Is the flu or problem with kidneys?

[bearsmomma]

Bear had blood work done sometime last winter.  The vet told me his kidney levels were a little high but nothing to worry about.  I was worried though and took him to a homeopathic vet.  He gave him pills for kidneys and I've been giving those to him since.  He also takes several other pills for him immune system and for the pain in his elbow since both vets said it is possible that he has cancer in it.  We never did a biopsy though.  He has been doing so good since we took him to the homeopathic vet and changed his diet.  I give him a low protien, no grain food.  Every once in a while, if he is having a bad day (limping), I will give him a doggy asprin.

This will be the 5th day he has not been feeling well.  He hasn't been eating, but is drinking a lot of water.  That's why I'm worried about the kidneys.  I took him to vet on Wed.  He said he could have a intestinal flu, worms, or the kidneys.  He gave some pills for the nausea and some for his appetite.  It did help a bit because he hasn't been eating anything and last night he ate hamburger I fried up for him.  I was ofering him anything I could think of.  He also peed 2x in the house.  And he never goes in the hous!  It was on the kitchen floor so I could tell there was streeks of blood in it.

Is this normal if he has worms or flue or is this a sign there is something wrong with his kidneys?  He has a vet apt in an hour.  I'm taking in a stool sample ( which is diarrea) and I'm going to ask for blood work again.

There is a dark cloud over everyone in this house.  We are all so worried about him.  I don't understand how he got sick so fast.  He a breakfast one day and then wouldn't eat again after that and still wont except that little bit of meat last night.

Anyone have any ideas what I should expect?  Does it sound like a problem with his kidneys or am I over reacting?

[bearsmomma]

The news about Bear isn't good :(  It seems to be what I feared.  The vet is afraid his kidneys are shutting down.  In additions to the blood that is visible in his urine there is also blood in the stool sample I took in.  He was also breathing real heavily in the car on the way there.  It almost had a whistle to it.  He hasn't eaten even a bite so far today, but is still drinking tons of water.  

The vet took some blood, but I won't have the results from that until Tue.  He also gave him a shot of antibiotic and some to take home also.  I was surprised because he doesn't hand out antibiotic very willingly.  He said he was covering all the bases.  I supposed it was because of the heavy breathing.  He also gave him a shot of a mixture of b complex and something else ( I don't remember) to build up his red blood cell count and help his appetite.  He gave me all kinds of pills.  some for the bleeding, some other homeopathic pills and I don't even remember what they are all for because my head was spinning after he said he was afraid his kidneys were shutting down.

Now that I'm home I have questions, but I just couldn't think straight when I was there.  I was trying so hard not to cry.  I know it depends on what the blood work shows,but I wish I would of asked him how much time he thinks Bear has left.  I know if he doesn't eat anything it wont be too long.  The thought of him starving is killing me.  Is he in any pain?  He is lying around mostly,but can still get up and walk around and ask to go out to potty.  He is still very affectionate and wags his tail, but his eyes are so sad :(  I know he doesn't feel good at all.  When do I know if he is suffering?

I don't even want to go to work.  I only work 3 days a week for 5 hours, but I don't want to leave him.  I need to be with him and he needs me here too.  I think I'm going to ask for some time off.

Bear hasn't eaten anything today.  Any suggestions what I could offer him?

I'm so angry right now because I feel this was all caused by the pain meds the other vet had him on before for his leg.  I also feel angry because it seems like the whole world should just be on hold right now instead of everyone just going on about their lives.  I'm never going to get another animal.  I can't handle this.  We've had Bear for almost 9 years now.  We got him from the Humane Society when he was about 9 months old.  He isn't old by any means.  I just can't believe this is happening.  I can't imagine him not being here.  I know there are many of you that know exactly how I feel.  I would appreciate any prayers on Bears behalf.  Thank you.

[Thomas Dock, CVJ, Vet. Technician]

Sorry to hear that Bear is not feeling well...I hope that your veterinarian can help determine what's going on with this latest round of bloodwork.

You didn't mention how old Bear is...

You are definitely right to be concerned about Bear...it almost sounds as if he has multiple issues (kidneys, arthritis?, cancer?)

There are so many possibilities given the information you have shared with us so far.   Drop another line after Bear is examined at the veterinarian and let us know what was found.   That might help us point you in the right direction.