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Posts: 4
From:Buffalo, NY US
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-21-2003 04:01 PM            

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We just found out our Jack Russell Terrier mix we adopted from the SPCA has kidney damage. Our vet said he probably got into some antifreeze some years ago. He's 3 yrs old, and we have him on a special low protein diet (perscribed by our vet). His only symptom is he urinates often but otherwise you coudln't tell, he's very healthy acting and looking.

Does anyone know the life expectancy of a kidney damaged dog? Roughly?

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Posts: 163
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 06-21-2003 10:00 PM         

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It would depend on the severity of the damage and overall health of your dog. What did your vet tell you?

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-22-2003 02:04 PM            

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I agree with Jas - the life expectancy does depend on the severity of the kidney damage in the first place. But with the aid of special dietary food such as Hills prescription diet k/d (kidney damage) food and perhaps meds for the urinary problems such as baytrel your dog can have a normal life span. Although it is important to keep track of the kidney functions through bloodwork with your vet. Sometimes a prescription medication that a dog takes throughout his/her life can create other problems with liver damage, or heart problems. So, keep up with your vet and have bloodwork done annually. Best of luck and hope your pup stays well.

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New Member

Posts: 4
From:Buffalo, NY US
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-22-2003 03:36 PM            

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Our vet has him on the Hills KD kidney diet now but that's it. No meds. Doc says he's got about 30% kidney function so I'm not sure how severe that is considered. We do plan on continual blood tests to track how his kidneys are doing. We do have a few questions though, maybe you all can help.

The vet said only feed him the KD, no table scraps, snacks, etc. Can we give him rawhides?

What about exercise? Should we give him plenty or should we take it easy on him? Like I said, you really can't tell anything is wrong with him, hardly any symptoms?

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Member

Posts: 68
From:Cleveland, OH, USA
Registered: Jun 2003

posted 06-23-2003 09:45 AM            

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Well, I do know that you should only feed the K/D dietary food - no table scraps or people food of any kind. However I am not certain about the rawhide chews and their effect on the kidneys to be honest with you. As far as exercise goes - continue with the same activities as before, he'll let you know when he's too tired or doesn't feel like a walk. Do not increase or decrease any of his regular habbits. If he enjoys walking a lot - keep it up! You should call your vet about the rawhide or "dog treats" - I know that hills diet company does make prescription treats or milk bones though. Maybe that could be a replacement for the rawhides if your vet suggests to discontinue those. Best Wishes.

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