Katie's Test Results
 

Hi everyone. I wanted to give you all an update on Katie's health.

Katie's second stool sample test came back negative. No parasites, no worms. And her blood work showed that she doesn't have any heart problems. Also, 2 different vets were unable to detect a heart murmur anymore. This is good news but still unusual and suspicious. So I am going to randomly bring Katie in once or twice a month to the vet so that he can listen to her heart just to be on the safe side.

But her blood test did show that she has some kidney problems. There were 5 abnormalities in her blood and they are:

1. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [Kidneys] - 68 (Normal 6-25)

2. Creatinine (CREAT) [Kidneys] - 85 (Normal 4-27)

3. Lipase (LIP) [Pancreas] - 748 (Normal 650-700)

4. GGTP - 22 (Normal 1-12)

5. Calculated Osmoliality - 315 (Normal 277-311)

Dr. Jaffe and Dr. Kaufman's biggest concern right now is the BUN because this can be deadly. Here is a definition of BUN and CREAT:

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - BUN is produced by the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease, but can also be caused by dehydration or urinary tract obstruction. Low BUN levels are seen in patients with chronic liver disease. Decreased levels are seen with low protein diets, liver insufficiency, and the use of anabolic steroid drug. Increased levels indicate any condition that reduces the kidney's ability to filter body fluids in the body or interferes with protein breakdown.

BUN Creatinine (CREAT) - CREAT is a by-product of muscle metabolism and is excreted by the kidneys. Elevated levels can indicate kidney disease or urinary obstruction, muscle disease, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes. An increased BUN and normal creatinine suggest an early or mild problem. An increased creatinine and increased BUN with elevated phosphorus (PHOS - [Electrolytes]) indicate a long standing kidney disease.

So now I have to bring Dr. Jaffe a FRESH urine sample which is a great test for the kidneys. My poor hubby, Jim, has the job of chasing Katie around the house with a spoon to catch the pee pee in! It's SOOOO hard to catch a dog's urine! But we'll keep trying until we do. Also, the vet wants to do a few more blood tests to specifically check the BUN and CREAT. So in 2 weeks, we are going to bring Katie back in for a second blood test. In the meantime, Dr. Jaffe told us not to feed Katie any protein -- chicken, chop meat, jerky strips, etc. -- until we figure out what's wrong with her kidneys. But we can continue to feed her rice, bread, kibble and any other healthy carbs.

The sad news is that there is no surgery to repair the kidneys. If Katie goes into kidney failure, we will lose her. :( Dr. Jaffe doesn't think this will happen because she's young and healthy but I can't help but worry. So please keep my little girl in your prayers. :(

This is all so scary Jennifer :( I wish you, Jim & Katie nothing but the best. Sending happy thoughts your way.

XO

Thanks so much Kristy. I really appreciate it. How's little Stewie doing? He's such a cutie and one of my favorite dogs here on YT.

Jennifer,

It was so sweet of you to post about Oliver when you're going through this with little Katie. Please let us know if there's anything we can do. I'll be keeping Katie in my thoughts, I hope the doctors can pinpoint what's wrong with her and help her get well :(

Thanks :) He is doing o.k. He has surgery scheduled for Nov 15th.

How is little Katie holding up? Does she have any idea what's going on? Is she acting differently at all? (sorry if its silly to ask that, but I honestly think that our doggies have a sixth or even seventh sense)

Thank you. I hope the doctor can pinpoint the problem too. I just feel so in the dark because it seems like every test points to another problem. First it was blood in her stool, then a heart murmur. Now it's kidney problems and possibly pancreatic problems. I just wish the test would be CONSISTENT with one problem so that we can work to resolve that first before moving on to something else. But thanks so much for thinking of my Katie and me.

Awww why is he having surgery? Are you nervous? I'm sure everything is going to go smoothly! Don't even worry about it. Stewie is a tough cookie.

Katie has seemed sad this week but I think it's because she senses that I'm sad. I've been a mess, crying half the time and just depressed over this. But I need to snap out of it because it seems to be effecting Katie and making her sad.

Gracious, my prayers are with you.

Hey honey...I hope that everything works out and they are able to figure out exactly wat the problem is and how to help Katie..I also am gonna send prayers for Jim that he is able to catch the tee-tee and in his excitement not spill it...lol!! Love and Kisses!!

You, Jim and Katie are in our prayers. I know how frustrating not knowing can be. Mac & Mellie send Katie Yorkies Hugs and Kisses. :love:

:( I am so sorry to hear about lil Katies test results...Please know she is in our prayers and if u need anything I am not too far!!

Lots of love to you all!
XoXo
Fran and Sammi

I am sooo sorry to hear that they still are puzzled about Katie's results...it is almost worse not knowing exactly what is wrong then knowing what will happen!! I am keeping everyone in my prayers and hoping that Katie gets some resolution soon!!

Thanks babe. I appreciate the support. Codie sends Sammi kisses and flirty winks.

Awww thanks. That is the exact word to describe how I feel - FRUSTRATED. I feel so frustrated and helpless right now. I just hope we find out what's wrong SOON before I go insane with worry. :(

Thanks Sam. You've been such a big help, especially with all the research you've been doing for me. By the way, I printed out all those links you sent me yesterday. They were VERY helpful!

Thank you all so much for your kindness. It's nice to know that my Katie has people praying for her to have a swift recovery all over the globe. I tell her every night that there are many people thinking of her and hoping she gets well FAST. She always seems too look at me like she understands what I'm saying.

Hang in there, before you know it Katie will be on the road to recovery. Katie is lucky to have parents that will do anything to make her feel better. You all are in my prayers.

I'm thinking about you and little Katie... :)

Sending Yorkie hugs to you and your little one.

Girl...you KNOW she's in my prayers and I just hope she can beat this and have a long healthy life - I know how scared you are - hang in there and you have many friends pulling for your little Katie.....Hugs to you....I hope she gets to gaining some weight too -

Sorry to hear this news! We will keep you all in our prayers. Have you tried offering little Katie veggie pasta? Toto loves it, especially with a little sprinkle of parm cheese on it .... and she is a testimonial that it will certainly cause weight gain!!

i am sorry to hear about katies lab results.my doggy had kidney disease and was on hills k/d prescription dog food to help decrease bun ,creatinine levels. it did help . also, regular lab testing to monitor kidney functionhelps to know where your pet stands. the vet told me to always make sure theres plenty of water available b/c it helps the kidneys to filter excessive toxic waste . cathy and yoshi

Im so sorry to hear about Katie. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear this Jen. I know how scared you must be. Lots of Dublin Lovin' sent to Katie and even more prayers for me. Remember, too, that they're tougher than we are...