Kidney disease- help

[Scoobstersmom]

I agree. ER vet for sure. If nothing else, IV fluids will help.

Diana

[dottiesyrky]

Hi.
Any news on Bentley? At less than three pounds he needs to be seen if he is still sick. He does not have the stamina to handle this illness for long.
Praying he is ok.

[Yorkie Mom2]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Sounds like pancreatitis. He needs to be at a vet NOW. His symptoms are that of an emergency nature.

Well, he perked right up on Monday, devoured his home cooked Hill's diet food, drank water and was very responsive. Now it is between my husband and me. It seems the first thing he asked when we went to the vet last time was... How much is this going to cost? I understand that I am nearing retirement age. He is disabled. While he doesn't want to put Bentley to sleep, he argues with the vet about the charges. He is so confrontational with my vet, whom I have known for almost 40 years. My husband and I have only been together 4 years. He wants the vet to give a specific dollar amount total that this is going to cost. My vet answered that he can't tell that right now, but that for the next 2-3 months we could expect the same expense. Bentley is currently getting an antibiotic shot that lasts 2 weeks. We have to go back every 2 weeks for either another shot or choose oral liquid or pill. This includes a blood test and an office visit ($244). Has anyone else had similar disagreements with their spouses? I can not look into my Bentley's eyes and decide he is ready to be put to sleep. Please send advice.

[dottiesyrky]

First, thank you for the update. I am so pleased he was a little better on Monday and eating and drinking.
It is so sad that you and hubby are at odds over the cost of treatment, you do not need this as well as a sick dog. You are aware of the nature of Bentley's illness and that it may be costly to treat. But of course the vet cannot tell what the future costs may be. As you have not been together for that long with your husband do you still maintain your own source of funds? If so, and you can afford it, perhaps you could see the vet alone so that there are not arguments between the vet and your hub? You have had this dog for a long time and you are very attached to him and want to keep him as long as he is still enjoying life.
Really, in my view, it should be your decision as to what you pay out to keep him and when it is time for him to go to heaven. It is such a shame that you have to have arguments about him when Bentley is fighting this disease. Dogs are sensitive creatures and pick up on discord.
I pray that you can come to some amicable agreement with your hub that allows you to make decisions on your baby's care.
Hoping Bentley responds well to treatment and that he is with you for some time.
Hugs and good luck .

[ladyjane]

Please don't put him down just to keep your husband happy about not spending money on him. You will look back and regret it and your relationship with your husband will not be the same. I have seen this happen.

I will pray that you find a way to get Bentley's needs met and to make your husband understand.

[yorkiemini]

Wishing and praying for Bentley! Bentley has been with you and given you his unconditional love and devotion for many years!

[sandy simpson]

My spud had pancreatitis. The vet cleared it up with med and a very strict diet. Only hills science diet zd dog food. I can add a little boiled egg white and steamed carrots to flavor it. I also get the zd special bag of biscuits. He eats one after his walk. I hope little Bentley gets better. Nothing like the love of a dog. I would do all I can for that little fella.

[Yorkie Mom2]

Originally Posted by dottiesyrky

First, thank you for the update. I am so pleased he was a little better on Monday and eating and drinking.
It is so sad that you and hubby are at odds over the cost of treatment, you do not need this as well as a sick dog. You are aware of the nature of Bentley's illness and that it may be costly to treat. But of course the vet cannot tell what the future costs may be. As you have not been together for that long with your husband do you still maintain your own source of funds? If so, and you can afford it, perhaps you could see the vet alone so that there are not arguments between the vet and your hub? You have had this dog for a long time and you are very attached to him and want to keep him as long as he is still enjoying life.
Really, in my view, it should be your decision as to what you pay out to keep him and when it is time for him to go to heaven. It is such a shame that you have to have arguments about him when Bentley is fighting this disease. Dogs are sensitive creatures and pick up on discord.
I pray that you can come to some amicable agreement with your hub that allows you to make decisions on your baby's care.
Hoping Bentley responds well to treatment and that he is with you for some time.
Hugs and good luck .

I totally agree with you. I have finally told my husband that he will not go with me to the next vet visit on Thursday. I was so embarrassed in the vet's office about the argument in front of him. I only hope my vet will overlook this. Yes, I have my own income. I am a teacher and have been for 24 years. I will take him to the vet and take care of the bill myself. Also, Bentley has totally snubbed the canned Hill's KD food, even the little cans of beef stew, which looked good enough for me to eat. Therefore, I am cooking the home diet from Hill's sent to me by my vet. Some days he eats it up; other days he won't touch it. We go Thursday for his next blood test.

[dottiesyrky]

I am glad that you decided to deal with the vet alone and that you have independent funds for your boy's care. I can imagine it is embarrassing arguing with the vet over charges! Also it will make for a happier life with your hub without this topic causing issues!
I am sorry Bentley is picky over the prescription food. Usually most dogs love the canned food. Good that he will eat the home cooked at least some of the time. Perhaps he is feeling nauseated sometimes and that is why he does not want food. You might ask if an anti nausea medication might help him? However it may be he can't have such meds with his medical condition? I know Cerenia is a godsend when my dog gets sick and won't eat.
I know you are very concerned for your baby and I hope that he continues to eat and drink and stay happy. Good luck on Thursday with the tests, and praying for good results. Hang in there

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Yorkie Mom2

I totally agree with you. I have finally told my husband that he will not go with me to the next vet visit on Thursday. I was so embarrassed in the vet's office about the argument in front of him. I only hope my vet will overlook this. Yes, I have my own income. I am a teacher and have been for 24 years. I will take him to the vet and take care of the bill myself. Also, Bentley has totally snubbed the canned Hill's KD food, even the little cans of beef stew, which looked good enough for me to eat. Therefore, I am cooking the home diet from Hill's sent to me by my vet. Some days he eats it up; other days he won't touch it. We go Thursday for his next blood test.

Good for you!

As for the food, when pups have renal issues they feel nauseous and don't want to eat. You might want to ask your vet about the mediction, Mirtazapine. It is an anti depressant...it helps with nausea, anorexia and is an appetite stimulant. It also is very inexpensive. It can be like a miracle in some dogs! It does not always work, but when it does, it is simply wonderful.

As for your vet, I am sure he totally will understand. I am SO sure it is not the first time he has dealt with issues like that. Some people have a very hard time accepting the cost of care for pups.

Keeping you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers....

[dottiesyrky]

I have heard on YT that this drug is good for nausea etc in dogs, and in humans too. I needed an antidepressant once and as most AD s make me nauseous, I was prescribed M. However it did not have the good affects with appetite etc, but just put me to sleep. I don't know if I am alone or others have found what I did.
I guess it does not act the same in all people?
Sorry to divert the thread but wanted to know if M always had the good effects in dogs?

[ladyjane]

It does not work in all dogs but is amazing if it does work. I have had personal experience with it where it worked and where it did not. The first time I used it was with a pup in renal failure and I was thrilled that it worked. He was eating everything and anything!

Same thing with people...different results. It can make some drowsy, some not. Anti depressants are well known to have differing side effects in people.

[dottiesyrky]

Thank you. I guess I was just one of the unlucky ones. Happy that it worked for your renal pup and allowed him to eat.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by dottiesyrky

Thank you. I guess I was just one of the unlucky ones. Happy that it worked for your renal pup and allowed him to eat.

It has worked for few here on YT. One pup here in particular really rebounded on it. Her name is Lola and the user id of her mom is Manolos Mom

[ladyjane]

Here is a mention of the mirtazapine:


http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/3011854-post326.html