Lady Peri has an Infection and Taquito has Underlying Kidney Disease

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Bad day in the Sullivan house....I apologize in advance for a lengthy email.

Since Saturday, Peri (mini doodle) has had the sneezes and a runny nose. I decided to take her in today because her symptoms have not improved and her snot was yellow (so sorry for that nasty description). She had a fever and the cold/virus has turned into a bacterial infection. So she is on antibiotics and antihistamines - I am glad I took her in! The vet said she thought it could have been the dog flu, but she doubts it because Taquito has not caught it (and dog flu is very contagious). And Peri has gained 3 pounds since her spaying, bringing her to 20 pounds even.

Now for the Tackyman: When Taquito had his dental cleaning two months ago, his kidney levels were off. I had them do more bloodwork today while I was at the vet. Heck, why not go ahead and pay the vet's mortgage this month (lol - it wasn't that bad!)??? Just got the word that they have slightly improved but hardly at all. I am a little upset as I am writing this. I forget all of the correct terms, so I apologize in advance. But one of his levels is 100 and the norm is BELOW 40. The vet asked me if anything tragic has happened to his stomach in his lifetime and of course it has! Those (insert very nasty curseword here) food and treat recalls!!!! Two summers ago he was sick for 2 months from chicken tendons from china. In the vet every other day on fluids, had to hand feed him. I even would eat dog food to show him it was safe (I am nuts I know). He lost 2 pounds (went to 4 pounds); I lost 10 pounds due to stress. You get the gist. Vet said stress like that can cause permanent kidney damage and lead to disease in older age. She wanted me to go ahead and switch his food to that darn prescription kidney diet crap, but I hesitate because he is sooooo picky. He used to have soooo many stomach issues. Would not eat for a few days, throw up, etc... He loves his Fromm now and I am happy to report that he weighs 7.2 pounds. He seems so healthy to me!!! Bottom line is vet said those diets are not only slightly lower in protein, but they are lower in salt, which is a huge deal for the kidneys. I am keeping him on Fromm for now and then getting more bloodwork done in March. Vet said at that point, if levels are similar, she recommends I change something soon. Says dogs on kidney diets live twice as long. I am so upset right now. Looks like my little man will be getting bloodwork done the rest of his life. He is not even 6 years old yet. Vet is very concerned since he is so young and says NOW is the time to monitor him. He throws up once, take him in for fluids. No more salty treats (try not to do that anyway). She said carrots are great and eggs for a special treat too. I have to be so careful. Oh crap are bully sticks salty? Must throw those out :( I am going to be so freakin' paranoid it is going to be unbelievable.

[Kyoko]

I hope they both feel better soon.... Sorry, Allyson that you have to go throught this... We will be sending you our prayer for their quick recovery....

[F, Calla & Luca]

Bless you, Karen. Actually bleach is my favorite disinfectant for most anything.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

No need to be too concerned about the baby carrots.
http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:aiKBGHR1CS4J:blogs.consumerrepo...

[Debbie and Thomas]

Allyson- hang in there! My late dog developed kidney problems when he was 10 and kidney problems are prominent in his breed (wheaton terrior) He was put on Hills KD by our vet. One thing I will tell you to watch out for is "thirst". He hardly ever touched his water bowl during the day and gradually kept drinking more and more. I was worried it was diabetes, but I learned that this was a common symptom of kidney problems. Also, they will vomit on occasion for no real reason. Even diaherrea can be attributed to kidney failure. But the thirst is an early symptom. Other than that, he also seemed perfectly healthy. I hope both of your doggies are well.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Now baby carrots are not good? Pretty soon we won't be able to eat anything and I've heard that's fatal!:(

[Yvonne N]

Oh Allyson...I'm sorry about both pups. Thank goodness you had Taquito's numbers checked and it sounds like your vet is right on top of things. With your watchful eye he is going to be just fine. We all need to be concerned about what goes in our pups. Won't it be great if he likes carrots! Cannot be anything healthier than that. Keep me posted. Sending Get Well Wishes for both your babies.

[Libby & Bentley]

I'm so sorry you have to go through all of that! Sounds like alot to deal with :( Just a tip of advice our trainer gave us..don't use baby carrots, use regular carrots and peel and slice them yourself as the process for preserving 'baby carrots' involves dipping them in a chlorine solution..(which is a known carcinogen)...though, organic ones might be safe..I'm not sure..

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The Hill's k/d is extremely low in protein...it's below 15%. (The fat content is higher, at 20%!) That's a lot lower than the protein content in Fromm's or any other adult formula food. Allyson & I are analyzing senior formulas to try to find a better choice.
The bully sticks are pure protein, I'm not sure the dehydration process, or whatever they do to process them, doesn't involve salt, but there's no salt listed on the labels, at least of the ones made here in the U.S.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Also even though he does not have symptoms, I do agree with the vet that I should be trying to watch his diet and help him in any way possible. Better to start by confronting it head-on than waiting for the symptom. Which vet said is usually when it's pretty serious. Thanks for everyone's thoughts :)
I am going home and cutting up a bag of carrots and following your advice, Lucy and Sophies mom!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yes, carrots will be the big switch.
Yes, I will start checking ingredients before throwing anything out.
Vet says eggs are the "perfect protein" and will not harm the kidneys. Interesting, right?
I am going to keep him on his current food, but tailor the treats as the vet recommended. I will just start looking out for salt content. I am just so sad because he is a little squirt and things effect him faster than other animals.