Well, it really depends on what you mean by a "chance" Most kidney failure is irreversible...once those guys are damaged, there is no going back. Once in a blue moon, it is a temporary thing, toxin exposure, ureteral stone, that with massive supportive care, we can get them back to normal.
Most cases are chronic renal failure. Classic old kitty's whose kidneys have been failing over a period of time. Sadly, almost all cats develop some degree of this as they age. So, depending on the cat and how slowly things progress. Generally renal kitties start with drinking more and a bit of weight loss. Still pretty happy, and eating well-ish. Since the kidneys job is to filter toxins out and keep water in, the cats need to drink more in order to maintain hydration. Eventually enough nephons (kidney working unit) drop out of function that the cats really can't maintain hydration by drinking alone.
So, that is when the fluids at home come in.
So, some cats do great with fluid supplementation, maybe add in pepcid as they always have acid tummies, (I can go on and on about other meds, but won't), for a long time, some crash no matter what. So far I have had two old cats (Din't own a cat until vet school). Both developed measurable kidney disease. One, Taj, a siamese lived quite merrily for 3 years on meds and fluid support every other day, then eventually daily), the other, Eleanor, lived happily about 3 months, then felt crummy no matter what I did. Keep in mind, untill the end, both cats seemed totally okay with all the treatments, and were feeling well enough to interact and eat and enjoy themselves. I
never want to go past quality of life.
Now keep in mind, I treat cats as a vocation, so for me to inject, SQ fluids, give pepcid, calcitriol, K, benazapine, etc. etc. etc, is like doing laundry for me, just part of the day. Most clients are unable to go to the extreme I do.
As I tell clients every day, just because we can do it, doesn't mean we should. Have to consider the feasibility of the treatment, and if it is making the cat feel better!!!
So, lots of words, did I answer your question?
Can you tell I love my kitties and really am passionate about my work?
Getting off my lectern now!!!!
I'm gonna do it!
Yuck! Woke up at 3am not feeling too good. By 4am I was sicker than I have been in a long time. Thank God my parents now live near us (yes, I truly am thankful for this. I have a great relationship with them and my mom in particular is a huge help EVERY day!)
i don't know why she said, "no, thank you!"
