My dog just got diagnosed with kidney disease, where do I go from here?

[chikita_1989]

My Shiba Inu will be 4 years old in July. He went in for an annual teeth cleaning and the vet called to tell me that his levels in his kidney were elevated. They ran tests and his BUN levels were normal but the creatinine levels were elevated. I was told to start him on a low sodium diet. The vet hasn't called me back so I don't know if it means he can't have regular treats anymore. I'm in shock and really upset. I don't know where to go from here. It feels like everything I've looked up online says they will live for possibly months or up to 4 years.

[tonyb286]

Hello. Canine kidney disease presents owners with a complex set of issues, symptoms and management options. While there is no cure, there is so much you can do to prevent further damage to the organs and, in many cases, both improve quality and quantity of life.

As a relatively young dog, the first question would be what is causing the kidney issues? Has your vet considered this? Has he said whether it is chronic or acute? If it's acute, then urgent treatment is required. If your vet doesn't know the answer and seems unable to find out - get a 2nd opinion from a more experienced and knowledgeable vet. And one that is familiar with canine kidney disease. You can approach a nearby veterinary university or college, who will probably be able to give you contact information. I think this would be my first task, if my vet didn't seem pro-active.

Next question ... do you have the diagnostic blood and urine test results? If you do please post them so we can see what stage things are at - and that will help us offer better advice. If you don't have the results, get them, and don't take no for an answer - you paid for them, they are yours.

Did your vet undertake a blood pressure check on your dog? This is extremely important. Most kd diagnosed dogs have high blood pressure, and this makes deterioration of the kidneys a much faster process. Early treatment is therefore crucial. If there was no test undertaken, one is needed as soon as possible.

While you are dealing with those three issues ... I'm giving you a link to one of my articles that may help with understanding diet changes that may be necessary now - and will certainly become necessary soon. Please have a read of it and then ask any questions you may have.

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

That's enough for now. Don't feel too downhearted. This can be a difficult and emotional journey, but we are here for support, and you have already started the process of understanding this disease ... and therefore being able to help your best friend so much more.

Tony

[sarahAZ]

This same exact thing just happened to me and my 4 year old Goldendoodle. She went in for a teeth cleaning (not at her normal vet's office) and they said her levels were elevated and to check again in two weeks. I took her to her normal vet yesterday and they are still elevated CREAT 3.3mg/DL, BUN 33mg/DL. They want me to come back for additional tests because they think it's kidney disease and want do a urine analysis etc. Everything I'm reading online says it's typically in older dogs and they don't have long to live after diagnosis. According to her levels she is already stage 3, but she is showing no symptoms. She eats and drinks a normal amount, is happy and playful, active, etc.

I'm not sure what to do next. What questions should I ask at vet? Is this reversible? She's only four years old.

[tonyb286]

Is it reversible? No. Damage to the kidneys cannot be repaired, but it can be stopped in its tracks (or further progressive damage slowed down). A 4yr old dog can have an acute episode (often caused by medications, poisons, diet, tick borne diseases, etc.), which would ordinarily be IV fluid therapy for at least 2 to 3 days, followed by SubQ fluid therapy you can undertake yourself at home. This treatment will often help bring creatinine down or at least prevent it rising further.

But a 4 yr old dog can also have congenital kidney problems which they have been born with, and it just takes some time for that to present itself. Invariably, this will lead to chronic forms of the condition, so management will be for life.

Either way, diagnosis is important - but so too is starting an intensive program of diet control, regular blood and urine testing, and suitable medications to alleviate problems.

If they have said it is stage 3, then you need to know what they are doing about it. Fluid therapy is the first appropriate option. Then address any other blood and urine test abnormalities. Change diet to a kd (canned or home made) diet. Check blood pressure. Check for tick borne diseases? Check for urine tract infections? Check for kidney organ abnormalities.

Good luck - let us know how you get on.

Tony