Kidney Disease & Ascites

My 4-year-old dog Freckles was recently diagnosed with kidney failure. His creatinine level is alarmingly high - 20 - and he has severe ascites (clear fluid in the abdomen). The doc has drained it twice, but the fluid returns. Freckles had not been himself for the past month. Exactly one month ago, I took him to another vet because he had a strange "chemical odor" to his breath, he was lethargic, had lost weight, his coat had lost its shine and he had severe itching. I NOW know these are all classic symptoms of renal failure. The vet (obviously a quack), however, passed off the lethargy and poor appetite due to an ear infection, sold me some fish oil to address his dull coat and itching and suggested I schedule a teeth cleaning for the bad breath. Now, a month later, my poor dog is so sick, and I am kicking myself for not taking him elsewhere a month ago.  I realize it probably wouldn't have made much of a difference, but I still feel guilty.

Anyways, has anyone experienced severe swelling of the abdomen with this disease?  Any ideas how "far along" we are with the disease? Is the end close, or is it possible we have some time with him? I WILL NOT let him suffer.  At this point, he is eating well, not vomiting, urinating okay (definitely less than normal), and eating up all of the love and attention we are giving him. He does seem to have trouble getting in a comfortable position (his belly is so big; he's gained 10 pounds in fluid in the past week) and he has started to seek rest in places he has never slept in before. He used to lay in the bathroom with his head facing the hallway; now he faces the back wall; today, I found him in between the furniture facing the wall. He also seems so tired and his eyes look sad, with a look of pleading.

How will I know when it's time to put Freckles to rest?  Again, I do not want him to suffer. But I am selfish and am not ready to lose him.  Three years with him (we rescued him a one year of age) has not been long enough, but it has been enough time to fall in love with him.

[Jaybay]

I am so sorry - for you, your dog and the sorry treatment your vet offered.  With such a young dog I'd really want to know WHY his kidneys are failing, and your vet did nothing. Please take your dog to another vet and have some tests run to see how badly his kidneys are functioning.  The chemical breath you mentioned means the unfiltered toxins are very high and it may well be time now.  There's no point in torturing yourself without some solid facts.  If nothing else, he needs to have that fluid drained now because it is making him suffer - perhaps needlessly.  Is there an ER vet nearby that you can consult?

[Jaybay]

I forgot to add:

Please call Dr. Carol Osborne who contributes here at Med Help.  I'll be surprised if she can't offer you some guidance!

http://www.medhelp.org/doctor_profiles/show/931595