Test results:
Urinalysis (cystocentesis)- all normal except gravity 1.015

CHEMISTRY BLOOD
Glucose is High (252) but was once 282 (in 2006)--just due to stress-blood was drawn after cystosentesis last week (thus increasing stress level). No glucose in urine, and not an overweight cat.

BUN (33)and Creatinine (2.1) have both reached the high range. Were respectively 20 & 1.7 in Nov. '09. Looks like the kidneys might be the issue--the change was quite sudden..

Thyroid values: and this is where I get quite confused.
T4: 2.1 ('06), 3 (April '08), 2.5 (Nov. '08), 1.9 (Nov. '09), 2.5 last week.
Free T4 (equil. dialysis): 3.4 (range 1.2-4.3 ng/dL)
Free T4 (equil. dialysis): 43.8 (range 15.4 -55.3 pmol/L
Vet explained that Free T4 values by e.d. were reliable values in ruling out HyperT.
No total T4 values showing on report
Vet says all this is normal. I know that in older cats values should go down NOT up. Plus, last April vet could slightly feel the thyroid gland. Not sure this time. So I am concerned.
However she is not losing weight or eating more (2 big flags in HyperT cats). Weight is stable.
Do these values go up due to an underlying issue (i.e: kidneys?)

pancreatitis (issue last Nov.): fPL: 1.5 totally back to normal!

CBC comprehensive: all values look in nomal range except for Lymphocytes: 17 (20-55%) & absolute lymphocytes: 1190 (1550-7000/uL), but have always been low since we started doing bloodwork (9 years ago). Forgot to ask vet about that when she called.

Debating the options:
Fructosamine to truly rule out the glucose issue.
X-ray of abdomen and ultrasound.
I'll probably go for both although I hate the ideas of more tests as no diagnosis ever comes out... When she had her pancreatitis issue, it came as suddenly as it went...
Vet also suggested a holistic vet (whom I had actually seen for a previous cat--distance is a factor) at least to see if he could help reduce her stress, which might be an issue (has not yet accepted the 2 cats we adopted 2 years ago, although she does leave them alone now).
Observe for another week or so?

This cat never had any health issues up to now, has never been on any med, and a visit to the vet's gets her very stressed out..

Welcome any advice that would help me take the next step. Thank you.
Anne-Marie

I suggest you look into having your vet send a blood sample to Hemopet for definitive thyroid testing. Dr. Dodds at Hemopet has pioneered thyroid testing procedures. If anyone can provide you with a clear diagnosis, it's her. You can read about her lab and testing procedures at the link below.

Another diagnostic possibility, if you live anywhere near a clinic that offers radioactive iodine treatment (I-131) to hyperT cats, would be to take her there for a thyroid scan.

But I think Dr. Dodd's thyroid panel would be your best bet. You may even be able to set up a telephone consult with Dr. Dodd to discuss your cat's test results to date so that she can recommend the best diagnostic avenue for you to pursue now.

Laurie

There is another complicating factor potentially at play, which is that hyperT can mask or minimize the appearance of CRF in blood tests. If your girl is mildly hyperT, it's possible that her renal issues are more severe than indicated in her current bloodwork. And if that's the case, then her increased thirst and urination could be primarily symptoms of renal problems.

In any event, I think it would be a good idea to pursue further testing to try to clarify the thyroid issue, if there is one.

Laurie

Some things to check:
Ultrasound abdomen to take a look at kidney structure especially. Not uncommon to see small fibrotic kidneys. But if the kidneys were enlarged (as with renal lymphoma for example) you'd want to know that for treatment and/or prognosis. Ultrasound could also pick up bladder stones, kidney stones, and other causes of decreased USG if present.

Urine culture and sensitivity: not likely to show an infection but wouldn't it be nice if a simple course of antibiotics cured her?

Urine protein to creatinine ratio: excess protein in the urine speeds the process of chronic renal failure, but there are many strategies that decrease proteinuria.

Blood pressure measurement: another consequence of kidney disease that causes more damage and speeds the process. Also there are medications to control blood pressure.

That's what I would recommend for my patients in the same situation.

Thank you, Meghane. I thought the USG was O.K. (1.015, within normal limits) without being great. But I read that, at the lower range, it does indicate declining renal functions.
As for an infection, she did have a culture/sensitivity test, and there was NO signs of bacteria ("NO aerobic growth").

I'm slow at making up my mind, but I will contact the only holistic vet around here and will probably go with X-ray and ultrasound when our vet returns-or before, if things worsen.

I wish I could change her diet (she is a Sc. diet dry addict with a little bit of Evo dry) but she has NEVER, NEVER wanted to taste canned food. She does love the chicken I prepare for her, though. That's a real issue, and I know that changing a cat's diet when he/she is sick is the wrong time...
Thanks for all the valuable help. I'm sure I'll be back with more questions!!

Anne-Marie