4th stage renal failure in my dog

[aggieone]

I have a nine year old lab  "Sandy Grace".  She is in fourth stage renal failure-Of course she has seen her regular vet for fluids-ultra sound revealed she has one kidney which is failing.   Creatine was 13-subs at home-now using hollistic and homepatic treatment.  Recently more bad days than good.    I am giving her ice chips which seem to work better for her than lapping.  Pedialyte ice is also better.  She throws up until she staggers and falls-I am continuously trying to hydrate her and giving her baby food-At times, she is able to keep it down,  other times the vomiting is horrible.  She continues to try for us, and we are fighting so hard for her-LIke others, I tuck her in at night (she sleeps on the loveseat with her "bankie" covering her).  I am sleeping in the den with her so I can give her support throughout the night.  Neither of us are getting much sleep.  I have her spoiled now with hand feeding other than her baby food, and I hold her plate while she licks it up.  I am using a recipe of egg yellow / whites, honey, and whole yogurt with a touch of dry powdered milk.  This works sometimes.  Sandy Grace is not ready to leave us-she continues to try-we try for her twenty-four hours a day.  Is there any over the counter medication that I can give her that will help with her vomiting?  We love her so much and she loves us so much-my husband and I feel like we will know when she is ready to go.  We went to grocery store yesterday to  buy more food supplies and liquids for her, when we got home, there she was looking out the window-barking for us to hurry and come inside-you open the door and there she is  - -so excited, still wagging her tail for us.  What can we do, this is our baby, she is so, so sweet-I know her days are numbered, but she is just not ready to leave. Help.    Aggieone

[tonyb286]

Hello. I'm sorry to hear about Teagan. When things start going downhill with this disease, it can happen quickly - and there is sometimes no stopping it. We can sometimes try to gain some time, but there is an inevitability about what happens. If she wasn't eating much and her blood levels were deteriorating, then you did the right thing - the kindest thing - at the right time. Guilt is a very common and very natural post-euthanasia experience, even though it is completely unwarranted.

I would urge you to read my article about losing our pets here: http://www.infobarrel.com/When_a_Pet_Dog_Dies

It may help.

Cyber hugs, Tony x

[DogBlog]

Okay....I've moved to my computer since my tablet keeps kicking me out.  I'm so sorry.  What I was trying to say is that although there are no words to make it better PLEASE do not burden yourself with guilt.  You did the most unselfish thing there was for Teagan.  If Teagan wasn't eating and was vomiting (especially with the numbers rising), you made the right decision.  This has to be the hardest thing we ever have to do but stopping our babies from suffering is what is important.  We all always doubt ourselves whether it was the right time or not.  I'm not as good with words as Tony and Silvia are but please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and we are all always here for you.

[DogBlog]

sorry for the previous post...I'm having trouble with my tablet.  There are no words to help you feel better but PLEASE don

[DogBlog]

There are no words that

[Dkomoro]

I just put my beloved Teagan to sleep.  Like the rest do the posts she was in renal failure...diagnosed at the beginning of April.  I was doing IV's at home with cerenia tabs to control the vomiting.  She wasn't eating much really only an occasional doggie treat since Tuesday.  Last buns was 125 and cre 8.3...jumping 1.2 since prior week.
Now all I can think is that I should have waited longer.  What have I done???

[AmbertjesMom]

I second that about Tony and Silvia --- if I haven't said it often enough, you both saved me (and you still do) during my lowest times of grief. Whenever you offer comfort to anyone who come here, I feel your warmth and sincerity and genuine compassion. Bless your hearts.