Kidney help

EnzosDad · Sep 4, 2014

My little Enzo has has frequent urination and drinking since I have gotten him. We did a urinalysis at 2 months old that revealed a normal urine with a little protien and white blood cells so he was put on a antibiotic. That did not really help since he kept urinating frequently and the vet said it was behavioral. I researched Juvinile Renal Disease and worried sick over it but my dog never had all the symptoms but some do not show up until it is worse. So we did a second urinalysis now that he is 3 1/2 months old and he is showing his urine is very basic with no acidity and he has crystals in his urine which could cause him to be urinating frequently. So the vet put him on a cranberry supplement daily and to check back in a few weeks. She wanted to put him on Science Diet or Royal Canin for kidney health but I refused since it is all corn and by-products. Sorry for the long rant but I would like your opinions or if anyone else had this problem because I am worried sick since JRD gives my puppy a life expectancy of less than two years. I made a appointment with my local emergency vet clinic who has a internal medicine vet on hand with a kidney specialist as well. Could he just have a basic urine with crystals without JRD?

Thanks!

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FrenchieDante · Sep 5, 2014

In an earlier post I saw that you had your pup on Blue Buffalo Small Breed Puppy. I learned early on from this forum that the protein content in the small breed formula food is too high. I had my pup on it for about four days & just felt something wasn't right. He is now on the Blue Buffalo Grain Free Puppy.... Not Small Breed. Maybe the protein content is affecting Enzo's kidneys negatively? I know this could be a concern. I'm no expert, but it's a thought.

MaplesMommy · Sep 5, 2014

Ok here is the deal: Protein content is not responsible for kidney problems in dogs and cats! It is the protein source and the phosphorus level that need to be adressed. Get him off the kibble and on to fresh food. Chicken is relatively high in Phosphorus so stay away from that for now. Beef is good.Lamb is ok too. No grain! I am glad you didnt listen to your vet and put him on prescribtion diet. If they are low in protein it only meana they are high in carbs which equal sugar and in a few months you will still have the kidney problems (or they may appear a little better at first) but you then have a diabetic dog as well! Like I said get him off the kibble and you can supplement with Turmeric (which is an awesome anti-inflammatory) ir Spirulina which works just as great.

MaplesMommy · Sep 5, 2014

Also keep in mind that dry kibble not only is highly processed and full of artificial dyes and flavours its by far not as nutritional as real ,fresh food. And its dry meaning the intestines and all organs have to work harder and constantly 'steal' water from the body.

FrenchieDante · Sep 5, 2014

Yes, the Blue Buffalo Small Breed may have more phosphorus than your little guys kidneys can handle. It might also have too high of a protein content. The blue buffalo grain free puppy is not LOW protein.... Just lower than the small breed. I'm sure there is a healthy balance to be had. I don't know whether or not restricting protein content helps kidney function -- i am not a vet. I only know what works for my guy, and Maybe it's a long shot -- but simply switching the bags of kibble may stop further damage to the kidneys.

MaplesMommy · Sep 5, 2014

But lower protein content = more carbs. Thats a matter of fact. Rather than finding a lower protein kibble you should look at the protein source and phosphorus level of this particular kibble.
Better than switching kibble is switching over to a raw diet however you are not up for that you may want to look into a 'high quality kibble' such as Acana or Orijen.

pbois · Sep 6, 2014

If you can't find an over the counter diet with lower protein to gain control of the problem, then I would consider one of the prescription foods your vet recommended to do the trick. When the problem is controlled then try easing over to an over the counter diet with a moderate protein level that you like.

Blue Buffalo is the worst offender brand wise we see at our clinic for high liver and kidney enzymes in younger dogs.

MaplesMommy · Sep 6, 2014

Before you settle with prescribtion/science kibble please do your research. These types of ' food' are the reasons I see sick animals every day! And then we have to fix them because their organs/body was ruined by it!

bullmama · Sep 6, 2014

Excellent information here. I have nothing to add that hasn't already been addressed, but one thing I have learned is just having "crystals" means nothing unless you know what type of crystals they are. Has your vet tested the crystals to find out? You will get a lot of more detailed information regarding them if you know the type.

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pbois · Sep 6, 2014

All I'll add is be cautious about advice given and talk with your Vet about your concerns. I've worked at an animal hospital for a very long time and we don't have to fix dogs on prescription foods......the prescription foods fix the dog, that's kinda the point.

Like I said, find a lower protein food in the brand of your liking and start there.

MaplesMommy · Sep 6, 2014

All I am saying is that I work at a very well known pet health store and I have a great boss and tutor that is also well known and writes for a huge dog magazine and has his own TV show and we DO fix dogs on a daily basis that are in a huge dilemma because of the wrong diet and drug sideeffects ,overvaccinations etc. We do have a reality show planned to start at the store really soon which will hopefully open the eyes of many.

FrenchieDante · Sep 6, 2014

Good advice from [MENTION=272]pbois[/MENTION] -- always consult with your vet. The protein content in the "small breed" formula did not bode well for my guys digestive system. But, talk all of the facts out with your vet and take it from there. I hope enzo feels better & please keep us updated!

EnzosDad · Sep 7, 2014

Thank you everyone I appreciate the responses. I have him on Blue Freedom (Grain free) puppy beef. No small breed since there is less protien and phosphorus too. I have been giving him his cranberry supplement and two different all natural cranberry treats and he seems to be improving slightly. I know it takes a little time for the crystals to disappear. When I see the internal medicine vet on Thursday I will update you all. My wife and I are worried sick from this. I will also research some high quality foods as well. Thanks again

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EnzosDad · Sep 11, 2014

Quick update: his urine concentration is high which is very good which means his kidneys are functioning perfect. We had him for less then two months and he went from 5 lbs to 14 lbs and he's only 3 1/2 months old so he has no weight loss or vomiting. The kidney specialist said JRD is highly unlikely but we are currently getting a ultrasound done to make sure for a peace of mind. His crystals in his urine are abnormal but not problematic and may be solved with diet change. I am very happy my little boy is okay! I will update when I find out about the ultrasound results.

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EnzosDad · Sep 11, 2014

Ultrasound came back 100% normal as his kidneys, liver and intestines are all normal sized and functioning. The crystals are a mystery he may just grow out of with the frequent urination and drinking as well hopefully.

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kpromero · Sep 11, 2014

Great news Enzo

bullmama · Sep 12, 2014

EnzosDad said:
Ultrasound came back 100% normal as his kidneys, liver and intestines are all normal sized and functioning. The crystals are a mystery he may just grow out of with the frequent urination and drinking as well hopefully.

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That's great news, now to just get rid of those crystals, sending prayers!

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