5.5 month old has kidney failure...(update 2/16/07)

[RemsBPJasper]

Hi guys,

I just found out about an hour ago that my 5 1/2 month old has been diagnosed with kidney failure. It sounds pretty bad. The vet cannot tell me if it's genetic or not, they can't give me a 100% answer why he has it at all. He did get into mop water with lysol a few months ago, but he got into it because he was so thirsty. I was worried about diabetes and instead I found out it's the kidneys. Boscoe was the "runt" of the litter and they vet again said that could be it but can't pinpoint.

Have you guys had dogs with kidney failure? I'm sure they were older but what are my options??? I couldn't understand and pay attention to what the vet was telling me after he said his kidneys are failing...still kind of in a state of shock. I know that right now I have to go to the vet's to get a prescription food that the protein will break down easier or something. Then we have an appt for a week from tomorrow to see how he's doing on the food and see where we go. I'm just confused and devestated. Most of you know the only reason I got Boscoe was because I had to put my last dog down at two years old. Now I don't know how long I will have with Boscoe. I don't know what to think. I know I'm just rambling but I'm just lost at the whole news.

So if anyone has experience on what I do, please let me know. I will be working closely with the vet but I know it will be expensive. I'm just lost. I thought I was doing well I got over losing my last dog, and now this. I know it's not a death sentence right now, but they can't give me any kind of timeline until the kidneys shut down.

Ok, I just know you guys have lots of experience and knowledge usually to help out. I have to go pick up the special food now.

Thank you,
Kourtney

[Last Frontier Labs]

Any history of the pup or it's dam being fed raisins or grapes as treats?

[Lisa Van Loo]

What you do is take it one day at a time, and enjoy each day as it comes.

Many retired track greyhounds have kidney disease and kidney failure. They do well on the special diets available. Take notes when you are at the vets, so you can review them at home, when you are less overwhelmed-feeling.

Also, no harm in getting a second opinion. Not all kidney problems are permanent. If you have the $, I would pursue some diagnostics to look for underlying causes.

Lisa

[Buzz]

Kourtney,

About all I can offer are prayers and well wishes.

Dave

[Terry Thomas]

I have absolutely no experience with this. But, my heart goes out to you and your dog. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[Targander]

Im so sorry to hear this Courtney...

My fondest prayers wishes to you and the pup.

[DL]

Any history of the pup or it's dam being fed raisins or grapes as treats?

Are grapes and raisins poisonous?

[Kristie Wilder]

Any history of the pup or it's dam being fed raisins or grapes as treats?

Are grapes and raisins poisonous?

yes, in large doses.

"funny" story... there's an associate vet at the clinic we use. And for some reason, she always gets my calls when I'm calling about something really goofy (versus serious).

We had gotten back from the master national a couple of years ago and I had a 1 lb bag of raisins that was leftover from the trip. One of my dogs got into it... And THANK GOD my dad was here, because I said "oh, it's just raisins"... not equating raisins with grapes. And my dad replied... "aren't grapes toxic??" And I said "oh crap". So I called the vet to see if I needed to induce vomiting. And she said, oh, they have to eat a LOT of them. I said "how much"... She said about a 1/2 pound. And I was laughing because she had eaten about 1/2 of the one-pound bag.

Long story short, it was the most syrupy sweet smelling vomit, ever. YUCK!!!

-K

[RemsBPJasper]

Thank you all. It's just very unexpected. I picked up the food, it's Science Diet k/d. I haven't even really looked at the bag yet. Like I said, we have an appt. in a week and I guess I will get a better idea then.

Lisa, where would I look to find someone who can look for underlying causes? Am I looking for some kind of specialist?

I don't even know how much the food cost today because they were nice enough to just put it on my bill. My family is being supportive so I know I can count on them for a little help. All of the not knowing is what's hard right now.

I contacted the breeder already to see if he knows of any history of kidney failure and am just waiting now. Pup has never been fed grapes or raisins. He is otherwise healthy, albeit somewhat small and slow growing.

Thank you all for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, I know I will need it. I have calmed down some and just need to stay positive. Hopefully I will know more in a week or so.

Thank you,
Kourtney

[Kristie Wilder]

Kourtney,

Is he in LITERAL failure? Or are his levels just off? I don't know much about it, but am curious if it's a full-blown failure.

I should have put in my other post that I'm thinking about you. Please keep us posted. I hope he feels better soon.

ps -- I think there are other environmental/household toxins that can cause liver failure, you might want to take a look at them online just to make sure...

-K