kidney disease uncovered by chf episode in dog

[rddugan]

My sweet 14 year old Pomeranian had an episode of Congestive Heart Failure 2 weeks ago.  He was treated successfully and responded well to the Lasix, etc.  However, when he had his follow-up work a few days later, his kidney levels were bad - over 11 phosphorus, high BUN and creatinine.  We took him to the hospital for hydration and the BUN came down to 87, creatinine a little above normal.  On follow up a couple days later his BUN was 140, creatinine 2.8, and phosphorus normal.  His behavior is less exuberant than normal.  He had a bit of vomiting yesterday, no diarrhea.  His appetite today and yesterday was not too good.  The one day he had the Mirtazapine  he was his normal self and ate well.  My vet said to come back in a month for blood work and keep doing what we were doing.  However, I am concerned that I should be doing more- particularly with his diet when he does eat well.  Right now, with a lowered dose of Lasix, his heart issues seem well managed.  

Is there some more aggressive treatment, especially in terms of diet?  
Is his outlook is so bad, doing anything more will be fruitless?
Is a month soon enough to keep a good eye on his kidney blood levels?

Thank you.  We want to keep our buddy as comfortable and happy as we can as long as we have left.  

[rddugan]

Thanks so much Chasha,

I need to do something about food as I constantly worry I am killing him quicker - though he is eating homemade dark meat chicken soup with carrots and low sodium broth as well as hamburg.  Carbs are a problem and he won't eat pills without something he likes.  I am going to the vet tomorrow because he is coughing a bit more and I am worried his CHF is acting up.  I will ask more about food help then.  He is so fussy, I am not sure he will eat KD.  I am willing to cook though.  I will keep the forum updated.  I find any support I can get very helpful and restorative.

[chasha33]

You can find Nuri-cal at most petstores like Petco ot Petsmart and alot of vets carry it.I know how hard this has to be for you.My peke Snowball is 12 years this all started  over a  year ago.I took her to the vet cause she had gained 8lbs in a few weeks.I didnt know what was wrong with my baby.Well  it took several weeks and lots of test and 3 different Drs and then they found out it was CHF and her kidneys.But her lab work would change every few weeks durindg all of this.Sometimes she was fine then her Bun and creatinine levels go up.Her lab work for her kidneys would look like a normal for her age then they would get high.When we found out what was wrong my vet did labwork and then waited 2 weeks after she started her meds to check again and then  waited a  month.My vet put her on the Purina KD and  I do feed her  KD to help cut back on her sodium intake.Cause restricting there salt helps prevent edema,ascites,and hypertension.Also KD has low protein and protein is hard for them to metabolize when they have kidney problems.Also the phosphorus in the kd is lower.With the kidneys and the CHF problems, Foxy needs a food that will help all of that.I also feed Nutro holistic.
I havnt had to do subq's on her But i did have to do them with my other Peke.Foxy seems to be a really lucky little guy to have you.I will keep ya'll in my prayers Take Care and God Bless

[rddugan]

Hello Chasha33,

Foxy is taking 1/4 Enalapril,1/4 Pepcid, and 1/4 Mirtazapine related to the kidney issue.  He also takes a bit of lasix (furosemide), and Vetmedin for his heart disease.  Enalapril also works on the heart issue.  His heart medicines are working fine.  Nutri-cal sounds so familiar - where would I find it?

How old is your Peke?  Has he been diagnosed long?  Do you do subcutaneous fluids?
The vet didn't suggest that to me yet.  I hope he continues to do well.

I will be trying all the food suggested here.  However, it seems as if I don't have enough time to do it all because of work.  It worries me.   I had to leave him to work yesterday and I hated to, but I think he was able to get a good day's rest with my husband there and he was very perky and happy when I got home. However, this morning he is nauseous again and doesn't want to eat.

I've had a hard time, of course, but a friend of mine with a young dog with kidney failure said she was the same way at first.-crying all the time, etc.  Now it is better.  

I so appreciate your interest.  God bless you and your Peke as well!

[chasha33]

What other meds is your baby on besides Enalapril.My Peke is on Enalapril, Vetmedin and lasiks.She also takes 1/2 a pepcid a day and Sulfracate.It helps her from getting ulcers from her meds.You could try getting some of the Nutri-cal and putting Foxy's meds in it.Also pumpkin is another way you could try.When my baby first went on her meds she did great and then she started spitting her meds out.I tried all kinds of things and since they have little mouths it is hard to pill her,But after a couple of weeks she got better about it.IWell i hope that Foxy is feeling better.Take care and God Bless

[Margot49]

try sweet potato instead of the regular potatoes.
You may find sticky rick in an Asian market.  Some I know order it on line.
I give our Grey his pills in the small pill pockets twice a day and he eats them right down.

[rddugan]

Thank you all so much for the great advice.  I have been on dogaware site and now will make sure to read it more thoroughly.  I am very sad today because I have to go to work and leave my little buddy behind.  He comes with me when I am in the office and loves it, but today and many days this week he won't be able to come.  My husband will care for him - but I don't like to miss a day with him.

He is already taking Enalapril for heart function, so I'm glad to find out that it is good for kidneys.  He has taken pills very well with food until lately.  However, when I have to pill him, he fights like crazy, shakes his head, gags, etc.  I hate to put him through it.  He sometimes spit them out - his throat opening is so small, it's hard to get the pill down far enough.

Re: diet - I made some dark poultry meat and broth and am trying to find acceptable carbs to mix with it that he will like. I put potatoes in it with the broth of the soup and he accepted them after he has had his appetite stimulant.   I haven't tried sticky rice, but will look for it now.  He actually spits out individual grains of white rice I've tried with him.  He is very fussy, but so cute.  

Well - off to giving him meds and to work. Hopefully he will eat.  Thank you all again.