Do subq fluids extend life or comfort for cats with kidney disease?

Question

My 17-year-old female Maine Coon passed away from renal failure. A year ago, her blood work did indicate a 3.0 creatine level and other signs of CKD. Aside from weight loss, her quality of life was normal, eating, playing, and jumping, so I didn’t give her subcutaneous fluids or b12 injections. When she finally got sick she quickly deteriorated in weeks. Would subcutaneous fluids over the last have extended her life or do the fluids help make a cat feel better? She always felt fine. Clarify.

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the passing of your kitty. It's so hard to lose them :( Unfortunately this is not a question you will ever know the answer to. You can see all sorts of things happen. Some cats get subq fluids and things still progress. Some never get subq fluids and do fine for years. Some will not get subq fluids until they are end stage of the disease. The main control of kidney disease is diet. Increasing the fluids in any fashion is considered helpful and may extend the life BUT again, it may not. Same goes with the B12. The fluids and b12 are essentially proactive but are not a guarantee. Unfortunately, you cannot change how things played out and my advice is to focus on the positive memories and the time you shared with her. Again, my condolences.

Do subq fluids extend life or comfort for cats with kidney disease?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?

Share