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Question

141/2 yr. Lab/Shepard. Has kidney disease, last year or so, managed with Hills KD diet. 7/11 went to vet with swellon back leg/edema? Senior profile done, blood/pus in urine and glucose(but not diabetic. She''s to have ultrasound done 7/14. She''s gone down hill this weekend, legs go out from under her periodically,panting more than usual. Medicam(started in place of deramax 7/11)seemed to make her loopy(physically not mentally) Has been eating rice and chicken but won''t eat her regular food.

Submitted: 497 days and 18 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Optional Information:
Age: >12; Female; Breed: lab/shepard

Already Tried:
vet changed nsaid from deramaxx to metacam,not good+Thyroxine+Clavamox

Accepted Answer

Hi,

The blood and pus in urine are very concerning. You and your vets are on the right track with the ultrasound. Not only can dogs have infections in their bladder or urethra, but their kidneys can also become infected. The ultrasound will be able to show detail in her kidneys and whether there is an infection.

This would definitely cause her appetite to go down. Keep feeding her the chicken and rice if that is all she will eat. Following the ultrasound, your vet should be able to make further recommendations based on their findings.

You may want to discontinue the Metacam, too if you think she can get by without it:
  • "The most common side effects of meloxicam (Metacam) are nausea, appetite loss, vomiting or diarrhea. If any of the above are noted, meloxicam should be discontinued and the pet brought in for a liver enzyme and renal parameter blood test. In most cases, the reaction is minor and resolves with symptomatic relief, but it is important to rule out whether or not the patient has more than just a routine upset stomach.
  • If a patient has borderline kidney function, NSAIDs should not be used as they reduce blood flow through the kidneys. It is also important that NSAIDS not be given to dehydrated patients because of this potential side effect."
This quote is from this website on the drug:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1752

I really hope she improves. The ultrasound really is the next logical step.

-Erin

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Expert: dogadvisor
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 7/13/2008

Head Veterinary Technician

Internal Medicine Specialty, Head Veterinary Technician (w/ general practice expertise)

497 days and 17 hours ago.

Reply

Relist: I still need help.
She's breathing quite heavily and won't get up all of a sudden? Please tell me what to do to get her through to tomorrow. I think her life is close to being over but would rather have her regular vet take care of her.

Accepted Answer


I'm sorry she has taken a turn for the worse.

Despite wanting her regular vet to treat her, I really think she should be seen immediately at an ER if she is suddenly not getting up. If an infected kidney has ruptured inside her, she can go septic. It would not be safe for me to say that anything you could do for her at home right now could hep get her through tomorrow, since we really don't know what's happening inside her. Not getting up suddenly indicates that she is extremely uncomfortable or in pain.

I'm sorry I don't have a more favorable answer.

-Erin

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Expert: dogadvisor
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 7/13/2008

Head Veterinary Technician

Internal Medicine Specialty, Head Veterinary Technician (w/ general practice expertise)

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