Bones has Chron Kidney Disease/Kidney Failure

[Bones]

Hi there! I am a new member of Boxerworld and haven't read all back posts yet! There are so many! My dog Bones has many ailments-although he is perky and happy all the time. He loves to play and is hyper and goofy like most boxers I have met.
Bones has just been told that he now has kidney failure (not just kidney disease which he has had for several years). Bones is 6 1/2 years old and has been on "KD" prescription dogfood for several years. The vet has now prescribed an antacid/phosphorus binder. Other than that does anyone know what else I can do? Bones seems fine. But his bloodwork shows his disease has progressed.
Thank-you for sharing your experience of kidney disease-or for any advice. Bones also has that parasite dogs get from drinking standing water. Starts with a "G" but cant find spelling in dictionary. "giarrdia"? or something like that. He is on a drug for that too-drug is "metronidazole".
Also, Bones has arthritis and takes vitamins for that-glucosamine and creatine.

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

Bless you heart. I'm sorry I can't offer any experience of information to help you. But I wanted to say that my best thoughts and prayers are with you and Bones. I know this must be hard for you.

Have you gotten any second opinions on the kidney failure. I would think that if his kidneys had actually failed, he would NOT be up running around and acting "normal." Doesn't sound right to me. My cat had kidney failure and she could not even walk. Her back legs stopped working and she was in constant pain. It was horrible. I can't see a dog acting normally if his kidneys have failed. I'd get another opinion if it were me.

Best of luck and please keep us posted. Our best thoughts are with Bones.

 

[Krikkit]

Boxer hugs for Bones

I've no experience with this either. Just wanted to say hello to you and Bones and let you know that we will be thinking of you. I hope you can find out more. Bones sounds like a wonderful boy - we would love to hear more about him in the Boxer Ring forum

take care

 

[Aimee]

Our sheltie was in the beginning phases of Kidney Failure prior to us loosing him. He was on Hills KD also fir a few years for Kidney disease..but like most, this still progresses. We had problems with him urinating alot and becoming dehydrated. You may want to get a second opinion if you are not having any of these problems as most people end up administering subcutaneous fluids at home for this type of problem several times a week. There is no cure unfortunantly :( We saw great results also with chondroitin and glucosamine for arthritis because unfortunantly ours couldn't take Rimadyl due to a tumor on the liver and his liver enzymes were not in normal range. *sigh* We do the best we can for them Keep us posted!

 

[Megan]

So sorry to hear about Bones. My Bambi also has many ailments. As a pup she was diagnosed with Kidney disease. I have kept her on a low protein diet. In the past year she developed a sensitive stomach so I changed her food to Nutro Natural Choice Lite (the least amt of protein) and she seems to be doing well. She also has the early stages of hip dysplasia (on Rimadyl as needed and glucocasmine and chondriton daily) Then last fall she was diagnosed with an enlarged heart/excess fluid on her heart....so she is on Lasix daily for that. So I know how you feel with a baby that seems to have something else wrong with them everytime you turn around. But Bambi is a very active, playful baby!! Good luck with Bones...Bambi and Banjo are sending good boxer wishes his way!!

 

[Christine Stull]

I am so sorry to hear about Bone's problems. I thought I had it rough with Matilda's occasional seizure! Surely there might be more to do for your pup? If you trust your vet though, stay with him/her. I know lots of people who don't like Matilda's vet, but I really do trust him and follow his advice. I don't know what I would do if my baby was facing that kind of problem. Boxers are more like little people than dogs. They give you a love that NO person ever does. I will be thinking of you and Bones.