Update on Daisy - Protein Losing Nephropathy
 

I don't know if I posted about Daisy and her diagnosis of PLN. Almost two years ago, we started to see Daisy lose protein in her urine. My regular vet tested her a couple of times to rule out common causes like urinary tract or kidney infections. Unfortunately, Daisy still continued to lose protein and was referred back to her internal medicine specialist. He has treated Daisy's liver disease (microvascular dysplasia) and Inflammatory bowel disease for many years. He really scared me when we talked about the protein-losing kidney disease. He told me that the kidneys can have high blood pressure inside the small glomerular filtration system and that this can cause the dog to throw a blood clot and potentially have a stroke or death! So he wanted to put her on medicine. She started a high blood pressure medicine and a tiny dose of aspirin. I cried all the way home imagining how tiny 2 mg of aspirin would be. I have to have it made special for her because it cannot be suspended in any flavoring due to her allergies.

I started the medicine and Daisy started to improve. Later, LadyJane's dog Olivia was diagnosed with the same condition and told me how horrible the prognosis was! I didn't ask the internal medicine specialist about the prognosis, and I was convinced that she'd be lucky to see a year, if that.

It's been almost two years now and she is improving! I'm stunned! Her total protein is 7.2 which is the high end of normal and her albumin is also great. This means Daisy isn't losing protein through her body. Her kidney levels are also very good. Her liver is good for her, and will never be "normal" but even those numbers look ok (ALT was 183). Her urine protein ratio to creatinine which measures how much protein her kidneys are leaking is much lower than where we started.

Her doctors continue to be amazed she is still alive. They say things in like "natural selection would have selected against her" or "I can't believe she's still alive" or "wow, these are surprising numbers." yes, I cover her ears when they talk about how ill she is. But I know she knows...

She was so adorable the other day geting her blood pressure taken with her tiny little leg in a tiny little cuff. She just layed there very calm and sweet like she always is.

I thought I would share, I always seem to have bad news and this seems a little happy for once. Although my new vet suggested I not go outside when there is lightning.

This is why I am so passionate about getting good and proper vet care. I have seen what is possible. It hasn't always been easy mentally or financially. It's been very hard actually. I can't change who Daisy is, or the facts of her horrible breeding. But I can help her live as happily and comfortably as possible.

I love this dog.

Great news for Daisy!! Cathy you are such an amazing doggy Momma! Daisy is lucky to have you. :D

So happy that Daisy is doing so well. As you know, my Olivia is as well. For those who are not familiar with Olivia, here is the thread about her issues:

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/sic...phropathy.html

No, it is NOT easy mentally or financially. I so agree and understand. All I can say is that your girl is lucky to have you. All of your pups are. It makes me crazy when people give their pups less than appropriate care when I feel they can try to do more but it is just nothing I can change. Seeing people like you is always refreshing.

Daisy was a lucky puppy long ago to be chosen by you!! She has had a long and happy life because of you.

This is very good news for Daisy and for you! This disease sounds just awful! Is she terribly weak from it? This sounds so scary but I can tell from your post you have done all you can for her and it's helping her. Is this disease related to her MVD or another genetic problem or do they know. Anyway, this is very, very encouraging and you are a topdog mommie! :) Daisy is very blessed and vice versa.

Here is information about PLN:

http://www.vimpva.com/articles/Prote...0in%20Dogs.pdf


The reason I believe both girls are doing well is that it was picked up before there were symptoms. One of the most important things to do is minimum yearly blood work on pups...and every 6 months for older ones.

It also is why I constantly preach about taking pups to a vet at the first signs of illness because often people wait and wait and it is too late to turn the pup around. Not that anything is guaranteed .. but I think you are more apt to be successful if you opt to do a bit of prevention.

That is great news. I do yearly blood work on all of mine from day one. I hope Daisy has many more milestones with you.

What a story of hope. I hope you have many more yrs with Daisy

Daisy is amazing and she has excellent care with you and the doctors. Very happy to hear that she is doing very well.

LOL, no Daisy is very active and energetic, amazingly. She tires out the two year old. I do think she's improved her muscle tone from wrestling that little monkey off her back all day long! She is so tolerant of his annoying ways!!

No, I don't think the disease is related to her MVD. But, I am not sure because as early as age 6 Daisy had chronic renal changes on her ultrasounds. I wonder if the liver not working properly makes her kidneys work harder -- maybe I will ask the internist next time.

Thank you for your kind words :)

I also think in addition to the annual blood work, that a urinalysis should be done. Daisy never had any signs of kidney issues on her blood work, and never had a decrease in her total protein or albumin readings. I have always done urines because I'm obsessed with urinary crystals. This was the only way that there was a sign that Daisy had a problem.

Thank you ! it means so much to share Daisy's story. It is a story of hope!

So glad that your Daisy is doing well and yes we all love good news from time to time:cheer:

Thank you!!

Both girls are very lucky to have you both! Hope Daisy & Olivia continue to do wonderfully!

Such a positive update on Daisy and glad she is doing well.

I appreciate you educating us on PLN and the importance of vet care on a regular basis. You are a wonderful pup momma!