Pudge Le Mutt Not Doing Well, At Vet Now 12/31

[macoduck]

I fear Miss Pudge le mutt will not be with us for much longer. We have been dealing with chronic kidney failure. She is 10 and had no symptoms. It was caught on routine lab tests and urinalysis. She has been on a specialty food for kidneys, enalapril, baby aspirin, and fish oil.

Her results from 6 months ago have changed drastically:

BUN 42 (normal 27)

Creatinine 3.6 (normal <1.8)

urine c/p ratio 5.3 (last time 3.6)

albumin 2.2 (normal 2.5-4)

Treatment plan has changed to increase her enalapril form 10mg to 20mg. Adding Azodyl, a probiotic that will help process food to make it easier for her kidneys.Retest labs in 2 weeks.

Complicating things is a sudden onset nasal infection with green discharge. Now taking cephalexin for that.

A dental is scheduled in a little over 2 weeks. She has one badly inflamed area and mild tartar.

Complicating things is a probable tumor under her lower front teeth causing them to protrude.

Depending on how she does between now and that dental appt, the plan is my vet to xray Pudge's mouth to see the extent of the tumor. From there we will decide whether or not to proceed with the biopsy and dental. She explained that Pudge will need extra hydration during this because of the kidney issue.

My normally happy girl with a good appetite can no longer keep her food down, probably because of the cephalexin. Since she is still drinking OK and will eat some cookies, I'm going to try spacing out the dose (rx'd at 2 in AM, 2 in PM). Vomiting was happening at 2 hours post-meal. She is very tired. My shadow girl prefers to nap than follow me room to room.

Regular vet won't be open again until the 26th. Emergency vet is only 5 minutes away but I don't see indications that we need to go there now.

 

Question:

Is there something over-the-counter besides Pepcid that will help soothe her tummy enough to tolerate the cephalexin?

Edited December 31, 2012 by macoduck

[BatterseaBrindl]

No advice.... only for your Pudge

 

[TheFullHouse]

Oh Ducky, I'm sorry your girl isn't doing well. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

[maggiespet]

I'm sorry - no advise - no experience. But I'm really good at smooching and hugging on mutt pups (just ask my Sam). So many are sent along with some prayers.

[gazehund]

Not that I can think of Ducky. I am sorry your sweet girl is not feeling well. I hope you have much more time with her.

[Batmom]

Does she not tolerate Pepcid? There are some other OTC meds but you'd want to consult with the vet about them. Pepcid is one of the few that doesn't interact with much.

 

You could also ask for a meds change. There are dogs who do not tolerate cephalexin.

 

Sending gentle scritchies for your sweet girl, and hugs for yourself.

[4My2Greys]

I'm sorry to hear Pudge is not doing well . She looks like such a sweet girl. I know the timing is terrible with the holidays, but if she's getting really sick with the cephalexin if possible I would try to get it changed for another antibiotic she tolerates better. I know that's easier said than done right now. Nadir got extremely sick when put on cephalexin. I make a point now to make sure he doesn't get it.

[Houndtime]

No advice,just feeling sorry for your sweet girl.

[galgrey]

I'm so sorry about your sweet Pudge. I just went through the kidney failure ordeal with my galgo, Cruz. I had a really difficult time getting him to eat. Sometime the herb Slippery Elm is helpful if you want to try an herbal. http://www.anniesherbals.com/Getting%20started.html

[Rickiesmom]

Nothing to add to the above Ducky. Hope a change of abx may help. Gentle hugs and smooches to your sweet Pudge.

[spottydog]

Sending best wishes for you and Pudge from a fellow mutt-lover in the frozen north.

[heartdogs]

Sending prayers your way for Pudge & you.

[greyhndz]

Oh, not Pudge!

 

A couple of thoughts, Ducky: I agree wholeheartedly with the pepcid (either famotadine or ranitidine), even when she's off the abx. Also, ask your vet about perhaps adding some subQ fluids, if you're comfortable doing that at home. It should reduce her BUN/creatinine and probably get her feeling a bit better. If she's not drinking it might actually benefit her to get IV fluids...

 

I'm going to give you a call now -- much faster than typing!

 

Hugs, sweetie girl!

[Guest greybookends]

Ducky I am so sorry Pudge is not doing well.

[juliemac]

Oh Ducky ... I'm sorry about Pudge!

 

Cephalexan does NOTHING for my Riley, but when he was on it (before we found out), I needed to make sure that he always took his meds with food AND had something (non-dairy) coating his tummy. So ... out came the Ensure and the Marrow Bones dog treats (for my little boy, Marrow Bones always seem to work like saltine crackers for his chronic tummy upset).

 

So, if Pudge doesn't have her own version of Marrow Bones, I might try a bit of liquid pepto bismol (note that her poop will probably be black for the next few days ... didn't want to freak you out with that).

 

any Manuka honey in the house? that can't hurt, but if you don't have it, you won't find it at Jewel or Krogers.

Edited December 23, 2012 by juliemac

[Guest IrskasMom]

Lots of Gentle Hugs for Miss Pudge . Prayers are on the way to

[Cully]

no advice but gentle hugs.

[GreyPoopon]

I'm so sorry to hear this.

 

FWIW, we're using Zantac (ranitidine) 3X / day for Jessie. She also gets sub-q fluids, as well as the standard kidney support meds.

[jamngrey]

I'm sorry Pudge is not doing well I wish you both the best & sending prayers

[Guest mld]

Sorry to hear that Miss Pudge isn't doing well!

Sending prayers to Pudge and you

[Guest greytkidsmom]

Pepcid has to be renally dosed in humans so you may want to check with your vet about the right dose for Miss Pudge. Sorry she is feeling so poorly. Hugs to you both.

[Remolacha]

sorry she isn't feeling well

[tbhounds]

You might want to try cerenia for a few days. Also, with a UPC that high are you also giving low dose aspirin? Might want to get that blood pressure checked regularly (I know you mentioned he's taking enalapril already but, I would still monitor).

[Guest IrskasMom]

It's a bit early . How is Miss Pudge doing this Morning???? Again, lots of Hugs for that Girl .

Edited December 23, 2012 by IrskasMom

[DesiRayMom]

Many hugs, smooches, & prayers for Miss Pudge. What a beautiful girl, even when she's not feeling well.