Congenital Kidney Issues

[Trisven13]

Hi guys,

We have a tiny greyhound pup here who was diagnosed yesterday with a congenital kidney problem - this accounts for her manky coat, her failure to thrive (weight gain of 700gm in 3 weeks) and constant water consumption. She will live with me until she is too unwell and then we will put her to sleep - its all about quality of life for her now whether that be 3, 6 or 18 months.

So..... I need tips and links and places to go to read up on this and find out as much as possible about anything I can do to make her life easier other than the obvious one of feed her, cuddle her and make sure she always has access to water.

Thanks

[Nekhbet]

look at renal hypoplasia on google

http://www.vetprof.com/clientinfo/juvenilerenal.html

very low protein and low phosphorous diets can help keep the dog comfortable and prevent build up of toxins in the blood stream

[Trisven13]

Thanks Nekhbet - some great reading there!!

[Sheridan]

Trish, there's a K9 Kidneys email list. I didn't find it particularly helpful as they were unfamiliar with the kidney disease my dog had and the Americans on the list are dead keen on supplements for everything but there could be something there for you. Basically, you should feed a good quality protein diet. The Hills Prescription Ultra Z/D (make sure it's the ultra) has the protein hydrolised, which helps the dog retain it better. They also have a KD diet specifically for kidneys. Discuss which might be better with the vet. Keep an eye out for puffy legs and stomach. This will be fluid retained in the muscle tissue. Also keep an eye out for wheezing breath. Both these are signs of pleural effusion/oedema and the pup will need a diuretic to remove the fluid. That's hard for a dog with kidney disease as they will eventually stop eating and drinking. This site may be helpful (green tripe isn't available here, though).

[Diva]

Obviously and undeniably the mainstream dietary and other approaches are the most important for a case like this, but I also have a recipe for a herbal tea that is said to help, I'll dig it out and PM you. Parsley is also said to be good and is easily available in tablet form from health food stores or if her diet includes vegies you can use that way.

Poor puppy, good luck.

[Trisven13]

Thanks everyone.

Whilstever she is happy and full of beans (as she is now) she will have a place here but the minute she is suffering she will go to god. For now she is happy, very naughty, and full of fun.