All of the tests came back to find out why our 16 1/4 year old Dachshund Sprite has been drinking and urinating frequently, and they point to kidney failure with old age. The Vet said that his kidney numbers are going up, based on past tests, and that's indicative that kidneys aren't functioning as well. His urine was dilute and showed increased protein. (His liver values were also up, which goes with kidney failure. Fortunately, his numbers for Cushing's disease weren't too high, so we can rule that out for now.So, How Do we Treat Kidney Failure?
A lower Protein Diet (just purchased Science Diet Rx food from the Vet). Learned that a low sodium diet is also recommended, as high blood pressure often accompanies kidney failure. Other later options include intravenous fluid treatment, dialysis (artificial blood filtering), various drugs, and even kidney transplants (but Sprite is too old).
We're trying: Kidney Support Gold - Will let you know how it goes.
It is a combination of herbal ingredients, tested by holistic veterinarians.. Kidney Support Gold is comprised of scientifically researched extracts for supporting total kidney health. The result is a formula that is excellent for aging dogs and is an essential part of your dogs long term health regime for helping to maintain normal kidney function
http://www.petwellbeing.com/products/dog-kidney-disease?gclid=CLyjqpOF2bUCFYWo4Aod_S0AfA
Sprite is about 85 years old in human years and he came to us from a tough life. He had severe infections in his mouth and had to have all but 6 teeth pulled (22 were pulled in all). He was on antibiotics for months. He doesn't know what toys are, and had never been held or cuddled because he's still uncomfortable with them... although he recently has let me keep him on my lap, after 2 1/2 years here. **Will keep you all posted on his progress**
