Aa
Facing Stage 4 with your 'Best Friend'
I came to the conclusion years ago that Dogs(As with the all the animal kingdom,....excluding humans) were way more intelligent than were perceived or given credit. CKD is not curable. 99% of us cannot afford a transplant, not to mention the low survival rate of a transplant. Even if you did approve a transplant and your 'Best Friend' didn't survive the surgery, THEN you would be ridden with guilt for not letting your 'Best Friend' ride-out his/her last days with you. Once the kidneys are damaged, it is a non-stoppable domino situation. At some point, days, months or years later, Stage 4 will occur. Whether human or animals, our organs wear-out with age.....fact. The Liver and Kidneys are usually the first to go due to their role of ridding the body of toxins. I'm suppose to consider that 'Steffie' was extremely lucky to have survived CKD for 3.5 years after being diagnosed at a disgraceful age of almost 6 years, but, having already gone through CKD before, the first thought in my mind after hearing the diagnosis was 'Stage 4'. I'm sure that most here will agree that 'Stage 4' is simply 'Hell' for both companion and owner. Desperation sets in as you frantically attempt to stop the 'Non-Stoppable' advancement of 'Stage 4'.Whether you have caught the CKD in the early or late stage of CKD, all you can do is let the blood tests and your Dog's actions guide you, not to mention, of course' your Vet.
In Stage 4, Calorie Intake is 'King', because now, their appetite is going 'South'(Meaning,....they WON'T Consume 'Anything') and with non-stoppable weight loss. Now you are probably faced with trying to get these calories in with a large syringe,........you have reached 'critical mass'. Whether the CKD was 'Primary' or 'Secondary'.......the damage to the kidneys is permanent and 'Stage 4' is permanent. With the rapid weight loss and limited or no food intake, now you will be watching for weakness in mobility. 'THIS' 'IS' the area of the journey that you must start to come to grips with the unthinkable, and make no mistake, you cannot take back euthanasia. At this point, where they are showing signs of extreme weakness, anything is possible due to the increased toxins in the blood, gastrointestinal, etc.(Irregardless of the supplements such as tums, epakitin, azodyl, etc), such as Heart Attack, Seizure, Secondary Infections. There are no guarantees in Stage 4, except,.....'The Time Is Near'.
'Guilt'. 'Guilt' is unavoidable no matter WHAT you do or WHEN. You simply have to make the worse decision you'll ever make in your life......saying Goodbye. Just remember, when Stage 4 arrives, ANYTHING is possible. This is why 'Some' Vets will suggest early Euthanasia,......because ANYTHING is possible in Stage 4.
No Kristy, you made the RIGHT decision at the RIGHT time. If you waited any longer, the 'Anything' could have happened to Daisy....it would have gotten worse.
In closing, I will continue mentioning the 'SDMA' Kidney function test via IDEXX Labs, due to be available in ~2016. It will be the earliest possible detection of Kidney Malfunction. Talk to your Vet about it,.....tell anyone you know about it. It isn't cheap anymore to have companions, and neither is CKD.
In Stage 4, Calorie Intake is 'King', because now, their appetite is going 'South'(Meaning,....they WON'T Consume 'Anything') and with non-stoppable weight loss. Now you are probably faced with trying to get these calories in with a large syringe,........you have reached 'critical mass'. Whether the CKD was 'Primary' or 'Secondary'.......the damage to the kidneys is permanent and 'Stage 4' is permanent. With the rapid weight loss and limited or no food intake, now you will be watching for weakness in mobility. 'THIS' 'IS' the area of the journey that you must start to come to grips with the unthinkable, and make no mistake, you cannot take back euthanasia. At this point, where they are showing signs of extreme weakness, anything is possible due to the increased toxins in the blood, gastrointestinal, etc.(Irregardless of the supplements such as tums, epakitin, azodyl, etc), such as Heart Attack, Seizure, Secondary Infections. There are no guarantees in Stage 4, except,.....'The Time Is Near'.
'Guilt'. 'Guilt' is unavoidable no matter WHAT you do or WHEN. You simply have to make the worse decision you'll ever make in your life......saying Goodbye. Just remember, when Stage 4 arrives, ANYTHING is possible. This is why 'Some' Vets will suggest early Euthanasia,......because ANYTHING is possible in Stage 4.
No Kristy, you made the RIGHT decision at the RIGHT time. If you waited any longer, the 'Anything' could have happened to Daisy....it would have gotten worse.
In closing, I will continue mentioning the 'SDMA' Kidney function test via IDEXX Labs, due to be available in ~2016. It will be the earliest possible detection of Kidney Malfunction. Talk to your Vet about it,.....tell anyone you know about it. It isn't cheap anymore to have companions, and neither is CKD.
Hi Charlene. Yes, the rest was very therapeutic, though I did have a couple of MedHelp withdrawal symptom days. Ha. It's strange when you can't access WiFi ... being both a good and bad thing all at the same time. Our dogs were fine, very well cared for by the kennels we used, and now they're back with us they seem contented to relax in the weak sunshine of the UK and bark at everything that passes the house - so no change there then!
Love, Tony
Love, Tony
Hi Earl. That's interesting about the 'Dogenes' company. Always good news to get some commendations about something like that.
Tony
Tony
Welcome back Tony. You SO deserve some time away and I'm sure it helps you to take a break. However, it was strange to know you weren't around.....talk about dependency (LOL). Seriously, hope you and your babies are well!!
My best,
Charlene
My best,
Charlene
I appreciate that Tony. The only thing I might add,......last week I got an email from Dr. Jean Dodds. I had done Titers for Steffie, etc with her. I had mentioned 'Dogenes, Inc.' to her and she told me she knows the Lady that owns the operation and that she is 'Reliable'.
I know that the DNA aspect is somewhat not practical, but, at least we know now that the company is 'Realiable'.
Take care,
Earl
I know that the DNA aspect is somewhat not practical, but, at least we know now that the company is 'Realiable'.
Take care,
Earl
Thanks Earl. Yes, much needed rest was received ... not that I didn't think every day about my MedHelp family. You certainly are not and have not encroached at all ... don't ever think it ... you have wise words to give, lots of knowledge too, so keep it coming. I for one value your insightful, excellent and empathic input here and always will.
Tony
Tony
Hi Tony, For all you do here for our 'Best Friends' and their leaders, I hope you were able to get in some well deserved relaxation while on vacation. I hope you don't mind me offering some suggestions to those that wrote in, for I didn't want to 'encroach'. I just wanted to offer something for them to grasp onto,......hope.
Anyway, Glad to see you back. You were sorely missed.
Regards,
Earl
Anyway, Glad to see you back. You were sorely missed.
Regards,
Earl
Hi Earl. Well, not for the first time, you brought tears to my eyes. Don't we all feel that way, and don't we all empathise with your words. Wow. It's hard sometimes, isn't it.
You initial post above says it like it is. We all live in hope and we all want to do the right thing for our best friends. Sometimes, those two things contradict each other. And yes, it's hard making THE DECISION, when the only thing we want to do is have more time with our buddies ... but then, sometimes we do have to accept that having more time means hurting them, and so we must let go, let them go. Such a hard thing to do
Our grief after these events is deep-rooted, of course it is, we have lost the most important "person" in our lives. Yes, some of us have partners, children, friends and parents ... but our dogs are often our life-companions, they were there during hard times, they comforted us, loved us and were loyal to us, even when we shunned everyone else and everything else. They kept our secrets and were with us when no one else wanted to be.
Our dogs walk in our shadows. They follow us and accompany us during all our experiences, adventures, sad times and happy moments. They share our lives with us more than any human could.
We have to learn a whole new way of living, when they are gone. Our routines are broken. We may have no one to care for, no one to comfort and no one to comfort us. And that is a hard realization. But, through this forum of friends, we understand ... because we have all been there. And we can get through it, little by little, day by day.
We will never forget our best friends. Never. And they now occupy a safe and warm place in our hearts and memories. We give them a voice by talking about them. They may not be with us in the physical world, but their personalities live on, because we remember them and talk about them. And that's just how it should be.
There's nothing abnormal about feeling the way you do. It's very natural. Give it time, Earl, it will slowly but surely get easier. Like all those that have lost a best friend here, you are very much in my thoughts.
Tony
You initial post above says it like it is. We all live in hope and we all want to do the right thing for our best friends. Sometimes, those two things contradict each other. And yes, it's hard making THE DECISION, when the only thing we want to do is have more time with our buddies ... but then, sometimes we do have to accept that having more time means hurting them, and so we must let go, let them go. Such a hard thing to do
Our grief after these events is deep-rooted, of course it is, we have lost the most important "person" in our lives. Yes, some of us have partners, children, friends and parents ... but our dogs are often our life-companions, they were there during hard times, they comforted us, loved us and were loyal to us, even when we shunned everyone else and everything else. They kept our secrets and were with us when no one else wanted to be.
Our dogs walk in our shadows. They follow us and accompany us during all our experiences, adventures, sad times and happy moments. They share our lives with us more than any human could.
We have to learn a whole new way of living, when they are gone. Our routines are broken. We may have no one to care for, no one to comfort and no one to comfort us. And that is a hard realization. But, through this forum of friends, we understand ... because we have all been there. And we can get through it, little by little, day by day.
We will never forget our best friends. Never. And they now occupy a safe and warm place in our hearts and memories. We give them a voice by talking about them. They may not be with us in the physical world, but their personalities live on, because we remember them and talk about them. And that's just how it should be.
There's nothing abnormal about feeling the way you do. It's very natural. Give it time, Earl, it will slowly but surely get easier. Like all those that have lost a best friend here, you are very much in my thoughts.
Tony
Ive been writing in a journal to Daisy. Helps me feel a little better :/ not abnormal. Just coping
That's very kind of you Krissy. You know, ......I will tell you that, since loosing Steffie, that I have been told that I should possibly consider 'Professional Help'. I've been an independent person and thinker my entire life. Now, Steffie, myself and my Vet are the ONLY ones that KNOW exactly what happened. 'WHY', would I 'consult' with somebody that wouldn't have a clue? At this site, you have veterans......knowledge.....been there directly.
Everyone here are TRUE 'Pet Lovers'. Everyone here KNOWS there is no such thing as 'Getting Over It' after CKD.........you somehow learn to cope or adjust.
I have no reservations in sharing the following: Every night since Nov 17 when I go to bed, I have a pic of Steffie next to my bed.......I tell Steffie goodnight, I Love you and I'm sorry. She and my other Weim went everywhere with me in my vehicle.....everywhere, so, whenever I leave, I walk over to Steffie's grave and tell her I'm leaving and I'll be back soon and I Love Her. Most would consider this to be abnormal behavior, but ask me if I care. My actions help me to somehow cope with the situation, plus, it makes me feel good about myself. What else is there.
I wish you the best Krissy.
Earl
Everyone here are TRUE 'Pet Lovers'. Everyone here KNOWS there is no such thing as 'Getting Over It' after CKD.........you somehow learn to cope or adjust.
I have no reservations in sharing the following: Every night since Nov 17 when I go to bed, I have a pic of Steffie next to my bed.......I tell Steffie goodnight, I Love you and I'm sorry. She and my other Weim went everywhere with me in my vehicle.....everywhere, so, whenever I leave, I walk over to Steffie's grave and tell her I'm leaving and I'll be back soon and I Love Her. Most would consider this to be abnormal behavior, but ask me if I care. My actions help me to somehow cope with the situation, plus, it makes me feel good about myself. What else is there.
I wish you the best Krissy.
Earl
Also i am so sorry for YOUR loss too. You were not "lucky" nothing about facing ckd or losing your best friend, can be considered lucky. People keep telling me "oh well you're lucky she lived so long, none of mine made it that long" i wanna yell, no im not lucky that my dog died. I know it's hard to find words to say and ill cut them some slack. Just wantedvto say, even though you guys made it through ckd for so long, you still were not "lucky". You and Steffie fought hard and that wasn't luck. Im so sorry you lost her.
Thank you so much for the post and kind words. I am so very thankful to have found this site. I can't imagine how if be without you all. Thank you
You must join this user group in order to participate in this discussion.
You are reading content posted in the Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs Group
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
