Looking for support; 11-year old Yellow Lab having kidney issues

[calumetgirl]

I found this site this evening after finding out that our sweet Lab who has been having kidney issues for about a year now is getting worse.  His blood levels were higher than normal, but have been steady until this last test.  Creatinine has gone from 1.8 to 4.7 since April of this year.  We always feared cancer, and now it looks like kidney failure is going to be the culprit.  We've had quite a few dogs and cats over the years and even though we have had to put most of them to sleep, it never gets easier.  And this dog is the best dog we've ever had.  I'm just hoping it is okay for me to post here on occasion for support.  The doctor told us today that she was hoping for months before a decision had to be made, but now she is not sure it will be that long.  We have been prepared for this for some time, but truly didn't expect it this soon.  We're giving him Pepcid AC daily (just started today) and he is eating and drinking and peeing and pooping normally.  We go back again next Tuesday or Wednesday for blood work - I am hoping so hard that it isn't worse.  

I thank you all for your understanding and support.  And I want you all to know how sad I am for you all whose loving pets are also having to go through this.  

[calumetgirl]

Hi, Tony, thank you so much for your response.  Yesterday I went through all the blood test results and could see how the kidney issues have started getting worse.  Our vet is excellent and I know she will know what to do.  As a matter of fact, when I spoke with her, she said she would probably do IV fluids when we come back next week (Tuesday or Wednesday).  She has ordered some stuff to sprinkle on his food to encourage him to eat as well.  

His phosphorus has consistently been in the 4.1 range which is considered normal, but the last test showed it at 6.3.  Microalbuminaria is at 15.7 which is really indicative of renal failure (I think I saw it is probably considered Stage 3 - Stage 4 is the worst.)  He has maintained his weight consistently.  

Our dog eats a low protein dog food which we get from the Vet.  He's been eating that ever since they noticed a change in his kidney values.  

He also suffers from arthritis which is typical of a dog his age.  He is 11 and will be 12 in January, so he's up there for a Lab.  

He's on several medications besides the Pepcid, including meds for his thyroid and for his arthritis.  We also give him supplements (fish oil and Phycox).  

He had a UTI about six months ago but that is cleared up and yes, they recently did a urine test for bacteria which was clear.  

As far as blood pressure - I'm not sure.  I will ask when we see her next week.  What would be the purpose of that as far as renal failure is concerned?  

Thank you so very much for your concern.  This morning is the first time he was a bit hesitant to eat but he did finish his breakfast and after we went for his walk (he actually barks at us persistently when he wants to go), he came in and had a couple of pieces of apple (which he loves).  He wanted to play a little in the backyard (last night and this morning) and now he is napping.  

[tonyb286]

Your dog should not be on a low protein diet. Sorry, but that is very old advice and not the way current studies and research into canine kidney disease suggest owners and their vets should manage the disease. The amount of protein is relevant in late stages of the disease, but not in early to mid stages - and it's the quality of the protein that's important. KD dogs should only be given high quality proteins (human grade meat and poultry) and amounting to around 15% of the daily food intake (reduced to about 10% in later stages).

Up to around 90% of dogs with kidney disease also have high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes the disease to advance rapidly, because it interferes significantly with the flow of blood through the kidneys, reducing the organs' ability to function. It also causes an increased build-up of toxins and a faster morbidity rate.

Treating high blood pressure in canine kidney disease is therefore an essential and urgent priority.

IV Fluids are needed now, not next week, in my opinion.

Cheers

Tony

[calumetgirl]

Thank you very much.  I will have to call her on Monday - they are closed today and tomorrow.  She had said to me that she was probably going to give him IV fluids after she ran his blood work again on Wednesday.  I'll ask her about giving him fluids before then and also about his blood pressure.  Also, we are going to five him some chicken with his dinner tonight.  I never knew that about the blood pressure.  I truly appreciate and respect your opinion.  Thank you again.

[tonyb286]

No problem. If giving chicken, best to use thigh (dark) chicken meat, as that is lower in phosphorus.

[calumetgirl]

Thank you again.

[tonyb286]

Let me know how things go.

Tony

[tonyb286]

Hi. I'm sorry you have found a need to be here. With creatinine at 4.7 I would suggest IV fluids for a day or two administered by your vet, followed by SubQ fluid therapy at home (Lactated Ringer fluids ideally). I can suggest the appropriate SubQ fluid dose, if your vet is uncertain.

What is your dog's phosphorus level reading on the last blood test?

Has the vet undertaken a blood pressure check?

What are you feeding your dog?

Has your dog got any other known health conditions?

What medications (other than Pepcid) is he on (if any)?

Are you feeding any supplements?

Has your vet undertaken a recent urinalysis (including a culture and sensitivity test for any UTIs)?

Cheers

Tony

[calumetgirl]

I just read your response to the lady with the 9 year old Greyhound.  I was surprised to read about the Renal dog food - we give our dog Royal Canine Renal Support dry.  I checked the phosphorus and it is 0.27%.  What type of wet dog food do you recommend again?  I will ask my vet about switching over to wet dog food.  Thank you again very very much.  I think I answered your response to me by posting a comment instead of an answer - I'm new here and not sure I did the right thing.