EllenEveBaz

Good news so far. He's a gorgeous boy.

Until Scout's last few months, I mixed low phosphorous kibble (Royal Canin maxi weight care, or Merrick campfire trout feast, or something similar) with added low phosphorus foods such as bacon, 80% fat hamburger, dark chicken meat with skin, cream cheese, half-and-half, and sweet potatoes. I wasn't confident about getting balanced nutrition, so I added a dog multivitamin/mineral supplement and lots of omega 3 oil, which is supposed to be good for general kidney function. I chose commercial kibbles with low phosphorus off of one of the links on the Canine Kidney info. website that GreyTzu posted. Figma, you wrote -- You're right -- it is complicated. That's why I love that website -- you can reach a ton of different articles and get much more in-depth and well-rounded info. than when you read just a few simple things that say, "Do this and do that." I fed my first greys a Royal Canin kibble and liked it but its maxi weight care kibble is high in corn/grains. Joejoesmom, whose opinion I respect, posted that The Merrick trout kibble has one of the lowest non-prescription phosphorus levels around. I think I remember that much of the phosphorus in bones comes from the marrow?? Do fish bones have marrow? [Hangs head in biology dunce shame.] White potatoes are relatively high in phosphorus for a vegetable, but sweet potatoes are much lower and also have great nutritional value. I'm sure that the low phosphorus/high fat animal product add-ins to Scout's food were a big reason for his bout of acute pancreatitis in his last few months. But if they also helped him have almost 3 happy years after his glomerulonephritis diagnosis, maybe it was a worthwhile trade-off. PS: There's some research that shows that Enalapril also helps kidney function in general in dogs, in addition to helping control blood pressure.

Scout did well on Enalapril for several years due to his kidney/protein problems. I don't remember the dosage. He never actually developed high blood pressure -- it was more of a preventative and aid for his other circulation problems (vasculitis). I couldn't see any side effects in him. We also fed him a low phosphorus diet and had accupuncture done for kidneys. We also followed (sort of -- it's not really set up for dogs) the Chinese "cooling foods" program. He had a good life up to age 13. Best of luck to your boy.

Sending all good thoughts to Kebo and you. Good job asking to meet all the surgical staff and discussion of plan. And thank goodness they'll call with updates! How did Kebo handle the trip to Blacksburg? What's the estimated recovery time?

All paws crossed here for Dakota.

I agree with above posters about sleep being the natural state of being for a greyhound , but he's also probably using sleep as an "escape" right now from his scary new world. Is he an only dog now? How about a playdate with another greyhound or other friendly dog? You mentioned he's not enjoying walks much, but there's the old saying that a tired dog is a happy dog. If you're able to take him out and let him sniff and explore his new territory, it will make him relax more at home and also help the two of you bond. Since he's food motivated, maybe take a few treats for the walk? Can you do some gentle, positive training work with him at home? Again, something to keep him occupied and ultimately make him feel more secure. Plus, there's the treats!

What is the laser therapy supposed to do? And sending smooches to all the pups with sore toes.

Sending good thoughts to your girl.

Continuing to send good thoughts to King. scary!

Adding all of our house's crossed pairs for Bumper.

My Scout had glomular nepharitis (spelling? anyway, GN) that was controlled well for several years with Enalapril and a low phosphorous diet. His blood pressure was checked often but we lucked out and it didn't become a problem until his last few months, when all his many medical problems escalated. He also had accupuncture for his kidneys. His rapidly rising creatinine in his last few months was helped somewhat by the supplement Azodyl which may help reduce toxins in the blood. Sending ear scritches to Bandit.

Keeping all paws crossed for your boy.

Joining in the hopes for a quiet night for all. Tony -- pssst -- in a few days, ask for ICE CREAM!

I am so sorry.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Checking on him, heck -- someone had better BE there for him. Hoping for a peacefully drunk sleep, with him waking to a fresh mouth, soft brek-brek, and a nice ride home.

Sending lots of clots to your King.

Nothing new to suggest, just sending good gut thoughts Chase's way.

My Scout came to me at age 9 with an inside toe (does that equal a 2nd digit?) amputated sometime after his racing career. Occasionally one of his toes on either side of the space would swell up -- from extra strain, I assume. Nothing long term, and nothing major. Scout and I would give your prospective adoptee 9 toes up!

I'm so sorry. Spoil him a little bit extra for all of us. :

Welcome to you and all your beautiful pets.

Welcome to Allstun, the doxies, and you!

I am so sorry.

Run with the wind, Lincoln. You will always be remembered by those who love you.

I'm so sorry, BJ. Tons of hugs to you and Black Jack.