Pedialyte for dog with kidney failure?????

[PrincesMom]

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).

[PrincesMom]

Hi Connie,
Neither of his vets mentioned a stage of kidney failure, but here is what his levels were: BUN-71; Creatinine-4.7. This was on Feb. 16th. Now they are: BUN-27; Creatinine-2.2. His phosphorus has increased from 5.8 to 6.6, but I really can't do anything to control this. The diet he needs for his pancreas is high in phosphorus and the binders give him bad diarrhea. The diet that best controlled all of his issues was the baby food & cottage cheese, but he is refusing those now!
The last blood test only showed five things higher than the normal range: Alk. Phos., Creatinine, Phosphorus, Cholesterol and Platelet Count. Both vets said as long as the results were decent, to only do them every 6-8 weeks.
I am going to ask about the anti-nausea meds, they probably would not hurt. I also have an appetite stimulant med that I thought about giving him. ??
Also, his specialists said that I could try him on the Pedialyte, that it would not hurt him. I have not bought it because he has actually started drinking plain old water again on his own the past few days.
He is better today versus the rest of the week, so I hope it was just discomfort from the grooming. Like I said, it usually does upset him, it has just never lasted as long.
Thank you again, for the advice. I really, really appreciate it! I will take any to help my baby!!

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi Paula...
Wow, sounds like Karla certainly may have figured out Prince's discomfort..!
I know if I had anal sacs expressed, I'd probably be a little uncomfortable too..! It certainly sounds like that could be the problem. Good thinking Karla.!

Paula, you never mentioned what stage of kidney failure Prince is in.
Also, is he currently taking any medications for his kidneys...?  I am just wondering, if he is getting pickier at what he is eating, maybe he is starting to feel nauseated. And if he is not drinking, then he would be more dehydrated, and he may be feeling sicker as a result. How often is he suppose to have his bloodwork done...?
Perhaps it is time for some anti nausea medication...?
I have also been wondering what your vet said about the pedialyte.

I hope Prince is feeling better soon, please keep us posted...
Thinking of you both....Connie

[PrincesMom]

Karla,
Yes, they do express the anal sac, thank you for mentioning it! I had forgotten about that. I hope that is all it is. Thank you!! I really appreciate all the help I get from this forum, and will definately keep you posted.

Paula

[Misfits4Me]

Hi Paula...Does your groomer express his anal sacs along with his grooming? If so, then it's pain from having his sacs expressed...It usually takes my sensitive one, anywhere from 3 days to 1 week to get back to normal......That's the first thing I thought of after I read your post.......Keep us updated on him & best wishes...........Karla

[PrincesMom]

Prince is having a bad week. He is becoming more picky with his food, he has been really gassy and has not been able to rest well. I had him groomed Saturday and he has been off ever since.This has happened before, when he gets upset, his pancreatitis acts up, but it usually subsides after a day or two. I think he is getting worse, even though his blood work came back good 3 weeks ago. I am hoping that he is just out of whack from getting upset over going to the groomers.
My family says I am overreacting since he is not vomiting and holding down the food he does decide to eat, but I think him being so restless means he feels bad, and I don't want him to be miserable.
I knew when my Dad had had enough, he couldn't tell me, but I saw it in his eyes the last day he was conscious. I am hoping I will know when the time is for Prince too. I just hate to see him feel bad.
Any advice from anyone who has went through this would appreciated. Maybe I am overreacting???

[tonyb286]

Karla is abso,lutely right about wet foods (tinned or preferably natural), as they keep a dog hydrated - especially those that aren't naturally prone to drinking water. My favourite amongst the wet foods are frozen blocks of white fish, chicken and green tripe (green for dogs, white for humans) that you cook (I use the microwave for ease) - mixed with some boiled white rice (not wholegrain as dogs find it hard to digest). I have never met a dog yet that won't eat green tripe, it stinks to high heaven, but they love it and it's full of natural ingredients, minerals and nutrition. You can buy natural meats and white fish for dogs at any good pet store, look in the freezer department or you might have to ask about it.

So sorry to hear about your dad, on top of everything else. You are really going through the mill right now. Words are never enough, but I really hope you are able to take some time out at some stage, just to relax and grieve like I'm sure you need to. Big hugs, Tony