Well, I have some good news to report on Clancy. But please, don't be misled -- he's still in the very end-stages of CRF and literally he could crash tomorrow, next week, or next month. He is terminal and nothing short of a kidney transplant can save him. My goal is to maintain quality of life -- not just life.

Having said that,...

He was perky this morning and ate breakfast.
He ate 1/3 of his lunch and then I had hubby put the plate on the washing machine and he ate the rest.
He was only in the meatloaf position for an hour or so. (Hubby had instructions to note behavior every half hour.)
While he drooled some, it didn't cover his chest and only while in the meatloaf position.
And he was whining for supper, which he quickly ate.

Overall, it's a great improvement, because if this last theory didn't work, well, he was going to the vet tonight. Clancy is doing better and he doesn't seem too distressed. He still has the mouth ulcers, but they never seemed to stop his eating -- only slow the eating of a meal.

And now, I'm have a very large beer!!! I feel totally drained because of this rollercoaster.

That's a bit of good news, Linda. I hope you have lots of quality time with Clancy still. Enjoy that beer. You deserve to get off that rollercoaster for a while.

I'm so glad to hear the good news about Clancy. I'm sure you are exhausted. IMO, the worst part of taking care of a terminally ill kitty is the roller coaster part of it. I don't know what I would have done without your understanding when I was going through it with Scarlett. If I can be an ear or shoulder, feel free to contact me. My prayers are continuing for both him and you.

Good to read that Clancy seems to be holding his own. I don't really know what meatloaf position means. I know what the rollercoaster thing is and it's hugely draining to me however thankfully for now Winston w/daily fluids is holding his own. He doesn't eat "that much" but he does at least want to eat. You should see the look on his face when I feed Alaska her regular gooey food that he can't eat. It's like "what?why can't I eat that?" so then I set his food down and he stares at it like "what is this?" and finally does eat a bit here and there but not loads by any means.

I hope Clancy hangs in there and does Ok or at least given his diagnosis he has a quality of life as you mention. That's what I want for my little guy too..

Purrs and headbonks to dear Clancy, glad that he is able to eat on his own. Would you be able to use the same stuff they use for babies regarding mouth ulcers Don't know if it would be toxic for a pet so just a thought, I wondered if you could apply it by fingertip it might give him some relief.

Marie -- A cat in a 'meatloaf position' sits with all 4 feet tucked under, back arched, usually head down. It often is a sign of intestinal pain or discomfort.

Cynthia -- The problem is getting the stuff on the ulcers which are on or under his tongue.

re meatloaf position.. oh.. hmm.. I've seen Alaska do that (she's got IBD). I have noticed some real different things w/Winston mostly to do with his back legs not working well for support or mobility. He lays stretched out alot and looks exhausted. His muscle wasting is pretty severe and I can see his ribs while he's eating and he looks to have what we call in humans "labored breathing" with the effort of eating. Poor Clancy with mouth ulcers under his tongue. That's got to be real tough for the him to eat even with an appetite.

Linda, I'm so glad to hear that Clancy is holding his own.
I pray that you still have some good quality days ahead...

Enjoy that beer!

Hugs,
Arlene

even a little good news , for our Clancy , is great. It is because of you and your love he has these good times. you have given him a longer life with your care. hugs for Clancy and you

Oh my goodness! In the few weeks before Scarlett died, she lay in the meatloaf position all the time. That means her little tummy was hurting also. I had no idea. I picked her up off the floor in that position quite often never knowing her tummy was upset or I could be further hurting her. Of course, since she wasn't eating the food she was used to, it makes sense. Between the growth in her throat and now knowing she had an upset tummy, I know I did the right thing in releasing her. She was in more pain than I thought.

Sorry to hijack this thread. Just a shock.

Linda, so hope Clancy is still doing well. You are a wonderful "mom" to your darling babies.