My 5 year old Shiatsu has been diagnosed with kidney failure. My vet is giving...

[Buckwheat]

...him an I.V. for a few days.? But she says we are only post phoning the inevitable. My wife and I love this little guy like a child and we are devistated. Is there anything that can be done to prolong/save his life?

 

[bob ©]

how bad are your shih tzus kidney values? does your vet know why your dog is in renal failure? 5 years of age is way to young for that disease unless it is from toxicity or genetic issues.

unfortunately, dogs in renal failure usually do not do well. depending on what caused the renal failure , how bad the values are, and how much they improve with iv fluids will help determine the out come.

btw- shiatsu is a massage technique.

 

[RodiKenley]

Give him lots of fresh vegetables to eat or buy a dog food with acidophilus in it and buy some herbs, like artichoke or milk thistle in capsules. Or: if he's overweight or has some kidney problem, Hills Science Diet Prescription canned KD dog food would be good, or take him for long walks and bring water along.

 

[mama woof]

Low fat, low protein diet. Basically feed him a high carb diet. It is hard on the kidneys to digest fats and proteins. You can give him IVs time and time again when he is in crisis, but he will die from this disease. You really are postponing the inevitable. You can learn to give fluids at home to help save on costs. Even with really good care, the dog will not live more than a year or two.

I'm so sorry your dog is ill.

 

[Veritas]

The best thing for the dog will be the saddest thing for you. It may be time to say goodbye. We just went through this with a 16 year old dog. My heart goes out to you.

 

[Have Compassion]

Unfortunately, I don't know of any way. However, I'm not a vet, but if I was you I would call around different vet clinics and ask to speak with a vet and ask them what they would or could do. Also, search the internet and see if there is anything you can do to save your dog. I hope your dog gets better, I just lost my dog at the end of July who I had since I was 5 years old (I'm 17)--I know its really hard to deal with losing someone who means so much, so I hope your dog gets through it. Sorry i can't help much : \

 

[Sassy Shih Tzu]

I am so sorry to hear about your baby. Your vet is right. He will only suffer for whatever little time he has. Letting him go would be the best thing for him. :0(

 

[Poet G]

No. Nothing. The best thing you can do is let it end as painlessly as possible, and adopt a new dog. I know it's painful. I was just through this last week. Do what's best for the dog. If you love him, end his pain.

P.S. I'm holding a new puppy on my lap as I'm typing.

 

[Lauren*]

I think your vet is right, I know it hurts to let go of a beloved dog, but it would probably be best for him not to go through all the suffering. I'm so sorry, you and your dog will be in my prayers.
p.s. a Shiatsu is a type of massage, a shih tzu is a dog =)