What Stage Kidney Failure Does My Dog Have?

[mydogsaremylife]

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.  

[mydogsaremylife]

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.

[mydogsaremylife]

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.

[Kaymbsc]

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

[tonyb286]

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

[mydogsaremylife]

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!

[DarbiesMom]

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