renal failure, when to euthanize?

[jb2013]

my dog was diagnosed with renal failure last night.
We have decided the best for her would be to euthanize.
she is still up and  around drinking water.
she is not whining or anything.
i just dont want to euthanize to soon.
can anyone give me some advice?

[Shf9311]

I brought my dog Joey 13 yr old standard pom. 17 lbs to have his teeth cleaned last year they pulled almost all of his teeth ,when they did the bloodwork they found renal failure i was in denial. Doctor was right he slowly declined over the next year it started with frequent urination, excessive thirst drinking a lot, then peeing inside the house 2-3 times per day, abnormal weight loss, weakness in muscles not wanting to go for walks anymore this went on for one year until he crashed , one week before his death he stopped eating, could not walk anymore, fecal incontinence, vomiting, disorientation staring off into the blue, walking into things as if blind brought him to the vet when he could no longer walk or sit on his hind legs, have him a shower he laid on his side too weak to sit or stand while bathing,  Sep 3 bloodwork showed end stage renal failure both kidneys faileddoctor said he is dying so they recommend ed end to suffering euthanasia. You will know your dog will be listless, depressed, not respond, unable to move or get up, unable to eat, vomiting everyday, and so thin only skin and bones.

[Sanddwall]

My dog lived almost 5 years after kidney failure diagnosis.  We started her on medication to lower blood pressure and control stomach acid.  She had a great quality of life until a few days before she died.  Why on earth would you deprive her of living?

[DONinAZ]

When we learned of Whitney’s renal disease, we were prepared to do everything possible. “Everything” turned out to buy three months. During this time, she received IVs, and then subcutaneous injections for hydration three times weekly.  

She received prescriptions for vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and stomach ulcers; to increase calcium and to reduce phosphorus.

We fed and dosed her, monitored, cleaned up, and gave her support.

And, she had a low-protein prescription diet. It took experimentation to learn what she would eat on any given day. Later, she would eat only our food. And then, nothing. She went from over 50 pounds to under 30.

To decide how much time she had, we used two approaches. The first was based on the vet’s blood work readings and assessments for Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and phosphorus. The second involved OUR assessment of her behavioral symptoms of decline. Areas of decline were:
1. Not eating / not drinking
2. Unable to walk or stand
3. Vomiting
4. Lethargic or disoriented
5. Pain/distress signs
6. Bowel/bladder control
7. Weight loss

For almost two months, her readings and behaviors remained stable. Then her readings slipped significantly. In the last month, her symptoms deteriorated by 80%. But we didn’t need numbers to see where this was going. Just one look…

But, with all we went through, we would do it again to buy her one more good day.

[faybees]

My dog passed away on Wednesday from kidney disease.  We spent thousands of $$$ on her care at the local vets.  There is nothing that can be done once they are in that final phase.  She was healthy and happy last week and seemed to be back to normal.  Then on wed she just crashed.  Of course it was out of vet hours and the emergency clinic is miles away.  She struggled for an hour to breath then finally had a heart attack on our living room floor.  It was a nightmare.  I now wish that I had gotten her euthanized at first diagnosis back in Dec.  They will not get better once they have this.  It is a kindness to them to put them to sleep.  She was having trouble walking in the end.  Her back legs were very weak. She was eating up a storm until the final day.  Sad way for her to go, fighting for her life.  I would recommend euthanasia.

[faybees]

My dog passed away on Wednesday from kidney disease.  We spent thousands of $$$ on her care at the local vets.  There is nothing that can be done once they are in that final phase.  She was healthy and happy last week and seemed to be back to normal.  Then on wed she just crashed.  Of course it was out of vet hours and the emergency clinic is miles away.  She struggled for an hour to breath then finally had a heart attack on our living room floor.  It was a nightmare.  I now wish that I had gotten her euthanized at first diagnosis back in Dec.  They will not get better once they have this.  It is a kindness to them to put them to sleep.  She was having trouble walking in the end.  Her back legs were very weak. She was eating up a storm until the final day.  Sad way for her to go, fighting for her life.  I would recommend euthanasia.

[Bill_G_dublin]

My 12 year old Brittany (Ginger) is in kidney failure right now.  It has come on so suddenly, like about a week.  She had been drinking lots of water the last few months but I did not put it together.  Then I took her to vet 2 weeks ago; then vet hospital a couple days ago.Seems she had weak kidneys and the anti inflamatory med may have sent her kidneys into a tail spin. For several days she was on IV.  Now for 2 days will not eat or drink, and the vet said her kidneys have failed and not producing urine.  So we brought her home. She can still walk a little bit - fumbles.  Getting worse every hour.  Keeps trying to poop just little drips of diahera come out. It is so sad.  I keep reading what to do.  She is my best friend. My other Brittany died just a year ago. Her quality of life is gone since cant eat or drink,can't pee or poop, go on walks etc etc.  I keep hoping and praying for a miracle that isn't coming. I keep hoping she will drink some water.  She has vomited every last drop of foam from her stomach.  It is so hard to let her go and know it is right.  My fiance comes home in 4 hours, and we might take her in to put her to sleep.  I hate this.  Bill G.

[specialmom]

I'm really sorry to hear this.  I know that is so hard.  You love your pup which means you were good to her and she knew it.  hugs

[MannyMon]

So sorry to hear that. My dog passed away on kidney failure on March 18, 2018 one week earlier on the time you posted your comment. He was just 9 years old. I wished I brought him to the vet to be euthanize because its really painful to see him die in that state.

I wish I could also turn back time and brought him to the vet sooner. Like you, I didn't take it too seriously when the symptoms appear, drinking a lot of water peeing a lot for about two weeks. But I think things happen for a reason and it's only God who will decide and we cannot do anything about it. I'm just wishing God will give my dog 3 more years but I'm still thankful He gave 3 months more because back in Nov 2017, he was very sick, won't eat and drink for 2 weeks. I'm just feeding him thru syringe. I discovered he has periodontal disease which might have caused his sickness, his teeth was bad.  I prayed a lot and thank God the antibiotics cured him and back to his old self. Then suddenly after 3 months, on March 2018 the symptoms appear and he deteriorated. I think periodontal disease might have caused the kidney failure. Vets says that it will shorten a dogs life up to 5 years.    

[Misselliot]

Thank you everyone for sharing these stories. My dog died 3 weeks ago. She was diagnosed with kidney failure and wouldn't eat and what little she drank she threw it up. She was so tired...I could not stand to watch her suffer so I put her down. I was in the room with her when the vet gave her the shot to stop her heart. I told her how much I loved her and thanked her for being the best thing that happened to me and that she made me a better person everyday for 12 years. I will miss that beautiful, perfect little girl for the rest of my life.

[Jacqueline1982]

My bichon has lost a lot of weight and now just lies in her bed although she is eating and drinking. Had her bloods done yesterday and vet said today she has very bad kidney failure. She is staying in vets overnight on iv drip. This ever happen to anyone and what was outcome? She perked up a little today so I just can't give in to euthanise her

[faybees]

There is no cure for this unfortunatley

[Kayraelle]

My dog is currently going through this. We are doing everything to bring her back but she still won't eat. We're guess in a week if the vet says her kidneys are still too bad we're gonna put her down. It's unbearable but I don't want her to suffer.

[Joeydog]

Sorry to hear.  It was devastating for me and I know how you feel. I was trying everything also. When the Kidney is too far gone it is time because toxins will build up and it gets worse unfortunately.  She is likely not eating because she is very ill. You are doing the right thing to end her suffering.

[Ashlinn009123]

Hi how did your little dog get on? I am going through the same situation at the minute. My little 1 is sleeping a lot just wakening to go outside to the toilet. Not eating or drinking for a few days now and home from the vet about 10 hours ago after being on IV fluids for 24hours.

Is there anything else I can try or do I only have the 1 option? Heart broken

[Lola_belle]

My baby is 6 years old she has been on a an I’ve drip for 24hours . The vet wanted her put down then a an there and say she has 0.01 chance of survival . I couldn’t do it . Now I have taken her home she has perked up is drinking and eating . But they sent her home with no medications for her failing kidneys sent her home to die I really don’t think she is ready to go yet .

[Lola_belle]

My baby is 6 years old she has been on a an I’ve drip for 24hours . The vet wanted her put down then a an there and say she has 0.01 chance of survival . I couldn’t do it . Now I have taken her home she has perked up is drinking and eating . But they sent her home with no medications for her failing kidneys sent her home to die I really don’t think she is ready to go yet .

[Joeydog]

Just lost my 18 year old Maltipoo to Kidney failure.  He stopped eating and lost a lot of weight within 1-2 weeks.  Also his back legs where very weak. I tried to feed him by hand but he wouldn't eat.  I took him to the vet and the blood work was bad. His BUN levels where extremely high and he had Kidney failure. I had him at the vet on IV for 2 separate days.  I could tell he was dying but was hoping I could save him.  I fed him with a oral syringe but it wasn't enough.  He slept most of the time and had no energy. Could barely walk. I wish I put him to sleep sooner but I didn't know he had Kidney failure.  He didn't show he was in pain but dogs don't show it.  He then had a seizure 2 days after he was diagnosed.  It was difficult to see him like this. A few hours later we put him to sleep because I couldn't let him suffer anymore.  This just happened and I am extremely sad but am relieved he is not in pain anymore.  I miss him so much.  His last week of life was poor and I reget not doing it sooner to save him from pain but I didn't know.  Also, it was just so hard to make that decision.  I just hope that other dogs don't suffer because it only gets worse so it is better to help them transition sooner then later.  

[Spikester1988]

Hello,

I am so sorry to hear about your dog - this is the absolute worst thing. I have a 15 year old rescue part border collie, part Brittany spaniel (I think) who has been our everything.  She has had kidney failure and each blood test gets worse - we were told last night that she is in the 3rd stage.  We chose not to let her stay for 24-48 hours for the fluids as we felt she would not be good away from us so we had fluids given in the office.  She has been throwing up and diarrhea which brought us in.  She sleeps all the time now and just stands in place when I bring her out.  I made the decision to have a vet come to our home tomorrow which I do not want to do but feel it is the best for her.  I wanted to make her comfortable so was going to the vet to purchase fluids to give her to make her comfortable - to my surprise she got up and had energy and wanted to go with me.  Now I feel awful and don't know what to do? She ate a small amount of chicken and is now back laying in her bed.  All of a sudden I'm unsure of what to do?

[Ccrand]

I just put my 16 year old best friend down and your post helps me some.  My pet had all the same symptoms but luckily I made the decision a little sooner.  Hearing you sam.  I'm  you would have done it sooner and You're complications with the seizure help me comprehend that I chose the right time. I came home Friday and that's when it gut told me this wasn't found to be getting better for us after he pretty much stopped making attempt to eat.  Monday I rushed him in to the vet first thing because I wanted to talk over his new symptoms and decline, and while I was hoping she would try to convince me it was time, I was able to find the words myself. I am not really sure how people do this.  I am not sure how I will live the rest of my life without him.  On his last day he was ready.  So I am happy for him,  but I will never be the same without him.

[jemma116]

I had a pedigree silver Persian cat that had renal failure.  He did not last too long after the diagnosis.  

My cat was not able to use his back legs and was very "not with it" and in a very poor state toward the end, so we decided it was time to end his suffering.  When we took him to the vet, we had been given some pain relief for him, but were told not to wait too long before deciding to put him to sleep.  We had him for 15 years from a kitten.  

It is very hard to let them go, but it is kinder to the animal if there is no prospect of a remedy and when they start to deteriorate.  Your vet should give you an idea regarding the time span left before your doggy starts to deteriorate, so that you can make the decision when  euthanize  her.

Best wishes.

[Misfits4Me]

Here's a link that may help you with your decisions......Good luck & God Bless You & Her.......Karla

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

[jb2013]

thank you bluecrystal for your info it is much appreciated.
she is still up and around not suffering much.

[Ghilly]

If you Google Canine Renal Failure Diets you will find hundreds and hundreds of pages with recipes of home cooking that you can do for your dog with renal failure.  Sub Q fluids are also extremely helpful in helping to buy your dog time.  Your vet can show you how to do this at home so that you can keep your dog adequately hydrated to keep the kidneys working.  A dog in renal failure can last a year or more with proper nutrition and adequate fluids, so don't give up.  As long as your dog is eating and acting like she feels OK, don't make any rash decisions.  She will tell you when she is ready.  You will know instantly that she is tired and ready to be released.  Otherwise, enjoy her, love her and read up on what diets will help her to be able to spend more time with you.

Ghilly

[Lolalu14]

My girl was 6 mo old when diagnosed.   Been on Sub Q LRS & special diet ever since. She is 3 yrs old now & took a turn. Labs are not good. I feel like I failed her.

[BluCrystal]

Sure.  I worked for a vet 8 years.  It is hard for owners who love their furbabies to know when 'it's time'.  It is time when your dog begins to suffer, and is no longer 'happy' being alive.  You know your dog best.  Trust me when I say that your gut will tell you when it's time to go.  It happens to me every time i have had to euthanize a pet: I look at the pet, and it hits me like a ton of bricks to GO NOW.  I hate that feeling, and it hurts terribly.  But it is the last and most loving thing we can do for our pets.  Take the time now to show your dog all the love you can muster.  Then, afterwards, know you did the right thing, and enjoy the good memories you have made with your dog.  Blessings for you and your dog - Blu

[Cubero5]

I need some help too

[Cubero5]

I need some help too  my beagle is 10 almost 11.

[Joeydog]

From my experience I would do it much sooner then later.  Renal failure is very bad and I had to put my dog to sleep because of it.  It was very difficult for me but it only gets worse.  I would do it if he no longer has a appetite, loses a lot of weight, has trouble walking and is weak.  That means he is too ill to eat or too nauseous.  With Kidney failure they drink lots of water because they feel overly thirsty.  They lose more water trying to flush some toxins in there body and it is hard for them to re-hydrate.  Had to put my dog on iv at the vets but it only help a little.  Nothing can fix the kidneys unfortunately.  It is very hard not having him here but better then him being in pain.

[hunter2003]

Just before Christmas of last year, a horrible vet at Banfield in Petsmart diagnosed my cat with kidney disease and said he would only survive another week. The next day, I got a second opinion and was told that they had seen worse cases and it could be controlled by diet. It's now April and my cat is still here, doing fine and going on daily walks with me. GET A SECOND OPINION!

[specialmom]

Wow, really good advice.  I have heard negative reports of that vet chain I must say.  But that makes sense to speak to someone else for the mere price of a second vet fee.  thank you for sharing and glad your kitty is still with you