Kidney Failure - When It's Time to Let Go?

[Lilyshuman]

My beloved doggie was diagnosed with kidney failure on Thursday, January 24th.

Looking back at what I do know, I know that Lily was fine back in May/June, and even in August, since she had seen the vet and she'd had blood work done. It wasn't until last week that I suspected there was something wrong with her because she hadn't touched her bowl of kibble. She'd had one or two peeing/vomiting incidents, which was unusual, and she seemed so lethargic. Of course I took her to the vet, and you know the rest.

The vet gave me three meds: sub-q fluids, phosphate binder, and one more I'm forgetting. I went to the store and bought Tums. These are what I'm giving Lily. The vet warned me that she had weeks, maybe 1 to 2 months to live. She eats the wet dog food that I bought because she no longer will touch the kibble or the chicken or apples she loved so much. Not healthy, I know, but the vet said to feed her anything that she wants.

Her breath stinks. She spends most of her day lying on the towel, sleeping/napping. She still can go outside on her own, and she wags her tail. She's still aware. She throws up most of the food she eats. She is still drinking water. She poops in her sleeping area - something she never has done before. But she still loves me and tries to comfort me.

The vet said it wasn't time to put her to sleep. But, me, I don't want her to suffer. Is it wrong to think that she should be put to sleep now? :( She has been my beloved baby for so long, and now that she's nearing her 11th birthday, I don't know if it's kind to make her hang on like this. I want to tell the vet to do it already. I have said my goodbyes, as much as I can.

Please help.

[MilosMum06]

I would hate to dredge up anything sad after so many years, but I just came across this post and I am going through something similar with my little guy Milo. He is not doing very well at the moment, not eating, weak. May I ask how much more time you got with Lily after finding out? I know that every case is different, but I have been on so many of these posts and I just want to know how much longer did you get with her?

[Lilyshuman]

Despite my initial post, Lily still has a lot of good days than bad, so I am just enjoying the time we have together. The end will come before we know it :(

I won't let Lily suffer - she is my first dog ever, and I love her too much.

I hope you'll get more days with your terrier.

[Lilyshuman]

It's been exactly two months since my original post, and I can say that the meds have been a godsend! Other people counseled me to wait and see if the meds were working because it takes time.

Lily is nearly like her old self. Of course it won't last, but the last few weeks have been very, very good. So I'm enjoying every good day because I know Lily's time is short. You just never know.

I hope it's just a bump in the road for Max, and he'll do as well as Lily.

[Roobahsox]

PLEASE TELL ME WHAT MEDS?!!!  My dog went from a BUN of 52 to 151 in a week. I have no idea how that is even possible.

[tkhathaway]

I, too, am going thru the same thing.  My 14 yr old rat terrier has kidney disease, cushings, and cancer.  Today the vet called and said her liver looks really bad.  She still has more good days than bad, so we are enjoying the days that she is with us.  We know that it is only a matter of days or even weeks before we have to make that final decision.  I am watching for any signs of suffering and then will let her go.  I refuse to let her suffer no matter how hard it is going to be to let her go.  She was my last gift from my mother before she past away.  

[dvbarnard]

our  dog  Lucy  was drinking  so much  water and  throwin p took her  to the  vet took blood  test  she  had  diabetes,  kidney  failure  and  cancer  they  kept her  to try to bring her  numbers  vet  call me  and  said  number  still  high  throwing up and  had time   breathing  also  had  a infection  we had  to  make  the  choice  to put her to  sleep  why do i  feel o bad  about  what i did  the  vet  said  she  would not  get  any  better

[MartiJ7]

I am going through the same thing. My poor Max was in the emergency vet for 5 days. We took him of fluids and his kidney values soared...not good. I am giving fluids at home and he is still enjoying his food. He actually ran up the stairs today, so it is heartening, but I also know it is short-lived. I keep hearing that we will know when it is time, but that is rather hard to hear when the doctor says one thing, and his face says another. I have him next to me sleeping away. His poor little body is so thin and ravaged, but his little spirit is still strong.

[Lilyshuman]

The funny thing is, I was always so worried about cancer. I didn't realize I had to worry about kidney failure, and here it is :(

I will be asking the vet about the anti-nausea meds tomorrow, thanks!

[Gingermissy]

Me too and Ironically I just had to put my beloved toy poodle Rocky down because of Kidney failure! I guess I can't plan my dog's destiny or my life like I wanted. I have to let God's will be done not mine. I am so sad by his passing that words can't describe the pain I feel!