If you've been keeping tabs on the crew here for a while, you know that Yuki was diagnosed with chronic renal failure last year.
Although chronic renal failure is progressive, incurable at this time and ultimately terminal, the condition can be managed for months and even years with a decent quality of life. Yuki was originally diagnosed in April 2002 and since that time has had her diet changed twice; first to a lower-protein non-prescription premium diet, and then to a prescription kidney diet. She is still eating and drinking well on her own (in later stages of CRF it is likely she will not be able to do so) but she has lost quite a bit of weight and one kidney has atrophied quite a bit. Her blood work also indicates that it is now time for her to receive subcutaneous fluid therapy in order to help rehydration and to help her kidneys process waste. Want to know MORE... ?
Yes, that's exactly what subcutaneous fluid therapy involves... shoving a rather large needle under the thin fragile skin of a grumpy old cat who still has rather effective teeth and back claws. And if you have known me for a while, you also know of my considerable dislike, even fear, of needles.
We took Yuki to the vet for the first couple of fluid therapy sessions in order to learn the correct way to administer the fluids... and to have more people available to surround the grumpy old cat :)
Can't say that the home sessions are going well yet. We have managed to get fluids into her, but not the full amount. With her thin skin and my own general discomfort around needles, I am always afraid of hurting her.
Our vets and vet techs, plus an internet resource or two, have been very helpful. But I suppose it will take some time to get really comfortable with giving Yuki her fluid treatments!
Oh, the poor, poor kitty :(