Canine Kidney Disease Lifespan .....Survey?

[TwoBitsMom]

When a person is told that their dog has kidney failure, the biggest question is, How much more time can I reasonably expect my dog to live...? Because each dog is different, Veterinarians and the internet, are vague...some say weeks to months...others say months to years.  I hope the information collected here, along with recommendations and guidance from the dogs veterinarian, will offer dog owners helpful information, and realistic expectations. I would like to hear some input from others, as to what information would be helpful.  For example...Breed, Age, Symptoms, Creatine, Bun, and Phorsphorus levels at time of first exam that revealed Kidney Disease, as well as End Stage Symptoms and Lab Values ( if known. )   How Quickly did the disease progress. Did the dog die naturally, or was the death assisted. I think this type of information would be very helpful to anyone and their dog, who has to deal with this disease. I would prefer it, if anyone who offers the information, could refrain from sharing personal stories, and just try to list information. Does anyone else think this is a good idea....or not...?  Please share your thoughts with me.....Thanks
Connie

[cinnamonzmom]

My fourteen and a half year old Pekingese was diagnosed with kidney disease and pancreatitis. The Vet had said I could put her in the hospital with IV fluids and make her comfortable. My little girl was throwing up bile every morning as soon as she would drink her water. Her tail was down. I tried chicken and rice and all of her favorite foods. I loved her with all my heart. Letting her go was the kindest thing I could do for her. I have read many blogs and many posts. I have read posts that pet owners are willing to spend every penny in their bank account to keep their pets alive. Many Vets count on that fact. Loving a pet is knowing when to let them go and do what is best for them. It really isn't fair to a pet to keep them going just because in this day and age we can even though deep down we know they are not comfortable and there is no cure. I miss my baby so very much but I loved her enough to not make her suffer. I wasn't going to stick her with needles and force feed her. She deserved to leave this world with compassion.

[tonyb286]

Hi.

I have replied on the other thread you posted to.

Tony

[hoodprincess]

He is vomiting too much, today mostly yellow thick stuff. Assuming it is bile? I don't know what to do. We are really worried now. What can we do?

[hoodprincess]

Hi Tony. The vet has started administrating Intralipids to my boy since yesterday. He is still vomiting, and although our vet is giving him anti-vomiting injection, it doesnt seem to help much. He vomits a little bit about 4-5 times a day, and its white foamy stuff  (Sometimes yellow). Last night, he urinated a little on his bed. That said, he urinates about 4-5 times a day and quite a bit.

He drank water by himself today, but he's getting very weak. His hind legs are weaker and he gets tired easily, even after walking some steps. His vital stats are normal, as per our vet. His blood test is tomorrow, and we are hoping that the reports are good.

What do you think? Really hoping the disease stabilizes.

[hoodprincess]

Thanks for the prompt response, Tony.

Tomorrow will be his Day 2 of IVF. My boy isn't technically hospitalized, and we take him to the vet in the morning and evening for IVF. Our vet is providing the nourishment through the IV feed, he told us of that. The blood isn't present in his vomit or stools, though he is vomiting bile. It isn't much, but he vomits a little at least twice every day. We put up in India, so he has asked us to arrange Lipid Infusion, if possible from the United States.

I've joined the group, thank you so much!

[tonyb286]

Hi. First of all, please join the CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS User Group here on MedHelp. It's where you'll get lots of info and support from owners in a similar position as you. It's also where you will find me most days.

IV Fluids are the first line of treatment for kidney disease. But it's not enough on its own. Ask your vet to teach you how to perform SubQ fluid therapy at home. This helps continue the benefits of fluid therapy, but it's also better for your dog because they are under less stress from being at home instead of at the vets.

The blood is likely to be from ulcers along the gastric tract. There are several ways of treating these, including a dessertspoon of chopped cooked green leaf cabbage every day (for a dog that is eating okay). If a dog isn't eating, then your vet should consider the best medicinal options while also considering the kidney disease.

If the vet has said no food then how is the dog getting nourishment? I assume through the IV feed? Please check. Without nourishment, your dog will go downhill rapidly. Nourishment is needed for energy and to fight the kidney disease and any potential infection.

Yes, your dog can improve (although kidney disease is ultimately fatal) and may live for a longer period and even for a year or two with a reasonable quality of life, as long as the kidney disease can be stabilized. Time will tell.

Once the IV fluid therapy is finished, it is vital the vet performs a blood pressure check and assesses the urine for specific gravity, any UTIs, and protein leakage. If there are any UTIs, a culture and sensitivity test will be needed BEFORE any antibiotic is given.

Keep me informed how things go.

Tony