Dog urea levels

Rebob

We took our pooch to the vets on tuesday for her monthly steroid injection. They suggested that we have her blood tested again to see how bad her kidneys are now. We are told that the result should be 6-8 and it was 36 in April and is now in the 60's. They said this is bad (as they did in april).

I want to know what this level actually means apart from that things are getting worse. What levels does this test go up to? Is having her PTS imminent?

They have said while she seems ok to keep her and now have the steroids every 3 weeks instead of 4 but I am worried about keeping her going if she is suffering at all. She has now been sick every morning (mainly white bile type sick) for a week.

Thanks in advance

tizerbelle

These are questions for your vet. Why didn't you ask them what it meant at your latest appointment or even back in April?

Go back to your vet and ask what the results mean.
Ask if there is additional medication that can be taken alongside the steroids to improve kidney function.
If not, what does the increasing result level indicate for your dog - if it keeps increasing what will happen to her, what will it mean in the short / medium and long term.
What symptoms might come up that you should be aware of and which of them mean you need to get her promptly seen at the vets again.

Rebob

They phoned us with the results and I have asked what this means and they said just to watch for her being sick all the time and general stuff and to take her back if she deteriorates. It was hubby that took the call and he is not really wanting to accept that she is ill. Thing is that its after talking to them when I get home that these questions come to mind.

Fire_Fox

Have you told the vet that your dog is vomiting daily? Write down your questions and concerns and put them to your vet either over the telephone or in the next appointment; nobody here has access to the medical notes and most have no veterinary training. I always ask my vets ahead of time to be explicit when it is time for PTS, would you consider this?

Rebob

I told them she had been sick a few days running when we went on tuesday but it was hoped that it would stop after her injection. I know I have to ring them in the morning and talk to them. Its just you hope someone is going to say its all ok. She has been rough after each injection she has had so hoped she would pull around (as did the vet) but it does not seem to be happening. Thing is she is more that a dog. I had a stalker that attacked me a few times as well as shouting verbal abuse for 5 years. The police knew but the stalker stopped short each time he got near to being arrested. The only time he kept away was when I had my dog with me so I ended up never going far without her. Just dont want to let her go.

Fire_Fox

Rebob wrote: »

I told them she had been sick a few days running when we went on tuesday but it was hoped that it would stop after her injection. I know I have to ring them in the morning and talk to them. Its just you hope someone is going to say its all ok. She has been rough after each injection she has had so hoped she would pull around (as did the vet) but it does not seem to be happening. Thing is she is more that a dog. I had a stalker that attacked me a few times as well as shouting verbal abuse for 5 years. The police knew but the stalker stopped short each time he got near to being arrested. The only time he kept away was when I had my dog with me so I ended up never going far without her. Just dont want to let her go.

:grouphug Sorry to read you had such a tough time for so long. We all understand that our pets are not 'just' anything. Have you considered getting another dog? Not instead of your girl but as well as her, maybe fostering an adult rescue? Sometimes the company can perk up a poorly dog and give you some extra support.

Rebob

Its a nice idea to foster. I have been thinking we might do this when my girl has gone. Not a good idea with her here as she is a bossy teratorial pooch that does not like any others on her patch. Its terrible when camping as we have to let neighbours know not to let their dogs come too near our pitch as well as when at home.

KVet

What is she on the steroids for and what kind of steroids are they (anabolic or mineralocorticoid) ? Urea alone does not definitively mean her kidneys are failing. Crea and phos should also be tested to give an idea.