Doggie kidney problems

[Alana]

Some of you have met our dog, Pepe. He is a rescue dog, about 12 years old.

Since yesterday he was behaving unlike himself: he wouldn't eat, he had no energy to go out in the fields to play as he does everyday, he just looked tired and even when I took him for a walk around the house, he peed and pooped fast and then wanted to return home. He drank lots of water, and at some point he threw up whatever little he ate in the morning with bile.

This morning he didn't want to eat anything, and while I was caressing him, I felt him trembling. I took him to the vet immediately and Chu came with me. The vet took his weight, he is 17 kilos compared to 20 that he was last September. That and the fact that his eyes looked very red, prompted her to do a blood analysis for him. In 15 minutes she had the results and she said that Pepe was suffering from kidney failure.

Some of his results were off the charts:

creatinine: 81.2 normal range 3.1 - 14
Phosphatases alc.: 184 normal range 20 - 150
urea: 3.74 n.r.: 0.15 - 0.53
red cells: 5.54 n.r.: 6 - 8.5
platelets: 50.000 n.r.: 150.000 - 400.000
etc. See the results attached for more info on the blood test results.

The vet wanted to keep him at the clinic overnight to give him an intravenous saline solution of potassium and sodium chloride, 3 bottles of 500 ml, she said he really needed it because he was so dehydrated. I didn't want to keep him at the clinic thought so Chu negotiated that we bring him home and we administer the saline solution. So she prepared it for us, and now we only have to make sure he doesn't move too much and change the bottles when the previous one is empty. We put him in a kennel and we will carry on us the saline bottle when we go for walks.

She also gave us some supplements for "support of renal function" in liquid form to take 2xday Pronefra, and a heart pill Ramipril, because she said it would help with improving his circulation. She said that it would be a good sign if he eats. When we got home I mixed half a chicken burger with his supplements and heart pill, and he ate it all! So that was a positive thing, it seems that the saline solution is already making him feel better.

If any of you vets (or pet owners) out there has any advice on how to help Pepe heal/strengthen his kidneys, or any other feedback on his condition and the prescriptions he got, please let me know. I know that mainstream vets, like mainstream doctors, do make mistakes and I prefer natural/homeopathic solutions if and when applicable for treatment.

 

[Jacques]

Oh No...

I have no advices that I can give to you Alana. However, I am wishing a speedy recovery for Pepe.

 

[Gaby]

Hugs to Pepe! I'm sure he knows he is very much loved

 

[Chad]

Some of you have met our dog, Pepe. He is a rescue dog, about 12 years old.
[...]
If any of you vets (or pet owners) out there has any advice on how to help Pepe heal/strengthen his kidneys, or any other feedback on his condition and the prescriptions he got, please let me know. I know that mainstream vets, like mainstream doctors, do make mistakes and I prefer natural/homeopathic solutions if and when applicable for treatment.

I'm so sorry to hear that Alana.

Fwiw, i was looking into Kidney stones because it appears a family member is having problems with kidney stones, just yesterday, so i searched: Dogs kidney stones/failure apple cider vinegar and got the following, then i followed that info.

I don't have a dog and am no where near qualified but as i say, the advice for humans was ACV (and lemon juice actually, maybe the potassium is helpful there?) - so i figured it'd be worth checking.

• Acts as a urinary system tonic, clears urinary tract infections, and prevents the formation of kidney and bladder stones

“If a dog’s system is too alkaline,” she says, “cider vinegar will help, but by itself it may not correct the problem and the dog will need additional support. If the dog’s system is too acidic, which is a condition called acidosis, the result can be stress on the pancreas and adrenal organs, which are important regulators of blood pH levels. The symptoms of acidosis range from diarrhea or constipation to low blood pressure, hard stools, and sensitivity of the teeth and mouth. Often we see acidosis in combination with other conditions, such as kidney, liver, and adrenal problems. In certain cases, adding vinegar to a dog’s food could aggravate an already-existing problem in the body.”

Are adverse side effects likely? If a dog is allergic to vinegar, he might vomit, scratch furiously, or have a similarly obvious reaction. Although there is much debate on this issue, some believe that vinegar may worsen chronic ear infections.

“You have to apply common sense,” says Sue Ann Lesser, D.V.M. “Most dogs are notoriously over-alkaline, and cider vinegar will help them. If a dog’s system is overly acidic, you’ll see clinical signs, such as obvious symptoms of illness. I know quite a few dogs that take cider vinegar according to the directions in Wendy Volhard’s book, and I don’t know of any that have had bad results.”

In her book The Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog, author Wendy Volhard recommends using pH paper strips (for purchasing information, see Resources) to check the dog’s first morning urine. “If it reads anywhere from 6.2 to 6.5, your dog’s system is exactly where it should be,” and no ACV is needed, she says. “But if it is 7.5 or higher, the diet you are feeding is too alkaline, and apple cider vinegar will reestablish the correct balance.”

Dog Kidney Disease Diet Information and Recipes

Nausea Remedy (Antacid)

A wonderful natural antacid is Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. You can purchase this at your health food store. Make sure it’s RAW!
Give ¼ teaspoon for dogs up to 20 lbs, ½ teaspoon for dogs up to 40 lbs, ¾ teaspoon for dogs up to 60lbs and 1 teaspoon for dogs 80 lbs and over. You can mix this with some unsweetened applesauce and syringe in his mouth 3-4 times per day or as needed.Powdered Ginger root is an excellent herb for settling the stomach. If you have a larger dog you can purchase capsules and give 1-2 capsules 3-4 times per day. If your dog is too small to swallow capsules, you can mix a pinch of ginger powder in with some unsweetened applesauce. You can give in the same dose with the Apple Cider Vinegar if you wish.

RAW DIET (This is the best recipe if your dog has an appetite and is eating on their own.)

They then provide recipes - i don't want to crowd the post so will provide the link.

Apple cider vinegar is a powerful detoxifying and purifying agent. It improves health and function of the vital organs such as the kidneys, bladder and liver.
How Can Your Dog Reap the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

You might be thinking, "Wow, why have I never heard of this before," or "Yes, I’ve heard of the benefits of apple cider vinegar, but I’ve never tried it for myself or my dog." Well, now you know it’s time to give it a shot!

Here are a few ways to treat your dog with ACV:

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother 16OZ

Simply add 1 Tablespoon to your dog’s daily water (for dogs under 15 lbs, use only 1 teaspoon)
Pour the ACV over your dogs food, or mix it in with their meal
For the treatment of arthritis or sore muscles, soak a compress in warm ACV and apply directly to the joints.
Pour over your dog’s fur after a bath and allow to soak for one minute, then rinse.

Do not get ACV into your dog’s eyes.

ACV is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiseptic. It helps prevent bacterial and viral growth in the digestive tract. In addition, it does not upset the balance of the friendly bacteria inside the GI tract. As a result, apple cider vinegar boosts the immune system. It improves stamina, increases resistance to diseases, prevents common infections, and is therefore helpful for dogs with weakened immune systems.ACV normalizes the blood's acid alkaline balance and its potassium-rich ingredients remineralize the body. ACV breaks down calcium deposits in a dog's joints and remineralizes the bones, and as such it is beneficial for dogs with arthritis and joint problems such as hip dysplasia.Another benefit of apple cider vinegar for dogs is its effect on a dog's skin and coat due to ACV's detoxifying properties. Dogs with itchy skin caused by allergies (e.g. seasonal allergies, flea allergies) can get almost instant relief if ACV is used as an after-shampoo rinse.
Because ACV is rich in potassium, it is beneficial for dogs with diuretic or heart problems.
Apple cider vinegar also balances digestive enyzymes in the body, so it is a good remedy for food poisoning and digestive upsets such as intestinal gas and constipation. It also reduces fecal odors.
Other benefits of ACV include the prevention of bladder stones, kidney infections, and UTIs.

MERCOLA

Glutathione and Glycine - Two Cornerstones for Liver & Kidney Support

Glutathione helps support your pet's liver in its removal of unwanted compounds. A peptide molecule made up of 3 amino acids, it also includes glycine.

I've included glycine along with glutathione in Liver & Kidney Support to help your pet's body make even more glutathione. It's important for other mechanisms, too.
Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle Milk thistle supports the growth of new liver cells.

Most everyone connects the herb milk thistle with liver health, but do you know what makes it so valuable?

A main constituent of milk thistle seed extract is silymarin, a flavonoid compound.

One of the most studied botanicals around the world, I've chosen to include milk thistle in Liver & Kidney Support because it can:

Help protect the liver against toxins
Support immune function
Promote free radical scavenging
Help preserve glutathione

Research shows that milk thistle promotes many positive effects throughout an animal's entire body, and not just the liver. And moderate amounts of milk thistle have been found to be safe for animals.*

*Important note: If your pet is on prescription medications or receiving medical therapy, please ask your vet if Liver & Kidney Support is appropriate for your pet before using.

A 'Bitter' Tonic for Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney Support
Dandelion Leaf Dandelion greens offer many nutritional benefits for pets.

If your lawn is free from herbicides, chances are you may have brilliant yellow dandelions growing there right now...

Did you know that the leaves, especially, when grown organically without pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, offer a multitude of benefits?

I've added dandelion leaf extract to Liver & Kidney Support for its superior support. Rich in nutrients, dandelion contains "bitters" which provide the herb's main benefits.

Dandelion gently stimulates and supports liver and gallbladder health. And it's especially helpful for kidney health, too.

The Anti-Aging 'Wonder'... Supports Normal Detoxification Processes Too?

Often regarded as an anti-aging 'wonder' because it vigorously attacks free radicals.

Certain plants produce resveratrol as part of their defense system against environmental stressors. While many people may associate red wine and grapes with resveratrol, that's only one source. Resveratrol is found in 70 other plants, including pomegranates, raspberries, and Japanese knotweed.

I've included resveratrol in my Liver & Kidney Support formula because it helps the liver "clean house" by flushing away unwanted fats, promoting optimal function.

As most pet owners realize, grapes are hazardous for dogs. For that reason, we have selected Japanese knotweed and not grapes as our source of resveratrol.
8 More Nutrients for Liver and Kidney Support

I've chosen 8 more substances that are highly regarded for their usefulness in supporting liver and kidney health to be part of Liver & Kidney Support:

Phosphatidylcholine (PC) helps support a process known as methylation.

Pets' bodies are equipped with powerful stress hormones. Adrenaline and noradrenaline help your pet through a crisis. However, chronic exposure to these hormones can be unhealthy. The faster your pet can get rid of these hormones once they are no longer needed, the better.

The process of getting rid of these hormones is called methylation. Phosphatidylcholine or PC is required for this process of breaking down and eliminating these hormones from your pet's body.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), another potent free radical fighter, is an enzyme found in all living cells.

As your pet ages, the number of free radicals he encounters can challenge his body's natural levels of free radical-quenching SOD.

Supplementing with SOD may help your pet quench the free radicals his body encounters.

NAC is a cellular antioxidant that boosts your pet's tissue glutathione levels.

NAC protects against oxidative stress and is a potent free radical scavenger.

Green Tea leaf extract's catechins help protect cellular DNA, according to recent research.

For the well-being of your pet, we use only decaffeinated green tea leaf extract for this formula.

Schisandra fruit supports liver function by stimulating liver enzymes.

Curcumin is what gives turmeric its yellow color.

This potent antioxidant supports your pet's liver and kidney health.

Chlorella supports your pet's normal detoxification processes.

Silica supports the repair process and a healthy bowel.

Mercola Healthy Pet Detox - Not Just For Cats and Dogs...

I have used this particular blend of herbs and nutrients for all types of animals in my clinic.

Ferrets, rabbits, and birds can also potentially benefit from Liver & Kidney Support.

Just adjust your pet's dosage size according to his weight based on my recommendations for cats and dogs.

And just like with anything new, always check with your veterinarian if your pet is currently on prescription medication or undergoing any medical therapy to see if Liver & Kidney Support is right for your pet.

By now you have discovered how environmental toxins can potentially affect your pet's well-being.

When your pet's body contains less toxins and chemicals, your pet has a greater potential to enjoy optimal health. It just makes sense, doesn't it?

Why not take steps today to help support your pet's normal detoxification processes? Liver & Kidney Support may be able to help.

At the very least, it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Order your Liver & Kidney Support today.

RNA Ribonucleic Acid.

His main diet change was to use bison as a primary protein source, plus herbs that supported his liver, heart and circulation. It made a huge difference to his overall well-being and he managed to start walking in a straight line. Complete blood work was done at the end of January 2004. While triglyceride and lipase levels were lowered and the kidneys improved over his previous tests, the rest of his blood looked alarming. He had elevated liver levels, alkaline phosphatase that was sky high, and cholesterol and total protein levels were at high normal. Something had to be done and soon.

Introduction to RNA

At the beginning of May a friend sent me newsletters from VRP, which contained articles about Ribonucleic Acid. These reports mentioned experiments with several old dogs in their teens, which were not in good shape. Just by adding RNA to their diets, the dogs had become puppy-like and lived many more years. With nothing to lose, I immediately ordered some.
For the first 14 weeks, I added 1/8th teaspoon to each morning meal. Manfred became livelier and insisted on returning to his long morning walks. Always bothered with impacted anal glands, on his regular monthly visit to his veterinarian three weeks later, the glands were no longer impacted. I was sent home with the admonition to continue whatever I was doing! The following month's check-up revealed the same – no impaction. The vet noticed that the quality of Manfred's coat and skin was improving. The fuzzy soft coat that had replaced his wiry covering in his last years was turning a deep dark brown. His skin, which was wrinkly with flaky spots, was changing for the better. He seemed to be stronger.
With this success I introduced the same regimen to Manfred's half sister, Diggy, who was just turning 13½. I had had blood done on her a month before and was horrified to see that she seemed to be showing signs just like Manfred of elevated liver enzymes, alk phos levels very high, kidney reading just over high normal, lipase and cholesterol high. I was obviously battling some genetic disease. At a young age, both dogs were diagnosed with hypothyroidism and were on thyroid medication. Diggy had the added complication of large fatty cysts under her left front leg, over her spleen and in between her shoulder blades. They were beginning to interfere with her forward mobility
At the end of July, we did a complete blood work-up on both dogs, consisting of a CBC and Chemistry Screen, plus a thyroid panel to see if there were any noticeable changes. When the blood tests were drawn, after a 12 hour fast, both dogs had been on 1/8th teaspoon of RNA daily in their morning meal for 14 weeks.
Both dogs’ thyroid readings were too high after the 14 weeks on RNA and the vet suggested I cut their medication by half.

It is interesting to note that the changes were different for each dog. Some levels went up for the female, but all levels listed went down for the male. I suspect their bodies were evening out and balancing in their own way. We are still working on reducing the Alk Phos levels. The large fatty cysts on Diggy began to diminish and today are hardly noticeable.

After re-reading all the literature on RNA and noticing that the safety parameters were high, I decided to increase the RNA to 1/8th teaspoon twice a day. Both dogs are very lively, enjoy their food, their walks and are playing with the Labrador and Dachshund puppies in the family. Their cognitive ability has increased and they are enjoying their newfound quality of life.
What is RNA?

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a substance obtained from Torula yeast. Grown on molasses and free of whole yeast cells, it is non-allergenic. Used extensively in the study of aging and chronic degenerative disease its pioneer, Dr Benjamin Frank, MD, researched and ran clinical experiments during the 1950s-70s. Many of his experiments were conducted on mice and some o dogs. By supplementing their diets with RNA, he increased the life span of his experimental animals in a dramatic manner.
Dr Frank believed that most diseases originate from some kind of cellular disorder or damage. He believed that diseased cells (and aging) could often be ‘cured’ by supplying the cells with an abundance of their basic building materials in pure form.
The idea of the Nucleic Acid treatment is to supply cells with perfect, undamaged nucleic acids that are the basic building blocks of DNA and RNA. Nucleic acids activate the processes of DNA repair in degenerative conditions by inducing enzyme synthesis and activation, and increasing energy producing processes in the cells. One of the key roles of RNA is protein synthesis.

Other successes with RNA:

Buoyed by the results with my own dogs, I wove this information into my conferences and seminars, and introduced RNA to many of my dog associates. They have reported the following:

An 11-year-old Labrador Retriever stud dog showed a dramatic increase in sperm count.
A seven year-old German Shepherd female that had shown signs of anxiety around other dogs and could be aggressive on occasion, showed a great calmness and an ability to socialize with other dogs.
A 10 1/2 year-old Labrador female who had had her cancerous spleen removed and given 2-3 weeks to live, 5 months later is still alive, all blood work is normal and she is racing around like a puppy.
A 19 year-old cat who was aging rapidly, had lost interest in food and was sleeping most of his life away, after several weeks on RNA is now charging around, playing, going outside and stalking in the grass. Coat has resumed its shine, and he shows increased mental capacity.



All the older dogs and cats that have had RNA added to their daily ration show signs of more energy and general overall vitality and cognitive ability.

So what is the answer to the title of this article? Is it possible to put life into an old dog? In the case of my two Dachshunds, it is an unqualified yes.

Wendy Volhard is author of the magnificent Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog from Howell Book House.

NAC

One example is the use of NAC to help prevent oxidative damage to the spinal cord in degenerative myelopathy in dogs. Some research suggests that NAC also helps prevent kidney damage from lack of blood flow in humans, and it may have potential in the treatment of chronic kidney failure in geriatric cats. It can even be speculated that cats are more vulnerable to chronic renal failure because of their lower antioxidant levels.

A final potential application of NAC in small animals is the breakdown of mucus accumulation in the airways. In studies in dogs, NAC chemically reacted with and broke the disulfide bonds that hold mucus together, resulting in improved clearing of mucus and reduced mucus accumulation. NAC may thus be a useful treatment of respiratory disease with heavy mucus production.
Why would N-acetylcysteine be recommended for use in my pet?

N-acetylcysteine is used in veterinary medicine for the treatment of acetaminophen toxicity in cats and dogs. Other potential applications for NAC include the treatment of degenerative myelopathy, respiratory disease, chronic renal failure and feline immune deficiency virus (FIV).
How much experience is there with the use of N-acetylcysteine in pets?

N-acetylcysteine has been used in emergency medicine as an acetaminophen antidote for many years. Use of N-acetylcysteine in degenerative myelopathy in dogs is also common clinically. Treatment of chronic renal failure, chronic respiratory disorders, and FIV are new potential uses for NAC drawn from the research literature. NAC should also be considered as a supportive treatment following chemotherapy.
How safe is N-acetylcysteine?

Because damage due to oxidation is extremely common in a variety of diseases, there may be a tendency to simply use NAC preventatively as a routine dietary supplement. Surprisingly, however, there is some research that routine use of NAC in high doses in the absence of disease can actually promote the production of oxidants and free radicals.

"...NAC is probably best reserved for clinical cases."

Consequently NAC is probably best reserved for clinical cases.

B vitamins

(A) Vet Roberta Baxter says: One of the consequences of chronic renal failure is that

the kidneys leak protein into the urine, and the urine often becomes more dilute, leaching proteins from the body and resulting in muscle wastage, weakness, anaemia, and electrolyte disturbances.

A high-protein diet is associated with more ongoing kidney disease and damage, while a low-protein diet that contains easily assimilated proteins has less of an ongoing harmful effect on the kidneys. In general, dogs with chronic kidney disease do best on a relatively low-protein diet — with good-quality, easily digestible protein ingredients — which is also low in salt and phosphorus to help prevent blood pressure disturbances.

Added B vitamins, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants also aid maintenance of kidney function. These can be provided using a veterinary prescribed diet, which is available in both dry and wet formulations.

 

[Z...]

These results indicate kidney failure. This is common finding in older dogs these days. Officially we dont know what causes it but I am willing to bet years on highly processed food full of carbohydrates are the culprit.
Once the kidney values are through the roof like this it usually means that about 3/4 of kidney functional mass are gone and the only solution for this would be kidney transplant, which is really not an option in pets. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news Alana but majority of the dogs with findings like these end up being euthanized within a year :(

Having said that there is another venue to explore. I haven't witnessed it myself but during my TCVM course it has been mentioned over and over that kidney failure in geriatric patients responds very well to this treatment. Not in terms of full cure but in terms of extending the life expectancy and quality of life, at least for couple of years.

I know that Pepe has been switched to BARF and this is great. You can also try to source out Burdock Root extract and give him one tablet daily - this will help to strengthen kidney.

I would definitely try to find TCVM practitioner in your area or close. I would go for someone who has all the qualifications - not just CVA ( certified veterinary acupuncturist) but also chinese herbologist (CVCH) .
Even if you find only acupuncturist this will make significant difference - the idea is to strengthen kidney Qi and acupuncture alone is very much indicated for this condition. Ideally it should be used in combination with herbs and food therapy so it would be ideal if its the vet with full expertise.

This page lists three practitioners in France and they are CVA only. _http://www.mvtc.es/english/internships-find-your-tcvm-practitioner/

If it is an option to take him to Spain - Valencia there is one practitioner who is DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVTP . If you want I will ask my tutor if they can see Pepe themselves or recommend someone.

Hope this helps. Love to sweet Pepe!

 

[Foxx]

I'm sorry to hear that Pepe isn't doing well Alana.

It might be worth trying this "Canine Renal Support" Standard Process supplement for dogs:

https://www.standardprocess.com/Products/Veterinary-Formulas/Canine-Renal-Support

Some reviews:

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Process-Canine-Renal-Support/dp/B0057XKJQA

http://www.allivet.com/p-5759-standard-process-canine-renal-support.aspx

It can be purchased here for a reasonable price (Standard Process products aren't always easy to get, as they want people/animals to be working with a health practitioner), but they only ship to the US:

http://drruthroberts.com/product/standard-process-canine-renal-support-110-g/

I'm not sure if there are any holistic vets in France that use Standard Process products, but if there are you might be able to get it from them.

Standard Process products are quite unique and I've had very good results with them for some of my own health problems, so I suspect their quality will be good for pets as well.

I hope that helps and that you find something that helps Pepe

 

[Alana]

Thank you Gandalf, Gaby, and itellsya, I'll read though the info thank you.

These results indicate kidney failure. This is common finding in older dogs these days. Officially we dont know what causes it but I am willing to bet years on highly processed food full of carbohydrates are the culprit.

That's not the cause for Pepe I think. He was a Paleo dog since Tim and his family took him in, when he was about 1 yo. The last 2 years, we have suspicions that once in a while he might be eating some of the dry food that our neighbors leave out for their dogs. But not often enough to have caused this, I don't think.

Once the kidney values are through the roof like this it usually means that about 3/4 of kidney functional mass are gone and the only solution for this would be kidney transplant, which is really not an option in pets. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news Alana but majority of the dogs with findings like these end up being euthanized within a year :(

You are giving half a year more than the vet gave me.

Having said that there is another venue to explore. I haven't witnessed it myself but during my TCVM course it has been mentioned over and over that kidney failure in geriatric patients responds very well to this treatment. Not in terms of full cure but in terms of extending the life expectancy and quality of life, at least for couple of years.

I know that Pepe has been switched to BARF and this is great. You can also try to source out Burdock Root extract and give him one tablet daily - this will help to strengthen kidney.

Today's was a good shock to me, the visceral realization that he is not going to be with us for many years, but we'll make our best so that whatever time he has left is of good quality. So thank you for the suggestions. What strength in mg for burdock root extract? Would a tincture work? If yes, how many drops?

I would definitely try to find TCVM practitioner in your area or close. I would go for someone who has all the qualifications - not just CVA ( certified veterinary acupuncturist) but also chinese herbologist (CVCH) .
Even if you find only acupuncturist this will make significant difference - the idea is to strengthen kidney Qi and acupuncture alone is very much indicated for this condition. Ideally it should be used in combination with herbs and food therapy so it would be ideal if its the vet with full expertise.

This page lists three practitioners in France and they are CVA only. _http://www.mvtc.es/english/internships-find-your-tcvm-practitioner/

The Biron lady is not too far. She is only DVM though.

If it is an option to take him to Spain - Valencia there is one practitioner who is DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVTP . If you want I will ask my tutor if they can see Pepe themselves or recommend someone.

How will your tutor see Pepe? And yes, a recommendation would be great.

Hope this helps. Love to sweet Pepe!

It helps. Thank you! How about using any of the above items in his food, from itellsya's post? Like NAC, Curcumin, glutathione, glycine...? These are stuff I have at the house already, maybe I can start him on any/some of those until I get the Burdock Root extract? Or continue with it when I get it?

Foxx, I just saw your post, I'll read though the info, thank you!

 

[Laura]

There is no cure for old age; the dog is 12 years old. Please don't torture him.

 

[Alana]

There is no cure for old age; the dog is 12 years old. Please don't torture him.

How am I torturing him?!

 

[Keit]

Here's what I know and was able to find. First of all, I know that it is super hard for you, and Pepe is usually such a lively and happy dog. But you also need to consider his age. He had 12 very good and happy years so far, and as Z said, usually what would be told by veterinarians is that he doesn't have much time left. So what would be left is to try to make this last period as comfortable as possible. In some cases, and if the dog is suffering, better to euthanize.

But what veterinarians do in such situations is first of all fluids therapy. That's why it was proposed by your veterinarian. Dogs are also offered anti-emetics (if they are vomiting) and analgesics (because it is painful). Actually, if you see that he trembles and doesn't move that much, it can also be an indication of pain, so pain management can go a long way in improving his condition, or at least make it bearable. The problem is that if the kidneys are compromised, the body will have a hard time eliminating them. But some sort of pain management still should be considered.

Vets also recommend a special diet that restricts protein, but it is nonsense for dogs. As far as I know you fed Pepe all his life with natural food, so there is not much to change there. Except for trying to make sure that his calcium to phosphorus ratio is ok.

I noticed that you didn't check it, but apparently with kidney disease phosphorus appears to be high, and there is a need to lower it down. There is a lot of phosphorus in raw meat too. In such cases there is a need to make sure that there is sufficient calcium and dark, leafy greens in the diet to keep phosphorus down, because leafy greens help to eliminate excessive phosphorus from the body.

Another important thing is to give digestive enzymes and probiotics. Non-lactose-based acidophilus is considered to be better than the milk-based for this purpose. But better use multiply-types of "gut critters". Another thing that I read on one site that it is also beneficial to feed a glandular product (desiccated kidney). It is supposed to support kidney health and boost the immune system. And as was mentioned by Z, there are Chinese and homeopathic treatments, but unfortunately I have no knowledge about them and can't recommend anything. A local holistic doctor may know some mixes.

But the bottom line is, that if kidneys are failing, it means that from now on what you can do is only supportive therapy and try to prolong his life in the most optimal and painless way possible.

Big hug!

 

[lilyalic]

Hi Alana, I'm so sorry to hear that about Pepe, sending thoughts your way!

 

[Joe]

There is no cure for old age; the dog is 12 years old. Please don't torture him.

How am I torturing him?!

I think what Laura is referring to here is the idea of taking him off on long trips or engaging in other efforts that would make him uncomfortable. By all means you should try to help him in whatever way is appropriate, but you should also be open to the idea that he has had a good life and every animal, makes their own choices, in a certain sense, about when to let go. Basically, it probably shouldn't be looked at as a situation that MUST be resolved at ALL costs.

 

[Z...]

I tend to agree with Joe's last sentence. However my journey into TCVM has opened some new horizons. I do think TCVM can offer non invasive and gentle approach which clearly can offer more benefits then conventional approach. It will not cure Pepe but it can significantly extend and improve his quality of life. Well at least that's the impression I get from similar study cases.

If you decide to take this route I will surely try to help. I am guessing Biron lady hasn't completed her certification. My tutor is in Madrid so you would probably have to travel there ( or to Valencia ) for at least several treatments - this can be once a month. But I am not sure if this is really an option for you and have no clue how long is the journey.

Re Burdock root - I usually use 560mg tablets. One tablet daily. This depends on the brand - anywhere between 400 and 600mg will do.


I didn't know Pepe was on BARF most of his life. Even so, perhaps he wasn't fed right ratio of bones and meat - i.e. calcium and phosphorus. A lot of people think they can feed only meat and no bones and this actually can be as damaging as feeding processed foods. Who knows, it could also be genes or it could be environmental toxins. Was he ever on steroids or antibiotics?

 

[Adaryn]

I'm so sorry for Pepe, Alana. :( I met him once, he's such a sweet dog. I have no advice to give, so I'm only offering you my support. Whatever happens, I hope he won't suffer and I'm sure you'll find the best solution for him.

 

[Z...]

It helps. Thank you! How about using any of the above items in his food, from itellsya's post? Like NAC, Curcumin, glutathione, glycine...? These are stuff I have at the house already, maybe I can start him on any/some of those until I get the Burdock Root extract? Or continue with it when I get it?

Sorry I was swamped the other day and just quickly skimmed over your post.

to answer your other questions:

I think there is no harm in using NAC, gluthatione and glycine and they may be beneficial. I am not sure about curcumin though.

I happily jumped on curcumine train few years ago and was prescribing it left right and center. In some cases it worked miraculously but in some it actually made things worse - it seems. This starting to make sense - now I know that certain conditions are caused by different pathological patterns - like excess/deficient Yang(heat) for example. Curcumin is hot herb and giving it to an animal with excess heat pattern will make things worse. So I would stay away from it at least until Pepe's condition is properly assessed.