To put cat through blood test or not? Thyroid and kidneys.

[BrainInAJar]

Hello all,

My nearly 18yr old cat got diagnosed with hyperthyroidism end of Nov last year.

She went on 5mg/day Thyronorm* and a blood test 5 weeks later showed her thyroid to be normal but that she had now just entered stage 1 of kidney disease.

The vet seems more concerned about the kidney disease than the thyroid. So my question is - can we just monitor her kidneys through urine tests rather than putting her through any more blood tests?

The vet needs to see her every 3-6 months to continue prescribing for her but I'll pay for home visits.

Thanks

*the sodding syringe was seriously confusing if you remember my previous threads but on cross-referencing how fast she was getting through the 30ml bottle, we have worked out this is the dose she has been getting.

Hi I remember your previous thread about the syringe.They are confusing.
I don't know the answer re urine tests, but just wanted to recommend Tanya's feline CKD support group.It's brilliant, very reassuring but also honest.
My 12 year old cat was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney failure and had regular blood tests.She seemed fine day to day apart from drinking and weeing a lot.She wouldn't eat the renal food despite how many different types I bought.
However she had a good 2.5 years at stage 3 before we had her put to sleep.
Hope you get some answers, good luck.

Definitely worth doing the blood tests.

Also the renal foods have for a lot better I think. My fussy two have found Royal Canine and Purina renal wet and Hills Science and Royal Canin dry to be acceptable!

I bought a mixed pack of wet food of different brands and flavours and made note of what got eaten! https://www.vetsend.co.uk/kidney-diet-taster-pack-cats?sku=MP19946&gadsource=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInovu7OmmhAMV9JNQBh1qlA8IEAQYASABEgIaJPDD_BwE

Thanks @Sasqwatch what is your thinking?

My cat started taking meds for both conditions at 16 and lived to 22. We did bloods every 6 months and she had renal food.
I hope you have good insurance!

@CheerioDarling nope! Self-insuring! It's fine though, the cat will get whatever is in her best interests.

Self insuring here with 2 (almost) 18 year olds with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease.

Blood tests every 6 months to assess both conditions, get a vet prescription for 6 months worth of meds and buy them online - eg 100 ml of Thyronorm from online is usually about the same price as 30 ml from vet, same with renal food

Tanya's page also shows you how to do subcutaneous fluids at home if you get to that stage.

We did it for our cat who had kidney cancer - was much better than frequent vet trips (4 hands better than 2).