kitty part two

So the blood results are not good. Significant kidney damage. As in, probably only 30% function. Below 25%, kitties don't last long.

As Rachel's still eating well, and there's no sign of dehydration, the vet said she could totter on for months or longer. But essentially we're in palliative mode. There is no cure for renal failure (well, theoretically kidney transplants would do it but you can imagine why that's not a real option) so it's a matter of keeping her comfy.

Unfortunately, she can't have any meds for her back pain.

I've ordered her one of these and Roo's getting a ramp set up for her to use to get to her favourite chair.

Eventually I may need to learn to give her subcutaneous fluids. As the kidneys begin to fail even more, cats drink lots but they don't absorb the water & start to get dehydrated.

Any large infection will finish her off, so we need to keep her as safe & healthy as possible.

I will not accept another foster dog unless it's guaranteed to be respectful of cats. It's just not fair to Rachel. Our current foster Kailee is obsessed with cats. Not in a good - I want to get your autograph - way, but more in the stalker - I want to have your head for a trophy - kind of way. So poor Rachel has been locked in a room for her safety for much longer than is good for her. We do rotate her around, put her in the sunny rooms during the day for her naps; and honestly, mostly what she does anyway is sleep, but still. When there is no killer dog around and the door is open, she strolls around and picks her own sunny spots.

Kailee is in other respects a sweet, sweet dog, and I'll be sad to see her go, but I'll breathe a big sigh of relief over not having to worry about doors being secured and the cat being safely put away. There is apparently a very solid application in for Kailee, so if all the checks go well, she may be going to her forever home sometime in the next week.