Oliver 15 year old Maltese with Kidney Disease

[Fitmaltesemom]

Results are in: Olivers BUN went from 23 to 25 Creat: 1.4 to 1.7  Specific Gravity went from 1.016 to 1.012 His potassium has increased, therefore Dr. Schultz thought it would be best to take him off the renal essentials for a month and have him retested.  If the potassium remains the same then she wants to start him on fish oil. She did say with Kidney Disease/Failure the numbers do fluctuate.  Overall, she feels that it is great he continues to eat and keep himself  hydrated.  She said the blood results are not “alarming” but we continue to monitor him.  He needs to build muscle which is difficult with this disease and his age of 15. But, she did say I have been exceptional in taking care of him and he is very fortunate to be with me 24/7.
Any thoughts? He still is pretty active and eating like there is no tomorrow.

[Kaymbsc]

Hi Elsa,

I'm new on this forum, and I was reading about Oliver. First of all, well done, Mom, with your care of Oliver!

Just a thought about Oliver's separation anxiety. My little dog Mandy gets really upset when we have thunderstorms. I live in coastal South Carolina, and this summer we've had tons of lightning and thunderstorms.

I found something that helped Mandy is the Thundershirt. http://www.thundershirt.com/

It's sort of like swaddling a baby. The gentle pressure helps them to feel more secure. Similar-type pressure helps with autistic human children, too.

I got Mandy's thundershirt at Petco. Just throwing that out as an idea.

Kay

[DarbiesMom]

Elsa,

This is really fascinating...Thanks so much for sharing this. We do put so much trust in vet practices...Sadly, it seems they are more motivated by "production/collection" , over scheduling and making very transparent diagnoses. I have become more of a "hands on" mom now and must trust my instincts "outside the box".

As I've said and many others, thank God for this forum:)

Our very best to you and Oliver!!

Fondly,

Lynne & Darbie

[tonyb286]

Elsa, you are a marvel. While Oliver is a mini-miracle. I am so pleased to keep hearing these excellent posts. Tony x

[Fitmaltesemom]

I figured since Oliver is 15 years old and has been vaccinated all his life.....he actually does not need to be vaccinated anymore. My good friend has an 18 year old Mini-Pin (yes 18) and she stopped vaccinations when she was 15.  Dogs have always been over vaccinated. I can recall when Oliver was a puppy he would always have a bad reaction to vaccinations. His shots had to be spread out over a two month period.   I decided about three years ago to slowly wean him for some of the vaccinations and he has been fine. I made the decision on the DHPP due to his age and health.
The last time he had the DHPP booster was when he was 12.  Like I stated before I don't want to compromise his kidneys by giving him a vaccination.
He is not around any dogs and the groomer supports my decision. Hope all is well.  
I am not advising that dogs should not be vaccinated. In my case I think I would be committing a mistake having Oliver vaccinated.  He is doing well right now and in one month he has a major blood panel done. He is maintaining his weight and continues to be demanding when he wants to eat (which is 4-5 small meals day ).
Hugs,
Elsa

[DarbiesMom]

Elsa,

Great to hear Oliver is doing so fantastic!

This discussion has really made me ponder re: vaccines and CKD. When Darbie became so ill in June, I'm certain she had several vaccines updated. Now she is due for her rabies and I'm going to look into this.

Yes indeed! This online sight has been incredible! Thanks for the heads-up everyone!

Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie
Fo

[Fitmaltesemom]

Ha ! Actually you are absolutely right !
Have a great weekend and  I am extremely fortunate that I found this site online- you have been such a tremendous help to me and Oliver.

Hugs
Elsa