I have a 9 year old yorkie that is in early kidney failure and need advice - YorkieTalk.com Forums

CindyP812 · 07-28-2012, 11:02 AM

One of my yorkies, 9 year old Zoey is in early kidney failure. My vet recommends a lowered protein, low phos type of diet. I am wondering if anyone else is dealing with this and what kind of food you have your dog on? I know that Science diet makes an Kidney diet and I have her on that but she is not crazy about it. In addition I do make her a homemade diet as well. But she is finicky. I would love to find a good canned food that she would eat.
Any help would be very appreciated! Just wanting to know your secrets on this topic.

Sammy Mommy · 07-28-2012, 11:14 AM

I'm sorry that you and Zoey are facing this. Is Zoey on k/d food? Purina makes a kidney diet too and I think you need a prescription from the vet to get it. Has the vet mentioned Pepcid and Maalox (Maalox is used as a phosphorus binder). Sammy took all of that plus vitamins. He liked the k/d. He would have canned for dinner and dry for breakfast and the dry as treats too. I would follow the vet's suggestions for diet. It plays a role in treating this horrible disease. If you have any questions, please PM me if I can be of any help. Praying for your Zoey.

CindyP812 · 07-28-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Mommy

I'm sorry that you and Zoey are facing this. Is Zoey on k/d food? Purina makes a kidney diet too and I think you need a prescription from the vet to get it. Has the vet mentioned Pepcid and Maalox (Maalox is used as a phosphorus binder). Sammy took all of that plus vitamins. He liked the k/d. He would have canned for dinner and dry for breakfast and the dry as treats too. I would follow the vet's suggestions for diet. It plays a role in treating this horrible disease. If you have any questions, please PM me if I can be of any help. Praying for your Zoey.

It sound like you have been through all this with Sammy. May I ask how he is doing? Thank you for your help and prayers. It is a tough thing to go through for sure.
I have had Zoey on a homemade diet but I do not feel that it is good for the long haul since it has so little in it. I have her on a daily vitamin. I just started her on the Hill's K/D. She has such a finicky stomach I hope that it works for her. I have always been told about grain free diets and followed that and now the K/D has corn in it

But if that is what is good for her I guess I will keep her on it as long as she will eat it. I have not tried the Pepcid or Maalox. i would like to know more about it though. Any information is appreciated!

BLowry · 07-28-2012, 11:59 AM

I just wanted to say I am sorry to hear of your little one being sick. I hope they can find something that will help her. May I suggest coconut oil...there is a really good thread on here (somewhere!) and all the benefits of coconut oil...it's kinda an all over health...I couldn't believe some of the ailments it was good for. My furkids are having poop issues right now...when it's cleared up I am going to talk to my vet about it.

KimInMD · 07-28-2012, 12:02 PM

We are fighting this same battle with our Lucy. I thought at first that she was a finicky eater, but it turns out that she gets nauseous from time to time. We tried Hills and Royal Canin. Lucy would not eat either of them (so now I cook for her). I do remember reading from others that their pups liked the Purina (like Sammy's Mom said). It's a tough, uphill battle though. I included a link to nutritional data of some of the brands out there. I'm sorry it's a long read, but I was hoping it would help you decide what to try next. Hugs to you and Zoey.

DogAware.com Health: Prescription Diets for Dogs with Kidney Disease

Sammy Mommy · 07-28-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyP812

It sound like you have been through all this with Sammy. May I ask how he is doing? Thank you for your help and prayers. It is a tough thing to go through for sure.
I have had Zoey on a homemade diet but I do not feel that it is good for the long haul since it has so little in it. I have her on a daily vitamin. I just started her on the Hill's K/D. She has such a finicky stomach I hope that it works for her. I have always been told about grain free diets and followed that and now the K/D has corn in it

But if that is what is good for her I guess I will keep her on it as long as she will eat it. I have not tried the Pepcid or Maalox. i would like to know more about it though. Any information is appreciated!

Sadly, my Sammy passed away last June. We did all we could but he was older than Zoey, maybe that had something to do with it. He was 13. It's just a hard thing to deal with. But keep up with the blood tests to help chart how things are going and follow the diet that the vet recommends. Ask your vet about Pepcid. That is because they can get ulcers from the disease and the Maalox is a phosphorus binder. I think it gets the phosphorus out of the food before it reaches the kidneys. Any other questions, or you just need to talk, I'm here for you and Zoey.

Stitches29 · 07-28-2012, 12:38 PM

All three of my Yorkies are on Blue Buffalo Senior . Their health has improved 100%. Check out Dog Food Reviews and Ratings | Dog Food Advisor to read about the nutrition value of any food you can think of. Blue Buffalo comes out on top every time.

CindyP812 · 07-28-2012, 04:48 PM

Thanks everyone for all your kindness and help. I will look into the coconut oil and the Purina as well. Your all a great bunch of people.

CindyP812 · 07-28-2012, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sammy Mommy

Sadly, my Sammy passed away last June. We did all we could but he was older than Zoey, maybe that had something to do with it. He was 13. It's just a hard thing to deal with. But keep up with the blood tests to help chart how things are going and follow the diet that the vet recommends. Ask your vet about Pepcid. That is because they can get ulcers from the disease and the Maalox is a phosphorus binder. I think it gets the phosphorus out of the food before it reaches the kidneys. Any other questions, or you just need to talk, I'm here for you and Zoey.

I am sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a dog. They are like our kids.

Sammy Mommy · 07-28-2012, 04:59 PM

Thank you. They really are like having children. I hope Zoey will do well on her prescription food.

MikaTallulah · 07-28-2012, 09:30 PM

Find away to get her to eat the Rx dog food. The most important thing with Renal Failure is to keep her hydrated so wet food due to high moisture content is probably best plus most dogs prefer the smellyness of wet food to dry food.

I went through CRF with my Zoey for 2 months give or take. She was only given a few weeks but she fought like a champ for over 2 months. Her renal failure was due to poisoning by Waggin Train and Canyon Creek dog treats by Nestle Purina.

LadyJane has been through this too with one of her butt previously.

Hoping a praying you find a treatment plan of your girl that works for her. Make everyday count.

arnolda30 · 07-29-2012, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CindyP812

One of my yorkies, 9 year old Zoey is in early kidney failure. My vet recommends a lowered protein, low phos type of diet. I am wondering if anyone else is dealing with this and what kind of food you have your dog on? I know that Science diet makes an Kidney diet and I have her on that but she is not crazy about it. In addition I do make her a homemade diet as well. But she is finicky. I would love to find a good canned food that she would eat.
Any help would be very appreciated! Just wanting to know your secrets on this topic.

So sorry to hear that. Our sweet little Charlie also had kidney issues. He was on Prescription Diet K/D (we purchased thru vet's office). There is both a hard food and soft food (we did both and that seemed to help). It is on the pricey side, but often rebate offers (if you check the website and/or ask when you purchase food). k/d® Canine Renal Health - Dry
It helped our Charlie (we just lost him a few months ago just days after his 17 birthday). He was on it the last two years of his life.
I wish you the best.

107barney · 07-29-2012, 07:08 PM

My 12 year old Daisy has early renal issues. I home cook for Daisy and her diet has three ingredients and supplements. Her kidney values in 6 weeks greatly improved with a slight modification to her diet to cutting phosphorous in half and the addition of microdose of asprin and benazaprine once daily.

My personal opinion is that it does not matter if you have a diet with few ingredients if that is what the dog needs so long as it is properly balanced. I also do not think coconut oil should be added to the diet of a renal dog, I use omega 3 oils because there is some indication that it may help delay CRF in dogs and it is used for Daisy to dampen her immune response for her other problems.

CindyP812 · 07-30-2012, 04:20 AM

I have been giving Zoey fish oil daily. I have read that Omega's do help. I am starting to switch her from the homemade diet to the Hill's Rx K/D canned food. So far she is eating it mixed with some of the homemade. When I make my own I use, ground beef, rice, egg, and bread, add some calcium and fish oil. She eats it but I find that she leaves some rice, so I worry that it throws the balance off. It would be easier for me if she will accept the canned food. I find the food I make smells funny after a few days in the fridge as well.

CindyP812 · 07-30-2012, 04:26 AM

Has anyone used Epikatin? I get it from Revival animal. It is suppose to be a phosphorus binder?

07-28-2012, 11:02 AM	#1
CindyP812 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Terre Haute Posts: 106	I have a 9 year old yorkie that is in early kidney failure and need advice One of my yorkies, 9 year old Zoey is in early kidney failure. My vet recommends a lowered protein, low phos type of diet. I am wondering if anyone else is dealing with this and what kind of food you have your dog on? I know that Science diet makes an Kidney diet and I have her on that but she is not crazy about it. In addition I do make her a homemade diet as well. But she is finicky. I would love to find a good canned food that she would eat. Any help would be very appreciated! Just wanting to know your secrets on this topic.

07-28-2012, 11:59 AM	#4
BLowry My furkids Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,625 Blog Entries: 1	I just wanted to say I am sorry to hear of your little one being sick. I hope they can find something that will help her. May I suggest coconut oil...there is a really good thread on here (somewhere!) and all the benefits of coconut oil...it's kinda an all over health...I couldn't believe some of the ailments it was good for. My furkids are having poop issues right now...when it's cleared up I am going to talk to my vet about it. __________________ Brenda

07-28-2012, 12:02 PM	#5
KimInMD Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Baltimore, MD. Posts: 1,078	We are fighting this same battle with our Lucy. I thought at first that she was a finicky eater, but it turns out that she gets nauseous from time to time. We tried Hills and Royal Canin. Lucy would not eat either of them (so now I cook for her). I do remember reading from others that their pups liked the Purina (like Sammy's Mom said). It's a tough, uphill battle though. I included a link to nutritional data of some of the brands out there. I'm sorry it's a long read, but I was hoping it would help you decide what to try next. Hugs to you and Zoey. DogAware.com Health: Prescription Diets for Dogs with Kidney Disease __________________ Kim- Mom to Lola, Mia, Allie, and Lucy, always in my heart

07-28-2012, 12:38 PM	#7
Stitches29 My Little Magwad Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,739	All three of my Yorkies are on Blue Buffalo Senior . Their health has improved 100%. Check out Dog Food Reviews and Ratings \| Dog Food Advisor to read about the nutrition value of any food you can think of. Blue Buffalo comes out on top every time. __________________ "My Furkids" Maggie, Molly and Meme...

07-28-2012, 09:30 PM	#11
MikaTallulah YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Posts: 1,812	Find away to get her to eat the Rx dog food. The most important thing with Renal Failure is to keep her hydrated so wet food due to high moisture content is probably best plus most dogs prefer the smellyness of wet food to dry food. I went through CRF with my Zoey for 2 months give or take. She was only given a few weeks but she fought like a champ for over 2 months. Her renal failure was due to poisoning by Waggin Train and Canyon Creek dog treats by Nestle Purina. LadyJane has been through this too with one of her butt previously. Hoping a praying you find a treatment plan of your girl that works for her. Make everyday count. __________________ Beware of Nestle Purina Cozy (4/06), Roxy & Zoey (2/08), Lucy (4/09); Buddy 4/09- Rescued 12/11); Mika ('98) & Tallulah ('00) RIP Harley 4/2009; Lucky 11/2010; Zoey 4/2012 Last edited by MikaTallulah; 07-28-2012 at 09:31 PM.

07-28-2012, 11:14 AM	#2
Sammy Mommy Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Posts: 3,896	I'm sorry that you and Zoey are facing this. Is Zoey on k/d food? Purina makes a kidney diet too and I think you need a prescription from the vet to get it. Has the vet mentioned Pepcid and Maalox (Maalox is used as a phosphorus binder). Sammy took all of that plus vitamins. He liked the k/d. He would have canned for dinner and dry for breakfast and the dry as treats too. I would follow the vet's suggestions for diet. It plays a role in treating this horrible disease. If you have any questions, please PM me if I can be of any help. Praying for your Zoey.

07-28-2012, 04:48 PM	#8
CindyP812 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Terre Haute Posts: 106	Thanks everyone for all your kindness and help. I will look into the coconut oil and the Purina as well. Your all a great bunch of people.

07-28-2012, 04:59 PM	#10
Sammy Mommy Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: New York Posts: 3,896	Thank you. They really are like having children. I hope Zoey will do well on her prescription food.

07-29-2012, 07:08 PM	#13
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	My 12 year old Daisy has early renal issues. I home cook for Daisy and her diet has three ingredients and supplements. Her kidney values in 6 weeks greatly improved with a slight modification to her diet to cutting phosphorous in half and the addition of microdose of asprin and benazaprine once daily. My personal opinion is that it does not matter if you have a diet with few ingredients if that is what the dog needs so long as it is properly balanced. I also do not think coconut oil should be added to the diet of a renal dog, I use omega 3 oils because there is some indication that it may help delay CRF in dogs and it is used for Daisy to dampen her immune response for her other problems. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

07-30-2012, 04:20 AM	#14
CindyP812 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Terre Haute Posts: 106	I have been giving Zoey fish oil daily. I have read that Omega's do help. I am starting to switch her from the homemade diet to the Hill's Rx K/D canned food. So far she is eating it mixed with some of the homemade. When I make my own I use, ground beef, rice, egg, and bread, add some calcium and fish oil. She eats it but I find that she leaves some rice, so I worry that it throws the balance off. It would be easier for me if she will accept the canned food. I find the food I make smells funny after a few days in the fridge as well.

07-30-2012, 04:26 AM	#15
CindyP812 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Terre Haute Posts: 106	Has anyone used Epikatin? I get it from Revival animal. It is suppose to be a phosphorus binder?