can anything be done for kidney failure in dogs?

[xxgawjuzuxx]

i wrote on here while ago that my dog Jamie was sick ( not eating properly, throwing up, not acting herself etc. ) from tests today i found out that she has severe kidney failure im so upset i dont know what im going to without her shes my best friend the best dog anyone could have. at the vet today she has 2 blood tests and other stuff didnt growlor yelp once she is so good. just a couple of days ago she caught a red belly black snake where my baby sister usually plays. im crying atm im trying not 2 let it show just yet i dont want her 2 b sad because i am in her last days. we have to put her 2 sleep soon maybe wednesday before she goes through any more pain. she has lost 2 kg in a week and a bit and alot of weight before than. the vet said there is nothing we can do for this. i wanted to check to see if anyone knew on here if there was anything at all that we could do to help her? please help me.

[Jaybay]

Hi there hun.  I know from recent bitter experience how awful it is to keep a dog with kidney failure comfortable until the end.  Thankfully, it isn't a painful condition - just flat out miserable with the constant nausea and vomiting.

My dog, Chica, was diagnosed almost 3 months ago and was already in severe failure.  We finally had to help her in the end last Friday.  It was a blessing that her misery was finally over.

Now, as to what you can do to keep your dog comfy for as long as possible, I want you to print out the following link and really read through the 40 pages.  

http://www.dogaware.com/kidney.html

Your dog will need to be on low phosphorus foods, if she'll eat them.  That means you will probably be doing the cooking for her.  Dark meat poultry, fatty hamburger, ground lamb, and canadian bacon are good choices.  Of course, dogs in renal failure are so nauseated, it's hard to get them to eat anything, so if she won't eat the low-phosphorus foods, just get something in her.

To counteract phosphorus, give her one or two Tums antacid tablets a day - or any indigestion tablet that is primarily calcium.  The calcium binds with phosphorus and carries out of the body so it can't do further harm to the kidneys.

Add a good multi vitamin as low in phosphorus as you can find.  Malnutrition is another battle you'll have to fight because the dog can't eat enough of the proper foods.  Starvation is a terrible thing to have to see happen in front of your eyes, and that's what's going to happen.

I had really noticeable results with Cran Assure (concentrated cranberry juice in a gel-cap form) in calming down Chica's entire urinary discomfort.  It also adds some needed vitamin C.

You'll need to add something from the vet to help with the ever-present nausea.  We had to use home injections about the last 3 weeks with Chica, until even that didn't help any longer.

If you aren't able to try to keep up with this kind of heavy-duty nursing, please don't feel badly about it.  All of these things may buy you a few more weeks with your pup - or maybe not.  It is hugely stressful to keep up with the constantly worsening symptoms, and you will only be putting off the inevitable.  You know your dog.  Think about 3 of her favorite things in life that define her life.  As those things go away, then you'll know it's time.

In the end, it will make things easier on you and your dog if you ask your vet for sedatives to give your dog before you make that last trip to his office.  We had to do that with Chica last Friday because she was still completely lucid in spite of her body being more than ready to go.  The last thing she knew was me and my husband hugging her on the couch, and the end was as peaceful as I could hope for anyone - human or animal.

Your dog isn't going to die today, or even tomorrow, and maybe not for several weeks yet.  Take the time to make some really good memories with her.  If it's her time sooner than you would like, try to remember that putting her out of her misery is a blessing and you are doing her a real favor.  It's not easy being a true friend to a pet, is it?

  
Jen

[tonyb286]

Hi. Of course, 13 and a half is actually old for most dogs, so it is hard to say whether something was done wrong or not. Vets are not the same in all countries and there are some very good ones and some not so good ones. My guess is most do all they can do, but they are also only human and have their failings. I hope you can come to terms with your loss in time. It's always hard to lose a special friend, and more so perhaps at this time of the year.

My very best wishes to you

Tony

[Sisqojaanmera]

I really need help,my dog was killed by vets in the country I live in,he was such a beautiful soul who loved unconditionally and was a fighter but each and every vet in this country just made Money off him by wrongly diagnosing him, wrongly treating him and overmdicating and injecting him.to them he was just a 13 and a half year old dog to me he was my soul, my life,my everything.i have all his reports, treatments and videos. He was lifer to die on an unadminstered drip for 12 over  painful hours. Please if someone can help me, I want justice for my boy and to put these malpracticing vets away from hurting and killing anymore dogs

[Cmardo621]

Hello, I don't know if you will ever see this because of the years past, however, I just read your story and the story about Jamie.  I'm in tears through all of it (I am presently going through the same thing with my little best friend, Chloe, too).  My heart broke for both of you.  I just wanted to say to you, Jaybay, that you had the kindest, most comforting words for anyone going through this.  You are a very wise person and so very compassionate.  You said all the right things.  Several years ago, I had to put another dog down at the age of 14 due to cancer.  Thought I would never get another.  The receptionist at the vet told me that my dog, Rocky, would want me to get another.  She said to think of it as saving another dog and giving it a loving home.  You certainly 'hit the nail on the head'.  God bless you.    

[tonyb286]

I administrate the Group and have just checked the membership ... but can't find you there. I'm not sure this link will work, but try it:

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Chronic-Kidney-Failure-in-Dogs/show/1809

If it doesn't, just use the MedHelp Search bar at the top of the page, and put CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS ... into it, it should then take you straight to the User Group.

Cheers

Tony

[Benjicarol]

Hi tonyb268,

I want to be a part of this group and am not sure if I have accomplished joining by filling out the medhelp form.  How can I tell if I am a part of the CKD in dogs group?  (My beloved dog Benji has CKD and I am doing a lot to deal with it, and I have questions I would like to ask you and the group.  Thanks. Carol

[tonyb286]

Hi. Sorry about the diagnosis of CRF. Can I ask you to join ourgroup ... the CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS User Group here on MedHelp. We are a large group of like-minded dog owners, some with dogs that have or have had CRF (we call it CKF for chronic kidney failure), others just keen to help, inform and support. There's a wealth of info on the group's forum pages - as well as a few articles I have provided. One that may help you right now can be found here (direct link):

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_Diet_Affects_Dogs_with_Chronic_Kidney_Disease

If you do join our User Group, please start a thread with the name of your dog and post a brief history and any questions you may have.

Best wishes

Tony

[Lovemygirldog]

Thank you Jen for your advice. My dog has just been diagnosed with CRF and the vet has basically sent her home with antacids (not calcium-based ones though) and instructions to try k/d but basically get any food down her that she will eat. Your article is sensible and reassuring, and makes me feel better.

Charlotte.

[tonyb286]

Hello Sheila. First, I want to say I am so very sorry to read about your best friend. I assume the dreaded deed has now been undertaken, and you must be devastated. The loss of a dog is traumatising, deeply emotional and extremely upsetting. My condolences to you and your family.

Chronic kidney failure is diagnosed through a combination of recent and current symptom history, blood and urinalysis test results and any underlying cause hat may have contributed to the kidneys failing. Vets also commonly perform blood pressure testing and a scan and/or xray of the kidneys.

With regard to blood creatinine ... it is not just the creatinine level that defines kidney failure, but also BUN (blood urea nitrogen levels) and several others. So while creatinine is a crucial factor, it is not the only one. The values are sometimes expressed by different laboratories (undertaking the test) in different ways and this can be confusing. For example, normal creatinine levels are expressed as:

0.5 to 1.6 mg/dL in a blood result OR
44 to 138 mmol/L in a blood result OR
100 to 500 mg/dL in a urinalysis result

I am assuming that your reference of 123 refers to mmol/L, but it may be worth asking your vet for clarification.

Hope that helps.

Tony

[shelia118]

I have a precious Pomeranian . I have to take her today & put her to sleep. What I don't understand is I have read some of these comments that have been posted, & all of their pets blood creatine level were very low numbers. My Lola 's number is 123. Can anyone tell me why ?

[Margot49]

Please see Tony's post above yours

[Peety2]

I have a  12 year old Yorkie and she has Chronic  Renal Failure . I give her LR'S and Azodyle ...DHe is losing weight and her ears are dry.. She has an appetite... HELP? suggestions ?
"

[tonyb286]

Hi. Take a look at the CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS User Group. Please become a member and read some of the posts there ... you can also add your post about your best friend. YES, there are things that can be done about kidney disease. It cannot be cured - but progression of the disease can be slowed down and in some cases halted for months and even years.

In a dog so young, I would question whether it is genetic too - but there are other possibilities, including diet, access to toxic substances, and other potential causes. I will expand more when you join the User Group - and ask you some pertinent questions. I administrate this group, but there are many other owners that are members of it just like you with dogs that have been diagnosed with kidney failure.

Tony

[BellaRosa03]

You were only 1 day old when your mama got sick & we had to put her to sleep so I became your mom, you had a brother & we took care of you both bottle fed you every 2 hours, burped you made you pee & poop that was new to us but we did it cause we loved you both. When you were 8 weeks old Gotti went to my niece & you stayed with me. You had an older brother & sister from your mom's first litter they were rough but you all got along good, had your moments. Then I got a call Gotti was sick very sick he had Kidney Failure, he lasted a week my niece loved him so, he was only 15 months old very young to get this horrible disease, the doctor could not believe it, he feels because he was so young it must have been within the genes from your parents. My niece and us were totally devastated.

Now you are 2 years & 4 months & have the same thing, We all love you very much, you are my baby girl not sure how I'm gonna sleep at night you have slept with me since you were 8 weeks old. I will do all I can for you but I will not let you suffer, when the time comes I will be there holding you with all my love as you take your last breath but I know you will not be suffering any more, it hurts to see you getting sicker everyday with the systems of this disease.  You will be missed my precious pit bull BellaRosa.  

[tonyb286]

Please consider joining the CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS User Group, as there are people there that can certainly help with support, advice and information. All the members are owners, just like you, that either have a dog with CKF or have had a dog with CKF. They are a rich source of experience and knowledge.

User Groups can be found under the Forums button above. Once in User Groups, type or paste CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS into the search bar, which will take you to the Group.

Tony

[harlequ1n]

Thank you for your very informative post my standard poodle has just been diagnosed with stage 3 CKD shows no symptoms. Her blood results are urea 18.4,creatin 258, amyl 2201, lipa 4076 upc 4.47 and has high blood pressure 190/200 she has been put on batril incase she has a infection and blood pressure and kidney pills plus royal canin renal which she hates and refuses to eat. her weight is good no vomitting no heavy drinking no bad breath no ulcers great coat she has been scanned which showed damaged kidneys . I would rather put her on half hills and half meat is this okay she is 7 years old. Any advice would be a great help thank you

[tonyb286]

Please consider joining the CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS User Group, as there are people there that can certainly help with support, advice and information. All the members are owners, just like you, that either have a dog with CKF or have had a dog with CKF. They are a rich source of experience and knowledge.

User Groups can be found under the Forums button above. Once in User Groups, type or paste CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE IN DOGS into the search bar, which will take you to the Group.

Tony

[happypapa]

Hi My 7 year old grace just started showing sign of this. They did blood work after she got very sick with a very bad sore throw. The first blood test 4 weeks ago showed the bun at 45. This week they took it and it showed 46. she is have iv under the skin 3 times a week. She is starting to eat very good. She like the home cook meals. She is drink a lot of water. She has not throwing in in a week. She has been keeping the food down OK. She loves her morning walks. I try to walk her 3 times a day. She tells me when she is set to go home. She will just head for the truck. We when to the vet to day to get her IV. she was 14.5 lbs last week she is up to 15.1 lbs. The Vet had me help with the Iv so I can do the at home if we need it. She did not mine it at all. She just set there and let me do it. I hope they is light a head for me and grace. Hope this helps with your pain and I think the blood test showed it in time. Now if we can get the bun down and keep her going. jr.      

[carmi2013]

Don't know if Tinka is still alive - but the symptoms are for Acute renal failure - her BUN number and other number is not so bad as mine which is more than x times hers before she died.  Check if she has chronic renal failure or acute renal failure.  The first one, the dog can survive with the correct food and kidney meds.  For the 2nd one, its a fast degenerating disease but can extend her life for supportive theraphy if not make her life a little comfortable, yet it is inevitable someday.   For herbal or homeophatic care, try this web site - Five Leaf Pet Pharmacy - google it.  It may work - with proper food suggested by website, they have a procedure.  and you can ask questions.

[Misfits4Me]

Hello Tinka...We have a thread about kidney disease within this forum...It's lengthy & sad, but it may give you some ideas pertaining to your questions.....Here is the link:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dogs/4th-stage-renal-failure-in-my-dog/show/425814?page=1

I'm sorry you have found us under these circumstances.....My thoughts are with you as you & your Tinka begin this journey.......Karla

[tinka333]

I'm so sorry!

[tinka333]

I am so sorry to hear all of your stories and the pain that you all have gone through, I could not imagine my little girl going through that and I couldn't begin to imagine going through what you all have gone through.  My Tinka was diagnosed with bad kidneys, she is not in renal failure but she urinates a lot and drinks a lot.  Her breath is unbearable. She is still eating normal and she is not throwing up.  I was thinking about bypassing the Vet completely and trying some herbal treatments and feeding her organic meats, beans, greens and seeds.  Does anyone have any input?  In my heart I think that my Tinka will get past this...and be normal again.  I don't want to ask you all if I am wrong but at the same time I want to know what I can expect.or what I may be in for.  Her BUN level is 77 and the other is 2.3 (I can't remember the name). I  Need to know!!!!!!!!

[alfred_k]

Our Sydney has renal failure he's not yet at the uthanize stage but since refusing k/d and the other renal foods he's going down hill every day. I know were going to be in exactly the same situation your in now. Interesting that you feed her ice. Our dog has been eating snow. Do you know why they want ice?
In any case it gut wrenching but we have to it at the right time.

[gillyjay]

My 12 year old bichon as just bin diagnosed with kidney failure we are gutted as he is our baby we got him frm pup he as bin a poorly boy from pup but 12 years on an we no it's old age, he is still avin a gud life but I am petrified in losing him any suggestions in coping with this thanks ANIA AN CAROL JAY