Sudden loss of appetite & energy!! Any similar stories?!

[Blanca's Momma]

My baby will be 13 in 2 months...I hope! The sudden onset of symptoms are puzzling and although awaiting bloodwork results, I'm afraid finding the cause won't be that simple. I'm not sure it's a senior issue or something else. I would be grateful for any ideas.

Overall Health: She's been extremely healthy all of her life. No HD, have had her on prescription gloucosamine for yrs. She has lost 90% of her hearing over the past 6 mos, but knows body language so she's fine. She's a little creaky, but was very active.

Symptoms: Over night she became a different dog! 5 days ago when I awoke to let her out, she laid in the grass (head up like she was enjoying the view) and wouldn't come in for about 15 minutes. She ALWAYS potties, then makes a beeline for breakfast. This time she slowly came in the house, looked at her food and went to the living room and laid down. Eventually she would take a few bites throughout the day and drink as normal. Her stools have been normal and there hasn't been any vomiting. Since then she has been extremely lethargic, breathing a little heavier than normal and gums just a little pale. Seems as though she will get a slight fever off and on. She's unsteady on her feet, occasionally stumbles, but due to how weak she is. She does not have any stroke signs. Tongue not blue. Abdomen not swollen or sensitive. Doesn't do anything to indicate lung problems. Pretty sure any poisons can be ruled out, since no vomit or diarrhea. Although I did look up her food and treats and will never give another animal Waggin Train Chicken Jerky Treats, which she just had.

I called her vet 1st thing after this holiday weekend and got her in. I'm awaiting a full blood panel. He said she was hydrated, internal organs felt fine, was a little anemic and very slightly jaundice. But kidneys aren't his thought since not drinking in excess. He gave her antibiotic shot. I've been boiling chicken for her and she eats it without hesitation.

I've scoured the internet and can't really find anything. I did see something that may be a possibility; hemangiosorcoma. But vet doesn't think so.

I'm not ready to give up hope that it's not senior related and is treatable. But I know time is of the essence.


Blanca's Mom

[Elaine]

It could just be arthritis acting up, but it could be slow bleeding from hemangiosarc. Old dogs are so special, but are definitely an emotional rollercoaster.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

Welcome to the site - sorry under stressful circumstances. I am glad she's had such a good life with you so far, and hope it keeps on going.

When will you get the bloodwork back?

[Blanca's Momma]

Thank you for the site welcome. Should hear today on results. Of course I've already called, can't stand the wait.

[Blanca's Momma]

Vet just called. NOT GOOD!!!! BUN count high. Amalsye-pancreatic enzyme-is high, but may or may not be related.

Although obvious kidney failure, since pancreas involved, I'm still thinking hemangiosarcoma. Although prognosis bad for that too.

Any and all advice on how to minimize and slow down kidney failure would be so very much appreciated. I've cried a river, here comes the ocean.

[Elaine]

If this is hemangiosarc, there is nothing you can do other than let her do anything she wants while she can. If this is just renal failure, you need to put her on a kidney diet immediately.

[Blanca's Momma]

Thanks Elaine. I picked up antibiotics from vet and will be spending the night researching kidney diets.

Getting plenty of water will help flush her kidneys, but I need to find ways to get her to drink a lot. Instead of drinking a lot, as is common, her intake is beginning to slow down.

[BowWowMeow]

I am sorry that your dog isn't feeling well.

Did the vet take an x-ray? If so they could see if there was a mass and whether she was starting to bleed out (if hemangio). If not I would get one ASAP.

A high BUN means she is dehydrated. It is a high Creatine that means she is in kidney failure. What were the exact numbers?

If it's kidney disease the most important thing is to keep her hydrated. You can get SubQ fluids from the vet and administer them yourself from home. The old style kidney diet (low protein, expensive low quality prescription food) has NOT proved to help with kidney disease. In fact, new studies show that it is the phosphorous ratio of the food and not the protein level that matters. It is easier for an animal with renal failure to process a high quality food without grains and additives and preservatives. Also, it's more important to get her to eat right now than to worry about a special food.

[vat]

I went thru kidney problems with an 18 month old. There are a few great yahoo groups out there K9KIDNEYS : for owners of dogs with Kidney Disease I belonged to this one. They are great people I suggest you join.

So sorry to hear about your baby!

[doggiedad]

sorry your dog isn't feeling well. welcome to the forum.
i didn't realize you were new here.