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Nephrotic Syndrome


Guest Ummon

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So we just got back from the vet, Ace, my 6 yr old rescue has been regurgitating multiple times a day as well as soiling the house. The vet did an x-ray and blood test and told me he has Nephrotic Syndrome. It looks like he is well into renal failure, she said he probably has weeks not months to live. Does anyone have any experience with this? My only goal is him not to be in any pain and let him live as long as he is comfortable.

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I'm so very sorry you've received this news. I lost a galgo to kidney failure almost two years ago now. He was diagnosed in early July and I let him go in October. It was really difficult to keep him eating and he completely refused the traditional low protein "kidney diets". My vet showed me how to give him subcutaneous fluids at home and I feel that helped keep him comfortable for several months. I'm so sorry you're facing this. :grouphug

Cynthia, & Cristiano, galgo
Always in my heart: Frostman
Newdawn Frost, Keno Jet Action & Chloe (NGA racing name unknown), Irys (galgo), Hannah (weim), Cruz (galgo), & Carly CW Your Charming

Princess http://www.greyhound-data.com/d?i=1018857

"It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life, gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." -- Unknown

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What are his BUN and creatinine, albumin, and his blood counts (RBCs, WBCs, PLTs)? Is there protein in the urine?

 

Has your vet considered fluid therapy?

 

Has he been tested for leptospirosis?

 

Sending best thoughts.

Edited by Batmom

Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in Illinois
We miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10.

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Protein in the urine. I don't have his numbers but they were all over the place. Considerable fluid in the abdomen. No he has not been tested for Leptospirosis but he is never out of my sight so that is unlikely. Going to call a second vet in on monday. Gave him steak tonight for dinner, which he enjoyed. Feeding him will be expensive for the next couple of weeks.

 

No she did not recomend fluid therapy.

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:( I'm sorry he's so poorly but glad he enjoyed his treat.

 

Has the vet checked blood pressure and prescribed anything to help reduce clotting?

Star aka Starz Ovation (Ronco x Oneco Maggie*, litter #48538), Coco aka Low Key (Kiowa Mon Manny x Party Hardy, litter # 59881), and mom in Illinois
We miss Reko Batman (Trouper Zeke x Marque Louisiana), 11/15/95-6/29/06, Rocco the thistledown whippet, 04/29/93-10/14/08, Reko Zema (Mo Kick x Reko Princess), 8/16/98-4/18/10, the most beautiful girl in the whole USA, my good egg Joseph aka Won by a Nose (Oneco Cufflink x Buy Back), 09/22/2003-03/01/2013, and our gentle sweet Gidget (Digitizer, Dodgem by Design x Sobe Mulberry), 1/29/2006-11/22/2014, gone much too soon. Never forgetting CJC's Buckshot, 1/2/07-10/25/10.

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Doesn't seem to be any clotting issues. We talked about sending him to a specialist. But from what she told me it would require multiple biopsy's and the prognosis wouldn't be good no matter what. I don't want to put my friend though that.

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One of the issues caused by protein loss in the urine is that one of the proteins lost first is antithrombin III (ATIII). ATIII breaks down any blood clots that form where they should not, so when it is lost in the urine, the body is more likely to have clots form in the blood vessels, blocking blood flow to organs and limbs. One of the most common locations for clots to form is in the distal aorta, right where the aorta branches off to supply the rear legs with blood. Pets with protein in the urine will usually be prescribed aspirin, in order to help prevent clot formation.

 

In addition, pets with nephrotic syndrome tend to have high blood pressure, which can cause further damage to the kidneys.

 

I adopted Scarlett last year, who turned out to have protein losing nephropathy (PLN), which was confirmed by a urine protein:creatinine ratio. Her ratio was quite high, and thus she had likely been "sick" for quite some time before we adopted her. She already had blood clots that had formed in her distal aorta, as determined by ultrasound, which blocked most of the blood supply to the rear half of her body, so after consultation with a specialist, she was placed on aspirin (to prevent new clots), benazapril (BP medication), and I was also giving her injections of heparin, in an attempt to break down the clots that had already formed. Sadly, we had to euthanize her a couple of weeks later, after a rather horrific blood clotting episode cut off blood supply to her intestines, less than five weeks after we had adopted her.

 

I agree with tbhounds - it will require some aggressive treatment, and quickly.

Deanna with galgo Willow, greyhound Finn, and DH Brian
Remembering Marcus (11/16/93 - 11/16/05), Tyler (2/3/01 - 11/6/06), Frazzle (7/2/94 - 7/23/07), Carrie (5/8/96 - 2/24/09), Blitz (3/28/97 - 6/10/11), Symbra (12/30/02 - 7/16/13), Scarlett (10/10/02 - 08/31/13), Wren (5/25/01 - 5/19/14),  Rooster (3/7/07 - 8/28/18), Q (2008 - 8/31/19), and Momma Mia (2002 - 12/9/19).

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