Dog in Kidney Failure

[Atlantic1971]

Hi
I have a faithful companion that will be 16 in Feb. Over the last year has been losing weight, drinking alot of water and would throw up. I took him to the vet. Blood test showed no kidney failure and he was put on Cerenia for motion sickness, the throwing up became worse, vet suggested a compound pharmacy, I called before I went and it was the exact same medication that did not work I told them I wasn't interested. The throwing up became very bad so I took him to a different vet that after a urine test was able to establish Teddy was in 75% kidney failure. Some Medication was given but he has become increasing worse. Vet suggested an IV Solutuion but after researching it on the internet  decided my little guy's quality of life and his always wanting to please is not fair to him. To prolong the inevitable for something that may not work is not fair to him or me. I have made an appointment for Friday after having a real bad week with the vomiting. If someone can give me some imput before Friday I would appreciate it. Thx (:

[joeykttn]

Very sorry to hear about Teddy :( I have a young puppy who went into kidney failure, and we were advised to euthanize him, but chose not to because after some meds & fluids, he was able to bounce back to "happy puppy". For us, no matter what the prognosis was, what mattered was the life he had, and if he could live happily or not.
IV fluids are, imo, one of the most important things you can do to help give them a good quality of life with renal failure. You can even have your vet teach you how to do it at home. Along with a kidney friendly diet, and perhaps a phosphorus blocker medication. None of these things will cure the kidneys, but they may help stop the progression of the damage.
I have heard stories of severe dehydration causing kidney failure. (this came to mind because of teddy's throwing up alot. This can very quickly dehydrate them.)
Your vet would be the best one to try to figure out *why* the kidney failure happened, and if it's something that can be controlled for any amount of time via fluids, diet (either prescription or home cooked) & medicines, and still offer a good quality of life for Teddy. Some resources I've found invaluable were dogware.com & the K9 Kidney diet yahoo group.
Good luck, and please do keep us updated!
Jenn (& T.J.)

[LoveMyBostons]

I'm sorry you're facing this. I completely understand your hesitation. I did IV fluids on my boston terrier every other day for about five months. It was scary at first but we both got used to it. Please don't be afraid of doing it.

I think the important thing now is to feed him whatever he will eat. I cooked up white rice, chicken breasts, added shredded cheese and some low sodium broth. My guy usually gobbled that up.

[Ghilly]

This is SUCH an awful decision to have to make, my heart goes out to you.  

What are you feeding him?  Have you tried home cooking for him?  It might be that if you are feeding him dog food, it's just not agreeing with him.  Perhaps trying some home cooked meals, where you can put in only what you want him to have without all the additives of prepared kibble, will be easier on his stomach and he'll tolerate them better.  

Do a Google search for "home cooking, canine renal diets" and you will find MANY links containing information and recipes that may be helpful to you at this time.  

Please let us know how Teddy is.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ghilly