Our 13 and a half year old Springer boy has just been diagnosed as having kidney failure..Estimated only 50% of function..In early July he had a collapse and was diagnosed with ? a Vestibular episode..falling over, walking in circles..The vet thinks he's recovered as well as he's going too with his balance..we are trying to keep him calm as he is jumping erratically and slipping and falling over..I'm worried he's going to break something. He had a blood test that showed the failure then..He had had a test about a year ago which was clear..
Only the day before he was so well and people couldn't believe he was 13..He's gone deaf, doesn't seem to understand simple commands..(always so quick to before)and like my DD says..there doesn't seem to be anything behind his eyes and as DS says ..it's like he's lost...
I knew this day would come..the price you pay for loving..
Anyone had a dog in kidney failure? What should we look out for? Did a kidney diet work? (very expensive)..How long do we have left?
Any advice would be appreciated..
If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
The doghouse
Knew it would come one day..
Marylou62 · 11/08/2020 19:24
I'm so sorry, it's tough isn't it? I have springers too, they are just the best dogs, and 13 and a half is a good age. I have lost springers at a similar age, but not of kidney failure.
In your shoes I'd be thinking that his time has come, especially given what your DC have described. Springers are naturally bouncy and your old boy sounds like he's lost his bounce 
Think about his quality of life, and also remember that dogs are very good at hiding when they are in pain.
The old saying 'better a day too soon than a week too late' is worth remembering too.
It's such a hard decision, though 
I am also a trainee RVN and have worked in veterinary for many years. I have also lost a dog to kidney failure.
In my experience, animals will often plod along fairly ok for a good long while, especially with the renal diets we have now and medication to prevent nausea. Once their kidneys go past a certain stage of loss of function the end comes quickly.
It sounds like your boy has good quality of life at the present time, that is good news and the renal diet will buy him more of that, but by Christ, its expensive. Some insurance companies will cover the cost of prescription diets, however your DDs discount will be a godsend.
There is a saying in veterinary medicine, "better a week/month too early than a day too late" so please dont feel guilt when you have to make a decision. Loss of interest in food or walks are a good indicator but mist owners get a gut feeling . Its such a difficult time
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