length of time left? stage 4 kidney

[sukie01075]

Hello  I just found this site and would hope someone can help me understand how long a dog in stage 4 can survive.   My dog Savannah was just diagnosed last week,  all her values are high and she is not eating very much,  I did take her to a specialist and they perscribed anti nausea meds.  Will start them today.  I am just unsure how long she may live and what to expect.  She is still drinking and urinating and eating some food, but small amounts.  Any advise and what other medications I can get from the vet tomake her life more stable will be helpful.  Thanks  Susan

[tashainpeterborough]

oh, sorry, not sukie, but savannah.

jane

[tashainpeterborough]

Hi Susan,

I have only joined this forum a few hours ago.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  She is at the rainbow bridge waiting for you.  

Your story has literally sent shivers down my spine.  My yorkie has had renal failure for a few months now.  Very recently, it has become worse. Much worse.  Very low appetite and energy.  She is on appropriate foods and meds.  Just found out that the gagging is nausea and will get something for that in the morning.  Getting water into her is near impossible and sub q fluids freaks her right out.  

Like your sukie, I fear she does not have very long to live and will wait for me at the rainbow bridge, along with all of my other passed pets.

Jane.

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi Susan...
I am so saddened to read about Savannah. I know what a difficult time this must be for you. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Savannah was a lucky dog to have spent her life with some one who loves her.
God Bless Savannah's Beautiful Spirit and Soul. Run Free Savannah.
Hugs to you Susan...If you need to talk...you know where to find me.
Connie

[sukie01075]

Hi  Connie,  just wanted to let you know that Savannah passed away a few days ago.  SHe only lived 4 weeks from the time we found out about her kidney disease.  I did get some VERY helpful information from the places you told me to look.  I want to thank you for all your help and kind words.  Savannah will be truely missed but I think her last few weeks were made easier because of the information you gave me.   Thanks soooo very much  Susan

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi Susan...
How are things going with Savannah...?  
In the above post, I forgot to mention that
You should look into adding a phosphorus binder to her food. It is important to control the her phosphorus levels.  Give your vet a call...they will recommend one for her.
I know that you can make your own from cleaned, baked, crushed egg shells. but...it will be easier to just get one from the vet. I don't imagine it would cost much.
Did you get a chance to look at the websites I recommended...?  Lots of info there for you... Including dietary supplements, low phosphorus food...etc.
Thinking of you, and hoping all is well.
Connie
  

[sukie01075]

Thank you for your information.  I am giving her fluids by way of all things a turkey baster.  She is taking to it with out struggling.   She will not eat the KD diet the vet perscribed.  I am  doing home cooking for her and grind it up and feed it to her also using the turkey baster.  Just started that today.  Found a few home cooked diets on line.  If you have any other inof you could relay to me it would be very helpful.  Thanks Susan Parker

[TwoBitsMom]

Hi Susan,
First, may I say that I am so sorry to read about your dog's diagnosis. I had my TwoBits euthanized  2 years ago, due to kidney failure.
I can tell you, there is know way to know how much longer your dog may survive. Every dog is different, and you never know how it will respond to treatment.  
If your dog is in Stage 4, there are a couple of things I would suggest you do.
Besides the anti-nausea medication, you should also start your dog on anti-ulcer meds. Most dogs will develop ulcers long before Stage 4. By now, she probably has several of them throughout her digestive track. ( You may see some blood in her stool. ) Getting her started on an ulcer medication will help with your dogs comfort.
You should also consider having her kidneys flushed, and doing Sub-Q treatments at home. Talk to your vet about both of these options.
Try to get her started on a kidney friendly diet. To begin with, to entice her to eat it, you may have to mix some of her regular food with the kidney diet food.
I would also recommend giving her distilled water, as it is easier on the kidneys.
It has been awhile since I have offered any advice concerning renal failure...but, I have covered a few of the basics.
You might want to check out the following website...

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

It is loaded with valuable information that you will find helpful.
You can also check out the K9 kidney group on Yahoo.
It's easy to join.
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/K9KIDNEYS/info

My thoughts are with you...
Connie