Abyssinians and Their Kidney Problems
Turns out Abyssinians get kidney disease way more than other cats. Luna's vet said she sees it all the time in this breed.
I wish someone had told me that when I got Luna.
Progressive Renal Failure Sneaks Up on You
Luna's bloodwork showed her kidney values were terrible. BUN was 95 (normal is under 30), creatinine was 4.2 (should be under 2).
The vet said Luna's kidneys were only working at about 25% capacity. Stage 3 kidney disease.
How did I miss this? She seemed fine just a few months ago.
But kidney disease is sneaky. Cats don't show symptoms until their kidneys are basically failing.
The vet recommended starting Luna on a prescription kidney diet immediately. Hills k/d food. $80 for a bag that lasts maybe two weeks.
Plus phosphorus binders with every meal. $45 per bottle, and she needs two bottles a month.
Then there's the subcutaneous fluids. Luna needs 100ml of saline under her skin every other day to help her kidneys flush toxins.
Learning to give my cat IV fluids at home was not on my bucket list. But it costs $600 per month if the vet does it.
Luna hates the fluid treatments. She runs and hides when she sees me setting up the IV bag.
I feel terrible making her suffer through this, but without the fluids, she'd be dead within weeks.
Gingivitis Makes Everything Worse
Abyssinians are prone to really bad gum disease. Luna's mouth was a mess when she got diagnosed with kidney disease.
Kidney disease makes gingivitis worse. And gingivitis makes kidney disease worse. It's a horrible cycle.
Luna needed a dental cleaning and several tooth extractions. But she was too sick for anesthesia.
We had to get her kidney disease stable first. Then tackle the dental problems.
Once her kidney values improved a bit, we scheduled the dental work. $2,400 for cleaning and extracting four teeth.
Now Luna eats wet food only. Dry food is too hard on her remaining teeth and kidneys.
The vet said Abyssinians often need dental work in their senior years. Their genetics make them prone to severe gum disease.
I brush Luna's teeth every day now. She hates it, but it's better than more extractions.
Hyperthyroidism Joined the Party
As if kidney disease wasn't enough, Luna developed hyperthyroidism too.
She was losing weight despite eating constantly. Always hungry but getting skinnier.
Thyroid levels were sky high. Another common problem in older Abyssinians, the vet said.
Now Luna takes methimazole twice daily. $60 per month for tiny pills that she spits out half the time.
Hyperthyroidism makes kidney disease worse. Managing both conditions is like walking a tightrope.
Too much thyroid medication stresses the kidneys. Not enough and her metabolism goes crazy.
Monthly blood tests to monitor both conditions. $150 each time.
Luna's basically at the vet every month now. Sometimes twice a month if her levels are off.
What I Learned About Abyssinian Insurance
Luna's medical bills are crushing. Kidney disease, dental problems, hyperthyroidism. I had no idea Abyssinians were so prone to expensive health issues.
Kidney Disease Coverage is Essential
Kidney disease treatment is expensive and never-ending. Luna's prescription food alone costs $2,000 per year.
Add in medications, supplements, subcutaneous fluids, and monthly monitoring. We're talking $5,000-8,000 annually.
Some insurance policies exclude kidney disease if it's considered genetic. But most Abyssinian kidney problems are genetic.
Look for policies that cover hereditary conditions. Even if it costs more monthly, kidney disease will bankrupt you.
Luna's insurance has been a lifesaver. It covers 80% of her kidney-related expenses.
Without insurance, I probably would have put Luna down. The ongoing costs are just too much.
Dental Coverage for Senior Cats
I never thought about dental coverage when Luna was young. Cats don't need dental work, right?
Wrong. Luna's needed three separate dental procedures since her kidney diagnosis.
Each procedure costs $2,000-3,000. Anesthesia, extractions, pain management.
Many insurance policies have low dental limits. Like $500 per year. That doesn't even cover one cleaning.
Find a policy with at least $2,000 annual dental coverage. Abyssinians often need major dental work as they age.
Ongoing Medication Coverage
Luna takes six different medications and supplements daily. Prescription food, phosphorus binders, thyroid medication, kidney support supplements.
Monthly medication costs are around $300. That's $3,600 per year just for pills and special food.
Some policies don't cover prescription diets or supplements. But with kidney disease, these aren't optional.
Make sure your policy covers prescription foods and ongoing medications. Not just emergency treatments.