Monday, November 16, 2015

Sweet Little Oatmeal


So we took Oatmeal to the vet at the end of September with some concerns that we thought were, at worst, a doggy UTI. Our vet wanted to do some bloodwork and a urinalysis. We were surprised to get the call that Oatmeal had higher than normal creatinine and phosphorus levels, and that her urine was not concentrating properly. Our vet had us start her on a prescription kidney diet food and a renal supplement, with plans to retest in a month. 

Right after the wedding and before our honeymoon, we took her back to have more bloodwork and another urinalysis. The levels had fortunately come down some, probably as a result of the new food, but were still higher than the vet thought was normal for a 1 year old puppy, plus her urine was still dilute. The vet recommended we see a radiologist for an abdominal ultrasound of Oatmeal's kidneys, so on Tuesday I took her to that appointment.

We found out that Oatmeal has renal dysplasia, meaning that she was born with too small kidneys that have a lot of scar tissue (like at least 75% of her kidneys are non-functioning scar tissue). We took her to an internal medicine specialist in Maryland on Friday, and did some more tests and talked with us a lot about what we are going to do moving forward. For now, the treatment will focus on trying to make sure Oatmeal doesn't lose more kidney function, so the prescription kidney diet food she's been eating helps with that. They want to recheck her urine, blood, and blood pressure (it was high on Friday, she may need blood pressure meds) every month, then every three months, and if the levels stay stable, then every six months. She has an appointment in December at our regular vet to have all that tested again, then they will forward the results to the specialist who will call us with the results (that way we don't have to go all the way back down there). 

The internal medicine specialist said she can't really give us a prognosis, since every dog is different, but that hopefully Oatmeal can live many more years. Fingers crossed for our adorable puppy, we love her so much and want her to live a long and happy life! We certainly appreciate any and all prayers and/or happy thoughts sent our way! 
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9 comments:

  1. Oh dear. I'm so sorry to hear! You guys are doing the best thing you can do!! Best wishes for her upcoming appointments!

    Melanie | Toots + Dill

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  2. Aww, she's precious! So sorry to hear about all of this. It's so hard when your pet isn't well and you're not sure what's up or what can be done. (Not to mention vet bills are no joke!) I hope she gets better soon!

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  3. So sorry to hear all of this but hopefully you all will find the right treatment plan for her and she will be just fine :) Doggies are so precious and such a part of the family that it can be hard because you cant talk to them and they cant talk to you.

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  4. Ohh I am so sad to hear this! :( But, my parents golden has similar issues and had to have one kidney removed. She also had some bladder issues and has like.. a pump? in her bladder so she doesn't "leak". She is on the special kidney diet as well but she's already 2 years old and has NO idea she's sick. So Oatmeal can totally live a normal doggy life and enjoy every second :) I know it's not ideal - but these little pups are fighters!

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  5. Awww no :( I'm praying for your pup! It's so hard when fur-kids aren't well.

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  6. She is so adorable! I am so sorry she is going through kidney problems! Hope her upcoming appointments go well!

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  7. Prayers for your sweetie Oatmeal. I'm sorry that you are having to deal with this situation! :(

    -Kate
    www.theflorkens.com

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  8. I think about you guys every day. Love from me and JC.

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  9. Aww, sweet little Oatmeal. I hope everything works out for her and you guys! I'll be praying for her.

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