Has anyone used azodyl for big dogs? I've a great dane. On the box they write: 2 capsules for 10 Ibs. more than 10 Ibs - 3 capsules. But my dog is about 122 Ibs! Using 3 a day doesn't help him at all. Can I give him more? Do you know some good urologist for pets?
I'm really glad to hear about an early detection for renal failure. My dogs are both rescues so we can only estimate their ages as roughly 8 and 6 maximum. This year I had the vet run full labs on both of them to avoid those unwelcome surprises like renal failure, liver failure and even a possible twitchy pancreas. I'll ask him if he knows about the ERD test.
We have a great relationship with our vet, and I know if he isn't aware of it already, he will look into it as soon as we ask him. I certainly don't expect any vet (or human doc for that matter) to be informed of every single medical advance in their field. To my mind, what makes a good doctor is one who is open to admitting that he doesn't know everything and is willing to do some research at the behest of his clients. I want a working relationship rather than an "egotistic expert" vs. "idiot" relationship. I am blessed in having both human doctors and a veterinarian with that kind of attitude and inate curiousity. Seems like in these days of frivolous lawsuits any kind of medicine must be practiced from a defensive and adversarial position, but that's an entirely different topic.
Particularly with renal disease and failure, early detection is extremely important. Once those kidney cells are damaged, they're gone forever and the body doesn't manufacture new cells like liver or skin cells. With early detection, diet and medication can retain what function remains and help prevent further damage. In some cases the dog may live a normal life span and die of something completley unrelated to the kidneys. This early detection test is very good news and I'm so thankful you posted it! :-)
Vetroquinol (who market Azodyl) previously marketed and sold Epaktin, extracted from crab and shrimp shells, and sold as powder, mixed with pet food to lower phosphorous, help reduce uremia to treat less severe Chronic Kidney Disease for pets. Azodyl is more beneficial treating advance stage of Chronic Kidney Disease than Epaktin alone.
(I just found this when I googled Azodyl) That's probably the 'powder' you were told about?
Thanks everyone for this valuable information. And thanks Misfits4me for mentioning that simple urine test, which could make all the difference in treating this terrible disease in the early stages. (I'm copying this all to my computer in case I should ever need this info!)
Want to add something here:
Kidney disease is the second largest cause of death in dogs. There is a fairly new test to detect early kidney disease in dogs and cats.
The normal blood & urine tests used do not detect early disease. By the time it shows up on these tests, 66% of the kidney function is already lost.
The test is called E.R.D. (Early Renal Damage) test. It is done using a urine sample and only takes 5 minutes. My Vet suggests the test at every yearly checkup no matter how old the dog is, beginning at 1yr. old.
If problems are detected, medical conditions are ruled out, first. If it is truely a kidney problem, meds. are started to help support the kidneys for the life of the dog.
Thought I'd pass this along as this test catches problems way before the damage is done.....Something good to know....
P.S. The cost of this test is $40.00 at the clinic I use. My 3 get it yearly, as I DON'T like surprises!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karla
I'm going to pick up Azodyl today from my vet and also something else she said I might try but forget what it was. It's something in powder form to sprinkle on food (if I can get my dog to eat.) What a terrible disease.