Kidney Failure

[roadcaptain]

Jasmine is a 13 year old Dalmation who is starting to exeperience kidney failre.  Is there a vet in the Houston area that specializes in this type of illness.

[Jaybay]

Sorry - I wrote a book!  It's at the bottom of the other post on the Dogs forum.  You'll need a referral from your vet, but Gulf Coast Veterinary Associates on the West Loop across from the Galleria is the best in Houston.  Very expensive too.  They have better people and equipment than I've seen in many area human hospitals.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Please check with the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and the Chi Institute (Veterinary site)  for a holistic vet in your area.  In traditional medicine the only treatment for renal disease is kidney transplant, giving your dogs IV or Sub-Q fluid therapy (for diuresis), and giving an oral phosphate binder if your dog has elevated phosphorus.  

However, with the correct traditional treatments combined with holistic treatments, i.e.: special diet, herbs (Chinese, Western, Indian), and acupuncture I have seen some miracles, longer life and more importantly great quality of life.  If your dog's kidney failure is related to Lyme Nephropathy than prognosis is a more guarded.

If you would like a more traditional route than there are two Veterinary teaching hospitals near you, at least within driving distance.  These are: University of Louisiana, college of vet med, Baton Rouge, LA  and Texas A and M, college of vet med.  I have done graduate studies at both colleges and they are both excellent.  

Good Luck with this difficult problem, and Merry Christmas!

[roadcaptain]

While I agree with your sentiments, you did not respond to my question concerning a kidney specialist in the houston area.

[Jaybay]

Just wanted to let you know I posted a long response to you on the Dogs forum.