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Kidney issues?
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Latham, NY
Member Since:
1 October 2017
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24 June 2018 - 6:42 am
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I'm trying to prep for another potential curveball with Fallon.  Maybe it's nothing, but her last urine test showed too much protein.  Our oncologist has requested we get a UPC --urine protein creatinine ratio -- test for her.  I only spoke with Dr Sue's tech, and it was during a work meeting, so I'm low on other details, like how much is too much, how abnormal was the result, what's the meaning of this, etc.  Of course, I worry, it's one thing I excel at.  We could go back to the oncology practice for this test, and I'd almost prefer it because I think we have a better rapport with them--except they are almost 3 hours from home, and our regular vet is almost 15 minutes away.  I called Friday to get an appointment at our local vet, and instead of just setting it up, the receptionist said the doctor would call me Monday.  So I don't know what that's about, and it might be nothing, but it makes me nervous also.

So what I've found on line so far is i could be just a function of aging, She is almost 12, her birthday is in August.  It could be a result of her diet.  I follow the Dog Cancer Diet from Dr. Dressler's (and Ettinger's) book and supplement with ToTW grain free kibble, so I know it's good stuff, but maybe will need to be modified?  And I'm worried it could be her cyclophosphamide, which she was on briefly before the study--like maybe 2 weeks, then we stopped for maybe 2 months while she was receiving the vaccine, then just started again yesterday.  Paula, Nitro's mom had warned against the potential for kidney issues with this med. 

So I'll definitely have more direction sometime this week, just trying to be prepared with the right questions when I talk to the doc.  I try not to worry, but that's easier said than done.

AND Fallon's doing awesome--happy, healthy, full of love--all indications are that she feels outstanding.

Thanks so much for sharing any input you might have about this. heart

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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24 June 2018 - 7:13 am
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Hi Dawn!

Hopefully it is nothing. I have seen a lot of dogs and cats have kidney issues as they age, some stay the same for a long time. I don't think it is fair for you to try and figure out what you did or didn't do, so many pups and cats have kidney functions that are not "perfect" as they age, but they do just fine. There is a large controversy on the prescription diets and how effective they are. You know I am not a doc, but I feel really comfortable saying what you are feeding her is most likely better than any of those prescription diets out there. 

(((Hugs)))) please try to breathe and just see what they say. You are just the best mama in the world, don't give yourself a breakdown! No need to worry until you find something real to worry about. You said it yourself... your beautiful girl is just glowing and doing wonderfully!! That is because of all the great things you do for her. 

heartheart

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Member Since:
12 May 2018
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24 June 2018 - 12:03 pm
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I use my local vet,. 1/2 mile away to do blood work etc. and they report results back to my onco vet,, When my local vet suggests maybe he should do x rays bec of xyz.. I say no...  I"ll get that done at the onco…   

On The Road


Member Since:
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24 June 2018 - 12:57 pm
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Dawn, try not to worry, it's just a precaution right now. You have a great vet team that doesn't let anything slip through the cracks so if they see something they do something as Dr. Sue says! 🙂

As for cyclophosphamide, it's not kidney issues but bladder issues that can sometimes happen as a result. If she had a bad enough UTI from the medication that it hit the kidneys, you would know by now.

I'm sorry you were left hanging over the weekend to worry about this, but try not to. Fallon is doing GREAT! Follow her lead, as you've been doing.  Good job! clap

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Member Since:
12 May 2018
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24 June 2018 - 1:04 pm
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Are u doing the chemo every other day?   Using lasix as well?   An nsaid like piroxicam?

Latham, NY
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1 October 2017
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24 June 2018 - 2:32 pm
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Thanks so much everyone.  I just got really nervous as things have been going along pretty well for us--no curveballs in awhile, just forgot how to stay chill until I know more.  And yes--Dr Sue saw something, said something, and now we're doing something smiley  Stop catastrophizing, Dawn!!  

@Luke4275, Fallon's doc prescribes Cyclophosphamide every other day, and Doxycycline, Omeprazole, and the NSAID Previcox every day.  No Lasix.  We started the metronomic protocol again yesterday after a little break because of the study.

Fallon sends greyt big kisses for all!! heart

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

Livermore, CA




Member Since:
18 October 2009
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24 June 2018 - 8:25 pm
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I can't speak to all the meds but my Pug Maggie developed kidney failure about 3 years after her chemo (different meds for mast cell cancer).  Our onco said it wasn't related but I always wondered.

What I wanted to share was that the first signs of her kidney failure were a reluctance to eat and resulting weight loss.  I didn't realize it was kidney failure for many months- I though she was just getting a little picky with her food as she got older.  I should have known better- I've not met a Pug that was ever picky about food!  It was very subtle and gradual. We discovered the kidney failure when she suddenly became incontinent and did some tests. 

Hopefully Fallon's issues are easily addressed.

Karen and the Spirit Pug Girls

Tri-pug Maggie survived a 4.5 year mast cell cancer battle only to be lost to oral melanoma.

1999 to 2010

 

              Maggie's Story                  Amputation and Chemo

Member Since:
12 May 2018
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24 June 2018 - 9:21 pm
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 Simon will soon start metronomics ,  this is what he will get: every other day:

cyclophodphamide

lasix

piroxicam.   

This is the regimen suggested from my onco  Vet. that is one of the vets  doing the trial study . She is quite skilled at this. So I’m wondering why your dog is not on Lasix? Why not on piroxicam, though I don’t think that is such a big deal using prevacox instead . I do think that your dog should be on lasix  as this reduces the chance of cystitis  to a very low level. My onco does  not use doxycycline and I did read somewhere where it said it is now out of favor and  itvwould be too toxic at the doses  needed. In vitro it looks good but in practice out of favor

DISCLAIMER: I am not a vet and I’m brand new to these medicines that I have not even tried yet. So when I’m telling you could be totally incorrect so my intuition tells me that the regimen I suggested ishould be standard for those that are using the best regimen   .If you’ve already discussed this option then disregard this.  All the best

Latham, NY
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1 October 2017
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24 June 2018 - 9:49 pm
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My oncologist is also very skilled and I trust her implicitly.  The protocol includes an NSAID, Previcox and piroxicam both fall in that category.   I also read a forum post here recently about doxycycline falling out of favor and asked her about it when we were there last week--she did not agree.  As you admit you're not a doctor and my doctor has not prescribed lasix, and we have different dogs with different histories, I'll also pass on that suggestion.

Different doctors have different approaches.  I'l take your advice and disregard--but thanks for the input.  Very happy you have an oncologist you have faith in, I think that's vital in navigating this process.  I'm 100% solid on my doc's metronomic protocol, was asking here for feedback about kidney issues.

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

Member Since:
1 October 2017
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25 June 2018 - 4:09 am
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Good morning Dawn,

I know you will be on the phone today winker Will be waiting for the input you receive. Please give Fallon and Maggie hugs and neck scratches …  and a huge hug to you also. I am glad Karen brought that up. When the kidneys do poorly it seems the drinking goes up (in our case) and the weight goes down. Your girl is still rocking and just loving her life with her family.

Will be thinking about you and sending positive karma your way.

xoxoxoxoxo

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

On The Road


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25 June 2018 - 7:44 am
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I also read a forum post here recently about doxycycline falling out of favor and asked her about it when we were there last week--she did not agree.

Good to know Dawn! Dr. Sue is highly respected for her work, thanks for letting us know.

Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet

Latham, NY
Member Since:
1 October 2017
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25 June 2018 - 7:51 am
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Just a quick update--our home vet called and it went really well.  I just have to drop a urine sample off there, Fallon won't have to go, which makes me happy--she gets so nervous.  I'll have to figure out how to catch it with what I have here, or go there and get one of their trays.  I'll try to get there this AM as I have a training call, then a work call all afternoon--although they are open to 7:30PM tonight and I might make it after.  He said no urgency, today or tomorrow would be fine.  Dr. McD will call me back after the results, but if the level is still wonky he wants to consult with Dr. Sue before treating--which is greyt with me.  

I guess I still am nervous dealing with them since they advocated so strongly against Fallon's amputation, and at times I felt maybe a bit too pushy and dramatic, but this call went well, and he said he was impressed with how she is kicking cancer's butt.  Me too.

So, I'll have some direction soon.  Thanks so much for all the feedback and encouragement, I'll keep you posted.

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

Virginia







Member Since:
22 February 2013
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13
25 June 2018 - 8:21 am
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 back later but just wanted to quickly suggest a soup ladle. it's a great Pee catcher. Fallon is going to be just fine.😊

Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!

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1 October 2017
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25 June 2018 - 9:26 am
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Yes, or I got a large pill bottle, washed it out well, and got an old swiffer handle and zip tied it together. You can also use tape. Something just long enough to scoot it under her when she squats then you can transfer it to another clean container or just put the lid on that one and cut the tie/tape. 

xoxoxoxo

Hugs,

Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry

Huckleberry's Blog

Latham, NY
Member Since:
1 October 2017
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15
25 June 2018 - 10:11 am
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I used Sally's soup ladle hack as I saw that first, and it worked like a charm.  I'm gonna save Jackie's suggestion for future need, as I'm accruing a good amount of pill bottles and I'd love to avoid the awkward transfer. Urine is at the doctors now, and they'll call tomorrow with results and next steps.

It went really well other than my bursting into tears because the candle was lit indicating someone was saying their goodbye to their beloved pet.  And now, I'm back in time for my meetings.  I'll update tomorrow--thanks again for your support heart

Fallon  8/28/06--9/6/18.  My Heart.

Fallon's left front leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma on 10/11/17.

Nothing But Love in Her Heart - dawn3g.tripawds.com

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