kidney problems after closed pyometra surgery

[nursebk1]

I have an approx 10-11 year old chiauhau that had a closed pyometra and first she was dehydrated and got stable and my vet said she need surgery which it was a closed pyometra.  She has had multiple problems including kidney problems.  She has had anemia which she is now requiring procrit injections.  She had a false pregnancy after the surgery and was on megace for a week.  She ate and drank good while on the megace.  Since she has been on Procrit and also a oral vitamin she hasnt been eating as well.  I guess my question is are dogs able to recover from this stuff.  She had elevated alk phos and after three more days of IV fluids at a higher rate her creatinine and alk phos came down a couple of points.  I just want to know if she will recover from this and how long will it take.  I've been told by my vet it couls take a couple of months for the labs to turn around.  Shes only 3 pounds.  can you help?  or have any suggestions?  Her BUN is still sky high.  I'm going for a second opinion.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

She may still recover.  It does take a long time for recovery from a catastrophe illness.  It also sounds as if your vet knows what she is doing.  BUN should never be evaluated alone.  It should always be evaluated along with the Creatinine levels.  She may require months of sub Q fluid therapy, which will act as doggie dialysis.  The most important thing is to keep her eating!  Eating and the desire to eat is an important prognosticator of whether or not she is capable of recovery.  If she does not eat there are appetite stimulants that you can still try for her, such as a very low dose of Mirtazipine, available by prescription from your vet.

Holistic veterinary medicine may help to give your dog a better quality of life and may help to stabilize her blood abnormalities a bit faster.   I have personally seen very positive results with adjunctive holistic veterinary medicine for kidney disease.  Please research holistic veterinary medicine websites, such as the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website, Chi Institute and others.

[nursebk1]

one more thing...her creatinine and alk phos being elevated...can they come down too?...

[nursebk1]

thanks so much for your note back ...i really appreciate the helpful suggestions.  I will suggest these to my vet and see what he says...He gave her sub q fluids yesterday and she perked up a bit...but this morning she just doesnt want to eat...i suggested megace for a bit longer and he said no because this can bring on diabetes...but shes going back today and ill see what he says...thanks again