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Thread: Kidney Failure

  1. #1
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    Kidney Failure

    Morning All - We found out yesterday that our 9 YO black lab has elevated levels in his kidneys and is experiencing kidney failure. So very sad and depressing, BUT, he isn't dead yet. So, has anyone had this problem in the past and if so, how did you supplement it to expand his life, comfortably. I know it could be quick, but I hope we get some more time. He is in the "cleaning out" phase for the next 3-4 days, at which time, we'll probably get a better feel on where he's at.

    Please advise anyway to keep our big boy comfortable and happy, while going through this process. TIA

    RO

  2. #2
    House Broken ls2erin's Avatar
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    So sorry. I went through this with Pixie and my mom is going through this right now with her dog. There's a lot to it and treatment can vary based on how elevated the levels are in the blood work. I would recommend seeing a kidney specialist if you can find one, or an internal medicine specialist, as soon as possible. A diet change with high quality protein is usually the first thing they recommend, as well as switching current medications to medicines less harmful to the kidneys. If phosphorus levels are high, they may recommend a phosphorus binder. Subcutaneous fluids are something that may provide relief, and you can administer yourself. Otherwise IV fluids will need to be administered when the BUN level is elevated. Do your research, as there's a lot to it. There is a k9kidneys group on Yahoo that may be helpful and many articles online. I'm sure others will chime in more in depth.
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    Senior Dog POPTOP's Avatar
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    So sorry. No experience but wanted to send prayers.

  4. #4
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    Thank you - quick update, he has been taking to the fluids and when offered food today (for first time since Wednesday night) he ate it right up, like his appetite never went anywhere and he kept it down (as of an hour ago). They say he generally seems more peppy, etc. It's just hard to know what the inevitable will bring sooner than later, even hearing this news. The vet called us late last night and said that he has a cough and they were going to do chest X-Rays on him to see if it could be an auto-immune issue. We get to go see the guy tonight ,so hopefully he will still be peppy and happy.

  5. #5
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    Thought I posted this earlier - but has anyone had a dog mis-diagnosed with kidney failure but it's actually been Addison's Disease?

    Also - our lab has been on IV's for a day now, should they know if it's acute or chronic yet?

  6. #6
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    i would also call pawhealer.com and talk to mark, if you believe in chinese herbs.

    i did it with rex, when pronounced in liver failure. he lived , with supplements, happily and healthy, getting normal levels for about 18 months and died at nearly 12 from something else.

  7. #7
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    You can read my post above about my precious "Harley Davidson" who died last week. When we took him to the vet, his kidney levels were high. He was retaining fluid in is abdomen and his lungs. He had also been coughing recently, but a vet visit did not show that anything was amiss. To make a long story short, Harley's heart was failing which was causing his kidneys to fail. My advice is to make sure that your baby's heart is o.k. before you focus solely on his kidneys. Good Luck and prayers for both of you. Either way, it is a difficult process as my cat eventually died of kidney failure many years ago.

  8. #8
    . . . keep 'em moderated Calley's Family's Avatar
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    Oh boy this is news nobody ever wants to hear. We have not had experience with this but wanted to let you know we are thinking of you.
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    Puppy stewbert's Avatar
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    Sorry to hear that kind of news. We had a 10 year old yellow lab who was suffered with PLN, when the kidneys don't process protein, and found a blog - K9kidneydiet on yahoo groups - that was very helpful. A great bunch of people who are more than willing to help by sharing their experiences.

  10. #10
    Best Friend Retriever Snowco Labradors's Avatar
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    I have dealt with KF. Here is info. Hope it helps. Potassium levels are usually elevated in Addisons disease.

    Kidney Failure In Dogs | Hearty Pet Talkin' Tails Blog

    Praying you can get his levels in normal range or at least lower and held in check.

 



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