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Kidney Failure - When It's Time to Let Go?
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.
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.
Welcome...I'm sorry you have found us under these conditions.....Unfortunately, you are not the first.....The time to let go is a personal decision that we all must make.....From your description, I think Lily is still doing well......It sounds as if you have ALL bases covered.....Good going!
In my experience, She will let you know when it's time.Until then, feed her anything she wants.....I know you said she won't eat chicken, but have you tried cooking up some dishes such as Chicken & sweet potatoes or some chicken & rice? I boil them up together so the broth will season the rice or vegetables.....You can add veggies if she likes.....You can do the same with lean hamburger meat if needed....
Other things that dogs just love (And are healthy) are a dollop of Plain Yogurt or a small bowl of cottage cheese.....My dogs get this on a regular basis and it can be used as a kibble topper.....
Your canned food is an excellent choice because of the added moisture it provides!
My heart aches for you & your Lily, please know you both are in my prayers....
Sadly, we have a lengthy thread on this subject on the forum.....I will provide the link, but must warn you, it's SAD! There is however, a lot of great information that may help you with your decisions......
Here it is:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dogs/4th-stage-renal-failure-in-my-dog/show/425814?page=1
Let us know how you both are doing.....We are here for you, Karla
In my experience, She will let you know when it's time.Until then, feed her anything she wants.....I know you said she won't eat chicken, but have you tried cooking up some dishes such as Chicken & sweet potatoes or some chicken & rice? I boil them up together so the broth will season the rice or vegetables.....You can add veggies if she likes.....You can do the same with lean hamburger meat if needed....
Other things that dogs just love (And are healthy) are a dollop of Plain Yogurt or a small bowl of cottage cheese.....My dogs get this on a regular basis and it can be used as a kibble topper.....
Your canned food is an excellent choice because of the added moisture it provides!
My heart aches for you & your Lily, please know you both are in my prayers....
Sadly, we have a lengthy thread on this subject on the forum.....I will provide the link, but must warn you, it's SAD! There is however, a lot of great information that may help you with your decisions......
Here it is:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dogs/4th-stage-renal-failure-in-my-dog/show/425814?page=1
Let us know how you both are doing.....We are here for you, Karla
No she's not, she's a part of your family. Our dog was my first dog too, he made it to 14 and then that day we woke up it all went so very wrong, we didn't have time to say our goodbyes or prepare for it. As hard as it was I'm glad we did everything we could for him and love him and appreciated him each and every day. He was our son. I hope Lily pulls out of this and you have some more great times with her. Eventually we have to say goodbye. I found this website that makes beautiful memorial pieces with boro glass that includes fur, nail clippings or ash (its not visible) should you want something like this I would be happy to share the info with you. An inspiring story on there was a man who's dog was diagnosed only to live a short time and he had a memorial piece done while the dog was living. The dog made a full recovery and that memorial piece reminds him of the great gift he still has. I hope Lily follows in this dogs footsteps and make a recovery. Will keep you and Lily in my prayers.
Opps....I forgot something.....How about a scrambled egg? Maybe she would enjoy that! Eggs are considered Protein.......
I read the thread, thank you. So disheartening :/
I will try the chicken-rice and the yogurt and see if that helps. I've decided that Lily is still doing OK comparatively, but we will revisit this in one week and see how she is doing. My poor baby.
I will try the chicken-rice and the yogurt and see if that helps. I've decided that Lily is still doing OK comparatively, but we will revisit this in one week and see how she is doing. My poor baby.
Thanks for the update....Since Lily was fine a few months ago, does your Vet think the kidney disease is Chronic Or Acute (As in poisoning) or do you know? I'm just curious and for some reason, can't let this go! I guess my question is, do you think she's been poisoned? Did your Vet suspect anything unusual since I assume this is the same Vet that did bloodwork 4 months ago? ...... Thanks, Karla
Lily ate some rotisserie chicken tonight - one of her favorite "people" dishes, so I am feeling a bit heartened :) Of course, it's likely she'll throw that up tomorrow, but tonight was a good night, so I am trying to hold onto that. Just a little bit of hope to get me through, for today.
The vet was clear as in that the kidney failure is incurable. He was surprised, himself, because he said she looked pretty good, but the blood work was definite.
Yes, he's the same guy who saw her back in August. I asked him what had caused the kidney failure, and he said there was no specific cause, so I guess that rules out poisoning. Old age is my best guess :(
The vet was clear as in that the kidney failure is incurable. He was surprised, himself, because he said she looked pretty good, but the blood work was definite.
Yes, he's the same guy who saw her back in August. I asked him what had caused the kidney failure, and he said there was no specific cause, so I guess that rules out poisoning. Old age is my best guess :(
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