[Murphys Dad]

Hi, folks! It's been a bit of time since I let you all know how Ms. Mags is doing. Still taking it one day at a time ... another complication has come up. As Maggie has been showing signs of kidney failure, both symptomatically and test-wise, it was back to the hospital today for a consult with her internal medical specialist. Good news is that, of all the reasons for kidney failure, Maggie has the most treatable in that she has high blood pressure. She starts meds tonight and we repeat tests in 10 days. Even better news is that she handled everything today like a pro -- visited with everyone in the waiting room, checked everything out and, according to the IMS, she didn't even mind the needle in her bladder to get a sterile urine sample! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/eek.gif She came bouncing back to me and, when we were waiting for the bill, she starting howling. Have a feeling she was warning me ... She even ate dinner tonight and is resting comfortably.

 

[jassy]

I had been wondering how Maggie was doing. I am glad she was able to handle the vet without too much stress. How are you doing? I'm thinking it may be more stressful for you than for Maggie.

 

[Murphys Dad]

You and Maggie have really had some tough times. I'm sorry to learn of the new problem, but glad that Maggie was able to cope so well with the vet visit. Hopefully, the meds will be effective. Prayers go up for both of you.

 

[jdetmering]

Judy I had worried about your Maggie--- as you know my Maggie has been awfully busy here with 7 pups!
Just keep strong for her, do what's right in your heart and things will go well for you.
big hugs and puppy kisses to you both
Judi and the gang

 

[Murphys Dad]

Thanks for your good wishes, folks. Jassy -- I'm doing okay -- just grateful that problem was diagnosed when it was. I didn't mention that IMS found a small hemorrhage behind Maggie's left eye which he said he believed was caused by the high blood pressure. Frequent monitoring ahead of us -- car is definitely on automatic pilot on the route to the vet!

 

[patama1004]

Hi, Judy. I just came back in today after a long absence from this forum but I've always thought about all the people and beagles here, including you and sweet Maggie. I'm glad to know Maggie is such a brave girl and I'll keep sending good thoughts to you and your girl. :wave:

 

[ncdogstar]

Maggie is such a trooper(and her mom is too) Keeping you both in our thoughts.

 

[jcfehr]

Judy ...... I am so sorry to hear of yet another hurdle for Maggie and you. It has sure been a tough year. It is good to hear that for this trip she held up like a trooper !!

I keep you in my prayers each day even though I don't get here as much as I would like these days. Life, as you are well aware, can throw you many curve balls.

Keep strong Miss Mags and you too Judy !!

 

[debannib]

Oh Judy,
What a wonderful mom you are for Miss Mags, and what a trooper she's been! I'm so proud of her behavior at the vet this time (go figure huh? those urine samples aren't fun!!)

Continuing with prayers..... /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif

 

[Gingergoose]

Judy,

That is such good news that Maggie's kidney failure is due to hypertension. I never would have considered that in a dog.

My Olivia is now in kidney failure...she is at the vets getting some fluid and she looks better. However I believe that her failure is chronic and not treatable. (I will bring up the BP tomorrow when we visit).

Some friends of mine kept their dog, Sadie, alive for 9 months by doing dyalisis at home. We are going to probably walk the beaten path to Virginia Tech to consult on that depending on how Olivia does after the fluids and what her lab values come back as.

Oh the tears we loose for our babies!

So happy for you and Miss Maggie! Kiss her from her friends here in Roanoke.

~Denise

 

[Murphys Dad]

Denise -- so sorry to hear about Olivia. This whole kidney thing is new to me although my sister's cat has had chronic kidney failure for several years -- she gives her IV fluids once a week at home. Looking back at Maggie's lab tests, even as far back as 2005, it is apparent that something has been going on with Mags' kidneys since then -- so many other things going on that we didn't focus on it. It is my understanding that the hypertension is a symptom of chronic kidney failure so I guess that won't get cured but treatment will help keep it stable and we can try to avoid strokes/heart attacks from the high blood pressure.

 

[Genie]

Judy, I'm sorry that Maggie is going into kidney failure, but howgood it is that it is treatable.
You have both been through so much. It is time for some good news.

Denise, I can't tell you how sorry I am that your news about Olivia is not good. My thoughts and prayers are with you both--I know you'll do the best for her.

 

[jassy]

I have been able to keep CRF cats healthy and comfortable for several years. I've used only medications for some and IV fluids for others. I don't know as much about dogs but I would think the treatment is similar in the early stages. It is not difficult to give the fluids at home so if it is an option for your dogs don't hesitate to try it. I have had cats who hate it at first but I think they learn to associate it with feeling better. Its big committment though because once you start you have to be there every day to administer fluids at the same time.

 

[Murphys Dad]

Judy, I don't know how I missed this post! Poor Maggie. What a bad year she has had. The perils of life with a senior dog.

Kidney failure strikes a cord with me...that's how I lost my Amber. It's encouraging to her though that Maggie's is very treatable. I hope all goes well, for you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you right now! Belly rubs to miss Maggie, and a big hug for you too Judy.

I should add. With Amber, we did IV fluids at home for several weeks. I turned our bathroom into a makeshift clinic. I had a hook on the back of the door to hang the bag. I was sterilizing needles, and doing all these things I never thought possible. The IV fluid was expensive to buy from the vet. I think I paid around $25 for two bags. I went to the pharmacy at Sam's and they were able to get the identical (and I mean identical!) bags way cheaper. I think it was around $20 for 12 bags. I didn't even need a prescription for them (I don't think). I only had to get the needles and lines from the vet.

 

[Gingergoose]

Genie,
Thanks. I need all of the strength, prayers and encouragement that I can get.

Jassy,
The vet did say that cats seem to turn around alot better than dogs for some reason. Being in the same place at the same time sounds challenging but if needed, it WILL be done.

Jen,
That is good information...thanks. My friend kept her Sadie alive for an extra 9 months doing fluids at home. Our vet isn't very familiar with it so if it's feasible, we go to Virginia Tech. She responded so well to these IV fluids, I'm a bit encouraged. We go visit her tomorrow. I can't wait.

~Denise

 

[ricksconnected]

:woohoo:

 

[Murphys Dad]

Judy,

Sorry I been preoccupied with Summer.

I hope Mags is doing better. We will keep both of you in our thoughts.