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Dog has kidney disease - looking for any advice
Hi everyone. I have been reading many of the posts and have been touched with all of your stories and the support given here. I have a 13 year old chihuahua, named Buddy, who was diagnosed with CRF in September. I have been managing his symptoms with subq fluids, anzemet for nausea, famotidine for acid - both anzemet and famotidine go in the sub q, and holistic care. He has had good days and bad days. He has always been a troubled eater, but since he has been taking the anti-nausea medication he has enjoyed eating. He will eat chicken out of the bowl and then I feed him sweet potatoes with vitamins and calcium through a syringe which he actually enjoys. He was just diagnosed with pancreatitis - and I'm not sure what this means. Has anyone else experienced this? For awhile he was also having trouble with regurgitation. The food was literally not making it to his stomach before coming back up. And I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this too? I have also read on the fiveleafpharmacy website that hydrotherapy or hot/cold therapy will help bring the blood to the kidneys can bring a dog out of failure. Has anyone tried this? I am desperate to maintain the stable condition that he is currently in. I feel like I have been running from the worst for the last three months and fear the day he takes a turn for the worse and not bounce back. I know this day is coming, but as you know, I want to fight it off as long as possible. Any answers or advice you can give me would be much appreciated! Thank you again for sharing your personal stories. He is my little soulmate, my soul baby.
Hi Yumiko. Thanks so much for getting back to us with an update. It's great news to hear Buddy is doing well. It's brightened my day. Thank you. Connie has said everything that I would want to say, so I won't repeat anything ... other than, well done for doing so much for Buddy and give him an extra hug from me. Tony x
Yumiko...
I am so glad to hear that things are going well with you and Buddy...!
Thank-you so much for the update. It is so wonderful to hear that he is stable.
Yumiko...don't let the researching become your priority...Make sure you continue to give your head a rest...! If you ever start feeling like you are overwhelmed...you know where to find us...!
Buddy is in good hands with you.....You are doing everything you can to make sure he gets the best care possible....You are a good Mom... :-)
Give lots of hugs and kisses to Buddy and Peanut, and tell them they are the best dogs in the world...!
Connie
I am so glad to hear that things are going well with you and Buddy...!
Thank-you so much for the update. It is so wonderful to hear that he is stable.
Yumiko...don't let the researching become your priority...Make sure you continue to give your head a rest...! If you ever start feeling like you are overwhelmed...you know where to find us...!
Buddy is in good hands with you.....You are doing everything you can to make sure he gets the best care possible....You are a good Mom... :-)
Give lots of hugs and kisses to Buddy and Peanut, and tell them they are the best dogs in the world...!
Connie
Hi Tony & Connie,
You guys are wonderful! And thank you for your concern. I actually took your advice, Connie and took my mind off of it for awhile! It felt good and I really needed to do that, and feel refreshed and stronger to help my boy. He is stable and is doing well. He hasn't thrown up or regurgitated for awhile. So fingers crossed we will be able to maintain this level for awhile. I will keep you updated for sure and let you know of any major changes. Thank you so much for your concern and checking in on me. Please continue to do so as the time will come when I will need the emotional support to make the right decisions. Thank you..
Yumiko
You guys are wonderful! And thank you for your concern. I actually took your advice, Connie and took my mind off of it for awhile! It felt good and I really needed to do that, and feel refreshed and stronger to help my boy. He is stable and is doing well. He hasn't thrown up or regurgitated for awhile. So fingers crossed we will be able to maintain this level for awhile. I will keep you updated for sure and let you know of any major changes. Thank you so much for your concern and checking in on me. Please continue to do so as the time will come when I will need the emotional support to make the right decisions. Thank you..
Yumiko
Hi Yumiko. Your last post was a couple of days ago. I'm just checking how things are with Buddy. Big hugs, Tony
Tony,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your BB. I read some of your posts and can hear your deep pain and admire you for being able to keep her best interest at heart. She was lucky to have you. I don't want to lose my sweet boy, but I don't want him to be here if he is in pain. I hope that I will be able to see the distinction. I feel blessed with the opportunity to show him how much I care for him and appreciate all of the years that he loved me unconditionally. He knows I love him as I am sure BB knew you loved her. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. it really means a lot.
Yumiko
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your BB. I read some of your posts and can hear your deep pain and admire you for being able to keep her best interest at heart. She was lucky to have you. I don't want to lose my sweet boy, but I don't want him to be here if he is in pain. I hope that I will be able to see the distinction. I feel blessed with the opportunity to show him how much I care for him and appreciate all of the years that he loved me unconditionally. He knows I love him as I am sure BB knew you loved her. Thank you for sharing your time and thoughts. it really means a lot.
Yumiko
Hi Yumiko. I wish I had advice or info to give to you, but sadly I haven't. I lost my beautiful lurcher BB to kidney failure a very short time ago. Neither I nor our vet caught the symptoms early enough to do very much to help her, and she went from being relatively (seemingly) healthy to being completely crushed and overcome by the disease within a few days. But I know and understand why you are probably spending alot of time researching about your Buddy's condition. I did exactly the same - and I'm still doing it. I think it's partly to prove to ourselves that we are doing everything possible to relieve and/or treat the symptoms our best friend has and to find if there's anything that can be done to help further.
You seem to have done an amazing job, though I also agree with Connie ... make sure you don't over-exhaust yourself and make yourself ill in the process. Do what you can, but make sure you take breaks whenever possible. In the end, listen to what your Buddy is saying to you - if the situation is anything like BBs, you will know when that dreadful point is reached where your best friend is saying 'enough, I've had enough'. Heartwrenching though it is.
For now, please keep using this thread as I have personally found the people on here are remarkable, kind and generous with their time and support. We all need someone, right? Your Buddy has you ... make sure you have someone supporting you too. Big hugs. Tony x
You seem to have done an amazing job, though I also agree with Connie ... make sure you don't over-exhaust yourself and make yourself ill in the process. Do what you can, but make sure you take breaks whenever possible. In the end, listen to what your Buddy is saying to you - if the situation is anything like BBs, you will know when that dreadful point is reached where your best friend is saying 'enough, I've had enough'. Heartwrenching though it is.
For now, please keep using this thread as I have personally found the people on here are remarkable, kind and generous with their time and support. We all need someone, right? Your Buddy has you ... make sure you have someone supporting you too. Big hugs. Tony x
Connie,
Thank you seeing the heart of what I was trying to express and responding to that. Your last post really hit me like a wave. Thank you...
Yumiko, Buddy & Peanut
Thank you seeing the heart of what I was trying to express and responding to that. Your last post really hit me like a wave. Thank you...
Yumiko, Buddy & Peanut
Yumiko..
That is quite a regiment....for both of you.
It sounds like your vet has been great working with you. You already know that you cannot cure his disease, the best you can hope for is to slow it down...and Buddy's numbers have come down....so remember...You have been doing a wonderful job with his care.
You talked about all the internet searches you have done. No doubt,That is how you found this website.
When you asked for answers and advice, I bet you never expected so much..!You wanted "options" ...you got them...But please remember...that is all they are...just options....just things for your consideration. I understand that you cannot use all the options, I understand that what you are looking for is the BEST option ...because you want the best for him.
Everydog is different, and what worked best for one, may not work best for another...what you are doing for Buddy seems to be working for him. His numbers have dropped.
Yes...the options are overwhelming. Everyone just wants to help so much.
Never doubt that you did not do enough. You have, and you still are.
No one knows your dog better than you. You are the best person to decide what needs to be done for him.
He loves you and trusts you, and knows you only want to do what is best for him.
It is obvious how dedicated you are to making sure you don't overlook any "options "out there. Buddy is lucky to have you . But...
I am concerned about you...you sound exhausted and overwhelmed.
You are Buddy's caregiver...and as such, you need to take care of yourself as well. Give yourself a break from the searches...set aside only a certain time of the day for your research. Give your head a rest.
Take some peace out of knowing that out of ALL the Options out there for Buddy...YOU are still his best.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both..(.Peanuts too )
Connie
That is quite a regiment....for both of you.
It sounds like your vet has been great working with you. You already know that you cannot cure his disease, the best you can hope for is to slow it down...and Buddy's numbers have come down....so remember...You have been doing a wonderful job with his care.
You talked about all the internet searches you have done. No doubt,That is how you found this website.
When you asked for answers and advice, I bet you never expected so much..!You wanted "options" ...you got them...But please remember...that is all they are...just options....just things for your consideration. I understand that you cannot use all the options, I understand that what you are looking for is the BEST option ...because you want the best for him.
Everydog is different, and what worked best for one, may not work best for another...what you are doing for Buddy seems to be working for him. His numbers have dropped.
Yes...the options are overwhelming. Everyone just wants to help so much.
Never doubt that you did not do enough. You have, and you still are.
No one knows your dog better than you. You are the best person to decide what needs to be done for him.
He loves you and trusts you, and knows you only want to do what is best for him.
It is obvious how dedicated you are to making sure you don't overlook any "options "out there. Buddy is lucky to have you . But...
I am concerned about you...you sound exhausted and overwhelmed.
You are Buddy's caregiver...and as such, you need to take care of yourself as well. Give yourself a break from the searches...set aside only a certain time of the day for your research. Give your head a rest.
Take some peace out of knowing that out of ALL the Options out there for Buddy...YOU are still his best.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both..(.Peanuts too )
Connie
Connie,
I will take a look at that and see what else I can add to his routine that won't upset him. My vet and I have been very careful because at times he looks at us as if to say "enough is enough." I am walking the fine line between how badly I want him to live for several more years and not wanting to look back and feel as if I have not done enough with what he can physically stomach, and when he feels that he is getting poked and prodded and syringed so much that he feels the quality of his life is gone even if he isn't nauseous or having gastric upset. I think each of us has to decide for ourselves and for our furry loved ones where this line is. Daily he gets: a subq injection, an additional shot of anzemet in the morning if he is acting nauseous, 4 different liquid holistic meds twice a day, food syringed 6-8 times a day, carafate 2-3 times a day. Hot/Cold therapy twice a day for 15 minutes each. To his food, I add calcium, a multi-vitamin, joint supplements ( i tried to leave this out, but then he feels the pain), supergreens, digestive enzymes, probiotics, fish oil, vitamin e, renatrophin, coq10 - when i think he can handle more and sometimes i get this wrong and he ends up throwing up and ends up with nothing in his stomach.. He a 3 1/2 lb chihuahua and I fear that if I push him too hard and upset his stomach, the next time will be the last time and he will give up trying again. And the guilt and the questioning of my decisions has already set in, but I know in my heart, i care only for his best interest and I have spent long hours on the internet researching and getting new ideas, and if he was stronger i would exhaust all of them. Unfortunately he can't handle all of the options. Anyone else feel this way?
I will take a look at that and see what else I can add to his routine that won't upset him. My vet and I have been very careful because at times he looks at us as if to say "enough is enough." I am walking the fine line between how badly I want him to live for several more years and not wanting to look back and feel as if I have not done enough with what he can physically stomach, and when he feels that he is getting poked and prodded and syringed so much that he feels the quality of his life is gone even if he isn't nauseous or having gastric upset. I think each of us has to decide for ourselves and for our furry loved ones where this line is. Daily he gets: a subq injection, an additional shot of anzemet in the morning if he is acting nauseous, 4 different liquid holistic meds twice a day, food syringed 6-8 times a day, carafate 2-3 times a day. Hot/Cold therapy twice a day for 15 minutes each. To his food, I add calcium, a multi-vitamin, joint supplements ( i tried to leave this out, but then he feels the pain), supergreens, digestive enzymes, probiotics, fish oil, vitamin e, renatrophin, coq10 - when i think he can handle more and sometimes i get this wrong and he ends up throwing up and ends up with nothing in his stomach.. He a 3 1/2 lb chihuahua and I fear that if I push him too hard and upset his stomach, the next time will be the last time and he will give up trying again. And the guilt and the questioning of my decisions has already set in, but I know in my heart, i care only for his best interest and I have spent long hours on the internet researching and getting new ideas, and if he was stronger i would exhaust all of them. Unfortunately he can't handle all of the options. Anyone else feel this way?
Yumiko...
Please scroll down the main dogs community page....there is a post by Dekesmom....Title is..."Kidney Failure in my dog"
Cookiesmum left a letter full of info that may be helpful....
Connie
Please scroll down the main dogs community page....there is a post by Dekesmom....Title is..."Kidney Failure in my dog"
Cookiesmum left a letter full of info that may be helpful....
Connie
I had to put Buddy on a homemade diet in February because of his eating problems. I wish I had done that for him long ago instead of watching him struggle to eat. We have another dog, named Peanut, who is also on a homemade diet because she wanted what her brother had. If/When I get another dog, I will keep it on a natural pre -prepared diet as long as possible for the reason you mentioned - they are already perfectly balanced. it is pretty stressful worrying about whether my dogs are getting all of the vitamins and nutrients they need. I'm currently doing a 50/50 protein/carb diet for him and adding vitamins and calcium. Keeping my fingers crossed. Thank you for taking the time to respond. You advice and time are very much appreciated.
Yumiko & Buddy & Peanut xx
Yumiko & Buddy & Peanut xx
Connie,
My name is Yumiko, and yes my little Buddy is named Buddy. Thank you so much for taking the time to not only respond to my post, but to do extra research on a condition you had no previous knowledge of. I can't express to you how much your kindness means to me.
Yumiko and Buddy xx
My name is Yumiko, and yes my little Buddy is named Buddy. Thank you so much for taking the time to not only respond to my post, but to do extra research on a condition you had no previous knowledge of. I can't express to you how much your kindness means to me.
Yumiko and Buddy xx
I see....Not only is your dog your Buddy, but his name is also Buddy... Sorry I missed that....
( I was interrupted by a phone call, just as I was finishing the above post, and didn't have a chance to double check for names)
Give Buddy a hug from me....Connie
( I was interrupted by a phone call, just as I was finishing the above post, and didn't have a chance to double check for names)
Give Buddy a hug from me....Connie
Thanks for that huge amount of info on your last post. It must have taken you quite some time to write it.
It sounds like the vet did a good job explaining that the two diseases are typically treated the same way....and apparently, your vet can see that you are doing a fantastic job taking care of your little guy. I am glad to hear that he does not seem to have any pain associated with it.
The steady decline in your dogs "numbers" is wonderful....it is proof for you that you have done things right for him.
I understand why you would not want to leave him at the vets office without you...I did not want to put my TwoBits there either...she hated that place...it was always so stressful for her.
Because of the pancreatitis, I can understand how any thing fatty like the fish oil and vitamin E, would make him feel sick....again..YOU noticed this, and you did the right thing not to give them to him....So...keep up the good work.
I will be thinking of you in the days ahead....If you plan on sticking around on this is forum...may I ask what is your name, and your dogs name...?
Connie
It sounds like the vet did a good job explaining that the two diseases are typically treated the same way....and apparently, your vet can see that you are doing a fantastic job taking care of your little guy. I am glad to hear that he does not seem to have any pain associated with it.
The steady decline in your dogs "numbers" is wonderful....it is proof for you that you have done things right for him.
I understand why you would not want to leave him at the vets office without you...I did not want to put my TwoBits there either...she hated that place...it was always so stressful for her.
Because of the pancreatitis, I can understand how any thing fatty like the fish oil and vitamin E, would make him feel sick....again..YOU noticed this, and you did the right thing not to give them to him....So...keep up the good work.
I will be thinking of you in the days ahead....If you plan on sticking around on this is forum...may I ask what is your name, and your dogs name...?
Connie
COMMUNITY LEADER
A lot of kidney diets are high fat, so with the pancreatitis, that's something to be aware of. Fats will definitely make his symptoms worse.
This is another thing you need to discuss with your vet, and see if there's a good veterinary prescription diet which will support his needs.
The reason I say "prescription diet" is that these diets, althogh commercially-produced, do provide all the nutrients needed, so there is less chance of malnutrition which can sometimes happen on a low-protein diet. But of course, there are home-cooking options. I decided mostly to use the prescription diet, partly because it does seem to suit my dog and her energy is good on it, and also I was finding so much conflicting information about home cooking.....what was good/what was not good, etc....but of course there are other options available
This is another thing you need to discuss with your vet, and see if there's a good veterinary prescription diet which will support his needs.
The reason I say "prescription diet" is that these diets, althogh commercially-produced, do provide all the nutrients needed, so there is less chance of malnutrition which can sometimes happen on a low-protein diet. But of course, there are home-cooking options. I decided mostly to use the prescription diet, partly because it does seem to suit my dog and her energy is good on it, and also I was finding so much conflicting information about home cooking.....what was good/what was not good, etc....but of course there are other options available
Thank you for advising me to post a question so that I can get more responses. It feels great to have so many people understand what I am going through.
As far as the pancreatitis, Buddy wasn't exhibiting symptoms for it at all. He doesn't vomit or have diarrhea. What he had been doing was more of a regurgitation - which has been cured by keeping him still for about 30 minutes after he eats. And he doesn't seem to be in any pain. And there was no evidence on the ultrasound. It was discovered when the vet asked for the additional test of his blood (the PLI - that revealed the pancreatitis) last month when we checked his numbers, and her suspicion is that he has probably struggled with pancreatitis most of his life as it waxes and wanes and is often confused with IBD, and he has been a troubled eater his whole life. (I have only been seeing this vet for the past 3 months)
Hospitalizing unfortunately is not a good option for him. Being out of his home for three days without me would cause severe depression and anxiety and could possibly cause him to give up entirely. My vet has told me that all that I am doing for him for the kidney failure - sub q fluids, 6-8 small meals a day, love and attention - is the same care recommended for the pancreatitis. I did get an additional holistic medication for the pancreatitis. His stomach and entire system is so sensitive these days that there are things that I would like to give him but can't on a regular basis - like fish oil, renatrophin, vitamin e, because too many things causes him to feel sick. So I play the delicate balance of giving him what he needs, what I want him to have and what will make him sick 6 to 8 times a day.
I have been lucky, his BUN and Creatinine numbers have decreased over time: Starting at 123/3.8 (Sept), 87/2.8 (Oct) and 79/2.5 (Nov)
He looks at me with his big brown eyes and tells me that he trusts me completely to do what is in my power. And to know when it's too much for him. He will do anything I ask of him because he can see in my eyes that i love him with all of my heart and would never hurt him. He has taught me to love on a whole new plane and I cannot let him down.
Thank you so much for caring so much about us. Your passion is so clear and meaningful to me.
As far as the pancreatitis, Buddy wasn't exhibiting symptoms for it at all. He doesn't vomit or have diarrhea. What he had been doing was more of a regurgitation - which has been cured by keeping him still for about 30 minutes after he eats. And he doesn't seem to be in any pain. And there was no evidence on the ultrasound. It was discovered when the vet asked for the additional test of his blood (the PLI - that revealed the pancreatitis) last month when we checked his numbers, and her suspicion is that he has probably struggled with pancreatitis most of his life as it waxes and wanes and is often confused with IBD, and he has been a troubled eater his whole life. (I have only been seeing this vet for the past 3 months)
Hospitalizing unfortunately is not a good option for him. Being out of his home for three days without me would cause severe depression and anxiety and could possibly cause him to give up entirely. My vet has told me that all that I am doing for him for the kidney failure - sub q fluids, 6-8 small meals a day, love and attention - is the same care recommended for the pancreatitis. I did get an additional holistic medication for the pancreatitis. His stomach and entire system is so sensitive these days that there are things that I would like to give him but can't on a regular basis - like fish oil, renatrophin, vitamin e, because too many things causes him to feel sick. So I play the delicate balance of giving him what he needs, what I want him to have and what will make him sick 6 to 8 times a day.
I have been lucky, his BUN and Creatinine numbers have decreased over time: Starting at 123/3.8 (Sept), 87/2.8 (Oct) and 79/2.5 (Nov)
He looks at me with his big brown eyes and tells me that he trusts me completely to do what is in my power. And to know when it's too much for him. He will do anything I ask of him because he can see in my eyes that i love him with all of my heart and would never hurt him. He has taught me to love on a whole new plane and I cannot let him down.
Thank you so much for caring so much about us. Your passion is so clear and meaningful to me.
Thank you so much for the advice about the benzacare. I will ask my vet about it tomorrow!
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I read your journal entry The Lonely Walk and am incredibly moved. I do not want to struggle with regrets about Buddy, but I I think it may be impossible not to wonder if there was more you could've done or if it was the right time to let your loved one go. I hope that I have the courage to make the right decision for him and not keep him here while he is suffering for me, but I wake up every morning partly afraid that I will find that he has gone during the night, knowing also that I would be partly relieved that I don't have to make that decision. I am on constant vigil, looking for signs. Knowing that there are other people who are faced with the same situation and emotions helps a lot. I with everyone the best of luck. As for Jack, I believe he knew how much you loved him, and he was fortunate to be with someone who considers him a member of the family and not just a dog.
P.S. be sure to scroll all the way down the webpage I mentioned above ....as it has alot of advertising that interupts the article.....
Hi..
I found this website...it gives you a pretty good quick summary of pancreatitis.
http://www.veterinarypetcare.com/dogpancreatitis.html
Please take the short time required to read it. It is easy to
understand....after I read it, I have to wonder why your dog is not being treated at the vets office...this conditions sounds very serious as well as painful.
What explanation or advice did your vet give you...?
This condition really needs to be addressed immediately.....again...please read the article.
I hope that other members with more first hand knowledge of this condition will be able to give you some better answers.
Connie
COMMUNITY LEADER
I feel the hot/cold therapy may have something going for it, simply because it will possibly stimulate blood flow in the area.
But the best option (possibly) would be to discuss with your vet about prescribing ACE inhibitor drugs. They dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the kidneys The only contra-indication might be if your dog has history of heart trouble. Talk to your vet about it.
My dog was diagnosed with very early-stage KF in October. We started her on these meds straight away, and something has so far been helping her a LOT. Her BUN and Creatinine fell dramatically over four/five weeks of treatment. Fingers still crossed, but she's doing good.
The ACE inhibitor (Benazecare) causes her no side effects (I know all dogs respond differently to medicines, but maybe you could give this a try?)
But the best option (possibly) would be to discuss with your vet about prescribing ACE inhibitor drugs. They dilate the blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the kidneys The only contra-indication might be if your dog has history of heart trouble. Talk to your vet about it.
My dog was diagnosed with very early-stage KF in October. We started her on these meds straight away, and something has so far been helping her a LOT. Her BUN and Creatinine fell dramatically over four/five weeks of treatment. Fingers still crossed, but she's doing good.
The ACE inhibitor (Benazecare) causes her no side effects (I know all dogs respond differently to medicines, but maybe you could give this a try?)
Hi there....I'm so glad you re-posted this question. I am sure you will be getting some replies from other members soon, so check in often.
May I ask...how did the vet recommend that you treat the pancreatitis...?
Did he give any pain medications for your dog..? Did he suggest holding off on the food...? Or increasing the fluid intake....? Surely, your vet must have offered some type of guidance for treating this.
I don't have any experience with pancreatitis , so I'm not sure how to help you....I'm so sorry.
I have not heard about anyone trying the hydrotherapy that you mentioned, sounds interesting though.
I know how worried you must be about your little guy....and my heart goes out to you...
You have come to the right place for support...
Hang in there....
Connie
May I ask...how did the vet recommend that you treat the pancreatitis...?
Did he give any pain medications for your dog..? Did he suggest holding off on the food...? Or increasing the fluid intake....? Surely, your vet must have offered some type of guidance for treating this.
I don't have any experience with pancreatitis , so I'm not sure how to help you....I'm so sorry.
I have not heard about anyone trying the hydrotherapy that you mentioned, sounds interesting though.
I know how worried you must be about your little guy....and my heart goes out to you...
You have come to the right place for support...
Hang in there....
Connie
You are doing the best you can for Buddy. I had a cat name Joe who died few months ago from 4th stage of kindey failure. He lost 2/3rds of his body weight and our Vet said he was suffering, so I had to make the call. He lived to be 16, so I was blessed to have those years with Joe. Jack was my dog that caught me off guard. Like your buddy, he never ate right, but he had sickness I did not really understand. He had liver shunt, which slowly sapped his life away. We medicated him, but he only lived 4 years. He was my best friend for sure and I miss him daily and the guilt just overwhelms me sometimes that I didn't do more for my Jack. You will not have to worry with this, because you have done everything for Buddy. I know he loves you very much and will stay by you side as long as he can. I think of my pets as members of my family. I had many who dismiss my grief, but that is their problem. They miss out on not having a pet who loves them. May God Bless you!
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