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2361255 tn?1339608318

Pedialyte for dog with kidney failure?????

My 10 year old, Prince was diagnosed with kidney failure in February, the latest in a list of other medical problems. I have found some tips through these forums that have helped keep him stable since and was wondering about Pedialyte. Has anyone gave this to their dog and if so, what was the result?

Prince suffers from Pancreatitis, Cushing's Disease and SARDS (Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration).
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Avatar universal
I have been following your comments and replies about Prince. My Buster is in kidney failure also. So sorry to read your post about losing Prince. I know our day will come when we will have to make that decision also. We are giving him Sub-Q fluids now. He seems to be doing ok so far. I have been concerned about his diet and will use some of the ideas you and your replies suggested. Again, so sorry for the loss of your father and you little Prince.
Helpful - 0
5827953 tn?1375014937
Hello Tony,
We just got the results and they are not good.  Both of Max's kidney's are in failure.  The ultrasound shows that his kidneys are to small for his size and this is due to a genetic factor.  We are so upset that our baby is so sick and his time is limited.  We will start him on the special diet of Royal Canin Renal LP, continue to search the web for more info and make him as comfortable as we can.  We thank God for the time we will have with him and cherish every moment.  I will keep you updated either way.
Mel
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi. Max is very young to be suffering from this dreadful disease. I'm hoping there is some good news today from your vet. If this has been caught early, there's every chance something can be done so he can enjoy a few years yet. The management of kidney failure can be quite intensive early on, but maintenance involves administering the right foods and treats and keeping a close eye on his blood levels. There's so much information on here about managing kidney failure, I won't repeat it, but just search and scan - or ask questions and I or others will certainly attempt to answer them for you. As Max is so young. I am wondering if this is a genetic or anatomical problem, but no doubt your vet will be able to advise you better about this - and how best to proceed. They should also be able to tell you how far the disease has progressed and the best medications and foods to use. Tony x
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My girl Bella who is 3 years and 10 months old was just diagnosed with stage 2 congenital renal failure about 2 weeks ago. We went yesterday for a check up and to check her blood pressure. It was at a 190 so they put her on blood pressure medication. We go back in a week to see if it needs adjusting at all. She's been dehydrated twice and the second time is when they diagnosed her. She seemed to drink like normal but had some how gotten dehydrated but she did/does urinate more. Any help on this subject would be awesome! This is the first time ive had a dog with renal failure. For right now my vet said our main goal is to keep her hydrated, high quality food diet, and keep her blood pressure down. Sometimes I don't feel like she drinks enough. Can I mix pedialyte in her water to coax her to drink more. It was quite nerve wracking when she got dehydrated before and I'm trying to avoid that at all costs again. Thanks!
5827953 tn?1375014937
My husband & I just found out our 18 month old German Shepherd, Max was diagnosed with having kidney failure and we are in shock and so very upset.  The blood work came back showing that the kidneys aren't able to filter the protein.  We have an appointment with a specialist on Tuesday for an ultra sound of his kidney and see where we go from there!  I love reading this forum, it is not only very informative, but everyone is genuinely loving and supportive and that is just wonderful!  Let you know how Max makes out on Tuesday.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My Shih-Tzu had a urinary tract infection for which she was put on an antibiotic.  Her urine contained blood and her vet diagnosed her with bladder stones and suggested surgery after she completed her course of antibiotics.  On a day when my vet was closed (Sunday) my dog had difficulty urinating and was passing just a little blood tinged urine.  Not only did she refuse to eat but she would not even walk when I took her outside. I went out and bought Pedialyte and administered it to her using a pet feeding syringe.  Within a few hours my dog passed about three quarts of urine on her poop pad and lo and behold she also passed two bladder stones.  Now she I passing urine (without blood) normally and is eating and is her usual cheerful self.  I will be taking her to the vet within a few days and in the meantime I am watching her urine very carefully to see if she passes any more stones.  I had never heard of using Pedialyte in dogs until I went to the Internet but now I will always keep it on hand.
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hello. Most people on this forum understand and wholly appreciate the extraordinary bond that is created between a dog and its owner. In my opinion, there is no better friendship than the one that exists between human and canine. I was very sorry to read your post about Sophie and I empathize with your situation. I am assuming your best friend has had bloods taken and, if so, your vet should be able to give you an indication of how far the kidney disease has gone, for example, he should be able to tell you what percentage of the kidney(s) are still functioning - and this in turn will give an indication of the time Sophie may yet have to enjoy time with you. Everything may seem a bit vague, but that's just the nature of this dreadful disease.

I am also assuming Sophie is still eating and drinking okay. It may be useful to put her on some nourishing kidney-disease specific foods. Ask your vet for his/her advice, but also look through the forum as there's lots of info about kidney disease on here - though some of it is quite harrowing to read, it is worth it for the knowledge and tips you will find.

Once a dog is in Stage 4, it is usually too late to do very much, other than assist with anti-nausea meds and IV fluids to help your dog stay hydrated and able to eat. Sadly, as you probably know, there is (currently) no cure for kidney disease ... but we can help our best friends become more comfortable in their last months, weeks and days.

Try not to think about losing her just now, just enjoy each day as it comes. There is always heartache when we lose a dog from our lives, and sometimes the grieving is harder and more difficult than when we lose a human from our lives. This is not hard for me to understand, since a dog often shares it's entire life with us - and in turn, we share more of our life with them, going walks, cuddling up and being together every day. Dogs are truly our greatest and most loyal companions, we love them with all our hearts, but sadly, none live as long as we would like.

Sophie has been one lucky dog to have shared the last decade with you - and of course, you are lucky to have had such a wonderful dog in your life too. You are both in my thoughts. Tony x
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Avatar universal
I never thought I would write on this post . My Sophie was diagnosed last June with renal kidney failure. She acts like her normal self but has lost so much weight. She does shiver from time to time  thought. I have been giving her a herbal medicine called kidney support gold. She is also on meds from the vet. She is 10 and still plays and runs but she is fur with bones only . I know her time is coming when she must leave me but I am having such a difficult time with this knowledge. I wish I knew what her time was but no one will say anything. I read where one dog had 3 years. I pray I will have more time. No one understands the relationship we have. She is my everything. I love her with my whole being. I have had many dogs but Sophie is just every thing !! This pain is so hard to live with and I'm not sure my heart can take her passing! She is my best friend she there for me no matter what. Oh some one please help my heart !!! Thanx for listening to me    
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm so sorry...I didn't read all of the comments before my last post. I'm so sorry that Prince's time came back in July....my baby girl is 15, and I've had her since she was a puppy. The vet has given me the treatment options, and also talked about the possibility of putting her down. I understand how you feel....my grandfather passed away last year, and I live alone with my girl. She's everything to me. I'm so sorry that this was a decision you had to make, and I don't know how I'll be able to do it if/when the time comes. But I'll tell my Zoe when it is her time to go romp around with Prince so he is not lonely.

Best regards,

Meredith
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Avatar universal
Hi,

My dog was diagnosed with kidney failure as well as regenerative anemia only yesterday. My vet recommended that I give her pedialite; she is drinking water (excessively), but he said that it will help to keep her hydrated longer. I hope that my post isn't coming too late, and that Prince is doing well. Based on what my vet said, pedialite is a good option; and they sell in in various flavors so you can choose whatever Prince likes most :-)

Best,

Meredith
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My dog was diagnosed three years with chronic renal failure.  After starting him on SQ fluids for a couple of weeks, I took him off the subq fluids and began giving him pedialye instead.  I feed it to him with a bottle, to make sure he gets the amount he needs each day.

He has been doing great ever since, with just the pedialyte and no commercial or vet food products.  He runs around, plays, is very active.  
He also gained weight in a healthy way from his good diet.  He is doing great.

To my knowledge and from three years of experience, Pedialyte is absolutely safe for your puppy dog.
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Hi everyone,
I am doing better. I haven't really cried the past few days, but I am not really thinking about missing him, so that helps. The only time I get really sad is when I go to bed at night. I hate getting in that bed without him.
I had a bunch of collage photos made of him and have set them around the house, and post a new one everyday on facebook. I a finding that it helps to talk about and share my memories of him with others.
I have volunteered at the shelter I got him from, I will go one day next week. I would like to hold off on getting another dog, so I can take a vacation of some kind, but I definately think I will end up adopting sooner rather than later. My Mom is really depressed again, and I think having a dog in the house helped her grieve over losing my Dad.
Just wanted to let you know how I am doing. I very much enjoy sharing with you guys, so I will absolutely stay in touch!

Paula
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1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula...
It really sounds like you have a wonderful Vet. I don't think there are many Vets out there, who would have taken the time to write you a note. You better hang on to that Vet....!  It sounds like you will be needing him in the very near future... ;-)

I just wanted to touch base with you, and see how you are holding up.
I know how difficult the days can be, when you are missing Prince so very much. If you need to "chat" please don't hesitate to express yourself here, or feel free to message me.  I will reply when I can.

Take Care....
Connie
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Hi Paula. Yes, getting ashes sometimes can be cathartic and strangely comforting. It was the same with me with my beautiful lurcher BB. I took a week or so, but ultimately scattered her ashes on the beach near to where we live, as that was her favourite place to go running, which she did often. As for welcoming another best friend into your life ... well, do it when you feel right about it. It will never be Prince, or a replacement for Prince, and the truth is all dogs are so different, each with their own personalities, quirks and emotional make-up. Whenever you decide the time is right, the new dog you get will sure be a lucky boy or girl, because they will have the best life any dog could have.

My BB passed away last November and I am only now feeling the time is right to welcome another rescue into our home - not just for us but for our remaining 7 yr old dog Giro, who misses having another canine to interact with.

I hope as the days become weeks, you start to feel better, and hopefully will be able to smile about Prince's wonderful life without tears coming to your eyes. Grief is different for everyone, but it always takes its own time to work through. Best wishes, Tony
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Thank you Tony, Connie & Karla,
It has been a diffiult week, but has been better the last few days. I picked up his ashes yesterday and for some reason, it brought me comfort.
I do have some regrets, but they are only for me. I know that I did the right thing at the right time for Prince. My vet wrote a note to me, I found it in the bag with Princes ashes, telling me that I did the right thing, and that I always did right by Prince.
I miss him so, and find myself lost, looking for things to do. My whole day revolved around taking care of him. I am also debating how soon to get another baby. Everyone tells me it will help in the healing process, which I do believe. I just don't want to put unfair expectations on a new dog, because Prince was truly the most well behaved dog.

Thank you all for the love and support. It has helped me get through this difficult time.
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Hello Paula. Just like Karla and Connie, your posts brought a lump to my throat and tears to my eyes. This is so very hard. Prince had the most wonderful mum, someone who did all that was possible to give him the best life any dog could have. He was lucky to have you share his experiences, his good and bad days, and everything inbetween. You were so brave to do the right thing when the time came to do it, and I know only too well how tough it must have been to reach that decision and to have done the dreadful deed. It was the right thing to do - at the right time. Not for you, but for Prince. My heart goes out to you. There is no grief so raw and so tough as the grief we have when we lose our best friends. But in time, it does get better, and we can be reassured knowing our loved ones are no longer suffering. Cyberhugs are all I can give you ... Tony x
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1832268 tn?1326816010
My heart aches for and with you Paula.  The loss of our dogs is devastating.
It changes our whole world. I sit here with tears in my eyes, a lump in my throat, and an ache in my heart. I feel your pain, because I have experienced it so many times, most recently with my little TwoBits. She has been gone since September...I still cry all too often, ( like now ) but things have gotten easier for me to accept.
Our live's will never be the same without those we love...we just need to be strong, and know we only did what we did, because we only always wanted what was best for them.
Rest assured, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Connie
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2361255 tn?1339608318
Karla and Connie,
Thank you so much for the condolences. I am in shock by how much this hurts. It hurts worse than when I lost my Dad. The only relief I get is sleep. Please pray that I have relief soon, because it is unbearable right now.

Paula
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1832268 tn?1326816010
Paula,
It made me so sad to read about Prince. I certainly do understand how very much you are hurting now, and how much you miss him.  Prince was in good hands with you. You did everything you could for him. He was such a lucky dog to spend his life in the company of people who love him so very much.
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
God Bless Prince's Beautiful Spirit and Soul. He is much loved.
Connie
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
My sweet baby boy is gone. He was the sweetest little boy, he loved everyone and everyone loved him. He was sick with one thing or another the entire 8 1/2 years I had him...but not anymore. Now he is in Heaven with my dear Dad, now able to see-now he can run wild and eat anything he wants, without pain and no more sticking a needle in his back everyday, filling him with fluids, just to get his kidneys to work.
I read the other day that a dog is one of three things-a teacher, a healer or a companion. Prince was all three to me. He was also the love of my life. I miss him desperately, I will miss his little soft, warm body pressed up against mine every night and waking up to him rolling his face all over mine. I will miss his little head turning from side to side when I talked to him and I will miss him greeting me after I had been gone...his ears laid back, and his tail wagging so hard, it knocked him off his feet sometime.
But, he went peacefully, in my arms, with me whispering in his ear, "You are Momma's good boy, I love you sooooo much." And I am comforted knowing that he will be able to kick back in that big ol' recliner in the sky, with my Dad again.
I love you Bubba, more than anything. I will miss you forever.
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462827 tn?1333168952
Morning Paula.....My Heart is with you this morning......I pray for peace for you & Your Prince.......Please know that you have done everything right for your guy & he knows it........I wish every dog could have such wonderful owners as you have been......Making this final decision is probably the toughest decision we Pet owners can face......However, it's based on TRUE LOVE that cannot be matched! I will be thinking about you both in the hours & days to come.......Come back and let us know how your doing......I'm glad Prince will be with your father......That makes me smile!

Hugs to you and give Prince a kiss from me.......Sincerely, Karla
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2361255 tn?1339608318
I just wanted to let everyone know Prince took a turn for the worse last night, and I am going to the vet in 2 hours to have him put to sleep.

I want to thank all of you so much for helping me through this and giving me all the advice on how to deal with kidney failure. All of you have said how horrible this disease is, and now I see why.

I am so heartbroken that his warm little body won't be sleeping up against me anymore, that I won't be woken up to him rolling his face all over mine or that I won't get to laugh at all the funny things he does.

But I am comforted my the fact that me Dad is up there waiting for him, and that they will be buddies again, keeping each other company.

Thank you again
Paula
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2361255 tn?1339608318
Hi everyone,

Sorry I haven't wrote back, but I have doing finals for a few college classes.

Prince has not had any other episodes aside from those two. He has been on meds for high blood pressure for about 3 years. But with him being off his food for the last week to 10 days, I have not able to get him to take all his meds on a regular basis.

He has been doing good since Sunday, eating and taking all his meds, but my vet is on holiday and won't return till tomorrow. I will definately let ya'll know what he says, after I speak with him.

Thank you so much for all the help and concern. It means a lot!!

Paula
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1916673 tn?1420233270
Connie is absolutely right, seizures are not uncommon in dogs with such problems. It is certainly something you need to raise with your vet, even if it is just an emergency telephone call where they can give you some advice. Seizures come in all shapes and sizes, from extreme to miniscule, and each has its own management challenges. It is worth pointing out that dogs can also suffer amnesia immediately following a seizure and may therefore seem disorientated for a while, possibly not recongnising familiar things or people.

I suspect these tremors are also connected with both biological and nuerological systems shutting down or re-assigning themselves, brought on by Prince's physical issues. There may be very little you can do about this, but do consult your vet about it. I really hope he's ok today - do let us know. Tony
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1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula....
Just checking in....I hope all is going well.
Connie
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