Need prayers for Adonis - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

mimimomo · 05-31-2013, 11:05 AM

Praying for Adonis...I recently read myself scared when my 2 had struvite crystals. That kidney failure happens too often & doing all I can while they're still young (mine are 4-6 years old) to preserve their kidneys. I'm liquefying their diet, moistening their kibble so not to put strain on their tiny kidneys. It's one of those precious organs in the body where it doesn't repair itself, but it can be managed. I am sure putting in that IV needle will be hard @ 1st, but it will become a cinch to do, all the best to you & Adonis.

joyce evans · 05-31-2013, 11:20 AM

My thoughts & prayers are with you and your baby!!

Bnot · 05-31-2013, 11:52 AM

Just went for a short visit, as his IV came out again. They let me take him out, cause its so hot here, LOL. He doesn't seem to like where they take him out.

And guess what??? HE FINALLY POOPED!!!!

Good firm poop too, and a bunch of it. Never been so happy to see dog poop in my life!

He hadn't had a decent stool in over a week. Actually its been very little of it at all (every other to 3 days) and runny.

Can't believe I'm doing the happy dance over dog poo

Bnot · 05-31-2013, 05:18 PM

they backed off his IV fluids last night and his creatine sky rocketed. Higher than it was the other day.

he was chewing on his IV, and got crowned with the cone of shame.

I found out he won't be hooked to an IV, he'll need fluids. I'll need to learn more.

dottiesyrky · 05-31-2013, 06:08 PM

Naughty Adonis!!! No chewing on your IV!! Sorry you have to wear the cone, but you do need hydration.
You mean when he comes home he won't need hydration via an IV? I guess you can syringe water into his mouth if he won't drink enough. I found adding some chicken pieces to the water can sometimes encourage a pet to drink, or salt less chicken broth may work too. Get well soo dear one.

Scoobstersmom · 05-31-2013, 08:29 PM

Dear Bnot, I'm sorry the news wasn't better and that you and Adonis are having to deal with kidney failure but honestly, the future just may not be as bleak as it seems right now. Very often, kidney disease can be managed at home for long periods of time and many dogs enjoy a good quality of life for a year or two or three with home management.

If you haven't already, I hope you will find the time to join the two yahoo groups I mentioned to you in an earlier post as soon as possible. Many vets aren't that great at dealing with kidney disease and often paint a pretty bleak picture, but by joining those groups and taking the time to read and learn about Adonis's condition, you will gain much knowledge to improve the quality of his life. And I think you will gain confidence and hope that you will be able to manage his disease.

Administering the sub q fluids at home is a simple procedure and the single most important thing you can do to make Adonis feel better. I know it seems scary at first, but most people can easily do it at home by themselves after having their vet show them once. My little guy had an episode of acute (rather than chronic) kidney failure a while back, and I had to give him fluids daily for about a month. In no time I had it down to a science. It took 15 minutes out of my day including setting up for the procedure, and it took 7-8 minutes to actually give him the fluids. So 15 minutes of pain in the patootie for 23 hours and 45 minutes of him feeling good. Well worth it in my book! Also, by joining the list, you will be able to learn where and how to purchase supplies to administer the fluids at home at a greatly reduced cost. My vet charged $35 for one bag of fluids that lasted about a week. I was able to order (requires an rx from your vet) a whole case of 12 bags of fluids at Costco for $29.

The other important factor in the management of kidney disease is diet. Adonis will need to be on a very low protein and low phosphorous diet from now on, and there are a few supplements you'll be able to learn about on the list that will make a huge difference in how he feels and how his disease progresses. Most of the members of those lists home cook for their kidney compromised dogs, and you will be able to pick up a lot of info about diet and supplements by joining the lists.

Honestly, a Creatinine of 3.3 does not sound that high to me. It is elevated, for sure, but may come down again, and even if it doesn't, there are dogs living good lives on that list with much, much higher numbers. Also, what your vet may not have told you is that it's not all that uncommon for the Creatinine to spike when you stop the IV fluids, but it's also not that uncommon for the numbers to continue to drop again once you're home and hydrating him with sub q fluids. I don't mean to make light of the situation you have found yourself in. Kidney failure is a nasty disease. But I did want to pop in and try to give a little positive input and some hope that you might have your baby around for a lot longer than you think.

Good luck. Join those groups. Read up as much as you can so that you can be prepared for when your baby comes home. Ask lots of questions. The moderators on the kidney diet group are amazingly knowledgeable and you will find many doggy parents that have already walked your path and are willing to give you support and share their knowledge.

Thinking of you and sending positive energy to Adonis.

Diana and the Scoobster

Dudley's Mom · 06-01-2013, 06:25 AM

Do not be too discouraged. My Dudley has gone through this for over 5 years. He has now gotten a case of liver problems to go with it but I have been able to stay ahead of the kidney game. It doesn't seem so bad to put that needle in when you know you are treating him with what he needs and you want him to live. You can do this. I will be praying for him and you both for the strength you need.

Bnot · 06-02-2013, 10:11 AM

Adonis came home yesterday about 4:30. Hadn't had time to post as I've had a house load of company.

I will check out those yahoo groups you mentioned, as I need to know as much as I can about this. Just been pretty wild around here with 2 extra people and their rottie. I'm managing.

He came home with a buttload of meds! I think he has as many as I do now. Poop is good, but I'd sure like to see him drink more water.

Since his teeth are in such rough shape, I'm afraid I'm going to have to go from SOJO'S original (where I added the hamburger or chicken) to canned. ER wasn't of much help with that, and my vet won't open till Monday. I know hamburger has a lot of protien, and dunno what a steady diet of chicken with SOJO'S would do.

Having a hard time this am, trying to get all the meds down him. 2 worked ok with pill pockets. My holistic vet has him on a few powdered things now, which I got to find something to mix it with, as he doesn't like it. 2 HUGE capsules 2x's a day. Not fun on one cup of coffee.

I take him at 4pm to get a creatinine test. We see his Holistic vet Monday.

My company will be here till Wed. after that, its back to me, Adonis and Venus, and will be much quieter.

dottiesyrky · 06-02-2013, 11:34 AM

So happy you have your baby home, he must feel so much better being with you and his familiar toys and bed. :-) Sorry he has to take so many meds, but the pill pockets seem to make them easier to take. I hate making pets take meds, but needs must. At least they do get the tasty pill pockets too!
As for diet I don't know, but there are many here who can help you about that.
Quite a tough job taking care of Adonis, and visitors + extra dog!! You are such a wonderful Mom and Adonis will do well with your attentive care.
Good Luck with the tests and with the holistic vet. Hope he is doing well and that he continues to improve and get better soon. Thoughts and prayers.
Thanks for your updates, busy though you are, we do appreciate item.

Scoobstersmom · 06-02-2013, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnot

. Poop is good, but I'd sure like to see him drink more water.

He is likely not drinking because he's well hydrated from the fluids. Nothing to worry about.

Diana and the Scoobster

Scoobstersmom · 06-02-2013, 12:08 PM

Bnot, unless Adonis has protein in the urine, it is more important for him to have a low phosphorous diet than a low protein one. Unfortunately there is a lot of phosphorous in meat, so it usually ends up limiting meat as well. About the only commercial diets that are low enough in phosphorous for a dog with renal insufficiency are the specialty kidney diets. Royal Canin has one as does Hills. The kidney diets are high in fat though which isn't all that great for a yorkie. Many of us home cook for our little ones. If you are interested in some websites that can help you with the diet, send me a pm.

Diana and the Scoobster

Bnot · 06-02-2013, 02:18 PM

YAHOO GROUPS APPLICATIONS are like filling out applications to Harvard. I give up....PIA, and I need to be taking car of my boy, and not filling out 2 applications with all kinds of questions about his blood owrk. some of th e stuff I dunno, as it was all done in er this past week.

Scoobstersmom · 06-02-2013, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnot

YAHOO GROUPS APPLICATIONS are like filling out applications to Harvard. I give up....PIA, and I need to be taking car of my boy, and not filling out 2 applications with all kinds of questions about his blood owrk. some of th e stuff I dunno, as it was all done in er this past week.

Bnot they can be. But just fill in what you know and add a note that you don't have copies right now. You just want to get access to the files and info!

Diana

ladyjane · 06-02-2013, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bnot

YAHOO GROUPS APPLICATIONS are like filling out applications to Harvard. I give up....PIA, and I need to be taking car of my boy, and not filling out 2 applications with all kinds of questions about his blood owrk. some of th e stuff I dunno, as it was all done in er this past week.

I am not a fan of those groups. I find that most of them give far to much veterinary advice than I am comfortable with. It is one thing to be supportive and supplement with advice that a pet owner gives and yet another to ask for and evaluate lab work on a dog and suggest things.

I rely on my vet and the specialists that I use.

I assumed you saw a specialist but then I saw that you mentioned EC which I am thinking is not an internal med specialist. You are talking about going to a holistic vet...I mean no disrespect to this vet but if you have been using him/her and you have not been told about dentals I would be concerned. I saw that you mentioned his teeth are awful which is a big reason for many pups to end up with cardiac and renal issues. I suggest that you do a consult with a board certified internal med specialist. They can give you lots of great tips on dealing with renal issues...and suggest a diet. Probably a prescription food is in order if it has not yet been suggested. I don't recommend that you try to figure out a diet for him on your own..it is tricky! You can do a consult with a vet nutritionist...or you can even go to the Balance It website for a diet for him...they will contact your vet before giving you a recommendation.
www.balanceit.com

Prayers for Adonis and for you.

spiritwings1202 · 06-02-2013, 02:39 PM

I am so sorry that you are going through this with your baby Adnois. It is such a difficult thing. Sending prayers

05-31-2013, 11:05 AM	#31
mimimomo Don't Litter Spay&Neuter Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 9,874	Praying for Adonis...I recently read myself scared when my 2 had struvite crystals. That kidney failure happens too often & doing all I can while they're still young (mine are 4-6 years old) to preserve their kidneys. I'm liquefying their diet, moistening their kibble so not to put strain on their tiny kidneys. It's one of those precious organs in the body where it doesn't repair itself, but it can be managed. I am sure putting in that IV needle will be hard @ 1st, but it will become a cinch to do, all the best to you & Adonis. __________________ Jenny Mimi Momo Princess Turbo Madan Pin Brush: www.toplinepet.com

05-31-2013, 11:20 AM	#32
joyce evans YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: houston Posts: 1,519	My thoughts & prayers are with you and your baby!! __________________ Hannah's Mom

06-02-2013, 11:34 AM	#39
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Adonis So happy you have your baby home, he must feel so much better being with you and his familiar toys and bed. :-) Sorry he has to take so many meds, but the pill pockets seem to make them easier to take. I hate making pets take meds, but needs must. At least they do get the tasty pill pockets too! As for diet I don't know, but there are many here who can help you about that. Quite a tough job taking care of Adonis, and visitors + extra dog!! You are such a wonderful Mom and Adonis will do well with your attentive care. Good Luck with the tests and with the holistic vet. Hope he is doing well and that he continues to improve and get better soon. Thoughts and prayers. Thanks for your updates, busy though you are, we do appreciate item.

06-02-2013, 02:39 PM	#45
spiritwings1202 Pixie and Daisy Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: CT USA Posts: 2,680	I am so sorry that you are going through this with your baby Adnois. It is such a difficult thing. Sending prayers __________________ Proud Mom of Daisy and Pixie

05-31-2013, 11:52 AM	#33
Bnot YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mobile AL Posts: 1,399	Just went for a short visit, as his IV came out again. They let me take him out, cause its so hot here, LOL. He doesn't seem to like where they take him out. And guess what??? HE FINALLY POOPED!!!! Good firm poop too, and a bunch of it. Never been so happy to see dog poop in my life! He hadn't had a decent stool in over a week. Actually its been very little of it at all (every other to 3 days) and runny. Can't believe I'm doing the happy dance over dog poo

05-31-2013, 05:18 PM	#34
Bnot YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mobile AL Posts: 1,399	they backed off his IV fluids last night and his creatine sky rocketed. Higher than it was the other day. he was chewing on his IV, and got crowned with the cone of shame. I found out he won't be hooked to an IV, he'll need fluids. I'll need to learn more.

05-31-2013, 06:08 PM	#35
dottiesyrky Donating YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: SW USA Posts: 2,505	Naughty Adonis!!! No chewing on your IV!! Sorry you have to wear the cone, but you do need hydration. You mean when he comes home he won't need hydration via an IV? I guess you can syringe water into his mouth if he won't drink enough. I found adding some chicken pieces to the water can sometimes encourage a pet to drink, or salt less chicken broth may work too. Get well soo dear one.

05-31-2013, 08:29 PM	#36
Scoobstersmom YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ USA Posts: 385	Dear Bnot, I'm sorry the news wasn't better and that you and Adonis are having to deal with kidney failure but honestly, the future just may not be as bleak as it seems right now. Very often, kidney disease can be managed at home for long periods of time and many dogs enjoy a good quality of life for a year or two or three with home management. If you haven't already, I hope you will find the time to join the two yahoo groups I mentioned to you in an earlier post as soon as possible. Many vets aren't that great at dealing with kidney disease and often paint a pretty bleak picture, but by joining those groups and taking the time to read and learn about Adonis's condition, you will gain much knowledge to improve the quality of his life. And I think you will gain confidence and hope that you will be able to manage his disease. Administering the sub q fluids at home is a simple procedure and the single most important thing you can do to make Adonis feel better. I know it seems scary at first, but most people can easily do it at home by themselves after having their vet show them once. My little guy had an episode of acute (rather than chronic) kidney failure a while back, and I had to give him fluids daily for about a month. In no time I had it down to a science. It took 15 minutes out of my day including setting up for the procedure, and it took 7-8 minutes to actually give him the fluids. So 15 minutes of pain in the patootie for 23 hours and 45 minutes of him feeling good. Well worth it in my book! Also, by joining the list, you will be able to learn where and how to purchase supplies to administer the fluids at home at a greatly reduced cost. My vet charged $35 for one bag of fluids that lasted about a week. I was able to order (requires an rx from your vet) a whole case of 12 bags of fluids at Costco for $29. The other important factor in the management of kidney disease is diet. Adonis will need to be on a very low protein and low phosphorous diet from now on, and there are a few supplements you'll be able to learn about on the list that will make a huge difference in how he feels and how his disease progresses. Most of the members of those lists home cook for their kidney compromised dogs, and you will be able to pick up a lot of info about diet and supplements by joining the lists. Honestly, a Creatinine of 3.3 does not sound that high to me. It is elevated, for sure, but may come down again, and even if it doesn't, there are dogs living good lives on that list with much, much higher numbers. Also, what your vet may not have told you is that it's not all that uncommon for the Creatinine to spike when you stop the IV fluids, but it's also not that uncommon for the numbers to continue to drop again once you're home and hydrating him with sub q fluids. I don't mean to make light of the situation you have found yourself in. Kidney failure is a nasty disease. But I did want to pop in and try to give a little positive input and some hope that you might have your baby around for a lot longer than you think. Good luck. Join those groups. Read up as much as you can so that you can be prepared for when your baby comes home. Ask lots of questions. The moderators on the kidney diet group are amazingly knowledgeable and you will find many doggy parents that have already walked your path and are willing to give you support and share their knowledge. Thinking of you and sending positive energy to Adonis. Diana and the Scoobster

06-01-2013, 06:25 AM	#37
Dudley's Mom YT Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hemet, Ca Posts: 359	Do not be too discouraged. My Dudley has gone through this for over 5 years. He has now gotten a case of liver problems to go with it but I have been able to stay ahead of the kidney game. It doesn't seem so bad to put that needle in when you know you are treating him with what he needs and you want him to live. You can do this. I will be praying for him and you both for the strength you need.

06-02-2013, 10:11 AM	#38
Bnot YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mobile AL Posts: 1,399	Adonis came home yesterday about 4:30. Hadn't had time to post as I've had a house load of company. I will check out those yahoo groups you mentioned, as I need to know as much as I can about this. Just been pretty wild around here with 2 extra people and their rottie. I'm managing. He came home with a buttload of meds! I think he has as many as I do now. Poop is good, but I'd sure like to see him drink more water. Since his teeth are in such rough shape, I'm afraid I'm going to have to go from SOJO'S original (where I added the hamburger or chicken) to canned. ER wasn't of much help with that, and my vet won't open till Monday. I know hamburger has a lot of protien, and dunno what a steady diet of chicken with SOJO'S would do. Having a hard time this am, trying to get all the meds down him. 2 worked ok with pill pockets. My holistic vet has him on a few powdered things now, which I got to find something to mix it with, as he doesn't like it. 2 HUGE capsules 2x's a day. Not fun on one cup of coffee. I take him at 4pm to get a creatinine test. We see his Holistic vet Monday. My company will be here till Wed. after that, its back to me, Adonis and Venus, and will be much quieter.

06-02-2013, 12:08 PM	#41
Scoobstersmom YT Addict Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Fountain Hills, AZ USA Posts: 385	Bnot, unless Adonis has protein in the urine, it is more important for him to have a low phosphorous diet than a low protein one. Unfortunately there is a lot of phosphorous in meat, so it usually ends up limiting meat as well. About the only commercial diets that are low enough in phosphorous for a dog with renal insufficiency are the specialty kidney diets. Royal Canin has one as does Hills. The kidney diets are high in fat though which isn't all that great for a yorkie. Many of us home cook for our little ones. If you are interested in some websites that can help you with the diet, send me a pm. Diana and the Scoobster

06-02-2013, 02:18 PM	#42
Bnot YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Mobile AL Posts: 1,399	YAHOO GROUPS APPLICATIONS are like filling out applications to Harvard. I give up....PIA, and I need to be taking car of my boy, and not filling out 2 applications with all kinds of questions about his blood owrk. some of th e stuff I dunno, as it was all done in er this past week.