My Yorkie has kidney disease - YorkieTalk.com Forums

swright55 · 10-08-2010, 02:05 PM

Hi, I am new to YorkieTalk.com. We just found out this week our wonderful Rockybear has kidney disease. He just seems so healty now but the our doctor says he could only live another 6 months to a year. We put him on Hills prescription diet. He is 7 years old. He has seizures also but we have him on phenobarbital for that. He just has such a great personality and brought us so much happiness. We are just so sad about this. I noticed some very old posts about this. Is there anyone else that might be going through the same thing? thanks Shirley

elemtchr99 · 10-08-2010, 03:06 PM

So sorry to hear this about your little Rockybear. I will be sure to say a prayer for him!!!

lynnelily · 10-08-2010, 03:21 PM

I'm sorry your baby is sick I will keep him in my prayer. I'm sure their are people on YT that may have information about kidney disease. It is also a great place to find support.

jp4m2 · 10-08-2010, 03:46 PM

I'm so sorry your having to deal with such a difficult situation such as this.......My Jack, who is 5, was recently diagnosed with this too.....Most vets will typically send you home with prescription food and tell you good luck. I found the most helpful advise from these two sites.......

DogAware.com Health: Kidney Disease in Dogs

This one you have to join.....

K9KIDNEYS : for owners of dogs with Kidney Disease

There is no way to determine how much time we have once they give this diagnosis. Some will live quite well for several years, and sadly some won't. Everyone is different. Once you start reading you will see there are many things you can do to try and slow the process down. We all have to decide for ourselves how much we are willing and how much we can do......

There is the diet, a lot of dogs won't eat the prescription food, so a lot of people will home cook. That is where the K9 forum will/can help you. Phosphorous is detrimental to the kidneys, there are phosphorous binders that can be add to the food to help with this.

There's also supplements such as fish oil, vit. E, & coq10 to help with the kidneys. There are B vitamins, that are lost from the urine output, which can be helpful to them.

There are sub.q fluids you can do at home to help keep them hydrated and to help flush out toxins. If you have a nephrologist in your area they may be better able to advise you in Rockybears illness. I don't have any in my area so I just have the regular vet......

I know this is a lot to digest. I'm still in the figuring out process. All I can say is to do as much reading as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions on the forum.....Good luck to you and I wish you and Rockybear well...

aljopamic · 10-08-2010, 04:13 PM

I know what you are going thru. My Mandy was diagnosed with it in 2004 and she lived with it for 2 1/2 years. I tried the canned diet I bought from the vet but she hated it so I got recipes and home cooked for her. Eventually we did the fluids. She was the love of my life and I did everything I could for her. My vet told us she could have months or years they really can't tell.
My advice is to educate yourself as much as you can and remember that the vet doesn't know for sure how much time your baby has. My vet use to tell me to be present and to enjoy each day with her. That is what I did and it got me thru.

jp4m2 · 10-08-2010, 04:20 PM

I forgot to add that a lot of people swear by Azodyl in helping to reduce the BUN......The same company pushes a product called Epikatin (phosphorous binder)and Rubinal........You can find some info about them in the links I provided. I can't say if they work or not, some people have the belief that it can't hurt so they use it, others think it's just a marketing ploy to sell products. In the end it's your call as to whether or not that you want to to use them.....I'm using the Azodyl myself.......

This is a very complicated and overwhelming disease to get a grasp on, as long as Rockybear is doing well right now I would take some time and try and read and digest as much as you can at one time and then take a break.....

Looking back on things my Jack had problems back in 12/2008. But he had a bozo vet who didn't think some things were worth investigating. So he didn't get his *official* diagnosis until 2/2010. I took him in because he was drinking a lot, peeing and he lost some weight......So he really has had this for almost 2 years now, and to look at him he looks and acts ok.......Any way, Good luck again.......

ladyjane · 10-08-2010, 09:49 PM

I found with my pup who had renal failure that he liked Purina NF better than the Hill's KD. If your Rockybear does not like the KD, you might want to ask about the NF.
I ended up doing a consult with a vet nutritionist at Texas A&M and started home cooking; and my Cody did well on it.
Diet is the very most important thing to start with when a pup in in renal failure.
There is no way they can know how long a pup has...each one is different! I encourage you to do a lot of reading about it. These pups can be managed for long periods of time.

brendarash · 10-08-2010, 10:15 PM

I am so sorry to hear your Rocky Bear is not feeling well. My first Yorkie Ferdie, was diagnosed with this as well in 1996. He was 16 years old. At that time, I was not able to get on the computer check out all of the info on it. He passed, when he was 19 and a half. Poor baby. He was such a trooper. He did not have any signs until he was 18 yrs old. Good luck.

Lisa and Pic · 10-09-2010, 02:49 AM

I am so sorry to hear about your little one. My first Yorkie also had this. She was also on the Hills food, but did not like it very much. Wish I had known about the Purina, that Ladyjane mentioned.

Anyway, sending prayers your way....

swright55 · 10-10-2010, 06:50 AM

Thanks to everyone for your comments, prayers and support for my Rockybear. He is playing ball now so it is so hard to believe he is so sick. I am so glad I have found this site to help me through the stages!!! Shirley

jp4m2 · 10-10-2010, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swright55

Thanks to everyone for your comments, prayers and support for my Rockybear. He is playing ball now so it is so hard to believe he is so sick. I am so glad I have found this site to help me through the stages!!! Shirley

Hello Shirley, I'm so glad for you that Rockybear is feeling so well.....That is a good sign......It does my heart good when I see my Jack running and playing. It gives me hope ........

I would highly recommend that you get the food issue resolved. It is said that by the time *we* notice any symptoms in our pets that they have lost approx. 75% of their kidney function. So it is so important for the remaining function of the kidney to be handled with care.....The diet will help tremendously with this, whether you do prescription or homemade....

It's the phosphorous in the food that is detrimental to the kidneys. We are in a catch twenty two in this area because meat has phosphorous but they need meat or their muscle mass will suffer. It's a fine line to walk with these guys....That is why a lot of people will go with the prescription food, it is low in phosphorous but the taste and ingredients are not the greatest. Good luck and I hope things work out well for you both.....

joann4515 · 10-11-2010, 08:29 AM

So sorry to hear that Rockybear has kidney failure. My yorkie was diagosed in January of 2009. Sub Q fluids are the most important treatment along with, pepcid for stomach acid, low phophorous food(if they will eat it) mine girl wouldn't it made her sick she had a sensitive stomach to begin with, phophorous binders if they can tolerate it. She had a very happy and comfortable 1year and 9months. Her response to fluids and natural balance canned dog food was very good. Every dog is different and you need to find the right treatment for your individual dog. Read up on kidney failure to get all the info you can. We gave her sub q fluids at home as needed and she was like the energizer bunny. Hydration is key with this disease!!!!

swright55 · 10-11-2010, 10:41 AM

Thank you so much for that. Are you saying you just lost your yorkie or is she still alive. How old was she? Rocky is hyper also. What kind of treats did you give her. I still have to give him his phenobaritol everyday so I put the pill in a small amount of peperonni treat. Otherwise I am feeding him the treats the doctor gave me that goes with the Precription diet. So far he just loves to eat so he gulps donw the HIlls PD -KD food. What do people cook if the food doesn't work out. Shirley

joann4515 · 10-11-2010, 04:03 PM

My precious Tiffany passed away last Wednesday

she was 17 years old. She had Chronic kidney failure for 1 year and 9 months. Has your vet mention any type of treatment for Rockybear other than prescription diet? Tiffany had a sensitive stomach and prescription food didn't work for her. I found an all natural canned and holistic dog food that agreed with her. It sounds like Rockybear is doing great and that's a good sign!!

swright55 · 10-12-2010, 10:35 AM

I am so sorry about Tiffany. They are never with us long enough. I once read a card that said they are like little angels that are only with us for a little while. I think it is so nice that you are sending me such kind words when your heart is broken. I have only put Rocky on Hills k/d for now. He gobbles it up okay because he will eat anything. He seems to be doing okay. We are taking him to Birmingham on friday to get a ultrasound to make sure he does not have kidney stones. I am still wondering about what kind of treats are okay. Again thank you and so sorry about Tiffany!!

10-08-2010, 02:05 PM	#1
swright55 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL Madison Posts: 8	My Yorkie has kidney disease Hi, I am new to YorkieTalk.com. We just found out this week our wonderful Rockybear has kidney disease. He just seems so healty now but the our doctor says he could only live another 6 months to a year. We put him on Hills prescription diet. He is 7 years old. He has seizures also but we have him on phenobarbital for that. He just has such a great personality and brought us so much happiness. We are just so sad about this. I noticed some very old posts about this. Is there anyone else that might be going through the same thing? thanks Shirley

10-08-2010, 03:06 PM	#2
elemtchr99 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mississippi Posts: 1,261	So sorry to hear this about your little Rockybear. I will be sure to say a prayer for him!!! __________________ Barbara & Sophie

10-08-2010, 03:46 PM	#4
jp4m2 Love my Boys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: w/ my boys Posts: 5,056	I'm so sorry your having to deal with such a difficult situation such as this.......My Jack, who is 5, was recently diagnosed with this too.....Most vets will typically send you home with prescription food and tell you good luck. I found the most helpful advise from these two sites....... DogAware.com Health: Kidney Disease in Dogs This one you have to join..... K9KIDNEYS : for owners of dogs with Kidney Disease There is no way to determine how much time we have once they give this diagnosis. Some will live quite well for several years, and sadly some won't. Everyone is different. Once you start reading you will see there are many things you can do to try and slow the process down. We all have to decide for ourselves how much we are willing and how much we can do...... There is the diet, a lot of dogs won't eat the prescription food, so a lot of people will home cook. That is where the K9 forum will/can help you. Phosphorous is detrimental to the kidneys, there are phosphorous binders that can be add to the food to help with this. There's also supplements such as fish oil, vit. E, & coq10 to help with the kidneys. There are B vitamins, that are lost from the urine output, which can be helpful to them. There are sub.q fluids you can do at home to help keep them hydrated and to help flush out toxins. If you have a nephrologist in your area they may be better able to advise you in Rockybears illness. I don't have any in my area so I just have the regular vet...... I know this is a lot to digest. I'm still in the figuring out process. All I can say is to do as much reading as you can and don't be afraid to ask questions on the forum.....Good luck to you and I wish you and Rockybear well... __________________ B.J.mom to : Jake J.J. Jack & Joey, momma misses you..... The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too..

10-08-2010, 04:20 PM	#6
jp4m2 Love my Boys Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: w/ my boys Posts: 5,056	I forgot to add that a lot of people swear by Azodyl in helping to reduce the BUN......The same company pushes a product called Epikatin (phosphorous binder)and Rubinal........You can find some info about them in the links I provided. I can't say if they work or not, some people have the belief that it can't hurt so they use it, others think it's just a marketing ploy to sell products. In the end it's your call as to whether or not that you want to to use them.....I'm using the Azodyl myself....... This is a very complicated and overwhelming disease to get a grasp on, as long as Rockybear is doing well right now I would take some time and try and read and digest as much as you can at one time and then take a break..... Looking back on things my Jack had problems back in 12/2008. But he had a bozo vet who didn't think some things were worth investigating. So he didn't get his official diagnosis until 2/2010. I took him in because he was drinking a lot, peeing and he lost some weight......So he really has had this for almost 2 years now, and to look at him he looks and acts ok.......Any way, Good luck again....... __________________ B.J.mom to : Jake J.J. Jack & Joey, momma misses you..... The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone. The two most powerful words when we’re in struggle: me too..

10-08-2010, 09:49 PM	#7
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,372	I found with my pup who had renal failure that he liked Purina NF better than the Hill's KD. If your Rockybear does not like the KD, you might want to ask about the NF. I ended up doing a consult with a vet nutritionist at Texas A&M and started home cooking; and my Cody did well on it. Diet is the very most important thing to start with when a pup in in renal failure. There is no way they can know how long a pup has...each one is different! I encourage you to do a lot of reading about it. These pups can be managed for long periods of time. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

10-08-2010, 03:21 PM	#3
lynnelily Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: usa Posts: 413	I'm sorry your baby is sick I will keep him in my prayer. I'm sure their are people on YT that may have information about kidney disease. It is also a great place to find support.

10-08-2010, 04:13 PM	#5
aljopamic Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Clarksville,TN Posts: 125	I know what you are going thru. My Mandy was diagnosed with it in 2004 and she lived with it for 2 1/2 years. I tried the canned diet I bought from the vet but she hated it so I got recipes and home cooked for her. Eventually we did the fluids. She was the love of my life and I did everything I could for her. My vet told us she could have months or years they really can't tell. My advice is to educate yourself as much as you can and remember that the vet doesn't know for sure how much time your baby has. My vet use to tell me to be present and to enjoy each day with her. That is what I did and it got me thru.

10-08-2010, 10:15 PM	#8
brendarash Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 375	I am so sorry to hear your Rocky Bear is not feeling well. My first Yorkie Ferdie, was diagnosed with this as well in 1996. He was 16 years old. At that time, I was not able to get on the computer check out all of the info on it. He passed, when he was 19 and a half. Poor baby. He was such a trooper. He did not have any signs until he was 18 yrs old. Good luck. __________________ Brenda Jackie,Sadie, Rosie, Julie and Sophie my other non yorkie fur babies Romeo Lillie and Sammie, Jessie, Callie, Cloie.

10-09-2010, 02:49 AM	#9
Lisa and Pic ♥ Piccolo & Vivi ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 14,311	I am so sorry to hear about your little one. My first Yorkie also had this. She was also on the Hills food, but did not like it very much. Wish I had known about the Purina, that Ladyjane mentioned. Anyway, sending prayers your way.... __________________ Lisa, Dixie, and Jazzy (RIP Piccolo and Vivi)

10-10-2010, 06:50 AM	#10
swright55 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL Madison Posts: 8	Rockybear Thanks to everyone for your comments, prayers and support for my Rockybear. He is playing ball now so it is so hard to believe he is so sick. I am so glad I have found this site to help me through the stages!!! Shirley

10-11-2010, 08:29 AM	#12
joann4515 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: boston Posts: 46	So sorry to hear that Rockybear has kidney failure. My yorkie was diagosed in January of 2009. Sub Q fluids are the most important treatment along with, pepcid for stomach acid, low phophorous food(if they will eat it) mine girl wouldn't it made her sick she had a sensitive stomach to begin with, phophorous binders if they can tolerate it. She had a very happy and comfortable 1year and 9months. Her response to fluids and natural balance canned dog food was very good. Every dog is different and you need to find the right treatment for your individual dog. Read up on kidney failure to get all the info you can. We gave her sub q fluids at home as needed and she was like the energizer bunny. Hydration is key with this disease!!!!

10-11-2010, 10:41 AM	#13
swright55 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL Madison Posts: 8	Thank you so much for that. Are you saying you just lost your yorkie or is she still alive. How old was she? Rocky is hyper also. What kind of treats did you give her. I still have to give him his phenobaritol everyday so I put the pill in a small amount of peperonni treat. Otherwise I am feeding him the treats the doctor gave me that goes with the Precription diet. So far he just loves to eat so he gulps donw the HIlls PD -KD food. What do people cook if the food doesn't work out. Shirley

10-11-2010, 04:03 PM	#14
joann4515 Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: boston Posts: 46	My precious Tiffany passed away last Wednesday she was 17 years old. She had Chronic kidney failure for 1 year and 9 months. Has your vet mention any type of treatment for Rockybear other than prescription diet? Tiffany had a sensitive stomach and prescription food didn't work for her. I found an all natural canned and holistic dog food that agreed with her. It sounds like Rockybear is doing great and that's a good sign!!

10-12-2010, 10:35 AM	#15
swright55 YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Huntsville, AL Madison Posts: 8	I am so sorry about Tiffany. They are never with us long enough. I once read a card that said they are like little angels that are only with us for a little while. I think it is so nice that you are sending me such kind words when your heart is broken. I have only put Rocky on Hills k/d for now. He gobbles it up okay because he will eat anything. He seems to be doing okay. We are taking him to Birmingham on friday to get a ultrasound to make sure he does not have kidney stones. I am still wondering about what kind of treats are okay. Again thank you and so sorry about Tiffany!!