Question:
Hi,

I want to thank everyone in advance for giving me any advice or help that's available. I have not stopped crying all day. I have been told that my Bassett has had Kidney failure and that the other kidney is in trouble as well. The Dr. said we could bring her home and give her liquids, new diet, etc and she may live awhile. I don't know what Awhile means. Does anyone here have any experience with this area. Please help me if you can. Mona is only two years old and I am really about to stroke out. I need some resolution to either bring her home to hopefully keep her around for awhile and make her life as wonderful as I can. Or I need to know if putting her sown is better for her.

Please give me any advice you can. I need some help right now.

I hope to come back to the forum at a better time with happier topics.

Thanks to everyone in advance.. Brian

Answer:
Brian,someone more knowledgable than me will come around,I just wanted to say I am really sorry for you and your dog
If she is not in any pain,I would take her home,pamper and love her to bits for the time she has left.
It's really a sad situation and in such a young dog....
I always believed any kidney-problems are very painful and if that is the case,it would be better for her to peacefully pass on,but if she can still enjoy a reasonably good life with the person she loves,take her home and give her all the comfort and love you so obviously feel towards your girl

Answer:
Kidney failure can be "treated" with a different kind of food (low protein to have less stress on kidneys). Keep up on bloodwork to see how it's progressing. I've seen animals live a couple more years with good at home care.
There is always kidney transplants if you're willing to go that far...

Answer:
I'm so sorry for your doggy's diagnosis.

There are a lot of resources on the net to help deal with renal failure. Like these:
http://www.healthyhappydogs.com/Article.KidneyFailure
http://www.vetinfo.com/drenal.html
http://www.dogaware.com/kidney.html

Good luck.

Answer:
I hurt so bad that I can't hardly stand the pain that I have in my stomach right now. I am so close to Mona and spend at least 2 hours a day with her alone. I will take everything that is recommended here and use it to help Mona.

My big question is how do I distinquish when to put her to sleep. I assume that I will have to take her to the doctors every week or so and let them check her out. I am making a room into a make shift hospital room with all the things to treat her with.

If anyone has a dog(Bassett or any other breed) that is being treated for kidney desease please let me know your opinions on aftercare for Mona.

Thanks again from the bottom of my heart...

Answer:
So sorry to hear about Mona. I don't have a dog with kidney disease but I've heard that the forum on canine kidney disease at Yahoo is a really good place to join. Their website is:

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/k9kidneydiet/

Answer:
I am so sorry you and Mona are having to go through this. When you and your pet have a close relationship, you will know when the quality of life is no longer there and it's time. This is a time when you have to consider her needs. You are hurting so much but I know you will be there for her to make it easier for her. After she's gone, it'll be time to put back the pieces for you. I think most of us have been through it but it never gets easier.

Answer:
Good morning,

I just brought Mona home from the Vet. She has Polycystic Kydney desease. I hope I can make her feel as comfortable as possible and give her the best days of her life.

Does anyone know what Polycystic kydney desease is?

I want to thank everyone for your help and support. I need people right now.

I cannot stop crying everytime I see her and my sleep and eating habits are effected as well as hers. She is just so damn sweet and loving that it hurts me to see her this way.

Thanks again.

Answer:
Please don't cry,although it's probably easier said than done,focus on the time you have with her,she senses something is amiss..and will be sad too
Try to be proactive in helping her get better.
I Googled PKD in dogs,there is a lot of info out there,such as giving her only distilled water,with no chemicals,so her kidneys don't have to work too had.
Your vet must have some suggestions as to make it easier on both you and her.
What I was reading too,was that holistic meds will be better for her,meds made natural ingredients,no chemicals.
Maybe there is a holistic vet in your area??

Answer:
Chico,

Your kind words and opinions are greatly excepted. I can't find the words to explain the pain that is going through my body right now. I have been to see Mona every 30 minutes to take her out for a walk. She goes a little at a time and I give her all the time she wants. I have her on bottled water and a food given to me by the vet for dogs with PKD. I have read where other foods and off the shelf medications are good for this also. I have been giving her 20mg of Coq10 and a Pepcid in the morning with her food. I give her an aspirin at night per her Vet.

If anyone has any opinions on these things or might even some new ones, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks to everyone.

Answer: