My Yorkie has kidney disease - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Yorkielover04 · 10-14-2010, 08:05 AM

Chelsea had a good night, even napped on our bed, before our bedtime. She is crated at night, and will crate herself, when asked. No vomiting and no loose stools over night.

She refused food again, and is drinking very little this morning. I even tried a regular food with some chopped K/D can food, then I tried regular food without the canned, and she wont eat. She sniffs her bowl, then walks away. I just checked on her, and she is back in her crate.

I was able to convince her to take her Proin 25, cut in half, and wrapped in turkey, but I had to attempt it many times, she would eat the turkey, then spit out the chewable pill. After several attempts, she finally took the Proin.

Chelsea'sMOM

anniernc · 10-14-2010, 08:46 AM

Chelsea's mom- Sub-q fluids are very easy to do. Heidi did extremely well until about the last 6 months when she started having problems with congnitive dysfunction and a staph infection she developed on her skin. We treated her with antibotics and the infection cleared up but I think it really had a toll on her immune system. I also put her on something for the cognitive dysfunction but I couldn't tell that it helped that much.My vet had told me about a year before that the kidney failure would probably not be the cause of losing her but rather an infection. When she was awake she was up walking alot and she still liked to walk around in the yard but she did start sleeping alot. That was fine with me because we got alot of good rocking time in. I put her in diapers and a onsie because when she had to potty she had to go right then and I wouldn't take her outside if it was too cold or if it was allergy season because she had problems all her life with sinus infections. I could really see a decline in her health in that last month and she would look at me and let out a pitiful bark and it was like she was telling me she was tired now. She had a good quality of life up until the end and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

anniernc · 10-14-2010, 08:59 AM

Something else I wanted to add is that when Heidi would go through her "not wanting to eat episodes" I just gave her anything she would eat - after all at that point what difference does it make as long as they eat something. I gave her gerbers meat baby food, chicken breast and McDonalds hamburgers (that was her favorite). You can also try mixing in the AD canned food with hers. Most of the time Heidi liked that. My prayers go out to you and your little girl and I hope she gets to feeling better soon.

Yorkielover04 · 10-14-2010, 09:40 AM

Thank you anniernc for your thoughts and post. My Vet states Chelsea isnt in any pain, but its just so hard to see her in this state, and I want the best for her. Of course, I want her playing with her stuffies, running to meet us at the door, and chasing birds in our back yard, but I am afraid those days are gone.

We travel some, our grown kids are out of town, and we just had a new granddaughter, our first, so I see our travel will increase more now. I cant see putting Chelsea in the kennel we use and trusting them to hydrate her as needed.

We do have another Yorkie baby, and Lexi, seems to understand that her sister is not feeling well. She goes and visits her in the crate, and sometimes lays by the door, as if to comfort Chelsea. Its so heart breaking.

I am going to call our Vet to ask if the subq-fluids would help at all, and if she is too far gone with renal failure, its time for comfort care. I have tried the baby food, and she refused that, maybe she is telling me, to let her go and be in peace.

Just spoke to our Vet, he says there isnt much to do for her, if she refuses food and water at this time. By starting the subq-fluids, would be like hydrating a person for more time. My husband I agree, that if she starts to vomit and diaharria, which proves her organs are shutting down, then its time to send her to the Rainbow Bridge. It will hurt us very much, but its the best gift we can give her.

Thats all for now, since I cannot see the monitor screen very well, my eyes are leaking.

Thank you ALL very much for your support, prayers and good thoughts.

Hugs to you,
Chelsea'sMom....and Dad.

lynnelily · 10-14-2010, 11:02 AM

I'll keep you and her in my prayers.

ladyjane · 10-14-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkielover04

Thank you anniernc for your thoughts and post. My Vet states Chelsea isnt in any pain, but its just so hard to see her in this state, and I want the best for her. Of course, I want her playing with her stuffies, running to meet us at the door, and chasing birds in our back yard, but I am afraid those days are gone.

We travel some, our grown kids are out of town, and we just had a new granddaughter, our first, so I see our travel will increase more now. I cant see putting Chelsea in the kennel we use and trusting them to hydrate her as needed.

We do have another Yorkie baby, and Lexi, seems to understand that her sister is not feeling well. She goes and visits her in the crate, and sometimes lays by the door, as if to comfort Chelsea. Its so heart breaking.

I am going to call our Vet to ask if the subq-fluids would help at all, and if she is too far gone with renal failure, its time for comfort care. I have tried the baby food, and she refused that, maybe she is telling me, to let her go and be in peace.

Just spoke to our Vet, he says there isnt much to do for her, if she refuses food and water at this time. By starting the subq-fluids, would be like hydrating a person for more time. My husband I agree, that if she starts to vomit and diaharria, which proves her organs are shutting down, then its time to send her to the Rainbow Bridge. It will hurt us very much, but its the best gift we can give her.

Thats all for now, since I cannot see the monitor screen very well, my eyes are leaking.

Thank you ALL very much for your support, prayers and good thoughts.

Hugs to you,
Chelsea'sMom....and Dad.

There is no right or wrong in a situation like this. When they are that ill sometimes it is best to let them go.
One thing I will tell you though is that nausea is very common in renal failure and there are meds to help with that. My Cody had a good six more months of life after my vet suggested Mirtazapine. It is a miracle drug imo. It helps control nausea and vomiting AND it also increases appetite. Just a suggestion that you might want to ask your vet. As soon as I started Cody on it, within 24 hours, he was eating like a little pig. Yes, I did do fluids 3-4 times/week and it was a bit pricey; but the extra time was worth it! He was a happy boy...when it was time, I knew it.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know how difficult this is.

Yorkielover04 · 10-17-2010, 11:27 AM

LadyJane, I just want to update you about my Chelsea. Last few days have looked pretty grim, Chelsea didnt eat, and hardly drank water, laid in her crate most of the days. I tried and tried to keep her comfortable, lots of love, belly rubs, and smooth talking. It was very frustrating to see her reject food and water. In the evenings, while I watched TV, I would pick her up and she would lay in my lap, listless, no energy, I thought for sure her time was near.

I spoke to my vet about your suggestion of mirtazapin, he was not familiar with the med, but researched and agreed it was a worth a try. So, he called in a RX to my drugstore, late yesterday afternoon. When I went to pick it up, I was told they were out of it, but would refer the RX to another location. Last night, late, I get a phone call from that drugstore, that they had referred the RX to ANOTHER location. I started to feel that it was a sign about this med, wouldnt be the right choice for Chelsea, but I was finally able to retrieve the med today.

I was determined to give her the dosage, so I bought some turkey franks, and hid it in the piece. She did eat it! Within an hour, I offered a small portion of her food, and she ate it...ALL! Chelsea as known as the family "goat", she usually will scarf anything down you offer her. There isnt much she doesnt like, so her not eating for days, truly concerned me.

Sat.-A few minutes ago, Lexi and Chelsea were "talking"....ummmm, more like "shouting" at each other. I asked them if they wanted to go outdoors, and Chelsea almost knocked Lexi out of the way, to get to the doggie door!
Chelsea then continued to RUN around our back yard, happily barking.

Sun.-I delayed posting this, because I didnt want to jinx Chelsea's behavior. She had a quiet night last night, this morning I gave her the med again, her second dosage. I waited about 30 min, then offered her usual portion of food, and she ate it ALL! She is up walking through the house, drinking water, and starting to play with her stuffies.

I cant THANK YOU enough for your suggestion and input of the med. I just pray she continues to do well on it.

A VERY happy...
Chelsea'sMom

ladyjane · 10-17-2010, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkielover04

LadyJane, I just want to update you about my Chelsea. Last few days have looked pretty grim, Chelsea didnt eat, and hardly drank water, laid in her crate most of the days. I tried and tried to keep her comfortable, lots of love, belly rubs, and smooth talking. It was very frustrating to see her reject food and water. In the evenings, while I watched TV, I would pick her up and she would lay in my lap, listless, no energy, I thought for sure her time was near.

I spoke to my vet about your suggestion of mirtazapin, he was not familiar with the med, but researched and agreed it was a worth a try. So, he called in a RX to my drugstore, late yesterday afternoon. When I went to pick it up, I was told they were out of it, but would refer the RX to another location. Last night, late, I get a phone call from that drugstore, that they had referred the RX to ANOTHER location. I started to feel that it was a sign about this med, wouldnt be the right choice for Chelsea, but I was finally able to retrieve the med today.

I was determined to give her the dosage, so I bought some turkey franks, and hid it in the piece. She did eat it! Within an hour, I offered a small portion of her food, and she ate it...ALL! Chelsea as known as the family "goat", she usually will scarf anything down you offer her. There isnt much she doesnt like, so her not eating for days, truly concerned me.

Sat.-A few minutes ago, Lexi and Chelsea were "talking"....ummmm, more like "shouting" at each other. I asked them if they wanted to go outdoors, and Chelsea almost knocked Lexi out of the way, to get to the doggie door!
Chelsea then continued to RUN around our back yard, happily barking.

Sun.-I delayed posting this, because I didnt want to jinx Chelsea's behavior. She had a quiet night last night, this morning I gave her the med again, her second dosage. I waited about 30 min, then offered her usual portion of food, and she ate it ALL! She is up walking through the house, drinking water, and starting to play with her stuffies.

I cant THANK YOU enough for your suggestion and input of the med. I just pray she continues to do well on it.

A VERY happy...
Chelsea'sMom

I am SO happy to hear this!! I do hope Chelsea continues to improve! My Cody was diagnosed with renal failure 4 years before he passed; so sometimes they do hang in for a long time. Please keep us posted. I will keep her and you in my thoughts and prayers.

Yorkielover04 · 10-17-2010, 07:38 PM

LadyJane, I never expressed my condolances over your loss of Cody. I truly understand your pain and I hope you hold all of your wonderful memories, forever in your heart. I know how much you must miss him.

Thank you again for your kindness and help, its truly appreciated.

Chelsea'sMom

ladyjane · 10-17-2010, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yorkielover04

LadyJane, I never expressed my condolances over your loss of Cody. I truly understand your pain and I hope you hold all of your wonderful memories, forever in your heart. I know how much you must miss him.

Thank you again for your kindness and help, its truly appreciated.

Chelsea'sMom

Thank you. Yes, I do miss him. Cody was a very special little guy.

And, yes, I do have wonderful memories of him.

You are very welcome. I hope that you will have lots more time with your sweet Chelsea.

kjc · 10-18-2010, 01:31 AM

So glad to hear she's doing better...

BlueBelle · 10-18-2010, 08:29 AM

My husband wants to ban me from Yorkietalk as he finds me crying with each pups illnesses & injuries. They are so loveable and steal our hearts from the day we get them. I have had many dogs I loved, but none have melted my heart (and maybe my brain

) like my Sophie has.
Prayers and hugs to you loving Moms & Dads as you go thru these trying times. Peace be with you.

143julz · 10-19-2010, 05:58 PM

Tears are flowing!! I'm so glad Chelsea is doing good. I'm glad you were able to get the med's in time and see a difference

...

I lost my baby 3 yr ago to kidney failure I know how hard it is to have to go through this with them. God bless you and Chelsea

ladyjane · 10-19-2010, 07:12 PM

One thing I want to mention about the Mirtazapine. It is not a cure for renal failure or any other illness or condition. It is simply a medicine that controls the nausea and vomiting and also stimulates the appetite. I have seen it work miracles for very ill dogs. My own and others.
When a pup is very ill and feeling nauseous as they do in renal failure, they don't want to eat. They then are not able to fight any illness at all if their nutrition is not up to par. SO....Mirtazapine helps that. Then, you can do the other things to help with whatever illness they have.

Yorkielover04 · 10-19-2010, 07:32 PM

NOT a cure for renal failure, just makes it more comfortable for our pet. Chelsea started eating, but now she has slowed down, I am ok with it. I know she wont starve herself, and she will eat when she feels like it. Plus she is a "crock pot" Yorkie, so she can afford to lose some lbs. She is more active, more out of her crate, comes when I call her, and goes outdoors too.

Again, I THANK everyone for their thoughts and prayers, this certainly isnt easy.

HUGS!
Chelsea'sMom

10-14-2010, 08:05 AM	#31
Yorkielover04 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 15	NOT good.... Chelsea had a good night, even napped on our bed, before our bedtime. She is crated at night, and will crate herself, when asked. No vomiting and no loose stools over night. She refused food again, and is drinking very little this morning. I even tried a regular food with some chopped K/D can food, then I tried regular food without the canned, and she wont eat. She sniffs her bowl, then walks away. I just checked on her, and she is back in her crate. I was able to convince her to take her Proin 25, cut in half, and wrapped in turkey, but I had to attempt it many times, she would eat the turkey, then spit out the chewable pill. After several attempts, she finally took the Proin. Chelsea'sMOM

10-14-2010, 09:40 AM	#34
Yorkielover04 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 15	More questions... Thank you anniernc for your thoughts and post. My Vet states Chelsea isnt in any pain, but its just so hard to see her in this state, and I want the best for her. Of course, I want her playing with her stuffies, running to meet us at the door, and chasing birds in our back yard, but I am afraid those days are gone. We travel some, our grown kids are out of town, and we just had a new granddaughter, our first, so I see our travel will increase more now. I cant see putting Chelsea in the kennel we use and trusting them to hydrate her as needed. We do have another Yorkie baby, and Lexi, seems to understand that her sister is not feeling well. She goes and visits her in the crate, and sometimes lays by the door, as if to comfort Chelsea. Its so heart breaking. I am going to call our Vet to ask if the subq-fluids would help at all, and if she is too far gone with renal failure, its time for comfort care. I have tried the baby food, and she refused that, maybe she is telling me, to let her go and be in peace. Just spoke to our Vet, he says there isnt much to do for her, if she refuses food and water at this time. By starting the subq-fluids, would be like hydrating a person for more time. My husband I agree, that if she starts to vomit and diaharria, which proves her organs are shutting down, then its time to send her to the Rainbow Bridge. It will hurt us very much, but its the best gift we can give her. Thats all for now, since I cannot see the monitor screen very well, my eyes are leaking. Thank you ALL very much for your support, prayers and good thoughts. Hugs to you, Chelsea'sMom....and Dad.

10-17-2010, 11:27 AM	#37
Yorkielover04 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 15	Better days.... LadyJane, I just want to update you about my Chelsea. Last few days have looked pretty grim, Chelsea didnt eat, and hardly drank water, laid in her crate most of the days. I tried and tried to keep her comfortable, lots of love, belly rubs, and smooth talking. It was very frustrating to see her reject food and water. In the evenings, while I watched TV, I would pick her up and she would lay in my lap, listless, no energy, I thought for sure her time was near. I spoke to my vet about your suggestion of mirtazapin, he was not familiar with the med, but researched and agreed it was a worth a try. So, he called in a RX to my drugstore, late yesterday afternoon. When I went to pick it up, I was told they were out of it, but would refer the RX to another location. Last night, late, I get a phone call from that drugstore, that they had referred the RX to ANOTHER location. I started to feel that it was a sign about this med, wouldnt be the right choice for Chelsea, but I was finally able to retrieve the med today. I was determined to give her the dosage, so I bought some turkey franks, and hid it in the piece. She did eat it! Within an hour, I offered a small portion of her food, and she ate it...ALL! Chelsea as known as the family "goat", she usually will scarf anything down you offer her. There isnt much she doesnt like, so her not eating for days, truly concerned me. Sat.-A few minutes ago, Lexi and Chelsea were "talking"....ummmm, more like "shouting" at each other. I asked them if they wanted to go outdoors, and Chelsea almost knocked Lexi out of the way, to get to the doggie door! Chelsea then continued to RUN around our back yard, happily barking. Sun.-I delayed posting this, because I didnt want to jinx Chelsea's behavior. She had a quiet night last night, this morning I gave her the med again, her second dosage. I waited about 30 min, then offered her usual portion of food, and she ate it ALL! She is up walking through the house, drinking water, and starting to play with her stuffies. I cant THANK YOU enough for your suggestion and input of the med. I just pray she continues to do well on it. A VERY happy... Chelsea'sMom

10-18-2010, 01:31 AM	#41
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,872	So glad to hear she's doing better... __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

10-18-2010, 08:29 AM	#42
BlueBelle Donating YT Addict Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Alpharetta, GA, USA Posts: 1,190	Such Sadness My husband wants to ban me from Yorkietalk as he finds me crying with each pups illnesses & injuries. They are so loveable and steal our hearts from the day we get them. I have had many dogs I loved, but none have melted my heart (and maybe my brain) like my Sophie has. Prayers and hugs to you loving Moms & Dads as you go thru these trying times. Peace be with you.

10-14-2010, 08:46 AM	#32
anniernc YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brooks, Ga. Posts: 1,003	Chelsea's mom- Sub-q fluids are very easy to do. Heidi did extremely well until about the last 6 months when she started having problems with congnitive dysfunction and a staph infection she developed on her skin. We treated her with antibotics and the infection cleared up but I think it really had a toll on her immune system. I also put her on something for the cognitive dysfunction but I couldn't tell that it helped that much.My vet had told me about a year before that the kidney failure would probably not be the cause of losing her but rather an infection. When she was awake she was up walking alot and she still liked to walk around in the yard but she did start sleeping alot. That was fine with me because we got alot of good rocking time in. I put her in diapers and a onsie because when she had to potty she had to go right then and I wouldn't take her outside if it was too cold or if it was allergy season because she had problems all her life with sinus infections. I could really see a decline in her health in that last month and she would look at me and let out a pitiful bark and it was like she was telling me she was tired now. She had a good quality of life up until the end and I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

10-14-2010, 08:59 AM	#33
anniernc YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brooks, Ga. Posts: 1,003	Something else I wanted to add is that when Heidi would go through her "not wanting to eat episodes" I just gave her anything she would eat - after all at that point what difference does it make as long as they eat something. I gave her gerbers meat baby food, chicken breast and McDonalds hamburgers (that was her favorite). You can also try mixing in the AD canned food with hers. Most of the time Heidi liked that. My prayers go out to you and your little girl and I hope she gets to feeling better soon.

10-14-2010, 11:02 AM	#35
lynnelily Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: usa Posts: 413	I'll keep you and her in my prayers.

10-17-2010, 07:38 PM	#39
Yorkielover04 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 15	LadyJane, I never expressed my condolances over your loss of Cody. I truly understand your pain and I hope you hold all of your wonderful memories, forever in your heart. I know how much you must miss him. Thank you again for your kindness and help, its truly appreciated. Chelsea'sMom

10-19-2010, 05:58 PM	#43
143julz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,294	Tears are flowing!! I'm so glad Chelsea is doing good. I'm glad you were able to get the med's in time and see a difference... I lost my baby 3 yr ago to kidney failure I know how hard it is to have to go through this with them. God bless you and Chelsea __________________ Dudley Doo and Dexter too!!! RIP (12/93-10/08) MY LIL JULZ!!!

10-19-2010, 07:12 PM	#44
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,490	One thing I want to mention about the Mirtazapine. It is not a cure for renal failure or any other illness or condition. It is simply a medicine that controls the nausea and vomiting and also stimulates the appetite. I have seen it work miracles for very ill dogs. My own and others. When a pup is very ill and feeling nauseous as they do in renal failure, they don't want to eat. They then are not able to fight any illness at all if their nutrition is not up to par. SO....Mirtazapine helps that. Then, you can do the other things to help with whatever illness they have. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

10-19-2010, 07:32 PM	#45
Yorkielover04 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 15	I agree... NOT a cure for renal failure, just makes it more comfortable for our pet. Chelsea started eating, but now she has slowed down, I am ok with it. I know she wont starve herself, and she will eat when she feels like it. Plus she is a "crock pot" Yorkie, so she can afford to lose some lbs. She is more active, more out of her crate, comes when I call her, and goes outdoors too. Again, I THANK everyone for their thoughts and prayers, this certainly isnt easy. HUGS! Chelsea'sMom