The treatments were not that expensive. I seem to remember about 80 dollars (this was back in the early ‘90s) The first treatment got her about 6 additional months. Each subsequent “dialysis” lasted a shorter period of time - I guess because her kidney function continued declining.
Then the toxins build up again and she needed another treatment. The cat was in and out of the vet quickly, taking 5 or 6 hours, if I remember correctly - for the entire fill and drain process.
There was also a change of diet to reduce the metabolic toxins and reduce the load on the kidneys.
When all was said and done, we got her another 2 years or so, probably at a cost of around 400-500 dollars.
Our vet had a theory that soybeans in cat food produced a lot of toxins that were hard on the cat kidneys, and since that time I have read cat food labels and tried to minimize the amount of soybean meal they eat.
I now feed a Diamond brand dry food, and it has no corn, soy, beef, or wheat. It is a chicken and rice formula, and costs about $20 for an 12 pound bag at Tractor Supply.
Since being on this food, my cats have been especially healthy. I believe it has reduced the number of skin and digestive problems, and they appear to thrive on it.
As for your cat, 19 years may not be enough for you, but this really has been a good long life for your kitty. And there does come a point where we need to let them go. But maybe you aren't at this point yet. You might want to ask your vet about this procedure, and maybe get a second opinion. I apologize for not having more details, but it has been a long time.
Good luck with your kitty cat.
Thank you. I know 19 years is quite a long time for cats, but I do wish it were longer. I truly believed Kitty would live to be at least 25 years old.
Her decline seemed to come on so quickly, I just haven’t had enough time to come to grips with it.
It’s very selfish of me, that I know. I just can’t let go yet. I will do everything every FReeper has posted here. I love her too much not to try anything and everything.