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What Stage Kidney Failure Does My Dog Have?
Hello. My 11 year old yorkie was diagnosed with kidney disease a month ago, but I am confused about his lab work. His creatinine was 1.3 (still in the normal range), but his BUN/Creatinine ratio was 45 (high). His phosphorous and potassium are also high (phos 6.6 and pot 6). Is this Stage 3? He has other health issues as well, high blood pressure (2 meds daily) and has survived two torn ACLs (at age 6 and 7) and had a tumor removed from one of his anal sacs just after Christmas of 2012. He is my little miracle dog, but has been having lots of upset stomach the past few weeks with some vomiting. The vet put him on aluminum hydroxide last month. Did he need to be on this? Could it possibly be causing the upset stomach? I am taking him back to the vet later today for a re-check.
I should have added that his BUN was 59. Thanks.
Hi. Creatinine is the most influential reading, as it is more suggestive of kidney failure the higher it becomes. BUN is not necessarily kidney specific, but together with other values it points towards kidney failure. I would say this is early stage kidney failure, rather than mid-range, so probably stage 2 or 3. I think you can do a huge amount with diet to get his values down and his quality of life and life expectancy up. Have a read of my articles here:
http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease
and just in case you are feeding anything that would be even slightly toxic (which would harm the kidneys even more):
http://www.infobarrel.com/Everyday_Foods_That_Are_Poisonous_To_Dogs
Aluminium hydroxide has been prescribed as a phosphate binder, which is essential for your dog. Now is the time to get the phosphate level down, so start looking closely at everything you feed your dog and avoid phosphorus/phosphates. Pay some attention to the amount of protein in your dog's diet and. if possible, consider starting a change over to KD specific diet (homemade or canned). This is better done now, because it may be more difficult to introduce this change later. If your dog eats chicken, buy human grade chicken and feed it with the skin on.
Above all else, maintain fluids, as this will help flush toxins out - and avoid dry foods. Why? Well, you can read another of my articles about that right here:
http://www.infobarrel.com/Why_Dry_Dog_Food_Is_Bad_For_Dogs
The upset stomach is far more likely to be the result of toxin build-up than the aluminium hydroxide. If it continues, you should ask your vet about a suitable anti-nausea medication.
That's probably enough for you to think about for now. You've certainly come to the right place. This is a great 'family' of dog owners here, all with or that have had dogs with kidney failure. We learn from and support each other as much as we are all able to do. Thank you joining our 'family', despite the reason for having to do so.
Tony
http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease
and just in case you are feeding anything that would be even slightly toxic (which would harm the kidneys even more):
http://www.infobarrel.com/Everyday_Foods_That_Are_Poisonous_To_Dogs
Aluminium hydroxide has been prescribed as a phosphate binder, which is essential for your dog. Now is the time to get the phosphate level down, so start looking closely at everything you feed your dog and avoid phosphorus/phosphates. Pay some attention to the amount of protein in your dog's diet and. if possible, consider starting a change over to KD specific diet (homemade or canned). This is better done now, because it may be more difficult to introduce this change later. If your dog eats chicken, buy human grade chicken and feed it with the skin on.
Above all else, maintain fluids, as this will help flush toxins out - and avoid dry foods. Why? Well, you can read another of my articles about that right here:
http://www.infobarrel.com/Why_Dry_Dog_Food_Is_Bad_For_Dogs
The upset stomach is far more likely to be the result of toxin build-up than the aluminium hydroxide. If it continues, you should ask your vet about a suitable anti-nausea medication.
That's probably enough for you to think about for now. You've certainly come to the right place. This is a great 'family' of dog owners here, all with or that have had dogs with kidney failure. We learn from and support each other as much as we are all able to do. Thank you joining our 'family', despite the reason for having to do so.
Tony
Thank you for all the information. I truly appreciate your prompt response. I will read everything over and will post again after I've read through it all. Thanks again -- I can tell from the other posts that I have indeed "come to the right spot" for information -- and for support. God bless you!
You are very welcome. As you read each piece, write down any questions that come to mind. In a couple of days, there will be another article I am just currently working on, which looks at Supplements for Canine Kidney Failure, so keep an eye out for an announcement on that one too. Tony
Welcome to this amazing forum. You are in "right spot" for information and I wish you the very best as you journey forward. Most of us came here initially with so many questions, confusion and anxiety. We are grateful for Tony's support as well as each others:)
It's so important that you recognized and pursued your inner voice as this disease can spiral out of control unnoticed. My Darbie has thrived and is very content as we continue to manage her CKD.
Best wishes to you and your little yorkie. We're here to help in any way we can!
Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie
It's so important that you recognized and pursued your inner voice as this disease can spiral out of control unnoticed. My Darbie has thrived and is very content as we continue to manage her CKD.
Best wishes to you and your little yorkie. We're here to help in any way we can!
Fondly,
Lynne & Darbie
I took my little guy back to the vet this past Friday afternoon for a recheck and to run his blood work again. The vet called me yesterday to tell me his results. BUN is now over 100, creatinine still relatively low at 1.8 (up from 1.3 four weeks ago), and his phosphorous also went up (but I didn't get the number). Vet had told me to stop the aluminum hydroxide at the appointment as she said maybe it was causing the vomiting and diarrhea. Now when she called, she said to restart and double the amount I was giving. Can't have the Pepcid I just started him on, but she did prescribe something else (can't recall the name, but it started with a "Z" and is taken by pregnant women with morning sickness). Problem is, my daughter went to pick it up and it was over $300 -- which I can't afford. Trying to contact my vet again this morning for alternative anti-nausea med. Also, vet said my baby's liver values were slightly elevated from before. He had a tumor removed from his anal sac almost two years ago and we were told then that he could have another tumor pop up again somewhere. So maybe there is more going on than just the kidney disease to make his values continue to rise. I am careful about his diet, give him basically the foods being recommended on this site -- all home cooked. He was eating pretty good, but his appetite has slowed down the past week. I had to pry his pills down his throat yesterday and this morning because he wouldn't take them in the food I usually hide them in. Sorry for the long post. As you all unfortunately know, this is such a heart wrenching thing to deal with. We just lost his brother to acute kidney failure not quite four months ago and we've all been coping with that and now this... I wonder if his deteriorating health is possibly exacerbated because he is missing his brother. Such a hard thing. I feel so hopeless.
Hi. Don't give up. $300 for anti-nausea meds is crazy. Did the vet know this is how much his recommendation would cost? Find out what his phosphorus level is, and re-post it please, because that is quite important. It is entirely possible the BUN is raised due to other 'issues', including tumor, but also possibly dehydration, congestive heart disease, Cushing's disease (and cortisone-like medicines that mimic it) and Addison’s disease, which all have a tendency to produce moderately elevated BUN levels, as do many other illnesses, conditions and medicines.
It is important to be certain of the diagnosis, and that's where creatinine and phosphorus levels are taken into consideration. It would also be useful to have a full urinalysis done.
If it is kidney disease, then the creatinine suggests we are right at the early stages - probably stage 2 - but it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. Talk to your vet about undertaking a urine microalbuminuria test, as this will help confirm things or suggest other things that may be going on to influence the BUN.
I would suggest putting him on a specific kidney diet (tinned) for now, as this will absolutely ensure low phosphorus and adequate but low protein. Other measures in the article can be added, such as cabbage, but for now and for the next few weeks, it's more important to stabilize the BUN, creatine and phosphorus - and high quality manufactured KD canned food is the best to achieve it for now. Once things have settled down more - or another diagnosis is made - then you can re-assess diet again.
The fact that liver values are higher than normal could also indicate something else is happening, maybe toxaemia. Let me know what you WERE feeding before this began - including any and all treats that were given. Also, are you absolutely certain he isn't able to get to anything that could be toxic in your home, cleaning solutions or human medicines, for example. Finally, if you have a garden or have flowers/plants in your home, double-check them against the list of canine poisonous plants, just to ensure he hasn't been munching on leaves, flowerheads or seeds.
Tony
It is important to be certain of the diagnosis, and that's where creatinine and phosphorus levels are taken into consideration. It would also be useful to have a full urinalysis done.
If it is kidney disease, then the creatinine suggests we are right at the early stages - probably stage 2 - but it is essential to get an accurate diagnosis. Talk to your vet about undertaking a urine microalbuminuria test, as this will help confirm things or suggest other things that may be going on to influence the BUN.
I would suggest putting him on a specific kidney diet (tinned) for now, as this will absolutely ensure low phosphorus and adequate but low protein. Other measures in the article can be added, such as cabbage, but for now and for the next few weeks, it's more important to stabilize the BUN, creatine and phosphorus - and high quality manufactured KD canned food is the best to achieve it for now. Once things have settled down more - or another diagnosis is made - then you can re-assess diet again.
The fact that liver values are higher than normal could also indicate something else is happening, maybe toxaemia. Let me know what you WERE feeding before this began - including any and all treats that were given. Also, are you absolutely certain he isn't able to get to anything that could be toxic in your home, cleaning solutions or human medicines, for example. Finally, if you have a garden or have flowers/plants in your home, double-check them against the list of canine poisonous plants, just to ensure he hasn't been munching on leaves, flowerheads or seeds.
Tony
Thank you for all the info Tony. I don't think the vet knew the med she prescribed would be so expensive since she said she thought it was moderately priced. She is not in her office today, but I will be contacting her in the morning. I will ask about his phosphorous level then. I know she wanted to get a urinalysis when they drew my yorkie's blood last Friday, but he wouldn't pee for them. I will definitely talk to her about bringing him back in to get a sample for a urine microalbuminuria test as you suggested. As for meals, I had been feeding him dark meat organic chicken (no skin because he is prone to pancreatitus), white fish, or hamburger (85/15 blend) usually mixed with boiled rice or sometimes pasta. No treats, but I was giving him his pills in a piece of lean turkey lunch meat. We stopped treats awhile back when he almost gagged to death on a raw hide. Also, the vet had previously tried him on KD kibble which he refused to eat. She gave me ID (gastro) tinned food for him when I took him in this past Saturday. I don't know why she gave the ID instead of the KD tinned food, but I can ask about that. As for poisoning, I am certain there is nothing in the house he could be getting into. I try to watch him whenever he goes out in the yard and other than a new interest in wanting to eat the grass over the past week or so (which has no chemicals on it), he hasn't ingested anything. He has been drinking a lot of water which I hope is good since I don't want him to get dehydrated. He had lost one pound this last vet visit. He is technically a "silkie" since he is bigger than the average yorkie at 18 pounds. So losing one pound doesn't sound worrisome until you take into account that he lost this one pound in four weeks. He just seems leaner to me, in general. If only he could talk and tell me what feels bad! Bless you again, Tony, for providing all the info you do. I can tell from the posts that you've been doing this for awhile. I hope all your kindness comes back to you tenfold.
Thanks for getting back. That's all useful information. The Gastro diet is no good in this situation. Sorry, but that's what I think - I'm not a vet - but if this is kidney disease, the gastro diet won't really help. KD specific diet is designed to be low in phosphorus (important) AND it has low amounts of high-quality protein, plus all the appropriate vitamins and minerals. KD specific diets are available at good pet stores, so you don't need to buy them from your vet at no doubt high prices. Also, get tinned varieties, not dry food - because dry food will not provide the essential hydration that tinned food does.
If he turns his nose up at it, drizzle a teaspoon of all natural honey on it and if that doesn't get him to eat it, let me know and I'll come up with a few other ideas. Also, one desertspoon of cooked chopped cabbage will help prevent stomach ulcers, so also worth giving every other day.
I can't see anything in your prior diet that would be too worrying, so if it is kidney disease, it's probably age-onset.
Water is good, so let him have as much as he can drink. This will help flush some of the toxins out. Try to give purified bottled water, as many tap supplies have sodium added to them by the water supplier. Sodium is basically salt, and not a good thing for CKD dogs.
Okay. Enough for now. Get back with the phosphorus levels and tell your vet if you are going to start KD tinned diet. Oh, if you want to find a few quality varieties, check out:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/low-protein-dog-foods/
Just ignore any on the list that are dry foods.
Regards,
Tony
If he turns his nose up at it, drizzle a teaspoon of all natural honey on it and if that doesn't get him to eat it, let me know and I'll come up with a few other ideas. Also, one desertspoon of cooked chopped cabbage will help prevent stomach ulcers, so also worth giving every other day.
I can't see anything in your prior diet that would be too worrying, so if it is kidney disease, it's probably age-onset.
Water is good, so let him have as much as he can drink. This will help flush some of the toxins out. Try to give purified bottled water, as many tap supplies have sodium added to them by the water supplier. Sodium is basically salt, and not a good thing for CKD dogs.
Okay. Enough for now. Get back with the phosphorus levels and tell your vet if you are going to start KD tinned diet. Oh, if you want to find a few quality varieties, check out:
http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/best-dog-foods/low-protein-dog-foods/
Just ignore any on the list that are dry foods.
Regards,
Tony
Many of us have had great success with the new Hills KD Beef and Vegetable Stew. If your vet does not offer this specific KD canned, have her give you a prescription so you can purchase at your local pet supplier. ( I would make calls in advance )
Best of Luck,
Lynne and Darbie
Best of Luck,
Lynne and Darbie
Hello Tony and Darbie. Thanks for the info. I was able to e-mail with my vet yesterday (she couldn't call) and she sent a prescription to my local pet store for the tinned Hills KD which I will pick up today. She didn't have any tinned KD on-hand which is why she said she gave me the tinned ID last week. As for the prescription she had given me for nausea, she didn't realize the price had gone up sky high and apologized. She is going to write a prescription for Cerenia which she has on-hand and I will pick that up today also. As for the urinalysis, she said she will get that done at his next appointment in a few weeks. I forgot again to ask her for his phosphorous level yesterday. It was 6.6 previous and all I recall is that she said it had gone up and she wanted me to double the amount of aluminum hydroxide he is on. She had put him on that four weeks earlier and said to double it to two capsules, twice a day. The problem is that he will not eat in the morning, only in the evening when I get in from work so I'm only getting the phosphorous into him once a day. Since that's the only time he is eating though, then it should be okay. I have added the cooked cabbage to his food in the amount you recommended and he didn't seem to notice and ate it all. Hopefully, he likes the tinned KD, but if not, I will try the suggestions you mentioned. Thank you both again for all the info and the helpful hints. I truly appreciate it!
I should have said "Hello Tony and Lynne". Sorry about that!
Hi. Okay ... I think you are now on the right track, though I'm a little concerned about only getting the phos binder once a day at this stage. Can you try feeding him twice a day, if he'll eat. This will help enormously, because a) he'll be getting the binder; and b) it will be so much better for his CKF and nausea issues. In fact, the recommendation is to feed the same amount per day, but split it into four meals whenever possible, as this creates less stress on the kidneys and gastric tract.
I'm also just a bit concerned that your vet thinks it's okay to do urinalysis in a few weeks time. This illness needs thorough and proactive management at the start - and all the way through - and leaving anything a few weeks is really not good enough. I would urge to get it done within the next week or so. The urinalysis will help confirm the diagnosis, and without an accurate diagnosis, any and all treatment is hit and miss.
There are some fabulous vets, but there are also those that may be overloaded and pressurised with work and/or see intensive treatment of CKF as a bit of a lost cause. If your vet seems to fall into the latter category, it's time to find a better one. Sorry, for being blunt, but that's how | see things.
Aluminium hydroxide is by far the better and most preferred phos binder, and probably the cheapest too. Citrates can help it perform better - so ask your vet about including a suitable citrate alongside it, for better and faster effect.
Tony
I'm also just a bit concerned that your vet thinks it's okay to do urinalysis in a few weeks time. This illness needs thorough and proactive management at the start - and all the way through - and leaving anything a few weeks is really not good enough. I would urge to get it done within the next week or so. The urinalysis will help confirm the diagnosis, and without an accurate diagnosis, any and all treatment is hit and miss.
There are some fabulous vets, but there are also those that may be overloaded and pressurised with work and/or see intensive treatment of CKF as a bit of a lost cause. If your vet seems to fall into the latter category, it's time to find a better one. Sorry, for being blunt, but that's how | see things.
Aluminium hydroxide is by far the better and most preferred phos binder, and probably the cheapest too. Citrates can help it perform better - so ask your vet about including a suitable citrate alongside it, for better and faster effect.
Tony
Hi Tony. I am taking him back to the vet later today. To top everything off, when I had him at his appointment last Friday, he slipped on the exam table and one of his rear legs fell out from under him. He has been hobbling ever since then so he's going back today for a check on that. This gives me an excellent opportunity to go ahead and ask that the urinalysis be done today too. I am really concerned about my dog and am going to ask that they also do an ultrasound today if possible. I just want to rule out the possibility of another cancerous tumor. His breathing has been labored periodically in the evenings. It's not every evening, but enough to scare me when it happens and last night was one of those times. As for the binder, I cannot get him to eat in the mornings and unfortunately I work during the day so it is usually around 6PM before I get home to feed him. He eats well then though. I will send an update after the vet.
Hi. That's good. Shame you don't have a really nice neighbour or friend or relative that might be able to help with feeding, but as long as he gets it once a day, that will kick in eventually, though it will obviously take longer to take effect. I think you are absolutely right to do the ultrasound. Hopefully, between that and a urinalysis, you will get a more accurate diagnosis.
Tony
Tony
Sounds like your little guy has so much going on...As do you.
It's hard to hear animals suffering...It's so much more difficult to hear their Moms or Dads desperately looking for answers and hope. It's heartbreaking to be in that space...I've been there several times.
My very best to you.
Fondly, Lynne & Darbie
It's hard to hear animals suffering...It's so much more difficult to hear their Moms or Dads desperately looking for answers and hope. It's heartbreaking to be in that space...I've been there several times.
My very best to you.
Fondly, Lynne & Darbie
I took my little guy back to the vet last Thursday for the re-check. The x-rays show his right rear leg does have an CCL tear, but the vet said she cannot do surgery because of his kidney issue. She said the tear will heal itself eventually although probably not as well as with surgery. As of this morning, he still will not put weight on it, but he does hop around and the leg doesn't seem to bother him. The vet also checked his blood pressure and it is running around 180 which is "normal" for him. He had lost another 3/4 lb and the vet said his gums looked dry so she gave him sub q fluids and sent me home with a bag and directions to give to him every other day. She said to start Cerenia also as this will help with his nausea and appetite. She said no point in doing the ultrasound at this stage, that we need to just focus on the kidneys right now, BUT, that if I really wanted the ultrasound done, she could schedule it. My poor little dog has been such a trooper and doesn't seem to be in pain and that is my goal -- to keep him comfortable. When the day comes that I can see "that look" in his eyes, I will do what I must. Meanwhile, the fluids do seem to be making a difference. He seems to have a little more energy and his appetite is a little better. My only big issue now is that he still refuses the KD, even the tinned type, and I need him to eat. So I continue to prepare his meals, giving low phosphorous dishes. Mostly chicken thighs. I want to try the green tripe and saw where someone on the forum had ordered it from Atlanta, GA. I will check into that as I also live on the East Coast in Virginia. Thank you Tony and Lynne for your reassuring words and guidance. God bless you both and your lucky animal companions!
Hi. As if by coincidence - and maybe in sympathy - my own dog had a bad limp last week, which also couldn't be surgically corrected. So I've had a whole week of him limping - and me worrying about him limping, as he's getting on in years. Although it's been a tough week, with me making sure he didn't jump up at me or on furniture or climb up or down any stairs ... I'm pleased to say the limp is much improved.
I hope your best friend's limp also repairs quickly.
Have you tried drizzling a small amount of honey (all natural) on his KD food? It's worth trying. Also, if you can get hold of some rice bran, this will help him gain some weight and aid his CKF blood levels too. After a couple of days of taking Carenia, he should start eating better - but if not, ask the vet for an alternative. With nausea, it's a case of different dogs need different remedies, and sometimes it's just trial and error until you find the right one.
Tony
I hope your best friend's limp also repairs quickly.
Have you tried drizzling a small amount of honey (all natural) on his KD food? It's worth trying. Also, if you can get hold of some rice bran, this will help him gain some weight and aid his CKF blood levels too. After a couple of days of taking Carenia, he should start eating better - but if not, ask the vet for an alternative. With nausea, it's a case of different dogs need different remedies, and sometimes it's just trial and error until you find the right one.
Tony
So sorry to read about your dog. You mentioned that you read about someone ordering tripe from Atlanta -- that was probably me. I'm also on the US east coast -- in SC. I've also found you can get tripe from another east coast supplier: http://www.blueridgebeef.com/BRB-Complete.html.
Best wishes!
Kay
Best wishes!
Kay
Hi Kay. Thanks for the link for the second supplier of green tripe. Were you happy with the order you received from the other supplier? and is your dog eating it? Appreciate your feedback.
Hi Tony,
Yes, that certainly is coincidental that your dog developed a limp also. I'm so happy to hear that he is doing better as I can fully relate to having to watch them so carefully when they are in this state. My little guy is still hopping around, no weight bearing yet. I have a question about the Cerenia -- has anyone reported any negative side effects from it? Since starting it two days ago, my dog is eating better which is great, but last night he was sitting next to me on the sofa and out of nowhere his head starting jerking, as if with a nerve twitch. It only lasted a matter of seconds, but it happened again this morning and it is rather scary to watch. He seems as alert as ever afterwards, but of course, this is worrisome. I have a call in to my vet to see what she has to say. Sometimes it seems that every day brings a new problem, but I am grateful for every moment with him.
Yes, that certainly is coincidental that your dog developed a limp also. I'm so happy to hear that he is doing better as I can fully relate to having to watch them so carefully when they are in this state. My little guy is still hopping around, no weight bearing yet. I have a question about the Cerenia -- has anyone reported any negative side effects from it? Since starting it two days ago, my dog is eating better which is great, but last night he was sitting next to me on the sofa and out of nowhere his head starting jerking, as if with a nerve twitch. It only lasted a matter of seconds, but it happened again this morning and it is rather scary to watch. He seems as alert as ever afterwards, but of course, this is worrisome. I have a call in to my vet to see what she has to say. Sometimes it seems that every day brings a new problem, but I am grateful for every moment with him.
Hi. I haven't heard of any symptoms of that nature with Cerenia. I did a quick look-up and found this though, which is something worth noting:
"A light meal or snack before dosing is recommended; prolonged fasting before administration should be avoided. Cerenia tablets should not be administered wrapped or encapsulated in food as this may delay dissolution of the tablet and consequently the onset of the effect."
After looking even deeper, I discovered that a very small number of dogs in trial studies with the drug have developed Otitis/Otorrhea (less than 2% of dogs in the study). This could be the answer to the head jerking, as the condition refers to a middle ear infection with a slight discharge. I would certainly raise this with your vet, as they may not be fully aware of this potential effect.
It may, of course, be something completely different (such as an allergic reaction to something else or a neurological symptom), so I would certainly suggest your vet considers what may be happening (particularly if you see it happen a third time or more).
Hope this helps.
Tony
"A light meal or snack before dosing is recommended; prolonged fasting before administration should be avoided. Cerenia tablets should not be administered wrapped or encapsulated in food as this may delay dissolution of the tablet and consequently the onset of the effect."
After looking even deeper, I discovered that a very small number of dogs in trial studies with the drug have developed Otitis/Otorrhea (less than 2% of dogs in the study). This could be the answer to the head jerking, as the condition refers to a middle ear infection with a slight discharge. I would certainly raise this with your vet, as they may not be fully aware of this potential effect.
It may, of course, be something completely different (such as an allergic reaction to something else or a neurological symptom), so I would certainly suggest your vet considers what may be happening (particularly if you see it happen a third time or more).
Hope this helps.
Tony
Yes, I was happy with the order and the tripe supplier. They delivered exactly as promised. Does my CKD dog Mandy eat it? Yes, she nibbles at it, but she isn't crazy-in-love with it. But my other two dogs are.
Mandy's appetite has been very poor, so I'm not surprised she's not wild over it. It's hard to get her to eat anything. BUT, just today I read on this forum that someone else suggested Hills Prescription Diet canned K/D Beef & Vegetable Stew. So I went to my vet and got some (only available from a vet), and Mandy scarfed it up. I have to say, it even smelled good to me! So I was thrilled to see her eat with enthusiasm.
In Tony's article "How Diet Affects Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease"
http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease
Tony writes
"There is also a psychological element to dogs not eating when they have chronic kidney failure. Because a dog experiences nausea as part of the illness, they commonly associate feeling sick with the last food they ate. Many dog owners feed their dogs much the same food, day in, day out, so it is little wonder a dog suddenly refuses to eat it. In his mind, he is thinking 'this is making me feel sick, so I'm not going to touch it.' "
That's pretty much been the case with Mandy. So I keep switching up her foods, and when I find one she readily eats, like the Hills K/D Beef & Vegetable Stew -- WOW! That's just so exciting.
Mandy's appetite has been very poor, so I'm not surprised she's not wild over it. It's hard to get her to eat anything. BUT, just today I read on this forum that someone else suggested Hills Prescription Diet canned K/D Beef & Vegetable Stew. So I went to my vet and got some (only available from a vet), and Mandy scarfed it up. I have to say, it even smelled good to me! So I was thrilled to see her eat with enthusiasm.
In Tony's article "How Diet Affects Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease"
http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease
Tony writes
"There is also a psychological element to dogs not eating when they have chronic kidney failure. Because a dog experiences nausea as part of the illness, they commonly associate feeling sick with the last food they ate. Many dog owners feed their dogs much the same food, day in, day out, so it is little wonder a dog suddenly refuses to eat it. In his mind, he is thinking 'this is making me feel sick, so I'm not going to touch it.' "
That's pretty much been the case with Mandy. So I keep switching up her foods, and when I find one she readily eats, like the Hills K/D Beef & Vegetable Stew -- WOW! That's just so exciting.
Lynne, I'm so glad you mentioned the Hills k/d beef & vegetable stew. Because of your comment, I went to my vet and got some today, and I'm THIRLLED that Mandy scarfed it up. She really liked it!
Thank you!
Kay
Thank you!
Kay
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