Kidney Failure in a dog -- when is it "time?"

[Zinley]

My almost 13 year old dog was just diagnosed with advanced kidney failure. BUN is 165, creatine is 9.  For a dog that used to weigh 85 pounds "in his day", he now only weighs 43 pounds.  The vet says he has "days, not weeks or months left."  Although, I think he means in terms of when I should be putting him down, not necessarily when he will pass on his own.  While he stopped eating dry food and then stopped eating canned food, I now got him to eat a home-made burger/rice/carrot/spinach mixture.  I need help knowing when it's time . . .he seemed happier today, so that throws me off.  With those lab #s, has that time already come?  Or should I just wait until there's nothing I can get him to eat at all?  

[tonyb286]

Hello. Please go over to the Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs USER GROUP. Mouse over the Forums tab top left, then click on User Groups, then enter Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs into the search bar. Once you have the User Group on your screen, become a member. I administrate this Group, which has owners in it that are going through what you are going through - or have already gone through the same illness with their own dogs. They are a wonderful group of people, very empathic, very supportive and extremely knowledgable. I am certain you will find it both beneficial and heartwarming to join in the discussions there.

Also, so you have a base of useful tips and knowledge to help you right now, please read my article below. I hope you will find it both interesting and useful.

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

As to when is the right time ... well, that's a really difficult question to ask anyone that isn't directly involved in your situation and circumstances. There is just a chance we can help get those bad numbers down, but nothing is ever certain, and if you feel your best friend is suffering and things seem very bleak, then you should of course consider putting him out of his misery. Sometimes it is the kindest thing and the last responsibility of all owners. On the other hand, if there's a chance we can help prolong his life and improve his quality of life, even maybe only for a few months, then please consider some of the advice the User Group can give you.

You are in my thoughts. This is a tough journey for both you and your best friend.

Tony

[bellasmom1234]

I am so sorry to hear this. It's so hard.

While I'm not in the same position as you are right now, less than 3 months ago I had a top specialist say I had days left with my Bella after some liver complications. I am not trying to give you false hope, or to go against what the vet is saying, but rather that I remember myself bringing her home and having given up but when I looked at her, although weak and not herself I knew she hadn't. I took to the internet and researched and seeked help and the support and suggestions came in. I know that Bella and I are some of the lucky ones, and while we now know she has conditions that will be life long, her quality of life has certainly improved and we are working together to have more time just as good as we have had the past two months regardless of what time is left. It takes alot of time, work and patience (and $$) as she did not get better overnight but she did slowly improve. Just as I diligently look for the signs that she may not be well, I try to look for the ones that may show she is getting better. You may not have the same kind of positive outcome that I have and I am just trying to balance out the rationals of the positive and negative possibilities.

As far as knowing when it is time, I asked myself that question so many times. Alot of people speaking from experience will say that you will just know. I believe that to be true. In Bella I always look for her spirit that makes her, her. Even on days she was not her best, it was the simplest things like her snuggling with her ratty stuffed bunny and still having a slight sparkle to her eyes that it wasn't quite that "time".  

I would encourage you to join the "Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs User Group" if you already haven't on this site. The support from the members going through the same things is remarkable and comforting to read. The host of the group Tony is also extremely knowledgable from own experience.

I wish you and your fur babe all the best for a peaceful and comfortable outcome, regardless of the final result.

Take care of each other :)

[amielynn24]

I'm so sorry to hear of your dogs recent diagnosis!  It is never easy knowing when it's time, but trust that he will tell you when he's ready.  Are you giving him subQ fluids at home?  Towards the end of Daisy's fight, I was more concerned with getting her to eat anything rather than what she should have been eating.  The vet agreed.  She survived a few days off cat treats then she'd surprise us and eat some chicken, pork or steak then back on the cat treat diet.  Take it one day at a time and be there for your sweet pup until the very end. Don't blame yourself, there isn't anything that can be done when the levels have gotten this high.  Take care!