4th stage renal failure in my dog

[aggieone]

I have a nine year old lab  "Sandy Grace".  She is in fourth stage renal failure-Of course she has seen her regular vet for fluids-ultra sound revealed she has one kidney which is failing.   Creatine was 13-subs at home-now using hollistic and homepatic treatment.  Recently more bad days than good.    I am giving her ice chips which seem to work better for her than lapping.  Pedialyte ice is also better.  She throws up until she staggers and falls-I am continuously trying to hydrate her and giving her baby food-At times, she is able to keep it down,  other times the vomiting is horrible.  She continues to try for us, and we are fighting so hard for her-LIke others, I tuck her in at night (she sleeps on the loveseat with her "bankie" covering her).  I am sleeping in the den with her so I can give her support throughout the night.  Neither of us are getting much sleep.  I have her spoiled now with hand feeding other than her baby food, and I hold her plate while she licks it up.  I am using a recipe of egg yellow / whites, honey, and whole yogurt with a touch of dry powdered milk.  This works sometimes.  Sandy Grace is not ready to leave us-she continues to try-we try for her twenty-four hours a day.  Is there any over the counter medication that I can give her that will help with her vomiting?  We love her so much and she loves us so much-my husband and I feel like we will know when she is ready to go.  We went to grocery store yesterday to  buy more food supplies and liquids for her, when we got home, there she was looking out the window-barking for us to hurry and come inside-you open the door and there she is  - -so excited, still wagging her tail for us.  What can we do, this is our baby, she is so, so sweet-I know her days are numbered, but she is just not ready to leave. Help.    Aggieone

[vinnysfriend]

Thanks Kathy and Charlene... Sorry Kathy, if I had triggered your thoughts of Peyton's suffering... But yes... i am getting advices here.. which i will try.. let us hope for the best... Thanks again.

[Cholismom]

Hi Kathy,

You are such a beautiful person, Kathy...thinking of you.  Siliva

[DogBlog]

Hi.  I'm sorry to hear Vinny is having a hard time.  I have a 16 year old Papillion cross with this disease.  I thought we were losing her weeks ago but this site has helped me, help her.  I have found that for now Sammie is doing well with a mixture of chicken legs, chicken skin, green beans and tapioca,  We feed her a little bit several times throughout the day.  She is also on a vitamin with minerals, a tums, and famotadine.  I also give her a mixture of purified water and pedialyte.  I know she won't last on this for a long time, but she's eating!  She does sleep a lot.  We see our vet this week to discuss the sub-q fluids.

Maybe a little change of diet will help.  Tony is much more medically knowledgeable so follow his advice.  He's helped me so much.

Prayers to you and Vinny.

Regards,
Charlene

[DogBlog]

Hi Kathy:

I've been thinking of you and Peyton daily.  My prayers are with you!!

Charlene

[tonyb286]

Hi Kathy. Still thinking about you and Peyton. It's early days, I know, but I hope you are coping. Stay strong. You are in my thoughts. Tony x

[KatnPeyton]

Hi Vinnysfriend. I am so sorry to hear about Vinny's diagnosis. You have come to the right place for both your emotional support and your pups support. I completely agree with Tony's advice. And there are some great people here that completely understand what you are going through.
When I was told that Peyton was in the late stages of chronic kidney failure I had the same questions you posted above.
You are the only person in this world that truely knows Vinny. Im sure you two have a deep bond. I believe we are our pets guardians. We are here to protect and love them. The hardest decision for any of us to make is euthanization. Believe everyone when they say you will know when its time for your beloved Vinny to pass either naturally or by your loving decision. Peyton was holding on for me... the vet told me when he diagnosed him that he would probably wouldnt give me a sign because we are so deeply connected and Peyton just overall loved life. That placed all the pressure on my heart. I kept hoping the vet was wrong.
Questions of quality of life come into play. This is when your love has to make your pets wellbeing priority. I watched for signs of pain and discomfort.. if he was enjoying his toys, usual car rides and trips to the park. I spent my nights close to him to see if he was able to rest. He was okay until the last few days. I wasnt sure how bad off he was until we tested his blood. His CREA count almost doubled in a week and a half and he had lost quite a bit of weight. That same day he wasnt himself again... was anxious, worried, and tired. I made the final decisoin calmly at the vets. I say "final" because deep down inside I felt it was time before we got to the vets. I wanted my baby to not suffer anymore, not to worry about me, and to live happily with dignity. Its only been 10 days... so Im in tears again. I hope I have been of some help. Im still quite emotional... but getting better.

Best Wishes and Prayers to Vinny and You.
-Kathy