Help with a diet (14 y/o Dachshund)

[Gidget]

I have a 14yr old Dachshund who was diagnosed with Cushings
last year. Due to her age and the expense our we decided with
our vet's advice to just treat her with Science Diet KD kibbles. I
also give her Denamarin for her liver & Pepcid for her tummy. She
decided to quit eating her kibble so I added canned KD to it & that
helped for a little bit, then had to go to all canned. Now she doesn't
want that any more. I don't know what I can feed her now & need
help with a diet.
Thank you,
Gidget

[mytil]

Hi and welcome to our site. I am sorry your girl is having these troubles.

I am wondering if it is not the food necessarily, but something going on with Cushing's that is affecting her appetite.

I am wondering why your vet prescribed a food specifically for dogs with compromised kidney functions. Does your girl have kidney troubles?

When you get a chance, post the results of any testing performed to diagnose Cushing's (LDDS, ACTH, ultrasound, even a UC:CR) as well as any elevation in levels from a blood panel (liver, kidney values for example).

The more we know, the more we can help.
Terry

[Gidget]

Thanks Terry for your quick response. I'll try to read the results I have the best I can. I will have a more complete blood test results later today I'm going to p/u her records, I do know they said her kidneys were being effected.

In August Gidget had a UTI, USG=1.015, pH=6.0 Protein=2+. At that time her belly was extended & she was starting to urineate in the house. In Nov.:pH=5.0, 1/017, Blood 3+, Protein 3+ they put her on Amoxicillin 100mg. Then a week later they did a dex suppresion test. Pre=9.8, post=5.8 vet said consistant with PDH.

I mistakenly said Gidget was 14, she's close her birthday is next month. She is so precious to us & want to make her as comfortable & happy as we can. I hope what I have said is some help to you.

Thanks again,
Caroline Gidget's mom

[Harley PoMMom]

Hi Caroline,

Welcome to you and Gidget from me as well. My boy, Harley, had kidney issues so if you could post more information about Gidget's kidney problem, hopefully others and I will be able to help you out.

Some things I need to know are: at what stage did the vet diagnose Gidget's kidney disease at, is her phosphorus or potassium elevated? What are her BUN and creatinine levels? Has an UPC test been done? Was an ultrasound performed, and if so, what were the findings? Is Gidget on sub-Q fluids?

Usually in the early stages of kidney disease, a moderate high quality protein, high carbohydrate, low phosphorus, and moderate fat diet is recommended, carbs such as pasta, white rice, oatmeal, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tapioca...can be used.

Here is a link to a really good site about canine kidney disease: http://dogaware.com/health/kidneydiet.html

Please know we will help in any way we can so do not hesitate to ask any and all questions.

Love and hugs,
Lori

[Gidget]

As requested hope this is what you meant. Below are the lab results that are not normal & the range:11/5/12 LYM=0.67 (1-4.8), PLT=636 (200-500), ALP=1263 (20-150), ALT=162 (10-118), AMY=2730 (200-1200), BUN=57(7-25), CRE=1.7 (0.3-1.4), GLU=114 (60-110). I hope this is what you needed.

I've been reluctant to give Gidget anything but her KD as the vet had said. Since she is not eating anyway I will follow your suggestions and cook some chicken plus get pumpkin.

Thanks again
Caroline

[Harley PoMMom]

Could you edit your post and add the reference ranges for me please...Thanks so much.

When Harley would become picky with his food, I would cook up some chicken or turkey breast for him, also, baby food usually worked too--just make sure that there are no onions added.

I just thought of something else, what about tuna?

[Gidget]

My previous thread has been edited as requested. I hope I did this correctly.

[Harley PoMMom]

You did an excellent job editing your post, thank you! :)

I do see that the creatinine is elevated, could you check from her prior blood work if this has been creeping upwards?

In humans, CoQ10 is a supplement that can lower creatinine and BUN levels. Here is a link to abstract about this: http://europepmc.org/abstract/AGR/IND43654717/reload=0;jsessionid=tVoB5gNBK7k67hrFIxqW.4 Maybe ask your vet about this supplement.

Here are a few other things you might try to entice her appetite: Yogurt mixed with honey, Potato boiled in meat broth and mashed with a *little* chicken fat added, Grated parmesan cheese as a topper on the regular food, Drizzle sardine juice (water packed sardines) on the food and/or Mash a sardine into the food, and/or warm her food in the microwave...Hope this helps.

[Gidget]

I took Gidget to our vet since she was off her food. They ran another blood
Panel and results: CRE=2.0, BUN=87, AMY=4000, ALP=1052, ALT=190, plus she had loss almost 2 lbs since November 5th.

Vet concerned for neoplasis. They took xray, but it was inconclusive.
She received fluids and B12 shot and we brought her home on an ID diet.
Her appetite has increased so I will continue B12 injections weekly as long as they help her. We will enjoy everyday we will have left with her.

Moderator's Note: I have merged your update on Gidget into Gidget's original thread. We normally like to keep all posts on a pup in a single thread as it makes it easier for other members to refer back to the pup's history, if needed.

[molly muffin]

I am so glad that Gidget is eating now. I hope the B12 injections help her and that you'll have a lot more time to share together.

hugs,
Sharlene and Molly Muffin