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Keiko could use some prayers and good thoughts. We are thinking he is in some stage of kidney failure. It has actually come on quite suddenly though for a couple of weeks he had been having a bout with diaherria. Having three dogs though someone is usually acting up in some way so no red flags were raised.

Late last week were when the signs manifested themselves. On Wednesday a full CBC was done and the numbers for the BUN... creatinine and phosperhous were elevated to higher than normal levels but well withing the guideline for acute kidney disease.

On Monday the levels were much higher on the second CBC and he had his second subcutaneous IV for fluids following one on Sunday. He is at my vets's right now to receive fluid IV's for the next 24-48 hours. I have an appointment to Cornell on Thursday for an ultrasound. If the kidneys aren't damaged to badly from old age there could be some reversal through medication. I'll have to wait to see the results of the ultrasound before taking any next steps. I've got a sick little man here....
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Bob I am so sorry. I will hope for reversal in his kidney values. We managed Tiko's kidney failure for a year quite well - and in the end it was lots of little strokes that did her in, not the kidney failure.

Hang in there Keiko.
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Alicia,Owned by 2 Shibas, Niko and Avari, 3 cats, Miss Kitty, Mr. Grobbles and Al E. Cat and 2 beautiful daughters, Gwen and Penelope

Lisha thanks... was Tiko managed through a special renal diet? Do you remember what his numbers were for BUN.. creatnine and phospherous? She was a special little girl for sure!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Bob, I'm really sorry to hear this about Keiko. I well know how sick this can make a dog. I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this or not, but our Murphy was diagnosed with kidney problems at 7 months. He is now 4 and a half years old and a very healthy boy. He is on Science Diet K/D, the Treats that are made by Hill's for dogs on medical diets, fresh veggies and fruits as additional treats.

I've often heard Science Diet being referred to as not being terribly good, but we have absolutely no complaints about Murphy's response to it! He takes no medication, is never sick in any way, and is filled with energy.

At last check-up (August) his Creatinine was one point above normal levels....9 I believe. I am away from home now, but can check this in a couple of days and let you know what his other levels are.

Please feel free to email me at Kiricki@aol.com if there are any questions you feel I might answer for you.

Anne
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Well, that level I quoted looks a bit like 9l......seems like I hit a wrong key! 9 is what I meant to say!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Anne thanks and I just may take you up on getting some information from someone going through this. I'll know more after the ultrasound to see what other issues may be going on with him. While I will definitely home cook the meals for him I'll also be looking into the commercial food. My vet gave me some she had on hand but I'm not thrilled with the ingredients...Purina NF. I looked at the ingredients for the Science Diet and like the looks of those much better! In the time Keiko has been back home he is doing very well and has way more energy than before he went to my vet on Tuesday for the diuresis.
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Did he start out with extreme thirst, before actually seeming sick? This was the case with Murphy. I have always wished I had picked up on this, rather than just wondering why, a bit sooner. Hopefully, he might not have had any damage, had that been the case. Our vet tells us that once damage is done, it doesn't reverse and our job is just to make sure no more is done.

We talked with him about home cooking, but his feeling was that the K/D was really very good and adequate to his needs and it certainly seems to do the trick. We've had absolutely no problems at all......never any diarrhea, or even soft, stools, and the only time he throws up is when he eats grass!

It might be harder to change Keiko over, since he has been used to possibly more gourmet fare. Treats and chew toys might be harder too. Murphy had enjoyed rawhide chews, but they are forbidden, as are just about every commercial treat. Fortunately, he really likes NylaBones and he has many, in various stages of de-construction.

Raw carrots are a favored treat, also lettuce, cucumber. Biggest no-no at all is green beans. He also like strawberries and watermelon. You want to stay away from additional sources of protein and phosphorus.

For treats, besides the bisquits, I cut the canned K/D into cubes, sticks, and cookies and freeze them. He loves them and doesn't know that they are just food! When he gets really bored with his kibble, I soften up a few of the cubes and mix them in and he will gobble it all up. His weight never varies, more than a few ounces, from 24 pounds.

Hang in there. You're such a good dad, you'll do great!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

>>Lisha thanks... was Tiko managed through a special renal diet? Do you remember what his numbers were for BUN.. creatnine and phospherous? She was a special little girl for sure!
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>>If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I don't remember offhand - but I bet I can look it up. Is it still relevant now that he has a diagnosis? I actually fought with them over the diet (big surprise eh) because more recent studies show that older dogs NEED protein like any other dog and it is the phosphorus that contributes the over loading the kidneys. So she was on Innova senior plus (which I don't think they make anymore). But it was high protien low phosphorus.
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Alicia,Owned by 2 Shibas, Niko and Avari, 3 cats, Miss Kitty, Mr. Grobbles and Al E. Cat and 2 beautiful daughters, Gwen and Penelope

Every ounce of positive energy from Beni, Kari, and me is FLYING across the land right now......Keiko and family will continue to be in our thoughts......Please stay in touch.....

Patty, Beni, and the Queen Kari

Please keep us posted. Keiko and the rest of your family will be in our thoughts. Really hope it can be managed by medication.
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David owned by Kona, Kiko & Kaia

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way. Hang in there handsome Keiko! Hopefully you will be home soon with your awesome family feeling better. Take care Bob! Sorry you have to go through this!

Oh I hope all is fine in the end. Paws crossed for Keiko and good news Thursday!
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

I just got off of the phone with my vet and the diuresis has worked! His numbers went back down to where they were on Sept 1st.... actually just slightly lower. Still though they are high normal but back in the acceptable range for a dog with kidney disease. Doesn't mean he is out of the woods yet and there is still the ultrasound tomorrow but he is still kicking!! If the ultrasound doesn't show anything to negative hopefully the kidneys can be nurtured along between some meds and a renal diet. At the most I'm sure I'll be doing home fluids with him if it helps the kidneys to respond better. I'll also know more tonight when I pick him up. My vet said he is much perkier than when he was brought in and stronger on his walks but you can see there is still an issue. Still keeping all fingers crossed!
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If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

Still sending prayers and all keeps getting better.

Cheryl/PHKeeper
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Fingers, toes, paws, tails, and whiskers crossed for more good news on Keiko!!!!! Good news is always great to hear.......we look forward to hearing any new updates.......Please remember that all of our positive energy continues to fly across the country........

Patty, Beni, and The Queen Kari