My sweet girl Angel is dying of kidney failure.

[Wcross]

I took her to the Vet today because she was showing signs of kidney problems. The vet came back with the blood work that wasn't good. Right now she is at the vet's getting an IV to flush her system. The Vet did give me some hope that she could live another year or two with the proper care and diet. As long as she isn't suffering I will do whatever it takes.
It's funny how much these little critters can steal your heart away. I've only had her living here with me for four years, she belonged to a neighbor whose house burned and had to move to town. She arrived pregnant and gave me the gift of two puppies who are still with me now.
I guess the payment for all the joy they bring into your life is the pain of losing them. I'm already having crying spells and she isn't even gone yet.

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. Holding positive thoughts for your sweet Angel

[Beaverhausen]

2. Oh she's beautiful.

Sending lots of love and light to your Angel.

[Critters2]

3. Wow. She's beautiful!!!

I'm sorry to hear about her illness. It may help you to know that my cat, Ari, lived a pretty good quality of life for 2 1/2 years after diagnosis with chronic renal failure. Just listen to your vet's advice, and do what's best for that beautiful little girl.

I'll be thinking of you both!

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

4. She is beautiful.

As the parent of a dearly loved furbaby of my own, I'm sorry you are facing such a heart breaking situation.

[Liberalynn]

5. She looks like a sweet baby!

My positive thoughts are with both of you.

She is lucky to have such a caring person in her life.

[Poiuyt]

6. Has your vet recommended a specific diet?

I've heard about different holistic diets that can really help your pet. Something to look into.

[Wcross]

10. I am going to be doing some research.

She (my vet) said she will need a special diet. I am hoping I will find something that will help her.

[TZ]

18. My cat had liver/kidney issues too...

She lived quite well for about 2 years on special food. I bet your vet will put your dog on a high protein diet. Do your research but listen to your vet. And be VERY careful of any holistic recommendations some of them not only don't work but are dangerous. Believe me the right diet along with making sure you get your dog plenty of fluids will be the key to extending your pets life and making them feel well too! Good luck to you!

[wildhorses]

7. sending healing energy and positive vibes to your dear angel

i hope she can make a strong recovery

[flvegan]

8. My big dane is dying of cancer. I feel your pain.

I'm sorry, I really am.

I wish the best for you and Angel. Such a pretty girl.

[Maestro]

36. Sorry to hear that Flvegan

Is is an agressive form of cancer?

[tandot]

9. What a beautiful baby. I am sending positive thoughts your way.

Since she doesn't seem to suffer, I'd try to add as much time as you can.

Last weekend we've tried to tally up all the medical treatment our Leo had. We stopped at about $5000 over his 8 years (not to count all the fears of losing him). He is doing great and I'll do anything necessary (as long as he doesn't hurt) to keep him with us. He is our furry child.

[Wcross]

11. Thanks for all the positive thoughts.

I am supposed to pick her up this afternoon and get an update.

[ThomCat]

12. I hope she can live well for her remaining time.

I wish you both many good times and much happiness.

[NewWaveChick1981]

13. I'm so sorry to hear that...

I had a Tibetan terrier that I lost to kidney cancer, and I know what it feels like. Healing vibes coming your way and Angel's way.

[Coyote_Bandit]

14. .

I'm so sorry.

I know what you are going through. I have a renal dog. He was diagnosed at five months of age - just after he came to me. When he was first diagnosed he spent a week in doggie hospital getting IV therapy. Since then he has eaten a prescription diet (K/D - we've tried several others). He saw several vets when he was first diagnosed (breeder wanted a second opinion and needed to find out if the cause was genetic). The best prognosis he got at the time of diagnosis was "wait and see." The worst was a recommendation to euthanize him. My boy will be five years old in June. It did take him some time to stabilize after his initial renal crisis. I have blood work done on him regularly to monitor his condition. All of his renal values have been within normal range for the last three and a half years. He is doing very well. And far better than was suggested. I strictly adhere to his prescription diet (and that includes treats). He is a finicky eater and I have found it necessary to use food enticements to encourage him to eat at times. He is given plenty of water and encouraged to drink as much and as often as he wants. I do not allow him to be exposed to physical stressors such as extreme hot or cold temperatures. I monitor and somewhat limit his activities. Short walks instead of long walks. He takes no medication. I do give him vet supplied vitamin supplements to help boost his immune system. My choice. During the first year or so of his illness I found it necessary to occasionally give him some Pepcid. Mostly, I just love him, treasure his companionship and feel blessed to have the opportunity to care for him. We are very fortunate.

I hope that you and your sweet Angel are as fortunate as we have been. You can PM me if you have questions about renal dogs and their care.


edit for spelling

[Wcross]

17. Thanks for the input Coyote_Bandit.

I am going to do everything I can to help her, she is a very sweet dog. She even took care of house training the pups for me!

Her she is in October, 2003 about two weeks after she came to live with me. I am not going to give up on her.

[Coyote_Bandit]

21. She

is a beauty. Reminds me very much of a long-haired version of a dog that once broke my heart.

Find a vet that is willing to work with you. Some are pretty rigid in their treatment plans. Others are more flexible. My vet has allowed me to try virtually all of the renal diets - even though there were some she clearly preferred. The one we use (K/D dry kibble) seems to consistently work the best in our situation.

Canine renal diets can be pretty complex. Most are low fat, low protein, low sodium and extremely low phosphorous. Controlling the phosphorous seems to be the most critical element. Many also use calcium to phosphorous ratios that are specific to certain stages of renal failure. Most are ph balanced due to the likelihood that the renal disease will produce acidosis in the dog. I have done a fair amount of reading on the subject because I would like to figure out how to prepare a home cooked renal diet. I'm finding that difficult to say the least.

Be wary of some of the advice you will get - even from online sites that deal only with canine renal issues. I know there are websites that recommend giving renal dogs all sorts of vitamins and supplements. I also know there are websites that recommend all sorts of food enticements and diets. Some of these recommendations are dangerous for renal dogs. For example, many of the recipes and food enticements call for the use of garlic or garlic powder. In renal dogs this can cause anemia.

I'm told that most dogs that are diagnosed with renal failure die within twelve months. Those who don't generally die from one of the complications related to renal disease. Some of those complications can be pretty serious - hypertension, heart disease, ulcers, damage to other organ systems. Treatment and diet plans have to be comprehensive enough to consider these eventualities - as well as the renal limitations.

Do your research. Question everything. Don't be intimidated by the technical lingo. Make informed decisions. A good vet will help you through this process. Do the best you can. It is all you can do. My experience is that your Angel will recognize and respond to your efforts.

edit for spelling

[soleft]

15. Pets = Love

Good luck to both of you!

[Beausoir]

16. Don't give up on that pretty thing just yet! Diet can work wonders. I've been there.

My angel was diagnosed about a year ago. We changed her diet per the Vet's advice, kept encouraging her to drink plenty of fresh water, and her lab results improved dramatically.

She will still eventually die from kidney falure, but she is doing just great right now.

Hang in there.

[Wcross]

19. Thanks for the hope Beausoir.

I was crushed when the vet came back and told me. She did give me some hope that I would be able to have her around for a while longer. I am glad to hear of your experience, it raises my hopes even more.

[bettyellen]

22. my cat lived on another 10 years after massive renal failure with a KD diet

along with occasional IV fluids and pepcid. it was easy and worthwhile. it was a little hard to get her to eat the KD, took a month to slowly change her over. but a friend advised me to, and it was so worth it. good luck with your gorgeous baby!

[Beausoir]

31. Yes! The diet change is crucial. My cat only had to have one IV fluid and she is doing really well

This is a manageable disease. It can be controlled for quite awhile.

Glad your kitty is doing great!

[merh]

20. they do steal our hearts, don't they

my pug Sassie had seizures last week and I spent over 3 hours with her after work at the doggie ER, it was scarey and long, we both were tired and unsure, but she knew I was there to help her. After tests and time, it was determined she has a horrible UTI and with meds she is better and so far, without seizure.

The whole time at the vets I kept thinking what would I do if they couldn't help her and her eyes were so trusting and loving.

I will keep your Angel in my prayers, if you don't mind. St. Francis won't mind if you don't.

Hugs to you and Angel.

[LisaM]

23. She's beautiful! How old is she?

I think my dog Zelda might have had renal failure, ultimately, but she was sixteen and a half, so I was never really sure. We had her her whole life, and loved her so dearly. I felt lucky to have her that long, but by the time she got sick she was so old that we let her go naturally.

Angel looks as if she might have a little American Eskimo in her. She's so cute!

[Wcross]

24. I have no idea how old she is.

I suspect she is at least 11 years old if not older.

[hfojvt]

25. for what it is worth

my dog seemed to handle milk as well as anything else. In fact, it was about the only thing she ate, except water, in the last week of her life when she died of kidney failure. I was not happy with the IV flush in a couple of ways. I thought they should have given her milk, water, and exercise while she was there. She was pretty badly dehydrated when I picked her up after 3 days, and she seemed to improve at home.

[NC_Nurse]

26. Oh, I'm so sorry!

She looks so much like our dog, Jane. I'll be thinking of her and you too!

[applegrove]

27. What a beauty. So sorry.

[mike_c]

28. hoping for the best, my friend-- one of my best friends was diagnosed...

...with kidney problems about a year ago. The vet wasn't very reassuring, and suggested that she wouldn't live long, and that would require lots of care. She rejected the special diet after a while and fights me when I try to give fluids, so I resigned myself to keeping her happy and comfortable but not stressing her out to prolong her life.

She's still alive, and has put some weight back on recently. No sign of further degeneration yet.

Don't give up hope.

[BuelahWitch]

29. Hugs and good thoughts for you and Angel Pup

I have an Angel kitty, so I know how special these Angel pets are!

[graywarrior]

30. These threads break my heart.

I hope you can get through this ok. Your dog is the cutest thing. I'll be thinking of you both.

[xchrom]

32. for Angel

Blessed are you, Lord God, maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless this pet. By the power of your love, enable it to live according to your plan. May we always praise you for all your beauty in creation. Blessed are you, Lord our God, in all your creatures! Amen.
--Franciscan prayer

[Wcross]

37. Thank you xchrom.

Angel will be coming home tommorow to live out her days. She has five dogs waiting for her that haven't been right scince she went to the vets. I think the two cats even miss her.

[lukasahero]

33. What a beautiful girl, Wcross

My heart goes out to you. I've been taking my own cues from Anna Quindlen's recent Newsweek Op Ed "Good boy Beau. Stay."

"Beau once had a catcher's mitt of a mouth, but if you throw him a scrap now it usually bounces unseen off his head. Yet put a pork roast in the oven, and the guy still breathes as audibly as an obscene caller. The eyes and ears are gone, but the nose is eternal. And the tail. The tail still wags. When it stops, then we'll know."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17998267/site/newsweek /

(FTR - my big guy is also named Beau - this article hit me hard.)

You and your Angel are in my thoughts.

[Wcross]

34. That was a wonderful article.

This phrase hit me the hardest;
"when the tail stops wagging, then we'll know".

I am going to keep her alive and as healthy as I can until it isn't any more fun for Angel. It is going to tear my insides out when I have to put her down but I would never make her suffer for my feelings.

[lukasahero]

45. Right there with you

"but I would never make her suffer for my feelings" This is a beautiful understanding.

I'm the one who just spent a ridiculous amount of money keeping my old boy alive at the emergency vet. He's 13 (and a Lab) and I know some people think I'm nuts, but his "tail still wags". He's a ridiculously happy, otherwise healthy dog and the reality of almost losing him this way, so unexpectedly, ripped my heart apart. I will know when it's his time if it comes to that. No one else can make that decision for us. A truly humane and caring owner will both do everything possible to extend the life of our beloved pets and make the hard decisions when it is time.

All good thoughts to you and yours. Enjoy every second you have with her.

[Maestro]

35. I am so sorry.

Whatever happens I hope it is for the best. Best wishes being sent.

[stuntcat]

38. she IS a beauty

You posted her picture after her haircut, right? I remember it.
Maybe they can help her a lot, maybe she'll be around longer than they've said. It's just good she has someone to love her and take such care of her. All of us with pets are gonna outlive so many of them, all we can do is help them through their short lives. Anyway she'll never really go.

[Roon]

39. She's such a cutie, with those little round ears

[barb162]

40. One of mine is in kidney failure for four years now

It's hard to watch it and deal with it but at least you have some time. Try to look at it as being given the opportunity for making the best time you can with her. It's hard and it's sad because they are so sweet and you never want to let them go.

[Pushed To The Left]

41. She looks like a sweet dog!

Sending good thoughts and prayers for Angel, and I hope she gets better

[medeak]

42. shit!

The pet food recall is all about kidney failure!!!! What brand dog food is your precious baby getting?

[Wcross]

43. Her food isn't on the list.

I have six dogs in all, they all eat the same food. I don't think its food related as she is an older dog and it is probably age related. They are all eating Pedigree dry food.

[medeak]

44. 6 dogs?

you are a good Mom!

http://www.pedigree.com/safety /

[Wcross]

46. LOL- make that a good "dad"!

Thanks for the kind words.

[Wcross]

47. Update- She is not going to be with me much longer.

Unfortunately they estimate that her Kidney function is 10% of what a healthy dog should have. The vet even offered euthanasia as an option today. We talked for a while and he took the time to explain all the aspects. He said she wasn't going to feel any pain from it other than throwing up from time to time and acid reflux. He had some antacids for her and a supplement to help her kidney. He also had a special food product that is for kidney failure. I am going to keep her going until her tail stops wagging.
She jumped out of the truck up by the road when her dog family came running up. She was happy to see her pups and her boyfriend "buddy". She ran up to the house with the rest of the gang.

(Angel a couple of years ago with her boyfriend "Buddy" upper left and their two pups Larry & Curly)

I can not say enough good things about Dr. West who operates Cascade Animal hospital (Wartrace, TN). He is a very caring and compassionate veterinarian. The total bill for four days and three nights of treatments along with the food/antacid/supplement and three blood tests was under 300 dollars. He is a true country Vet, today when I pulled up he had his arm up a cows butt doing god knows what. (From the sounds of things the cow wasn't enjoying it much either)

I take comfort in that Angel will be waiting for me at the bridge when the time comes.