We repeated bloodwork this past Friday and found out she's now in Stage 4 renal failure with VERY high phosphate levels (they were perfect on April 6th). I don't have copies of the bloodwork, bc this was over the weekend.
We have had numerous cats over the years (even now) with chronic CKD. We give subQ fluids, and usually they do wonderfully for years. We did have one cat a while ago who had a sudden onset of CKD at age 9 and went downhill rapidly in a month. We tried the phosphate binder with him, but since he wasn't eating, it was horrible and made him gag and vomit. We don't want to do that with Mabel.
Other than not eating, you wouldn't know she was sick! She does look more straggly and has lost a little weight. And she is a little shaky sometimes, but she still tools around, jumps on the fridge, but DOES NOT EAT. Even rotisserie chicken. Even baby food. We've tried it all. She'll take a lick at the most. This has been a week now, and it's getting worse. We increased her fluids to twice a day, but we don't want her to get to the point where she is suffering. I know hepatic lipidosis is coming. I also do not want to force-feed. We've sworn we would never do that unless it would help the cat make a recovery-- and there is no recovery from this stage of CKD.
We are thinking of putting her to sleep, but it's hard to imagine doing that with a cat who is still getting around. But I know cats can turn at any moment, and we don't want her to suffer. Thoughts?