Kidney disease- help

[Yorkiemom1]

Originally Posted by Scoobstersmom

I would try not to panic until you see the vet. Many senior dogs have some loss of kidney function. It may be mild and age related. There are several stages of kidney failure, and many treatments that are available to support the kidneys. Since Bentley wasn't showing any symptoms you likely caught it early and there are interventions you can put in place to slow the disease. Once you speak to the vet and have the information you need, you can get a treatment plan in place. My last yorkie was diagnosed with kidney failure at age 13 and lived happily on for over three more years. We lost him at 16.5 due to an issue that was not even related to his kidneys. So hang in there and try not worry too much yet.

Diana

Take heart....I know the gut wrenching emotions you are trying to deal with now....everything said above, I totally agree with....slow, deep breaths and try to compose your thoughts and emotions, and then clear your mind for your meeting tomorrow.....you and your baby are on our minds and in our hearts.....

[Mer4ever]

I am so sorry to read this. I lost a baby to kidney disease a little over three years ago. There were some really good days in there during the last few months and the last two weeks of her life she really perked up and enjoyed good quality of life for the most of the days.

Enjoy those days and know that you are the one who knows what is best for your baby. I tried to stay true to what I believed during the last few months of her life. A friend told me that I would know when my baby was ready to go. After months of her and I fighting for her life, I truly felt the moment when she was finished fighting and ready to be released from the struggle.

It was a devastating experience, but I am comforted by the fact that I stayed true to what was right for her and the love that she and I shared. My vet had suggested we put her two sleep a full two months before her death, which would not have been the right time.

After my baby died, I discovered a vet who does at home hospice care. When my mom's dog was dying, we engaged this vet service and it was a God send. The vet assessed my mom's dog's quality of life, pain level, and provided appropriate palliative care. This was after my mother's vet had proposed that she put her dog to sleep---and my mom and her dog had six months of wonderful time together with the support of the hospice vet.

It sounds like you have a wonderful vet, but I did want to share the experience that we had with the hospice vet. After my baby's vet basically told me that there was no more that he could do, I do think that I would have benefited from the support of the hospice vet---someone who could have assessed the situation at home and could have provided palliative care. For some dogs there is a window of time in between when there is nothing that can be done medically and when they are ready to leave this world.

My heart breaks for you and your baby. Be comforted by the wonderful love you are giving him and the happy life he continues to enjoy with you and in your loving care. Many prayers for you both.

[Scoobstersmom]

Originally Posted by Yorkie Mom2

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? .

What is the antibiotic treatment for? Would an oral antibiotic be just as effective and cost less? Vet care is expensive and I am all for cutting costs where I can, as long as it doesn't compromise the treatment. $244 does seem a bit high for a shot and blood draw. At my vet clinic, we'd stop in, the techs would handle the blood draw and the vet would likely give the shot at the same time. We wouldn't be charged an office call for that.

At the end of the day it would be my dog - my decision - especially if I had my own income. But if finances are a consideration there is nothing wrong with trying to trim costs where you can, especially for long term treatment. Maybe there is a compromise that could be worked out between you, your vet and your husband.

Diana

[Yorkie Mom2]

Bentley and I went to the vet today and good news! Since he is eating (on and off), has maintained his weight, is well-hydrated, and is acting like his spunky self, the vet said we didn't need a blood test. We have gone to the oral antibiotics. I talked to the vet about Sunday's mouth foaming, and he said it could be from the nausea and excess salivation, especially since he rebounded so well on Monday. We will definitely do a chem 17 blood test next visit on May 29th, unless his condition changes.

Yeah!!! Happy dance.

[Yorkie Mom2]

Originally Posted by Scoobstersmom

What is the antibiotic treatment for? Would an oral antibiotic be just as effective and cost less? Vet care is expensive and I am all for cutting costs where I can, as long as it doesn't compromise the treatment. $244 does seem a bit high for a shot and blood draw. At my vet clinic, we'd stop in, the techs would handle the blood draw and the vet would likely give the shot at the same time. We wouldn't be charged an office call for that.

At the end of the day it would be my dog - my decision - especially if I had my own income. But if finances are a consideration there is nothing wrong with trying to trim costs where you can, especially for long term treatment. Maybe there is a compromise that could be worked out between you, your vet and your husband.

Diana

The antibiotics are for his teeth. We discovered the kidney problem when they did a pre-anesthetic blood test to have his teeth cleaned. Thanks for your support.

[dottiesyrky]

Wow, what happy news!!
He must be doing well for the vet to refrain from doing the blood tests and leaving the next visit until the end of May. Yeh! Did he not think it worth giving you anti nausea meds should Bentley go off his food again? If he really has kidney disease it seems to be in the very early stages and that is great news.
Hoping little Bentley continues on this good path and that you are feeling less stressed now. Please keep us posted on how he is. Thank you for the updates, we so appreciate knowing how he is doing.

[Yorkie_Momx3]

Could you please post the hill's food recipe? My Taz does not like k/d at all.. Thanks

[sandy simpson]

That zd is not tasty food. My vet said to add a little egg white and steamed carrots. My Spud will turn his nose up his nose to it. If I hand feed him in little meatball form he will eat. It is a struggle though. Don't forget to get the zd biscuits. SPUD EATS ONE AFTER HIS WALK. I hope Bentley is better. I m a retired teacher. Bless you for the job you do with children.

[ladyjane]

As for the K/D, I have never had a pup like that stuff. I also tried that stew that they recently came out with and no way would they eat it.

Instead of K/D I use Purina N/F .. it is the equivalent of Hill's K/D . My Olivia is on it and she likes it. She is a picky little one.

[ladyjane]

Happy to hear Bentley is improving!

[Yorkie Mom2]

Originally Posted by Yorkie_Momx3

Could you please post the hill's food recipe? My Taz does not like k/d at all.. Thanks

Instant Rice, white, cooked 1 1/3cups
ground beef 80%/20%, lean, cooked 1/4 lb precooked wt.
egg, grade A, small, boiled 1/2, chopped
bread, white 2 slices
oil, vegetable 1/2 tsp
calcium carbonate 1/4 tsp
dash of salt, if desired

I boil Minute Rice in Swanson chicken broth and leave out the salt. I also toast the bread and crumble it into a blender. Also, retain any fat from the ground beef and add it to the mixture. I also pulverize the calcium and add it to the mixture the day of feeding. When I reheat, I always add a little more chicken broth. I know this adds sodium, but I figure it is better to get him to eat something than to have him starve to death.

So far he is doing okay. He has maintained his weight. Some days he eats and others he doesn't. I want to try the medication for nausea mentioned in previous posts.

[ladyjane]

That diet is not balanced and I would not use it for any pup, never mind a sick one. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but this is not a "Hill's" diet...it is someone's "version" or a knock off so to speak. There are no supplements.

I highly suggest that you either feed commercial prescription food....try the Purina NF if your vet approves OR do a consult with a vet nutritionist for a recipe.

[Yorkie Mom2]

Originally Posted by ladyjane

That diet is not balanced and I would not use it for any pup, never mind a sick one. I mean no disrespect to anyone, but this is not a "Hill's" diet...it is someone's "version" or a knock off so to speak. There are no supplements.

I highly suggest that you either feed commercial prescription food....try the Purina NF if your vet approves OR do a consult with a vet nutritionist for a recipe.

This is what my vet sent me as a home made Hill's k/d diet. He does want us to supplement with an iron vitamin, which we will start after the next visit. There was a disclaimer at the bottom that home made diets may not be as balanced as commercially produced food. My vet is very pro-Hill's. I will ask about other brands that you have suggested.

[ladyjane]

Originally Posted by Yorkie Mom2

This is what my vet sent me as a home made Hill's k/d diet. He does want us to supplement with an iron vitamin, which we will start after the next visit. There was a disclaimer at the bottom that home made diets may not be as balanced as commercially produced food. My vet is very pro-Hill's. I will ask about other brands that you have suggested.

I am not a nutritionist, but I can tell you right now this is not a balanced diet and it should have a disclaimer for sure!.. and I never heard of simply adding an iron vitamin.

He may be pro Hill's but this is NOT a Hill's diet and IMO should not be referred to as such. Very misleading.

[ladyjane]

I may be dead wrong on this diet. Someone just told me it is balanced. I guess I stand corrected. My apologies to all.