WELCOME one and all to the Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs Group

[tonyb286]

I hope you will join this Group and become a valuable and active member. Through this Group, we can help each other with suggestions, advice, support and information about this dreadful disease and how best we can manage treatments for our best friends. As a starting point, please have a read of my article on diet at: http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

I have tried my very best to put as much useful information as possible in this piece, but if your questions and concerns are not answered in the piece, please start a thread and post your comments. To help track your thread, please head it with the name of your dog.

[TwoBitsMom]

Thanks for inviting me to join the group Tony...!  This is a much needed group, and you are the perfect person to be the administrator of this group. You are a blessing to so many people who come here to seek advice and support.  Best Wishes my dear friend..
Connie

[tonyb286]

Thanks Connie. I'm hoping the Group gets a good foundation of members, because the collective source of support and information will prove invaluable. Like others, I am continually reading information and new research about canine CKF and this Group should be a good way of passing on these things and inviting the valued opinions of all interested parties.

Of course, you are the person who first supported me when BB was diagnosed ... so this Group has been made possible through your kind words, compassion and friendship. I'm sure I've said it many times, but here's an official THANK YOU to you.

Tony x

[Fitmaltesemom]

Thank you for the invite.  Very happy this was created. The stories in this group will help all that are going through CKD with their furbaby.

I am forever grateful that I found this site by accident- really has helped me tremendously.

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Tony!!!  I'M IN!!!!   Karla

[tonyb286]

Yeaaahhh ... I feel happy! Thanks for joining. :)

[Margot49]

I still can't figure out how to join!!!

[RileyPie]

Thank you for inviting me to this group! You, Connie and numerous others have supported me through the horrible loss of my Riley, and have helped me cope with my guilt and broken heart :( Thank you all for your love, kind words, helpful advice, and shared experiences. Hopefully, we can all get through it together!

[tonyb286]

Hi. Thanks for joining. I'm hoping the family of friends here can help others going through what many of us have already gone through. Your support is greatly appreciated. Tony

[tonyb286]

Bump ... !

[Dkomoro]

Not positive if I've joined (also having trouble bookmarking blog); but hope I'm in.  First time I've been back in a few weeks since I had to put Teagan to rest.  To be honest I hope to NEVER need to refresh myself on the terrible disease.  But, you all gave me such comfort when Teagan left me.  I hope to keep reading posts to keep up with you all.
Doris

[tonyb286]

Hello Doris. I agree, it would be much better if this User Group wasn't needed, but as this dreadful disease affects one in every three dogs over the age of 12 yrs, I think it very much is needed - and people here are very supportive and kind hearted, despite their experiences and losses.

Thank you for joining us.

Tony

[Dkomoro]

Absolutely.  Great to have a source of information when we're not sure what to do to help our fur kids.  Have a great 4th all.

[tonyb286]

Hi Doris. I was just checking the member list and find you didn't sign up. This is an open Group, so you don't need to be a member of it to join in discussions. It would of course be great if you did join though, as then you will receive the occasional updates from me and others into your Watch List.

MedHelp don't make joining as easy as I would like, but if you check the buttons at the top of the page (usually on the right hand side) you should see Join This Group. If so, just click on it.

Tony

[tonyb286]

Hi Doris. I was just checking the member list and find you didn't sign up. This is an open Group, so you don't need to be a member of it to join in discussions. It would of course be great if you did join though, as then you will receive the occasional updates from me and others into your Watch List.

MedHelp don't make joining as easy as I would like, but if you check the buttons at the top of the page you should see a + sign. Click on it to join the Group.

Tony

[tonyb286]

The + sign is in white and below the main MedHelp logo.

Tony

[Dkomoro]

Must be blind.  All I can see is the  "watch"icon which I've clicked .  Also can start a new group but not join your group.  When I get home in a couple days will try with my laptop.  Maybe I'm not seeing the join "+" option with my iPad.
Weird....

[tonyb286]

Ha, well, I don't know if you know how you did it or not ... but you are now a member. Welcome to the User Group.

[tonyb286]

Bump!

[BellaRosa03]

Hi Tony, thanks for inviting me to join the group. Yes she is young to have this disease her brother was younger when he passed, I had a feeling something was wrong she had a few wet accidents at night she never had before I was taking her in to have her teeth cleaned & told the doctor I wanted her to have a blood test done, he called and asked me to come in that he couldn't clean her teeth. When I got there that's when he told me the bad news, he has been her Vet since day one.

By reading all the post from the others has helped me & given me support on what to feed her & other information I didn't know.

Peggy

[DogBlog]

Peggy:

I just read your story about your baby.  I'm sorry you are going through this.  I truly believe the reason I had an additional 8 months with my baby is because I followed the advice on this blog.  Tony is amazing and will provide his feedback on food, exercise, etc.  You can read most in previous blogs and he has written some wonderful articles.

We are all here for you.  When I had to make that horrible decision just last week, I turned to the members here for support and understanding.

We will remain with you for support.

Regards,
Charlene

[DarbiesMom]

I know you're in good hands if you should need any advice. Please make every effort to provide Tony with as much information you can.

We will be here:)

Fondly,

Lynne & Darbie

[tonyb286]

Welcome Peggy. I'm pleased you have joined and I know you and your best friend will benefit from being here. Homework for Day One ... have a read of my article on diet and kidney disease through this link:

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

It is a comprehensive account of how diet affects CKF dogs, what changes can be made to improve quality and longevity of life - and a few other important suggestions on management. Once you have read through it, you will probably have questions, so please ask for answers.

Also, at the same time, can you let us know what you are feeding now (be as comprehensive as possible and include all things, including treats). And when were the last blood panel tests done? Do you have the results? If yes, please report them in your post.

Finally, this is a dreadful disease. It can be unpredictable. Many dogs have their good days and their bad days, and while the good outweigh the bad, I think it's worth doing what we can to make them even better for our best friends (and the owners that love them so much).

I'm sure we can help you achieve the most precious thing in the world .... more time to share adventures and experiences and love with your dog.

You are now part of the 'family' here and I welcome you.

Tony

[samsasha]

Samantha is a nearly 18 year’s old bichon frise and was diagnosed with kidney failure on Oct 2.  She has good days and bad days.  Sam has been on daily IV fluids since Oct.  She takes zantac, vitamins, cranberry, denamarin and anti-phosphorous medicine twice daily.  She has lost considerable weight and lately has become disinterested in food.  I am supplementing her little intake of food with nutrical.  That's the bad news.  The good side is that she sleeps through the night has never had an accident in the house and does not appear to be in any pain though I am not really sure.  Like others I want her to just go to sleep when it’s time though I know that probably won't happen.  I am not sure how much longer she can live with such little food intake.  I take her to the vets for bloods on Thursday.  What should I ask?

[tonyb286]

Hi. I'm sure you don't need me to say it, but at 18 yrs of age, she is a very elderly lady and you have done incredibly well to reach this stage with her. It strikes me you are doing pretty much all you can. at this point, though I would urge you to have a read of my article on CKF and diet, which you will find here (it may help with a few useful food ideas):

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

Has your vet discussed IV Fluids with you? This will almost certainly help, as rehydration and flushing of toxins is of paramount importance. Blood count details can be very helpful in assessing the stage things are at and whether anything can be done to truly make a difference, so please post back with BUN, Creatinine and Phosphorus levels in particular.

Sadly, not many CKF dogs go peacefully in their sleep. They are more likely to suffer a massive heart attack, as organs start to shut down. It is a hugely difficult and traumatic decision whether and when to consider euthanasia, which only owners can make with guidance and advice from their vet. Let's assume we are not there yet with your fur baby and keep our fingers crossed for the blood results. Either way, we are here for you - and will be here for any questions you may have or any worries you might want to let us know about, as well as ongoing support today, tomorrow and for as long as you need it. You are not alone and you are now part of our expanding family of friends.

Stay strong. Tony