Help - regarding Dogs and Kidney disease...

[peanut1967]

My Mums dog Rosie has just been diagnosed with early kidney disease, this morning the vet has given her 7 months to 2 years We are, as you can imagine very upset and sad. This will break my Mums heart, and ours also, but for my Mum I just cant explain, Rosie keeps her going, on bad days she still has to function so she can walk the dog, all her life she has struggled with bi-polar, and this last 6 years its been easier since Rosie came, easier for me also because I know Mum is doing well.

My question is, does anybody have experience with this horrible disease in dogs? Did you find certian things worked?

Anything you can tell me, help me with would be wonderful.

thankyou

Angie

 

[MK4ever]

No personal experience, but a low protein diet is usually recommended.

 

[disneym2m]

My experience with pet kidney disease was with my cat, KC and unfortunately, the disease is deadly.

One thing the vet told me was to change the diet. KC was to stop eating dry cat food, and instead eat the moist can food kind. The vet should provide you with the proper pet food for your dog. But be forewarned, it is not cheap. I bought a case for KC and she only survived long enough to eat 2 cans. Thank goodness I could get a refund for the unused cans.

Since you are in the early stage, try the food. As the kidney disease progresses the vet could prescribe a water treatment for your pet. It is like dialysis for pets. But again, it is not cheap.

The sad thing is, is that there really isn't a lot that can be done and in the end can be very expensive. I know how hard this is and will be for your mom and your family. KC was diagnosed and with in 2 weeks she was gone. I had to put her to sleep because she refused to eat and drink and wasn't doing well. Watch the dog and make sure he/she is still eating and drinking. He/she will probably sleep a lot as the disease progresses. If he/she eats and then vomits what was eaten, the dog may not eat anymore and then it is down hill from there.

Please note that this was just my experience and I hope that your mom's dog will be different and not as heart wrenching. Your mom's dog may totally handle kidney disease in a totally different way.

My thoughts and prayers are with you because you have a lot to deal with and will have a lot more to deal with. Pixie dust and happy thoughts are being sent your way.

 

[peanut1967]

My experience with pet kidney disease was with my cat, KC and unfortunately, the disease is deadly.

One thing the vet told me was to change the diet. KC was to stop eating dry cat food, and instead eat the moist can food kind. The vet should provide you with the proper pet food for your dog. But be forewarned, it is not cheap. I bought a case for KC and she only survived long enough to eat 2 cans. Thank goodness I could get a refund for the unused cans.

Since you are in the early stage, try the food. As the kidney disease progresses the vet could prescribe a water treatment for your pet. It is like dialysis for pets. But again, it is not cheap.

The sad thing is, is that there really isn't a lot that can be done and in the end can be very expensive. I know how hard this is and will be for your mom and your family. KC was diagnosed and with in 2 weeks she was gone. I had to put her to sleep because she refused to eat and drink and wasn't doing well. Watch the dog and make sure he/she is still eating and drinking. He/she will probably sleep a lot as the disease progresses. If he/she eats and then vomits what was eaten, the dog may not eat anymore and then it is down hill from there.

Please note that this was just my experience and I hope that your mom's dog will be different and not as heart wrenching. Your mom's dog may totally handle kidney disease in a totally different way.

My thoughts and prayers are with you because you have a lot to deal with and will have a lot more to deal with. Pixie dust and happy thoughts are being sent your way.

Thankyou for the info and the very kind words...

 

[rn4val]

I also had a beloved dog that had kidney disease.The vet gave us special food but Copper didn't like it and wouldn't eat it. Your right it is expensive too. So I decided since it is terminal to let her eat the food she liked. It may have made the end come sooner but I didn't want her to starve because she wouldn't eat the other food. When she got to where she was suffering we took her to the vet and held her while she was put to sleep. I know it is hard and I can sympathize.
After some mourning time you could take your mom to the animal shelter there are so many dogs and cats that just want someone to love.

 

[sshaw10060]

Angie,

I can't offer specific advice without seeing your dogs bloodwork and getting some more information. You might want to consider seeing a specialist who has experience in managing dogs with kidney disease. In addition to diet changes there are medications which might help slow the diseases progression. If you are interested I might be able to recommend a specialist in your area.

 

[peanut1967]

Angie,

I can't offer specific advice without seeing your dogs bloodwork and getting some more information. You might want to consider seeing a specialist who has experience in managing dogs with kidney disease. In addition to diet changes there are medications which might help slow the diseases progression. If you are interested I might be able to recommend a specialist in your area.

Hi Scott

I have PM'ed you

thanks
angie