Kidney failure and acute pancreatitis - YorkieTalk.com Forums

sweet_pea · 04-17-2009, 06:52 PM

My dog Sophie has been diagnosed with kidney failure and acute pancreatitis. She has lost 2 pounds fairly fast and now weighs 4.9 pounds. My vet called today with the results of her latest blood test. She indicated that no further tests need to be done and that now it's down to taking each day as it comes and keeping her comfortable. Sophie will be 10 years old on July 23rd. My issue at this point is that she has very little appetite. If anyone that has gone through this illness with their pet can give me any ideas on what to feed her I would appreciate it. She does take a medication 3 times a day to boost her appetite. I've had dogs all my life and she will be the last one. I can't bear to go through another loss. It's just too hard.

Judy

YorkieShadow · 04-17-2009, 07:09 PM

Im sorry im not of any help with this problem just wanted to send you a Hug and say Im sorry this is happening to your little one. Its so sad. keeping her in my thoughts and Prayers.

Is she aloud to have boiled chicken and maybe cooked vegs?

VetNutJim · 04-17-2009, 08:44 PM

I visited Sophies dogster page......
Your Sophie baby looks like a little angel. She is so beautiful.
Hugs, best thoughts and prayers for both of you.

Woogie Man · 04-18-2009, 12:02 AM

I looked at Sophie's dogster page. She is such a sweetie. I noticed that you're feeding her Purina Pro Plan Senior. This food is rated at 36% protein, 14% fat and 2% fiber. From what I've read (and I hope someone comes along with better knowledge on this), A dog with kidney disease needs a low protein diet and one with pancreatitis needs a low fat diet. Here's link with some info ...
3 Reasons Why Low Protein Dog Food is So Powerful
I'm sure you could find out more by googling around. I did find a food you may want to consider. Innova Senior + has 24% protein, 10% fat and 5.5% fiber. That may still be a little high in protein for Sophie but Flint River makes a senior food with 16% protein, 8% fat and 5% fiber. The Flint River does have wheat in it which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.
There may be other, better foods out there for Sophie but she should be on a low protein, low fat diet rather than the food she is now on. You may notice a quick change in her with a better diet as the high protein is making her feel sick.
Best of luck with Sophie and I do hope that someone else comes along and adds some better info for you.

sweet_pea · 04-18-2009, 04:36 AM

I should have updated Sophie's Dogster page as she stopped eating the Pro Plan Senior food about 4 weeks ago. The dilema with her having both kidney failure and acute pancreatitis is being able to figure out what to feed her so that her diet doesn't aggravate one or both conditions. I have been giving her boiled chicken but my vet says to cut way back as it's not good for her. I have tried introducing potato, peas, broccoli, and brown rice. She snubbed her nose at the potato and rice but loved the green veggies. I will research the foods that you recommended. I want her here with me as long as possible. She's always been energetic and to see her looking so depressed and not interested in doing much is so very hard. My vet did give me several prescription canned foods and she won't eat any of them. I appreciate everyone's input!

TLC · 04-18-2009, 05:03 AM

There's gotta be a food that she will AND can eat

Wylie's Mom · 04-18-2009, 06:03 AM

Crystal may have some ideas for you in terms of kibble - if you want to go that route. Or, are you hoping to only homecook? If so, like Jim said - you want to do low fat and need specially balanced recipes as well as supplements. What are you using for supplements and for balancing the cal-phos ratio?

sweet_pea · 04-18-2009, 06:40 AM

The vet has told me to try and get her to eat anything I can. This morning I fixed her a small potato, scrambled egg white, peas and offered her a tiny bit of prescription food. She wouldn't touch it. I'm off to the vet to pick up some Tagamet in hopes it will help. I'm not doing any supplements at all. I have never cooked for her as she has always loved her kibble so all of this is new to me. At this moment, I'm just trying to keep her alive and when she won't eat it scares me to death. I realize that I need to prepare myself for the worst but I'm not giving up until I can hopefully help her.

I do appreciate all of the help.

Woogie Man · 04-18-2009, 09:52 AM

Poor Sophie....my heart goes out to her. I've never been confronted with having to find a specialized food so I can't help any more than the general things I posted earlier. Since she's not eating, is she at least drinking? I would worry about dehydration if she's not. You can try getting some pedia-lite in her to help keep her electrolytes up. She may be in a weakened state and that could contribute to her loss of appetite. You might have to resort to pureeing her food and syringe feeding her until she feels stronger. Depending on just how little she's eaten, her blood sugar may be down and, if so, a little karo may help. I would say Nutri-Cal but it has a high fat content so you would want to avoid that. I'm not sure just how sick Sophie is but it sounds like her not eating could be more of an immediate danger than her underlying condition. Best of luck. You and Sophie are in my thoughts....Jim

4doggiemama · 04-18-2009, 10:29 AM

I am so sorry you are going through this with your little Sophie. My little Cocoa is having trouble with digestive enzyme that the pancreas produces. I have to feed her moderate protein without carbs. Right now I'm switching to EVO. I'm grasping at straws because I know nothing. You do have the net so maybe you can do research like I've had to since my vet and the specialist weren't any help.

sweet_pea · 04-18-2009, 10:35 AM

Due to the kidney disease, she's drinking often. I have started her on Tagamet and Rimadyl prescribed by my vet in hopes this will help. She does have a fair amount of energy even though she hasn't eaten much. She will go up and down the stairs, bark at passersby and greet me at the door with excitement when I return home after being gone. She will eat the chicken in small amounts but I'm told that it isn't good for her as it's high protein. If she doesn't eat at all today, I may have to figure out a way to get some nourishment down her.

She is getting good veterinary care and I'm in daily contact with my vet.

Thanks again for your help and concern. It's nice to talk with fellow Yorkie parents. Sophie is my baby and I'm so sad for her right now. It's very hard when they get so sick and there's not much we can do.

sweet_pea · 04-18-2009, 10:56 AM

I'm sorry your little one is having health issues too. It's very difficult to know what to do. I hope your doggie feels better soon. Sophie has had numerous bouts of pancreatitis and now I've learned that the pain medication (Metacam) that I've given her many times, is not good for the kidney problem. Sometimes I just feel helpless.

Patti · 04-18-2009, 11:07 AM

I am sorry about Sophie. I had a puppy that had congenital kidney failure and one reason she wouldn't eat was the vet said the disease made her nauseaus. Are they giving her something for the nausea besides the Tagmet? I had Dixie seen by a nephrologist who said he had a lot of success with older dogs and kidney failure, many lived years with the meds and fluids. Maybe you could see if there is a kidney specialist in your area. I will keep her in my prayers

Woogie Man · 04-18-2009, 11:25 AM

Rimadyl and Metacam are both NSAIDs. They are generally prescribed for pain or arthritis. There have been many cases of dogs having bad reactions to all NSAIDs, including renal failure. Since Sophie's kidneys are not at their peak anyway, I would wonder if any NSAIDs are advisable. You can google around and see for yourself the reported dangers and reactions of these drugs. You can try 'dangers of Rimadyl in dogs' or 'dangers of NSAIDs in dogs' and you'll get lots of info. All NSAIDs are taxing on the kidneys and caution should be used with these drugs.

smartpuppiepets · 04-18-2009, 11:27 AM

hy,

My vet once prescribed "cherious" for a senior yorkie with similar condition.. it is a tough touch and go situation....

Can you give her some "NUTRYCALL"? i think that is how it is writen...

it has sugar for energy and vitamins, could be a good supplement, when we give it to puppies it "opens" their appetite, so it may work the same way for her.

Good luck !!!

Death is a part of life, but i hope you do not give up on having a companion dog.... it is hard to go through... but life is not easy anyways and having a dog is a very good thing as you know...

I really hope you find confort in caring for her as best as you can while you can ... then let another dog in your heart when it is her time to go....

Good day !

04-17-2009, 06:52 PM	#1
sweet_pea Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Kidney failure and acute pancreatitis My dog Sophie has been diagnosed with kidney failure and acute pancreatitis. She has lost 2 pounds fairly fast and now weighs 4.9 pounds. My vet called today with the results of her latest blood test. She indicated that no further tests need to be done and that now it's down to taking each day as it comes and keeping her comfortable. Sophie will be 10 years old on July 23rd. My issue at this point is that she has very little appetite. If anyone that has gone through this illness with their pet can give me any ideas on what to feed her I would appreciate it. She does take a medication 3 times a day to boost her appetite. I've had dogs all my life and she will be the last one. I can't bear to go through another loss. It's just too hard. Judy __________________ Judy and Sophie Sophie's Dogster Page: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=24478

04-18-2009, 12:02 AM	#4
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	I looked at Sophie's dogster page. She is such a sweetie. I noticed that you're feeding her Purina Pro Plan Senior. This food is rated at 36% protein, 14% fat and 2% fiber. From what I've read (and I hope someone comes along with better knowledge on this), A dog with kidney disease needs a low protein diet and one with pancreatitis needs a low fat diet. Here's link with some info ... 3 Reasons Why Low Protein Dog Food is So Powerful I'm sure you could find out more by googling around. I did find a food you may want to consider. Innova Senior + has 24% protein, 10% fat and 5.5% fiber. That may still be a little high in protein for Sophie but Flint River makes a senior food with 16% protein, 8% fat and 5% fiber. The Flint River does have wheat in it which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. There may be other, better foods out there for Sophie but she should be on a low protein, low fat diet rather than the food she is now on. You may notice a quick change in her with a better diet as the high protein is making her feel sick. Best of luck with Sophie and I do hope that someone else comes along and adds some better info for you. __________________ ORANGUTANS ARE DYING FOR THE SAKE OF CHEAP PALM OIL....AND YOU USE IT!!! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ani...m-oil-you.html

04-18-2009, 04:36 AM	#5
sweet_pea Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Thank you all so much! I should have updated Sophie's Dogster page as she stopped eating the Pro Plan Senior food about 4 weeks ago. The dilema with her having both kidney failure and acute pancreatitis is being able to figure out what to feed her so that her diet doesn't aggravate one or both conditions. I have been giving her boiled chicken but my vet says to cut way back as it's not good for her. I have tried introducing potato, peas, broccoli, and brown rice. She snubbed her nose at the potato and rice but loved the green veggies. I will research the foods that you recommended. I want her here with me as long as possible. She's always been energetic and to see her looking so depressed and not interested in doing much is so very hard. My vet did give me several prescription canned foods and she won't eat any of them. I appreciate everyone's input! __________________ Judy and Sophie Sophie's Dogster Page: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=24478

04-18-2009, 05:03 AM	#6
TLC Slave to My Rug-Rats Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Long Island Posts: 7,247	There's gotta be a food that she will AND can eat __________________ Adopt Donate Foster www.yorkie911rescue.com

04-18-2009, 06:03 AM	#7
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	Crystal may have some ideas for you in terms of kibble - if you want to go that route. Or, are you hoping to only homecook? If so, like Jim said - you want to do low fat and need specially balanced recipes as well as supplements. What are you using for supplements and for balancing the cal-phos ratio? __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

04-17-2009, 07:09 PM	#2
YorkieShadow BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: USA Posts: 9,999	Im sorry im not of any help with this problem just wanted to send you a Hug and say Im sorry this is happening to your little one. Its so sad. keeping her in my thoughts and Prayers. Is she aloud to have boiled chicken and maybe cooked vegs?

04-17-2009, 08:44 PM	#3
VetNutJim Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cataula, Georgia Posts: 34	I visited Sophies dogster page...... Your Sophie baby looks like a little angel. She is so beautiful. Hugs, best thoughts and prayers for both of you.

04-18-2009, 06:40 AM	#8
sweet_pea Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Her loss of appetite is the problem The vet has told me to try and get her to eat anything I can. This morning I fixed her a small potato, scrambled egg white, peas and offered her a tiny bit of prescription food. She wouldn't touch it. I'm off to the vet to pick up some Tagamet in hopes it will help. I'm not doing any supplements at all. I have never cooked for her as she has always loved her kibble so all of this is new to me. At this moment, I'm just trying to keep her alive and when she won't eat it scares me to death. I realize that I need to prepare myself for the worst but I'm not giving up until I can hopefully help her. I do appreciate all of the help. __________________ Judy and Sophie Sophie's Dogster Page: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=24478

04-18-2009, 09:52 AM	#9
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	Poor Sophie....my heart goes out to her. I've never been confronted with having to find a specialized food so I can't help any more than the general things I posted earlier. Since she's not eating, is she at least drinking? I would worry about dehydration if she's not. You can try getting some pedia-lite in her to help keep her electrolytes up. She may be in a weakened state and that could contribute to her loss of appetite. You might have to resort to pureeing her food and syringe feeding her until she feels stronger. Depending on just how little she's eaten, her blood sugar may be down and, if so, a little karo may help. I would say Nutri-Cal but it has a high fat content so you would want to avoid that. I'm not sure just how sick Sophie is but it sounds like her not eating could be more of an immediate danger than her underlying condition. Best of luck. You and Sophie are in my thoughts....Jim __________________ ORANGUTANS ARE DYING FOR THE SAKE OF CHEAP PALM OIL....AND YOU USE IT!!! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ani...m-oil-you.html

04-18-2009, 10:29 AM	#10
4doggiemama Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: KS Posts: 3,290	I am so sorry you are going through this with your little Sophie. My little Cocoa is having trouble with digestive enzyme that the pancreas produces. I have to feed her moderate protein without carbs. Right now I'm switching to EVO. I'm grasping at straws because I know nothing. You do have the net so maybe you can do research like I've had to since my vet and the specialist weren't any help. __________________ Joanne Eli ChipperEva Snowboy Rosie(R.I.P. 1996-July 29, 2013) Cocoa(R.I.P 1998-April 26, 2012):

04-18-2009, 10:35 AM	#11
sweet_pea Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 14	Sophie is drinking... Due to the kidney disease, she's drinking often. I have started her on Tagamet and Rimadyl prescribed by my vet in hopes this will help. She does have a fair amount of energy even though she hasn't eaten much. She will go up and down the stairs, bark at passersby and greet me at the door with excitement when I return home after being gone. She will eat the chicken in small amounts but I'm told that it isn't good for her as it's high protein. If she doesn't eat at all today, I may have to figure out a way to get some nourishment down her. She is getting good veterinary care and I'm in daily contact with my vet. Thanks again for your help and concern. It's nice to talk with fellow Yorkie parents. Sophie is my baby and I'm so sad for her right now. It's very hard when they get so sick and there's not much we can do. __________________ Judy and Sophie Sophie's Dogster Page: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=24478

04-18-2009, 10:56 AM	#12
sweet_pea Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 14	I'm sorry your little one is having health issues too. It's very difficult to know what to do. I hope your doggie feels better soon. Sophie has had numerous bouts of pancreatitis and now I've learned that the pain medication (Metacam) that I've given her many times, is not good for the kidney problem. Sometimes I just feel helpless. __________________ Judy and Sophie Sophie's Dogster Page: http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?i=24478

04-18-2009, 11:07 AM	#13
Patti Donating YT 30K Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 35,509 Blog Entries: 6	I am sorry about Sophie. I had a puppy that had congenital kidney failure and one reason she wouldn't eat was the vet said the disease made her nauseaus. Are they giving her something for the nausea besides the Tagmet? I had Dixie seen by a nephrologist who said he had a lot of success with older dogs and kidney failure, many lived years with the meds and fluids. Maybe you could see if there is a kidney specialist in your area. I will keep her in my prayers __________________ Cali Pixie Roxie : RIP Nikki; RIP Maya;RIP my sweet Dixie girl 1/17/08 http://callipuppyscastle.bravehost.com/index.html

04-18-2009, 11:25 AM	#14
Woogie Man Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,564	Rimadyl and Metacam are both NSAIDs. They are generally prescribed for pain or arthritis. There have been many cases of dogs having bad reactions to all NSAIDs, including renal failure. Since Sophie's kidneys are not at their peak anyway, I would wonder if any NSAIDs are advisable. You can google around and see for yourself the reported dangers and reactions of these drugs. You can try 'dangers of Rimadyl in dogs' or 'dangers of NSAIDs in dogs' and you'll get lots of info. All NSAIDs are taxing on the kidneys and caution should be used with these drugs. __________________ ORANGUTANS ARE DYING FOR THE SAKE OF CHEAP PALM OIL....AND YOU USE IT!!! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/ani...m-oil-you.html

04-18-2009, 11:27 AM	#15
smartpuppiepets YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Beverly Posts: 1,042	hy, My vet once prescribed "cherious" for a senior yorkie with similar condition.. it is a tough touch and go situation.... Can you give her some "NUTRYCALL"? i think that is how it is writen... it has sugar for energy and vitamins, could be a good supplement, when we give it to puppies it "opens" their appetite, so it may work the same way for her. Good luck !!! Death is a part of life, but i hope you do not give up on having a companion dog.... it is hard to go through... but life is not easy anyways and having a dog is a very good thing as you know... I really hope you find confort in caring for her as best as you can while you can ... then let another dog in your heart when it is her time to go.... Good day ! __________________ "The reason a dog has many friends is because it wags it's tail instead of it's tong " [I]Smartpuppiepets@yahoo.com /I][