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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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462827 tn?1333168952
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1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi PrincesMom...
I really know about the Pedialyte.  I know that it is OK to give dogs Pedialyte, but I'm not sure how it affects the kidneys. So, I don't know if it would really be beneficial for the kidneys..?
Is Prince drinking water...?  Distilled water might be best for him...and his kidneys. If he is not drinking anything, then MAYBE pedialyte would be best, as something is better than nothing.

Hopefully other forum members will know more about the Pedialyte and will be able to guide you better.  You could check out the Dog Aware Website...www.Dogaware.come...also, try posting your question in the Ask a Veterinarian section of this forum.  What has your vet suggested..?

Poor little guy...sounds like he has alot of issues. You certainly have your hands full when it comes to managing his diseases.

Stay in touch, and let us know how he is doing...and what you find out about the Pedialyte.
Connie
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Thank you, I will post to ask a vet. My vet said to give Prince anything he wants as long as it doesn't hurt him. He will only drink water if I melt a popsicle in it. He is very picky, so I am always looking for suggestions. Thanks again!

Paula
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula...
If Prince is willing to drink something, try giving him some Distilled water...if he doesn't want to drink it, try adding some Pedialyte to it...it will give the water a little flavor.  Also, you could try freezing a tub (coolwhip) bowl of water and or Pedialyte. Put the big ice cube in a bowl, and he may enjoy licking it, much like a Popsicle.  
Or how about Distilled Water with a Popsicle that was melted in it...?
I know my dogs enjoy chipped ice...they think it is a real treat.

Connie
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
Wow, you really are doing an amazing job with Prince. So many problems to deal with. He is so lucky to have you sharing his life. I can't add anything more to what Connie has suggested, but maybe others will, so keep coming back to check. That's a fabulous picture of Prince, by the way ... and I'm hoping you can both enjoy some great experiences yet and into the future. My admiration goes to you, you have done and are continuing to do a fantastic job with him. Tony
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Connie,
I give Prince ice chips as well, he loves it, so I think I will try freezing the Pedialyte, thanks for the idea! Prince also sees an Internal Medicene Specialist vet, I have emailed him asking his opinion on the Pedialyte versus popsicle water. I will share what he says, for future references. I am so glad I found this forum. I trust my vets, but they don't know everything! It helps getting advice from people who have gone through it!
I got a tip about using the Gerbers Graduate Puffs as dog treats for dogs with kidney and pancreas issues and it blew my vets mind! He always recomended cherrios, but when he looked at the can of puffs, he wrote them down and said he was going to recomend them instead!
Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Tony,
Thank you. I know you and everyone in this forum understand the love between a dog and it's owner. He is not just my dog, he is my baby and I have done and would anything for him. He has been sick since I adopted him with one thing after another, and the diagnosis of kidney failure came at the worst possible time. To make a long story short, I moved back home 2 years ago after my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, and he passed away on January 2nd. Prince was diagnosed with the kidney failure on February 19th. It has really been a hard blow, because I feel focusing on Prince is the reason I have not fell apart from losing my Dad.
But, thank you again for the compliment and it's nice to talk to people who have been through the same things.!

Paula
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Gerbers Puffs are a great tip...! Thanks for sharing that info....every little bit helps every dog and dog parent that has to go through this.
It is so nice of you to share the info the vet gives you, on the Pedialyte....everyone who reads it, and is in the same situation, will be thankful.
Give Prince a Hug from me...One for you too.
Connie
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Oh brother...! I just re-read my original post to you...The first line should have read..."I really don't know much about the Pedialyte"...but, I guess you figured that out, just by reading the post...
Connie
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
Welcome....Gladly, it looks like our forum"s "Kidney Experts" have already responded.....
Pedialyte makes a popsicle...They're called freezer pops.....I don't think they are in the frozen foods, they come in a box (On the shelf) and you freeze them yourself....However, Pedialyte is full of salt & IMO would end up being harder on the system if given continuously (Especially on the Heart & Kidneys).......This leads to further dehydration that your dog does not need!  On the other hand, your dog likes the popsicle water because it's full of sugar which can lead to all sorts of issues given long term......

What would help the most is to be feeding a whole food, minimally processed, WET diet, with quality protein & not have to worry so much about his water intake from his bowl!    Let us know what your Vet says, I'll be thinking about you both......Karla
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Karla,
Thank you for the info about Pedialyte, that in what I have been wondering. I figured the popsicle water with all the sugar is not good, but that is the only way I can get him to drink it. So, I am trying to figure out which will be least harmful.

Thanks!
Paula
Helpful - 0
1916673 tn?1420233270
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
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
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???
Helpful - 0
462827 tn?1333168952
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
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
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
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
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
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
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!!
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Hey Connie,
You asked what meds he is on for his kidneys. He is not on anything specifically for the kidneys. Are there meds that could help?
Thanks
Paula
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462827 tn?1333168952
BUMP for Connie and Tony to see.......Thanks
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula..
I just replied to your message...I'm sorry that I wasn't able to answer sooner, but sometimes my job keeps me away from the house for a couple of days.
As far as Meds for kidney disease goes,Dogs with kidney failure will end up getting ulcers, throughout their digestive tract, and because of the ulcers, the vet will prescribe anti ulcer medications, as well as anti nausea meds. Dogs with kidney disease will also experience a rise in their phosphorus levels, so typically a phosphate binder is given. And when the dog is not drinking, and not staying hydrated enough, then it is time to start administering Sub-Q fluids. Many dogs with kidney disease, also have high blood pressure, so often times, an ace inhibitor is prescribed.
There are also several supplements that are available for kidney support.
Have you checked out the Dogaware website yet...?
If not, look into it...at....
www.Dogaware.com
Click on the health section, and you will see a section about kidney disease.  It is very helpful and informative.
Let me know what your think about it...and keep in touch.
I will answer your posts, whenever I can...
Take care...Connie
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Hey Connie,
My vet did not want to put him on an anti-nausea since he is not vomiting. He said if he is nauseaous, it is because he is getting more uremic and the only thing that could help is more sub-q fluids. So, I am going to give everyday and see if he improves.

Thanks
Paul
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula...
It sounds like you and your vet have a handle on things. Prince has a lot of issues, and you and your vet are a great team. Prince is so blessed to be under such good care.  
I will be hoping and praying that the sub-q fluids will help make Prince more comfortable. Give him a smooch from me....I will be thinking of you both.
Connie
Helpful - 0
2361255 tn?1339608318
Connie,
Thank you so much, I will give him a big smooch! I bought some watermelon today, cut it up into small pieces and froze it. After eating 10 pcs, he ate some crackers, them more watermelon, then more crackers! All in small doses over 4 hours...but I'm happy he is eating now. Thank you for the help and advice, it means so much to me!
Paula
Helpful - 0
1832268 tn?1326816010
Hi Paula,
It's wonderful to hear that Prince is eating. He must be feeling pretty good.
The watermelon sounds yummy...I think I better get some for myself..!
Have you tried offering him any sweet potato..?  My dogs love it. I cut it into cubes and steam it, or just bake it in the oven. Sweet potato is low in phosphorus. Also, you can try to find some "Green Tripe" it has to be the green tripe for dogs, do not buy the bleached tripe that is for human consumption. Green Tripe is stinky, but from what I understand, most dogs love it, and its friendly on the kidneys.

Hey, I was thinking about the fact that Prince's phosphorus level is increasing, and you said that the "Binders" give him bad diarrhea. Were the binders that you tried, pharmaceuticals?  If, they were, maybe you could try using crushed eggshell.  It might be gentler on him, but then again, if it causes diarrhea, then he will just become more dehydrated...anyway, it is just a thought that I wanted to run by you.
Maybe You could start out with "Just a sprinkle" on his food..?  

I hope you and Prince have a good day...Take care,
Connie
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