that we did the diagnostic work that led us to start the fluids and the Epakitin and the Azoydl.
My little guy has always had a poor appetite particulary during the summer. This year he didn't rebound with the cooler weather of fall. I've been feeling bad about not getting him in to the vet a month earlier. Even though he wasn't eating well and had lost a lot of weight he still acted like he felt good. He's never had a good appetite so I dismissed the earliest symptoms that his disease was progressing. Of course, his disease has really been progressing throughout his life. The first time that really hit me was about 4 years ago when he became anemic - a result of his kidney disease.
My little guy is probably early stage 3 at this point. His creatinine hasn't tested above 3 and his BUN is staying below 50. That's about where he tested in November and since then his tests have all been in the same range. Next week we test again to see how he is progressing.
I'm thinking about asking for an appetite stimulant and an ACE inhibitor. His quality of life is still really pretty good. He's not particularly active - never has been. But he's still up to chasing the bunnies that live in the yard. He's not disoriented or in pain. There's definitely stuff he enjoys. For the most part he seems to feel pretty good. But, like you, I sometimes see wide variences in a short period of time.
I've been really diligent about giving him his fluids, watching his diet and dispensing his meds. I've also tried to limit his exposure to stress and to activiites likely to build up toxins in his body. Thankfully, he's a small dog which makes his treatment affordable for me.
I dread the day when his disease progresses to the point where I have to decide whether his quality of life warrants continued treatment. I trust that he will tell me when he is ready to go to the Bridge. All my animals have done so.
Hugs for you and your dog - and warm, healing thoughts for your journey together.
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