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  #1  
Old February 26th 05, 12:23 AM
CatNipped
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Posts: n/a
Default Need Opinions (Long)

My 14-year-old (will be 15 on April 8), Bandit, just went in for a dental
cleaning today. She had just had a geriatric exam on December 12 and her
creatinine and BUN have gone up since then (the vet said she is not
concentrating her urine as well as when she was younger). I'm worried that
these is (to me) a big jump in creatinine and BUN and that it is too high,
but the vet said these figures are normal for her age (and none of my cats
have ever been ill - Bandit is the oldest, so I know *NOTHING* about these
things).

To give anyone who is informed enough information, I'll post all her lab
results in case there are other things that need to be factored in, then ask
my question at the bottom of this post.

From December 12, 2004: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

AST (SGOT) | 27 | 10 - 100 IU/L
ALT (SGPT) | 57 | 10 - 100 IU/L
Total Bilirubin | 0.1 | 0.1 - 0.4 mg/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase | 39 | 6 - 102 IU/L
GGT | 1 | 1 - 10 IU/L
Total Protein | 8.3 | 5.2 - 8.8 g/dL
Albumin | 3.7 | 2.5 - 3.9 g/dL
Globulin | 4.6 | 2.3 - 53 g/dL
A/G Ratio | 0.8 | 0.35 - 1.5
Cholesterol | 270 HIGH | 75 - 220 mg/dL
BUN | 36 | 14 - 36 mg/dL
Creatinine | 1.9 | 0.6 - 2.4 mg/dL
Phosphorus | 5.1 | 2.4 - 8.2 mg/dL
Calcium | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL
Glucose | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL
Amylase | 1206 HIGH | 100 - 1200 IU/L
Lipase | 111 | 0 - 205 IU/L
Sodium | 159 HIGH | 145 - 158 ,Eq/L
Potassium | 4.8 | 3.4 - 5.6 mEq/L
na/K Ratio | 33 | 32 - 41
Chloride | 122 | 104 - 128 mEq/L
CPK | 109 | 56 - 529 IU/L
Triglyceride | 93 | 25 - 160 mg/dL
Osmolality, Calculated | 338 HIGH | 299 - 330 mOSm/kg
Magnesium | 1.7 | 1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L
WBC | 10 | 3.5 - 16.0 10^3/uL (that's not a "u", but my keyboard can't
recreate that character)
RBC | 9.1 | 5.92 - 9.93 ^6/uL (the "^" means to the power of)
HGB | 13.3 | 9.3 - 15.9 g/dL
HCT | 46 | 29 - 48%
MCV | 51 | 37 - 61 fL
MCH | 14.6 | 11 - 21 pg
MCHC | 29 LOW | 30 - 38%
Comment | RBC MORPHOLOGY NORMAL
Neutrophils | 51 | 35 - 75%
Absolute Neutrophils | 5100 | 2500 - 8500 /uL
Lymphocytes | 44 | 20 - 45%
Absolute Lymphocytes | 4400 | 1200 - 8000/uL
Monocytes | 1 | 1 - 4%
Absolute Monocytes | 100 | 0 - 600/uL
Eosinophils | 4 | 2 - 12 %
Absolute Eosinophils | 400 | 0 - 1000/uL
Basophils | 0 | 0 - 1%
Absolute Basophils | 0 | 0 - 150/uL
Platelate Estimate | Adequate
T4 (RIA) | 2.12 | 0.8 - 4.0 ug/dL
FeLV (ELISA) | Negative | Negative ANTIGEN
FIV (ELISA) | Negative | Negative ELISA
[Urine]
Color | Yellow
Appearance | Clear
Specific Gravity | 1.03 | 1.015 - 1.060
Ph | 6 | 5.5 - 7.0
Protein | Negative | Negative
Glucose-Strip | Negative | Negative
Ketones | Negative | Negative
Bilirubin | Negative | Negative
Occult Blood | Negative | Negative
WBC/HPF | None | 0 - 3
RBC/HPF | None | 0 - 3
Casts/LPF | None Observed | Hyaline 0 - 3
Crystals/HPF | None Observed
Squamous Eptihelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Few
Bacteria | None Observed | None Observed
Renal Epithelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Rare
Transitional Epithelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Rare

From today: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

ALKP | 45 | 14 - 111 U/L
ALT | 47 | 12 - 130 U/L
BUN | 36.9 HIGH | 16.0 - 36.0 mg/dL
Creatinine | 2.8 HIGH | 0.8 - 2.4 mg/dL
Glucose | 109 | 76 - 145 mg/dL
TP | 7.2 | 5.7 - 8.9 g/dL
[Hematology]
WBC | 6.76 | 5.50 - 19.50 K/uL
Lymphocytes | 2.73 | 0.40 - 6.80 K/uL
Monocytes | 0.54 | 0.15 - 1.70 K/uL
Neutrophils | 3.08 | 2.50 - 12.50 K/uL
Eosinophils | 0.37 | 0.10 - 0.79 K/uL
Basophils | 0.05 | 0.00 - 0.10 K/uL
% Lymphocytes | 40.3
% Monocytes | 7.9
% Neutrophils | 45.6
% Eosinophils | 5.5
% Basophils | 0.7
CHT | 32.5 | 30.0 - 45.0 %
RBC | 7.00 | 5.0 - 10.0 M/uL
HGB | 11.6 | 9.0 - 15.1 g/dL
RETIC 23.0 K/uL
% RETIC | 23.0 K/uL
MCV | 46.5 | 41.0 - 58.0 fL
RDW | 19.2 | 17.3 - 22.0 %
MCHC | 35.5 | 29.0 - 37.5 g/dL
MCH | 16.52 | 12.0 - 20.0 pg
PLT | 313 | 175 - 600 K/uL
MPV | 18.18 fL
PCT | 0.6%
PDW | 21.4%

OK, I need this tranlated into vet lab results for dummies 101 (Phil,
Kristi??). Seriously, I don't know from Adam, but it seems like that is a
pretty big jump in creatinine and BUN values in just a little over 2 months.
Am I wrong to be worried?

When Bandit got her results in December the vet told me to start her on SD
canned (she's had SD dry all her life and no problems before this). At the
same time I got a Drinkwell fountain for her to encourage her to drink.

Do you think she should be on a prescription diet?

BTW, her teeth and gums were fine, just needed a good cleaning since it's
been about 3 - 4 years since the last time she had it done.

Any advice or opinions are gratefully welcomed.

Hugs,

CatNipped


  #2  
Old February 26th 05, 12:49 AM
Cathy Friedmann
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
My 14-year-old (will be 15 on April 8), Bandit, just went in for a dental
cleaning today. She had just had a geriatric exam on December 12 and her
creatinine and BUN have gone up since then (the vet said she is not
concentrating her urine as well as when she was younger). I'm worried

that
these is (to me) a big jump in creatinine and BUN and that it is too high,
but the vet said these figures are normal for her age (and none of my cats
have ever been ill - Bandit is the oldest, so I know *NOTHING* about these
things).

To give anyone who is informed enough information, I'll post all her lab
results in case there are other things that need to be factored in, then

ask
my question at the bottom of this post.

From December 12, 2004: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

AST (SGOT) | 27 | 10 - 100 IU/L
ALT (SGPT) | 57 | 10 - 100 IU/L
Total Bilirubin | 0.1 | 0.1 - 0.4 mg/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase | 39 | 6 - 102 IU/L
GGT | 1 | 1 - 10 IU/L
Total Protein | 8.3 | 5.2 - 8.8 g/dL
Albumin | 3.7 | 2.5 - 3.9 g/dL
Globulin | 4.6 | 2.3 - 53 g/dL
A/G Ratio | 0.8 | 0.35 - 1.5
Cholesterol | 270 HIGH | 75 - 220 mg/dL
BUN | 36 | 14 - 36 mg/dL
Creatinine | 1.9 | 0.6 - 2.4 mg/dL


snipped for brevity

From today: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

ALKP | 45 | 14 - 111 U/L
ALT | 47 | 12 - 130 U/L
BUN | 36.9 HIGH | 16.0 - 36.0 mg/dL
Creatinine | 2.8 HIGH | 0.8 - 2.4 mg/dL


snipped

OK, I need this tranlated into vet lab results for dummies 101 (Phil,
Kristi??). Seriously, I don't know from Adam, but it seems like that is a
pretty big jump in creatinine and BUN values in just a little over 2

months.
Am I wrong to be worried?


Her BUN went up only .9, from 36 (*just* within normal) to 36.9; however,
her creatinine jumped a bit more than that, from within the normal range to
slightly above.

My own take: I would start to be concerned, since her BUN is slightly
elevated (36 being high end of normal), & creatinine also (2.4 being high
end of normal for this lab). By the time these values for blood work come
back high, something like 70 - 75% of renal function has been lost, but at
this point it's still enough for her to function okay.

However, you're going to want to bone up on CRF, & be pro-active in her
treatment in the future, to keep her as healthy as possible for as long as
possible.

Here's a very useful, clearly written renal failure site, that covers all
bases: http://www.felinecrf.org/ I used it a lot when my 2nd cat was in
CRF.

Cathy




When Bandit got her results in December the vet told me to start her on SD
canned (she's had SD dry all her life and no problems before this). At

the
same time I got a Drinkwell fountain for her to encourage her to drink.

Do you think she should be on a prescription diet?

BTW, her teeth and gums were fine, just needed a good cleaning since it's
been about 3 - 4 years since the last time she had it done.

Any advice or opinions are gratefully welcomed.

Hugs,

CatNipped





  #3  
Old February 26th 05, 12:55 AM
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Cathy Friedmann" wrote in message
...

Her BUN went up only .9, from 36 (*just* within normal) to 36.9; however,
her creatinine jumped a bit more than that, from within the normal range

to
slightly above.

My own take: I would start to be concerned, since her BUN is slightly
elevated (36 being high end of normal), & creatinine also (2.4 being high
end of normal for this lab). By the time these values for blood work come
back high, something like 70 - 75% of renal function has been lost, but at
this point it's still enough for her to function okay.

However, you're going to want to bone up on CRF, & be pro-active in her
treatment in the future, to keep her as healthy as possible for as long as
possible.

Here's a very useful, clearly written renal failure site, that covers all
bases: http://www.felinecrf.org/ I used it a lot when my 2nd cat was in
CRF.

Cathy


Thanks, I've just bookmarked it.

Hugs,

CatNipped


  #4  
Old February 26th 05, 01:26 AM
Kelly
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
My 14-year-old (will be 15 on April 8), Bandit, just went in for a dental
cleaning today. She had just had a geriatric exam on December 12 and her
creatinine and BUN have gone up since then (the vet said she is not
concentrating her urine as well as when she was younger). I'm worried
that
these is (to me) a big jump in creatinine and BUN and that it is too high,
but the vet said these figures are normal for her age (and none of my cats
have ever been ill - Bandit is the oldest, so I know *NOTHING* about these
things).

snipped results
Do you think she should be on a prescription diet?



I would certainly read up on chronic renal failure, but do not become
panicked. My brothers cat was diagnosed with CRF a year ago when she was 14
and she is still going strong on a new diet (low protein kidney diet). Like
your kitty, she's 15 this year. Her urea was 11.2 (normal high is 10.7) and
her creatinine was 196 (high normal is 177). Your kitty, similar to my
brothers cat is only showing slightly elevated numbers. Do not become
stressed. CRF cats can live for years after diagnosis with proper
management. My brothers cat had her levels re-tested in December and
everything came back normal... so hopefully the diet is helping. I'm
surprised your vet didn't mention a diet change to a kidney diet. Although
it is true that kidney problems are common in older cats, this by no means
should be an indication that nothing should be done about it. Just my
opinion.

Kelly


  #5  
Old February 26th 05, 01:26 AM
Christina Websell
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Very quick top-posted reply because it's past my bedtime.
Nüle is a doctor with 6 years medical training who now chooses to practice
homeopathic medicine.
She is not a vet, but she knows how to interpret blood tests (she did one of
mine once when I couldn't get a decent reply about what this and this and
this meant from my own doctor) so just in case cats levels are similar to
humans - or at least what's normal or not is completely clear from what you
posted anyway, I have mailed Bandit's results to her to see if she thinks
there's anything to worry about.
If she doesn't feel competent enough to give an opinion, she will say so.
In that case you are no worse off, and if she does, you'll know one way or
the other.
Germany is an hour ahead of UK, so she will be fast asleep now. Which is
where I should be! She usually responds to medical questions reasonably
quickly, so I'll post as soon as she replies. Okay?

Tweed






"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
My 14-year-old (will be 15 on April 8), Bandit, just went in for a dental
cleaning today. She had just had a geriatric exam on December 12 and her
creatinine and BUN have gone up since then (the vet said she is not
concentrating her urine as well as when she was younger). I'm worried
that
these is (to me) a big jump in creatinine and BUN and that it is too high,
but the vet said these figures are normal for her age (and none of my cats
have ever been ill - Bandit is the oldest, so I know *NOTHING* about these
things).

To give anyone who is informed enough information, I'll post all her lab
results in case there are other things that need to be factored in, then
ask
my question at the bottom of this post.

From December 12, 2004: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

AST (SGOT) | 27 | 10 - 100 IU/L
ALT (SGPT) | 57 | 10 - 100 IU/L
Total Bilirubin | 0.1 | 0.1 - 0.4 mg/dL
Alkaline Phosphatase | 39 | 6 - 102 IU/L
GGT | 1 | 1 - 10 IU/L
Total Protein | 8.3 | 5.2 - 8.8 g/dL
Albumin | 3.7 | 2.5 - 3.9 g/dL
Globulin | 4.6 | 2.3 - 53 g/dL
A/G Ratio | 0.8 | 0.35 - 1.5
Cholesterol | 270 HIGH | 75 - 220 mg/dL
BUN | 36 | 14 - 36 mg/dL
Creatinine | 1.9 | 0.6 - 2.4 mg/dL
Phosphorus | 5.1 | 2.4 - 8.2 mg/dL
Calcium | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL
Glucose | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL
Amylase | 1206 HIGH | 100 - 1200 IU/L
Lipase | 111 | 0 - 205 IU/L
Sodium | 159 HIGH | 145 - 158 ,Eq/L
Potassium | 4.8 | 3.4 - 5.6 mEq/L
na/K Ratio | 33 | 32 - 41
Chloride | 122 | 104 - 128 mEq/L
CPK | 109 | 56 - 529 IU/L
Triglyceride | 93 | 25 - 160 mg/dL
Osmolality, Calculated | 338 HIGH | 299 - 330 mOSm/kg
Magnesium | 1.7 | 1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L
WBC | 10 | 3.5 - 16.0 10^3/uL (that's not a "u", but my keyboard can't
recreate that character)
RBC | 9.1 | 5.92 - 9.93 ^6/uL (the "^" means to the power of)
HGB | 13.3 | 9.3 - 15.9 g/dL
HCT | 46 | 29 - 48%
MCV | 51 | 37 - 61 fL
MCH | 14.6 | 11 - 21 pg
MCHC | 29 LOW | 30 - 38%
Comment | RBC MORPHOLOGY NORMAL
Neutrophils | 51 | 35 - 75%
Absolute Neutrophils | 5100 | 2500 - 8500 /uL
Lymphocytes | 44 | 20 - 45%
Absolute Lymphocytes | 4400 | 1200 - 8000/uL
Monocytes | 1 | 1 - 4%
Absolute Monocytes | 100 | 0 - 600/uL
Eosinophils | 4 | 2 - 12 %
Absolute Eosinophils | 400 | 0 - 1000/uL
Basophils | 0 | 0 - 1%
Absolute Basophils | 0 | 0 - 150/uL
Platelate Estimate | Adequate
T4 (RIA) | 2.12 | 0.8 - 4.0 ug/dL
FeLV (ELISA) | Negative | Negative ANTIGEN
FIV (ELISA) | Negative | Negative ELISA
[Urine]
Color | Yellow
Appearance | Clear
Specific Gravity | 1.03 | 1.015 - 1.060
Ph | 6 | 5.5 - 7.0
Protein | Negative | Negative
Glucose-Strip | Negative | Negative
Ketones | Negative | Negative
Bilirubin | Negative | Negative
Occult Blood | Negative | Negative
WBC/HPF | None | 0 - 3
RBC/HPF | None | 0 - 3
Casts/LPF | None Observed | Hyaline 0 - 3
Crystals/HPF | None Observed
Squamous Eptihelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Few
Bacteria | None Observed | None Observed
Renal Epithelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Rare
Transitional Epithelia/HPF | None Observed | None - Rare

From today: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

ALKP | 45 | 14 - 111 U/L
ALT | 47 | 12 - 130 U/L
BUN | 36.9 HIGH | 16.0 - 36.0 mg/dL
Creatinine | 2.8 HIGH | 0.8 - 2.4 mg/dL
Glucose | 109 | 76 - 145 mg/dL
TP | 7.2 | 5.7 - 8.9 g/dL
[Hematology]
WBC | 6.76 | 5.50 - 19.50 K/uL
Lymphocytes | 2.73 | 0.40 - 6.80 K/uL
Monocytes | 0.54 | 0.15 - 1.70 K/uL
Neutrophils | 3.08 | 2.50 - 12.50 K/uL
Eosinophils | 0.37 | 0.10 - 0.79 K/uL
Basophils | 0.05 | 0.00 - 0.10 K/uL
% Lymphocytes | 40.3
% Monocytes | 7.9
% Neutrophils | 45.6
% Eosinophils | 5.5
% Basophils | 0.7
CHT | 32.5 | 30.0 - 45.0 %
RBC | 7.00 | 5.0 - 10.0 M/uL
HGB | 11.6 | 9.0 - 15.1 g/dL
RETIC 23.0 K/uL
% RETIC | 23.0 K/uL
MCV | 46.5 | 41.0 - 58.0 fL
RDW | 19.2 | 17.3 - 22.0 %
MCHC | 35.5 | 29.0 - 37.5 g/dL
MCH | 16.52 | 12.0 - 20.0 pg
PLT | 313 | 175 - 600 K/uL
MPV | 18.18 fL
PCT | 0.6%
PDW | 21.4%

OK, I need this tranlated into vet lab results for dummies 101 (Phil,
Kristi??). Seriously, I don't know from Adam, but it seems like that is a
pretty big jump in creatinine and BUN values in just a little over 2
months.
Am I wrong to be worried?

When Bandit got her results in December the vet told me to start her on SD
canned (she's had SD dry all her life and no problems before this). At
the
same time I got a Drinkwell fountain for her to encourage her to drink.

Do you think she should be on a prescription diet?

BTW, her teeth and gums were fine, just needed a good cleaning since it's
been about 3 - 4 years since the last time she had it done.

Any advice or opinions are gratefully welcomed.

Hugs,

CatNipped




  #6  
Old February 26th 05, 01:38 AM
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Christina Websell" wrote in message
...
Very quick top-posted reply because it's past my bedtime.
Nüle is a doctor with 6 years medical training who now chooses to practice
homeopathic medicine.
She is not a vet, but she knows how to interpret blood tests (she did one

of
mine once when I couldn't get a decent reply about what this and this and
this meant from my own doctor) so just in case cats levels are similar to
humans - or at least what's normal or not is completely clear from what

you
posted anyway, I have mailed Bandit's results to her to see if she thinks
there's anything to worry about.
If she doesn't feel competent enough to give an opinion, she will say so.
In that case you are no worse off, and if she does, you'll know one way or
the other.
Germany is an hour ahead of UK, so she will be fast asleep now. Which is
where I should be! She usually responds to medical questions reasonably
quickly, so I'll post as soon as she replies. Okay?

Tweed


Thanks!

Hugs,

CatNipped


  #7  
Old February 26th 05, 01:44 AM
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Kelly" wrote in message
.. .


I would certainly read up on chronic renal failure, but do not become
panicked. My brothers cat was diagnosed with CRF a year ago when she was

14
and she is still going strong on a new diet (low protein kidney diet).

Like
your kitty, she's 15 this year. Her urea was 11.2 (normal high is 10.7)

and
her creatinine was 196 (high normal is 177). Your kitty, similar to my
brothers cat is only showing slightly elevated numbers. Do not become
stressed. CRF cats can live for years after diagnosis with proper
management. My brothers cat had her levels re-tested in December and
everything came back normal... so hopefully the diet is helping. I'm
surprised your vet didn't mention a diet change to a kidney diet.

Although
it is true that kidney problems are common in older cats, this by no means
should be an indication that nothing should be done about it. Just my
opinion.


That's what I thought, but my vet said that most cats don't like the kidney
diet food and she would rather see a cat eat regular food than not eat
kidney diet food.

Hugs,

CatNipped

Kelly




  #8  
Old February 26th 05, 01:57 AM
Cathy Friedmann
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"CatNipped" wrote in message
...
"Kelly" wrote in message
.. .


I would certainly read up on chronic renal failure, but do not become
panicked. My brothers cat was diagnosed with CRF a year ago when she

was
14
and she is still going strong on a new diet (low protein kidney diet).

Like
your kitty, she's 15 this year. Her urea was 11.2 (normal high is 10.7)

and
her creatinine was 196 (high normal is 177). Your kitty, similar to my
brothers cat is only showing slightly elevated numbers. Do not become
stressed. CRF cats can live for years after diagnosis with proper
management. My brothers cat had her levels re-tested in December and
everything came back normal... so hopefully the diet is helping. I'm
surprised your vet didn't mention a diet change to a kidney diet.

Although
it is true that kidney problems are common in older cats, this by no

means
should be an indication that nothing should be done about it. Just my
opinion.


That's what I thought, but my vet said that most cats don't like the

kidney
diet food and she would rather see a cat eat regular food than not eat
kidney diet food.


Well, that *can* be true - it was of my CRF cats. Otoh, you could *try*
renal diet foods, & see if she likes any of them.

Cathy



  #9  
Old February 26th 05, 02:20 AM
CatNipped
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Cathy Friedmann" wrote in message
...

Well, that *can* be true - it was of my CRF cats. Otoh, you could *try*
renal diet foods, & see if she likes any of them.

Cathy


That's what I thought too and I'm thinking about going back to the vet to
pick some up.

Along those lines, what would you suggest to make sure it's only Bandit that
eats it, or does it matter if the others do too?

I have 3 other cats, a 6-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 10-month-old and they
all intermingle. I free feed SD (Senior Advanced Formula and Kitten
formula) dry all day long and give SD (Senior Advanced Formula & Adult
Formula & Kitten Formula) one can mornings and one can at night. I don't
want to have to separate Bandit from her sibs if at all possible.

One thing that would help, Bandit tends to stay in my bedroom, preferring to
not climb the stairs, so I feed and water her (Drinkwell fountain & several
water dishes) in my bedroom, but I keep food and water upstairs for the
younger cats also. The only problem is, is that they *all* eat downstairs
but only the 3 younger ones eat upstairs too.

[BEGGING H+B GROUP (this was crossposted to both rpca and rpch+b in order to
get more opinions): Before we get into the SD vs. Wellness debate again,
let me say that my vet recommends SD as did the vet before her and the vet
before him and the rescue group I work with. All my cats have been healthy
all their lives on it, so I'm going with what my vets have recommended
unless you can show me where it's not good for Bandit given her recent
kidney problems. So please let's not flagellate this deceased equine again!
;]

Hugs,

CatNipped


  #10  
Old February 26th 05, 04:18 AM
Howard Berkowitz
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article , "CatNipped"
wrote:

My 14-year-old (will be 15 on April 8), Bandit, just went in for a dental
cleaning today. She had just had a geriatric exam on December 12 and her
creatinine and BUN have gone up since then (the vet said she is not
concentrating her urine as well as when she was younger). I'm worried
that
these is (to me) a big jump in creatinine and BUN and that it is too
high,
but the vet said these figures are normal for her age (and none of my
cats
have ever been ill - Bandit is the oldest, so I know *NOTHING* about
these
things).



To give anyone who is informed enough information, I'll post all her lab
results in case there are other things that need to be factored in, then
ask
my question at the bottom of this post.

From December 12, 2004: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

[snip a bunch of values saying her liver is very healthy]

Cholesterol | 270 HIGH | 75 - 220 mg/dL

I'm going to have to extrapolate from human medicine. The elevated
cholesterol doesn't worry me in an older creature, as the normal level
really tends to go up with age. Total cholesterol alone really doesn't
say anything by itself about the state of the circulatory system; you
have to know its three major subcomponents, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.


BUN | 36 | 14 - 36 mg/dL
Creatinine | 1.9 | 0.6 - 2.4 mg/dL


BUM is less predictive of kidney disease than creatinine. These are
values to watch, but not necessarily be concerned about.

Phosphorus | 5.1 | 2.4 - 8.2 mg/dL
Calcium | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL
Glucose | 10.3 | 8.2 - 10.8 mg/dL


Amylase | 1206 HIGH | 100 - 1200 IU/L
Lipase | 111 | 0 - 205 IU/L


Amylase and lipase are indicators of pancreatic disease, with the
amylase coming up first. This slight elevation probably isn't
significant, but might be well to watch, given the glucose is at the
upper end of the scale.

Sodium | 159 HIGH | 145 - 158 ,Eq/L
Potassium | 4.8 | 3.4 - 5.6 mEq/L
na/K Ratio | 33 | 32 - 41
Chloride | 122 | 104 - 128 mEq/L
CPK | 109 | 56 - 529 IU/L
Triglyceride | 93 | 25 - 160 mg/dL
Osmolality, Calculated | 338 HIGH | 299 - 330 mOSm/kg


Looking at a number of these values, I'd suspect she was very slightly
dehydrated. That could artificially raise many values. It's a tossup,
because while the chemistry and hematocrit may suggest blood
dehydration, the urine is less concentrated -- which might mean less
kidney efficiency.

Magnesium | 1.7 | 1.5 - 2.5 mEq/L


[snip essentially normal blood cells and urine]

FIV (ELISA) | Negative | Negative ELISA
[Urine]
Color | Yellow
Appearance | Clear
Specific Gravity | 1.03 | 1.015 - 1.060

From today: (What | Bandit's Values | Normal Range)

ALKP | 45 | 14 - 111 U/L
ALT | 47 | 12 - 130 U/L
BUN | 36.9 HIGH | 16.0 - 36.0 mg/dL
Creatinine | 2.8 HIGH | 0.8 - 2.4 mg/dL


Time to start watching. The definitive test would be the creatine
clearance rate. In humans, this is usually done with a 24 hour urine
sample, which is not very easy to collect from cats. As I understand,
the creatinine clearance in cats is done by taking a blood sample,
injecting a known quantity of creatinine, waiting a specified time, and
measuring how much is left.


OK, I need this tranlated into vet lab results for dummies 101 (Phil,
Kristi??). Seriously, I don't know from Adam, but it seems like that is
a
pretty big jump in creatinine and BUN values in just a little over 2
months.
Am I wrong to be worried?

When Bandit got her results in December the vet told me to start her on
SD
canned (she's had SD dry all her life and no problems before this). At
the
same time I got a Drinkwell fountain for her to encourage her to drink.

Do you think she should be on a prescription diet?


I just don't know how to interpret the trends in cats. Hydration is
important. Diet certainly seems a consideration in cats. In humans,
there's an increasing tendency to prescribe ACE inhibitors, which are
principally drugs for high blood pressure but do protect the kidneys. It
is much easier to pill humans.
 




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