gilly jay

[gillyjay]

Please help my 12 year old bichon as just bin diagnosed with kidney failure we are gutted as ad him since pup we are so scared in losing him he ok in is self. Just old age please help Anita an Carol xxx

[gillyjay]

Me again! Sorry I forgot to add that his breathing is really bad now!! Xx

[gillyjay]

Hiya Tony hope your well? Just a update on gilly! We can't believe how he is doing! We couldn't put him through his scan as worried about his little heart with the sedation an really they only wanted to see we're he's at! I think we know that! Vet said it's just diet control now as his liver very swollen! But Tony he has such a sprite sometimes an I can't get my head around the fact he is dying! Please answer my question as to the liver damage is that really bad an could he go at anytime! Wot could happen an what should we expect! With liver damage an heart problem now!! I am confused with this! We are making him comfortable as possible an will never let him suffer! We don't want to go down that road of prolonging his little life tryin out different remedies!!! Just need a bit of guidance with this as I am makin myself ill wit worry.... Thankyou  big love xxx

[tonyb286]

Hello again. I am sorry to hear that Gilly has deteriorated and now may have liver problems. Owners often feel very helpless in these situations, but believe me, you are doing all you possibly can to help your boy. You might ask your vet about IV fluid therapy and anti-nausea medication. Dogs with kidney failure have a build-up of toxins in their bodies, which causes acute nausea and which then stops a dog from wanting to eat. Anti-nausea medication will help encourage him to eat, which in turn will provide him with some energy. Feeding is always problematic in dogs with this condition - and to be honest, I would tend to feed him whatever he will eat. Food is so enjoyable to dogs and major part of their day, so at this stage it's worth giving him whatever he wants. There are good canned foods specifically for kidney failure, but it may be worth asking your vet about diet and what is best for Gilly.

I know from experience just how dreadfully heartbreaking this is for you. There are few words of comfort I can give, except that you have given your boy a fabulous life and you are doing everything possible to help him. Just keep doing what you are doing and enjoy every day with him. Gilly is lucky to have you in his life - just as you are lucky to have shared part of your lives with him. Dogs are truly our children, our best friends and our companions - but none ever live as long as any of us would like. Sadly, that's just the way it is.

I hope you get some positive news tomorrow. Do come back and let us know. You are in my thoughts. Love, Tony x

[gillyjay]

Hi Tony hope you had a good Christmas and a better new year! Our boy gilly is still with us but at the ultrasound stage he is having one tomorrow as they want to know what stage he at now, his breathing is bad now the vet said it's his liver!!!! He is vert lethargic an lost interest in everyday things!!! Its so heartbreaking Tony but we must be strong for him an we never want him to suffer! He eating his renal food with a tiny new potato an carrot he won't eat it on its own!!t!!! Kind regards Tony with love Anita an Carol xx

[gillyjay]

Hi Tony I just wanted to say thankyou so much for your loyal support I don't think I would of understood this situation an no way would I have coped with it! I am now understanding an taking each day as it comes!!! It's always a heartbreaking end and thats the part I dread!!! Merry Christmas Tony I hope your dealing with your sadness ok!! Am here if you need a chat! Take great care be strong and think of all those lovely hound dogs looking down on us!! Xx

[tonyb286]

I meant to add in my last post that there's a great website at http://dogaware.com/health/kidney.html which explains all there is to know about kidney disease in dogs, in a really easily understood way. The site also contains some fabulous advice on diet too, which I am sure you will find useful. Tony x