Kidney Failure

Hello, I’d like to share my experience. My 14-year-old Bichon, Chipie, suffers from kidney failure. Back in September, her levels were at 600 and her creatinine was at 9; she was in a semi-coma and vomiting. I took her to the vet clinic where the vet advised me to have her put down, saying that at 14 and with results like those, she was beyond saving. I refused because I wanted to give her a chance. In fact, that is exactly what was written on her cage: ‘Last chance!!!’ After seven days on a drip, her levels returned to an acceptable range—not perfect, but much better. She came home. For food, she has Royal Canin renal; she is a very fussy eater but she does eat that. As for Hill's, don't even get me started!! Then at lunchtime, I give her raw chicken (I’d read on a Swiss site that a vet was praising the merits of raw chicken for kidney issues, and I thought I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a go). In the evening, she has renal wet food blended with a potato, given by syringe. At the start, I had to force-feed her a bit because she was down to just 6 lbs (2.7kg). Her normal weight was about 9 lbs (4kg). Three months later, she is still here and spent Christmas with us 😁, and she now weighs about 7.6 lbs (3.45kg). She had no strength and didn't want to eat. It took real persistence and patience. You can't give up. Her diet made a huge difference, but so did her treatment: We Nefro or Pronefra syrup, 1ml morning and evening. She has even started playing again and going for short walks. If I’d listened to the vet, I would have said goodbye to her 3 months ago. This is a message of hope for owners of dogs with severe kidney failure—it is possible with lots of love, care, and the right treatment.

I’m so sorry for the loss of your dog. Your story reminds me exactly of what I went through with mine; it’s incredibly tough, but you definitely made the right choice. Thinking of you.

Thank you Analie and Lomax, I don't regret my decision, which I think was the right call—not just for him, as he didn't understand why he couldn't get up anymore, but also for me, because seeing him in that state was making me ill..

Thanks so much Selkys. It’s been a little easier since he passed away, because seeing him just lying there, unable to move and perhaps even in pain, was even more heartbreaking. I think the decision becomes inevitable, even if some owners insist on letting them die "naturally"—I really feel that’s more for their own sake than for the dog’s. Either way, it’s never easy watching your pet waste away, but that’s life. You just have to deal with it, or rather, learn to live without them in this case.

Hello, I am so sorry for the loss of your dog. It takes so much emotional strength to let a companion go, but it is such a respectful and kind thing to do for them. I am sure Coquin was truly grateful to you... Sending my deepest sympathies once again. Best wishes,

Hi everyone, some bad news. We had to have Coquin put to sleep today... We couldn't bear to see him just lying there on his bed, so listless, and not eating anything either. The vet told us he’d never be able to get up again and that if he wasn't eating, he’d only waste away, so we stepped in before the illness and exhaustion could take our dog from us. Keeping him would have been pure selfishness, plain and simple. It just shows how everything can change in only three days... He was such an active and playful dog. The vet had always told us that when his time came, it would happen very quickly, and he was certainly right. So, there it is. I would have loved to tell you all about a miracle, but I’ve never actually seen one in my life.

Good evening, unfortunately his condition is worsening. He’s drinking, but we have to help him as he can no longer get up on his own. As for food, we haven’t given him anything today as the vet advised against it. If he still isn’t up tomorrow, it really means he’s at the end of the road, and all I’ll be able to do is let him go with dignity, even though it’s so hard. Keeping him would be selfish; seeing him lying there, unable to move even just to relieve himself, isn't a decent end for a dog who has given us so much and used to have so much energy. He tries to get up, but his body just isn't following suit anymore. I'm still hoping the medication kicks in and he starts walking again, but I’m preparing myself mentally for the worst. It’s incredible what illness can do in just one day, especially with a dog of his age. I think taking him for tests and everything would just be putting him through too much, and I don’t think it would give him any more years. Maybe a few more days, but what’s the point if he can't get up? Seeing him there, lying down and perhaps in pain, but certainly wondering what's happening to him... it's just too much. Suffering to get better is one thing, but suffering just to die is pointless.

Best of luck with your dog! My dog also had kidney failure at the age of 6. We had to feed him white meat or special dry food, but he wouldn't touch it. My dog had no energy left and didn't want to eat at all... If yours is still eating, at least that’s a start. Try to give him things with low protein levels.