My dog who is my best friend has kidney failure...?

Question

I need help.. My dog is 15 and we just found out he has kidney failure and i'm so scared.. I might even commit suicide because my dog is my BEST friend and I cannot deal with the stress. Can I treat him? what foods are best for him?

please please PLEASE help me.

Answer 1

Actually, I have some good news.. I hope this helps you



Many cases of bacterial kidney diseases can be successfully treated. Leptospira is one bacterium that can cause acute renal failure. Other bacteria can also cause kidney infections, invading the urinary tract, the bladder or prostate for example, and ascending up to the kidneys. With proper diagnosis and treatment these infections can be treated effectively with antibiotics and, in most cases, result in complete recovery.



Ingesting as little as a teaspoon of ethyleneglycol-based antifreeze, which forms crystals inside the dog's nephrons and shuts down kidney function is usually fatal. Unfortunately, this product has a sweet taste which attracts pets to drink it. (Propylene-glycol-based antifreeze is a safer way to protect your car and your dog.) Another potentially lethal substance is rat poison. If a dog eats rat poison containing calciferol (a form of vitamin D) the calciferol pushes up the dog's calcium level, causing mineral deposits, inflammation, and other damage within the kidneys.



Ironically, treatments for some nonkidney diseases can jeopardize the kidneys. Although most antibiotics cause no harm to the kidneys, practitioners should closely monitor patients on certain antibiotics - gentamicin, for example - because of potential damage to nephrons. Cisplatin (an anticancer drug) and amphotericin B (a drug for serious fungal infections) can also cause acute kidney damage. In general, before you decide on a course of treatment for any condition, ask your veterinarian about the benefits and risks of all available options.



Unfortunatley, since your dog is 15 there will most likely be more illnesses to come. Please don't commit suicide over this, that is not what your dog would want for you. I really do hope he get's better, and Good Luck. Don't feed him any foods that are bad for him to begin with. Please write us back and let us know how he's doing. Good Luck :)

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I am SOO sorry for you and your dog. Your vet said that there is nothing you can do and there really isn't anything you can do. Just give him your love, and feed him and play with him. It's not like they have kidney transplants for dogs. He is 15 yrs old, so he has lived a long and nice life.



I know how hard it is for you, because I just recently went through the same thing with my dog. She was 13 years old and I had her since I was 5. She was beautiful and I loved her with all my heart, but she had heartworms and we had to put her to sleep. That was the hardest day of my life. We found out she had heartworms awhile ago, and once they have it there is nothing they can do. We let her live until one day she just couldn't get up anymore, and the next day we brought her to the vet to be put to sleep. I don't think I had ever cried that much in my life and thinking about it now makes me want to cry.



But, please do not commit suicide. Your dog would want you to continue your life on this earth. I already have a puppy and he has made my life so much better. The grieving process goes a lot faster when a new puppy is in the family, because you are taking care of the new puppy and being able to play with someone just as cute.



I've been through the best friend dog death process 3 times, and another run away, and it doesn't get easier over the years, but I've learned that they are happy and healthier and in a better place with no-pain.



I'm really sorry, and I hope everything goes well. Just pray, who knows maybe there can be a miracle.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

I'm so sorry for the terrible pain you must be feeling. 15 is a long life for a dog and I am sure you have made your dogs entire life enjoyable by being so loving and understanding the relationship a dog and owner can have. I wish I had some great answer but the only thing I can advise is that you do not prolong your dogs misery to make yourself happy for just a few more days. Your dog's vet is truly the only person you should be taking advice from on what to feed and what treatment is possible. My best friend just lost her cat to kidney failure. She went through dialysis with the cat and transfusions and all types of things that were above and beyond. In the end, she still had to put the cat down, so please use good judgment and make a sound decision for the sake of your dog and yourself.

Answer 6

I am so sorry for your dog's health problems. It sounds like your dog is coming to the end of his earthly life and you can make it as smooth as possible by making him comfortable and loving him and being there for him. He will start to accumulate fluid and this will put stress on his heart and lungs. If your vet told you that he is terminal, the best thing to do imo is to get him euthanized cause this can be a long drawn out painful and stressful death for him and for you and your family. So sorry but if that's what the vet said then that's what I would do. Don't give him anything with salt in it cause it'll only make him retain fluid worse. I've had many dogs and have had them die over the years at this age. You have to understand that EVERY life has a beginning and an end and that you gave your dog the best that he wouldn't have had without you. You have go to and make a decision now so peace and God be with you and your dog and family.

Answer 7

I lost my female Yorkie to the same. Vet said she was a candidate for a transplant, the $16,000. I didn't have for it. We I. V. dripped her every other evening for 3 months before she died. My vet reccommended K D dog food. She also was on antibiotics. Short of a transplant, there is no cure. If you have the money for a transplant, then there's rejection meds for the rest of his life. My Dolly was only 6 yrs. old. Just typing this on her, still makes me cry after 4 years without her. My man gave me two weeks of sorrow, then brought home a male yorkie. Not the same, but he required some house training, which took my mind off Dolly most of the time. If you IV drip, ask for a pre-drip numbing medication presciption. He won't feel the needle entering his skin, so he won't nip at you. During those 3 stressful months, I also lost my Dad. Time heals, & the memories I hold dear.



p.s. Your vet should have the prescription formulated diet food on hand, if not, call another vet for it. Stressful as this sounds, the time is only a matter of few days after his tongue turns black. (kidneys have totally shut down then). Mine was young, so yours may only be a day or so. She went into seizures in the late evening, near death at morning when I took her to the vet for the last time.

Answer 8

I am very sorry to hear of your dogs illness. You may be able to give him supplemental fluids and a prescription diet formulated for kidney deficits, for the time being.When low kidney function shows up in the blood-work they are usually 60-70% compromised already. I urge you to remember that even though you may miss him terribly when the time comes( and you as the mom will know when that is ) you must think of him and all the joy and comfort he has given you throughout all those 15 years. It is now your turn to be a good friend let him go peacefully for his sake and not keep him around and sick for your sake. It is a terribly hard decision to make. I know this as I deal with it every day at the clinic where I work and I just had to say good bye to one of my kitty friends earlier this week. Good luck to you and your doggy.

Answer 9

Good, considering that a dog is a CARNIVORE, i would think that his system is in a position to handle excessive levels of protein just exceptional. Critically, what the heck are vets considering?? If a CARNIVOROUS canines could not handle high stages of protein, they might have died out millenia ago! Pft. I don't know of any just right hyperlinks offhand - plus i am at work and must wrap up this night; i will star for others, expectantly they are going to have just right hyperlinks or some just right knowledge that you can supply your vet. You are correct, the veterinary colleges' nutritional guides are written and 'researched' through the fundamental pet food companies. They woo the pupils, then when they may be officially doctors they send them merchandise and literature. It can be a hard cycle to break, and alas, many veterinarians don't additional their education in nutrition, and in the event that they DO, it is again underwritten by way of pet food firms. Stay strong - excellent success! : )

Answer 10

I really really feel for you. I understand completely what you mean about your dog being your best friend. My first dog, my collie, is the one who brought my life back, he gave me confidence and brought me out of my shell. It is really really painful when you find out your dog has a life threatening problem, so go over the happy memories you had, look at pictures and create a memory box of your pooch to keep him in you mind forever.

I have not lost a dog, but I know people who have and I can see how heartbreaking it is. But at least when your dog dies, he will be in a better place away from all his pain. But please don't kill yourself, it would be enough for your family to cope with the death of their dog than having to cope with the death of a human member of the family. Its painful yes, but you must try to get on with life. When you feel ready, you may even get another dog, or a different pet. You can't really do much for kidney failure as their is no cure, but your dog should live a while. As long as you've given him 15 long happy years, he should dies happily and be blessed by God to go someplace where he will feel no more pain.

Keep your dog in your heart forever.

Answer 11

Have you ever heard the saying, "It is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all." ? This old adage was meant to be applied to human relationships but can certainly apply to our close relationships with our pets. I have had several dogs in my life that I loved with all my heart...and when they were gone I could hardly bear it. But I KNOW my life is richer for having had them. I face life with the FACT that my pets WILL eventually die, just as I must, someday. But I refuse to go without animals in my life becasue I will someday losr them. In the end, let the love and happiness always out weigh the sorrow.



Think of all the joy your dog gave you. Be grateful for all the love and joy. Grieve. By all means. I think all too often many people do not see the REAL love and grief people can have for their pets. Get grief counseling if necessary. Do not let anyone make you feel like a "freak" for grieving. BUT------get counseling. Considering suicide, for grief or any other reason, should be dealt with IMMEDIATELY.



Go to this website; they have forums you can discuss this in, with people who went thru what you are going thru, and lots more resources. http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm



God bless you and I am sorry you are facing this.

Answer 12

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Answer 13

If he is 15 he has had a good life with u. Kidney failure is bad they have special food science diet for kidneys that would be good but the time will come when u will no in your heart that it is time to love him enough to not let him suffer. I no it's a hard thing to do but it's a humane thing also just always remember they happy memories.

Answer 14

15 is a nice, long life for a dog. hell, he's older than me! lol. you should probably *cringe* put him to sleep because that is a humane thing to do, and i dont think you want your best friend to suffer. it will be hard, but just think about all the wonderful times you and he had. best wishes :)

and dont commit suicide over him, just because he has to go doesnt mean you should. judging by your picture, you look about 15 also, and you have your whole life ahead of you. 15 is a long life for a dog, not for a human. even though his is coming to an end, he would want you to live yours to the fullest.

Answer 15

Hi Oh please don't talk of committing suicide because of your dog, kidney failure is common in old dog's don't give him anything with lots of protein in it, give him the food for older dog's, and bland food like chicken. We are all very selfish when it comes to our animals, we will do anything to keep them alive even when they are seriously ill. I have suffered the pain of losing my cat's and it's agony, but always remember this your dog loves you, and he has had the best life that a dog could have. You have so much love to give to another dog who has not had a good life. So please when the worst comes to the worst you can always email me. Because all of us who have lost pet's know what it's like. Good Luck.x

Answer 16

you said>>>We did go to the vet, they told us there was nothing they could do but I should keep him comfortable and feed him healthy food & have him drink a lot of water!!..you just answered your own question.. and im sorry about your dog.

Answer 17

My grandma's dogs keep getting kidney stones. They now buy them bottled water. Since, they haven't been to the vet. Also, pork is bad for dogs! They have a hard time digesting it. I'd put him on some kind of specialized dog food. Ask your vet...

Answer 18

well 15 years is a long life for most dogs, I'm sure you can reflect on your many memories and good times you had with him.



I know it is very tough, but Suicide isn't the answer.

I'm sure you had a really good connection with him, so I'm sure the dog wouldn't want you to kill yourself, just stay with him and take care of him in his last days.



If he had any puppies then you should take care one of his after he is gone. sine it would be sort of a continuation of him.



so sorry to hear this.

Answer 19

ohkay, this happened to me, but my dog died



youre dog is likely going to die, but since youre dog is youre best friend cheer him up, make sure he/she knows you love him. try pedagree, but if he wont eat then you mmight wanna try organic turkey or chicken, anything really low fat





15 is super old for a dog, so if he dies let him, and you'll know that he lived a long happy life cry now, cuz when he does ppast you'll be perpared and you'll b use to crying!





i miss my dog, he died last thaanksgiving, when i was in floridia, im psychic so on thanksgiving i became sick, cuz i knew something was wrong, my mom didnt tell til the day i came home, but she got another dog to replace Moses.





i know what youu r going threw!

Answer 20

I'm so sorry!

I'm afraid there really is no easy-fix, although you can always talk to your vet if there is anything you can do to make him comfortable. I'm impressed by his age though, he's lived a long life.

Please don't commit suicide about it though...I'm sure your dog would NOT want you killing yourself.

Hugs for you, and good luck!

Answer 21

first of all calm down has he been to the vet my aunts dog has the same condition and she is only 10 ask the vet for his advice and dont even think of suicide i know he is your best friend and you cant cope but it will pass you dont want him suffering my dog died unexpectedly at christmas so i know how you feel i will be thinking of you take care

Answer 22

im so sorry to hear that, but seeing as your dog is already 15 maybe the kindest thing for him would be to have him put to sleep, i know it sounds harsh, but think of the pain he may have to go though, obviously im not saying take him right away but as you notice he seems to be more uncomfortable its maybe something you should think about.

i had to have my dog put to sleep and of course its a horrible thing to have to do but at least i know now that hes pain free, happy, and healthy. so really its all about doing whats best for him.

Answer 23

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Answer 24

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Answer 25

Look for a donator.

Answer 26

I think this belongs in the "Mental Heath" section...get what I mean?



add: no soul? yeahh, OKAY. losing a dog is tough, but it doesn't call for suicide. I have lost 1 dog and 1 cat. I miss them, but really....if you're going to commit suicide over a pet, you need some serious help. How do you know how i've felt about a pet? Thats an easy one, YOU DON'T. I had the same dog all my life, but you know what? I learned to let go. I spend all my time helping animals. Don't make such a rude accusation. Get a life, apparently you need a happier one, to NOT commit suicide.



LMFAO at thumbs down!