My old dog has kidney failure. Should I treat or let her go?

Question

Hello. I have a Shetland Sheppard dog. She is 12 years old. She became sick last week. Green stuff in her eyes, not eating, and vomiting. Vet here told me her kidneys were not working properly. She has been with IV drip since Thursday. She does not want to eat or drink. He told me her some of her blood markers were off the chart, like protein and creatinine. My question is, is it worth it to put my dog through all of this or better let her be and go peacefully? Pet's info: Dog | Shetland Sheepdog | Female | unspayed | 12 years and 7 months old

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately this is not a question one can answer without a hands-on exam and seeing the lab reports. Sometimes fluid therapy can significantly improve blood kidney values and then the disease can be slowed down with medications, a kidney diet and regular fluids to flush out toxins and hydrate the dog. So you really need to sit down with your veterinarian and discuss quality of life of your dog and set a limit until when she should have improved. I know this is difficult, especially as we do not want to lose a beloved companion. But we also do not want to drag it out if there is no hope. So I think it is reasonable to wait about a week on iv fluids, anti-nausea medication, phosphor-binding medicine and a kidney diet, if she eats. If the kidney values have not significantly improved by then it may be better to let her go. But as I said, your vet is at the source, he should be able to give you a realistic outlook.

My old dog has kidney failure. Should I treat or let her go?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?

Can I use human contact lens solution as eye drops for my mouse?

What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?

What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?

Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?

My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?

Share