BUM levels are 125 but cdc blood cell count is normal - YorkieTalk.com Forums

SukieSkye · 09-21-2010, 12:35 PM

My 10 yr old baby's BUM level is very high - dr told me to take her to the er immediately for IV (kidney failure) last thursday. I couldn't afford so they gave her a sub-q with pepsid. She appeared ok for a few days, now back to not eating. Doctor said blood was normal. Next doctor in the Humane Society (orig dr was out the following day) thinks it could be an infection since her teeth are not great but didn't want to give her antibiotic last friday because it could upset her stomach more - just gave her another sub-q. Might very well prescribe it tomorrow though. What can I do? I'm beside myself. Any advice?? Allison.

Oh, sorry to not introduce myself first, I'm allison and my doggie is Sukie we live in NYC - I was a poster in AOL Yorkie Chat about 7-8 years ago and you all were really helpful.

ladyjane · 09-21-2010, 01:22 PM

I believe you need to find a way to pay for Sukie's treatments. She is getting older and if you don't do a dental on her....and don't give her fluids when she needs them because she is having renal issues, she is going to get worse, suffer and die. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but it is a reality.

If the BUN is the only thing elevated, you now have a warning sign. Her kidneys are affected. This is why dentals are so important. The infection from bad teeth wears on the internal organs.

I have no idea what your lifestyle is, but if she were my pup, I would be looking at ways to cut something out so I could provide for her.

Good luck to you and Sukie.

Welcome to YT.

Oh...and another thing. The vet may have told you...if not.....ask him what type of food you should feed her. Usually they need a prescription diet for kidney issues.

Rhetts_mama · 09-22-2010, 08:49 AM

Hi and welcome to YT. I'm sorry that your baby is doing poorly.

It would be unusual to have an active infection with a normal CBC. They would normally see a spike in the white blood cell count. (I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that it's unusual). Unless the renal failure gets under control, you are probably going to have more issues with dehydration since the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate the urine.

Have you seen received a referral to a specialist? There are lots of potential causes for elevated BUN levels, including, not limited to infection, inflammation, fever, starvation, increased protein intakes, over-exercising, post-renal obstructions, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, autoimmune disease, medications as well as kidney failure.

143julz · 09-22-2010, 09:58 AM

Sorry about your issues w/ your baby.... Hopefully all will be okay

My last Yorkie was 10 when i was told about kidney failure...She was put on K/D (low protein) food and did good until she was 14...

At 14 her teeth were really bad and infection was crazy, her BUN, WBC and creatine (sp) levels were all so elevated.
I can tell you this, she was put on Clavomax to clear up infection so she could have a dental and got sick.
From that point, it was the beginning of the end......Please find a way to get money for a dental if all other counts are within range for her to come through and have a chance. Don't risk the infection getting worse and it becomes too late...

Same thing w/ us, after SQ she would do good for a few days and back in the vet's office or ER the pattern repeated.

GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE UPDATE

09-21-2010, 12:35 PM	#1
SukieSkye YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: new york city Posts: 3	BUM levels are 125 but cdc blood cell count is normal My 10 yr old baby's BUM level is very high - dr told me to take her to the er immediately for IV (kidney failure) last thursday. I couldn't afford so they gave her a sub-q with pepsid. She appeared ok for a few days, now back to not eating. Doctor said blood was normal. Next doctor in the Humane Society (orig dr was out the following day) thinks it could be an infection since her teeth are not great but didn't want to give her antibiotic last friday because it could upset her stomach more - just gave her another sub-q. Might very well prescribe it tomorrow though. What can I do? I'm beside myself. Any advice?? Allison. Oh, sorry to not introduce myself first, I'm allison and my doggie is Sukie we live in NYC - I was a poster in AOL Yorkie Chat about 7-8 years ago and you all were really helpful.

09-21-2010, 01:22 PM	#2
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,469	I believe you need to find a way to pay for Sukie's treatments. She is getting older and if you don't do a dental on her....and don't give her fluids when she needs them because she is having renal issues, she is going to get worse, suffer and die. Sorry if that sounds harsh, but it is a reality. If the BUN is the only thing elevated, you now have a warning sign. Her kidneys are affected. This is why dentals are so important. The infection from bad teeth wears on the internal organs. I have no idea what your lifestyle is, but if she were my pup, I would be looking at ways to cut something out so I could provide for her. Good luck to you and Sukie. Welcome to YT. Oh...and another thing. The vet may have told you...if not.....ask him what type of food you should feed her. Usually they need a prescription diet for kidney issues. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP Last edited by ladyjane; 09-21-2010 at 01:23 PM.

09-22-2010, 08:49 AM	#3
Rhetts_mama Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,959 Blog Entries: 1	Hi and welcome to YT. I'm sorry that your baby is doing poorly. It would be unusual to have an active infection with a normal CBC. They would normally see a spike in the white blood cell count. (I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just that it's unusual). Unless the renal failure gets under control, you are probably going to have more issues with dehydration since the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate the urine. Have you seen received a referral to a specialist? There are lots of potential causes for elevated BUN levels, including, not limited to infection, inflammation, fever, starvation, increased protein intakes, over-exercising, post-renal obstructions, upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, autoimmune disease, medications as well as kidney failure. __________________ Don't get your knickers in a knot. Nothing is solved and it just makes you walk funny.

09-22-2010, 09:58 AM	#4
143julz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Largo, FL Posts: 1,294	Sorry about your issues w/ your baby.... Hopefully all will be okay My last Yorkie was 10 when i was told about kidney failure...She was put on K/D (low protein) food and did good until she was 14... At 14 her teeth were really bad and infection was crazy, her BUN, WBC and creatine (sp) levels were all so elevated. I can tell you this, she was put on Clavomax to clear up infection so she could have a dental and got sick. From that point, it was the beginning of the end......Please find a way to get money for a dental if all other counts are within range for her to come through and have a chance. Don't risk the infection getting worse and it becomes too late... Same thing w/ us, after SQ she would do good for a few days and back in the vet's office or ER the pattern repeated. GOOD LUCK AND PLEASE UPDATE __________________ Dudley Doo and Dexter too!!! RIP (12/93-10/08) MY LIL JULZ!!!