Oliver 15 year old Maltese with Kidney Disease

[Fitmaltesemom]

Results are in: Olivers BUN went from 23 to 25 Creat: 1.4 to 1.7  Specific Gravity went from 1.016 to 1.012 His potassium has increased, therefore Dr. Schultz thought it would be best to take him off the renal essentials for a month and have him retested.  If the potassium remains the same then she wants to start him on fish oil. She did say with Kidney Disease/Failure the numbers do fluctuate.  Overall, she feels that it is great he continues to eat and keep himself  hydrated.  She said the blood results are not “alarming” but we continue to monitor him.  He needs to build muscle which is difficult with this disease and his age of 15. But, she did say I have been exceptional in taking care of him and he is very fortunate to be with me 24/7.
Any thoughts? He still is pretty active and eating like there is no tomorrow.

[Fitmaltesemom]

I'll be feeding Oliver his breakfast soon. I should be so lucky, he has always a great appetite since the day I brought him home at 10 weeks.

Oliver and I cuddle this weekend since my significant other (Lonnie) is on a business trip.  Everyone will be asking about Oliver......that's the first thing people say when  they see me or my boyfriend.

Have w wonderful weekend.
Hugs
Elsa

[DogBlog]

Elsa:

Sammie had the same exact appetite for many many months.  We just fed her every 2 hours....a little at a time.  I was so grateful she wanted to eat.  My vet felt this was normal.

Charlene

[Fitmaltesemom]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't think he will ever be obese :) But, I am keeping a watchful eye on the little man.  The most he weighed was 6lbs and that was 5 years ago. He was rather round and did need to lose weight.  He moves around a lot and I think that is why he has maintained his current weight. Will see on November 7th when I report back.

Hugs
Elsa

[Fitmaltesemom]

Oliver's rejuvenation....may very well be.  I can't wait to see what Tony responds as well ;)

Vaccinations - Oliver goes back on 11/7 and I will discuss the DHPP and kindly state no more vaccinations and explain why. I am sure Dr. Schultz will concur with my reasons.  Oliver is due for rabies shot in 2015 so that can wait until next year. I also will ask Dr. Schultz what stage of kidney failure Oliver is at. Pretty sure the blood results will be the determination.
He also isn't drinking anymore or less water since going through kidney failure. For some reason I expected him to be bedridden, he actually is the total opposite. He barks and I run on command ;)

Its amazing that Oliver actually loves the KD canned food. Can' wait to weigh him in November. He feels solid. I have to remind myself that Oliver is 15 years old.
Hugs
Elsa

[tonyb286]

Hi Elsa. I really wouldn't worry about Oliver's apparent increased eating. I think it is probably one of the things that has kept him going - and long may he continue. So many CKF dogs just quite literally stop eating anything. The fact that Oliver not only eats but asks for food is, to me, fantastic. You might want to keep an eye on his weight, if he continues to eats like a mini-horse, because obviously you don't want him getting overweight (that would just cause other 'issues').

I've said it many times ... Oliver is a little miracle and an inspiration to everyone in the User group.

Tony x

[DarbiesMom]

Hey Elsa,

Re: Vaccines...I asked my vet the other day and she said, except for Rabies, Darbie shouldn't need anymore vaccines!

Re: Oliver's rejuvenation...I can't wait to see what Tony says, but if it's anything like Darbie's, I'd swear it was the new diet and supplements! We allow her to sleep without disturbing her. She sleeps wonderfully thru the night. Now that our nights are colder and 5 a.m. mornings are darker, she is like waking a stubborn child. She smiles, stretches, rolls on her back to get a bell rub. She knows she's got me wrapped around her sweet little paw...I will spoil her til the end of time:)

Blessings:)

Lynne & darbie