Thank you for your thoughtful responses, we decided to go another day with the IV's as she actually ate a little this morning. They will test her again before I pick her up, remove her catheter and see what happens next.
She doesn't have any other issues that I am aware of, been healthy, though a little fat, since day one. She is somewhat lethargic, but she gets up easily, will trot along and wag her tail. She drinks and eliminates. I guess we are down to one day at a time.
The vet really can't or won't advise about euthanasia right now, but did stress that if she does not improve, to NOT wait too long. He didn't give many details, but indicated that it would not be pleasant (not that I thought it would be anyway).
At this point, I really just want a shot at giving her a few good days and then call for a home visit.
Thanks again for your good thoughts.

You may find it helpful to know that humans in chronic renal failure report great pain in their joints and body due to the high level of toxins in the blood.

In end-stage CRF dogs, often the animal may not be able to eat because sores form in the mouth from the high acidity. Similarly, nothing can be kept in the stomach -- they may eat a little, but throw it up shortly afterwards. As other posters mention, disorientation can happen once the toxin build-up starts to affect the brain and central nervous system.

The three vets I consulted when our dog was in end-stage renal failure were quite straightforward about euthanasia as the humane choice because the animal was suffering and would only get worse. Most had seen too much suffering because of people who waited too long.

Hope this information helps you. Best wishes.

I don't expect to wait until she is in crisis, maybe this weekend... Thanks again for the honesty and insight.

I will echo what Meghane says and add this. If she otherwise has good quality of life, there are other things you can do to give her some extra time, giving subq fluids at home (not really that hard or expensive), meds to control the acidity, and diet modifications. I did that with my old dachshund and managed to get at least 4 more months of decent quality of life for him. There is a yahoo group, K9 Kidneys and some other groups that have a lot of excellent info on management of dogs with kidney failure.

Well, it took over a week, but she actually started eating a little. She's only interested in ham and milk bones. I've tried the KD food, rice, eggs, steak and other tasty treats, but she only wants the ham???
She doesn't seem real sick, though she has lost some weight. She is also getting shaky, but she really seems better than she was. She goes out for walks, perks her ears up, is responsive and interactive. Doesn't appear to be in pain.
Please realize that I am not in denial, I do believe that she is fatally ill, but I just don't understand why she is doing this well, I didn't expect her to improve.
I guess I should just be grateful.

Hi,

I'd like to ride your coattails a little here...my dog Conan (bullmastiff) has been suffering from kidney disease and I have had the same thoughts - when do you know it is time? You've loved this dog for many years and you want to be sure. Conan won't eat much of anything. He will eat some roast beef out of your hand but he will not eat out of his bowl - even if it is roast beef. Conan does have moments where he gets shakes (his eyes and body twitch). It lasts a few seconds and if you call his name he comes out of it. His phosphorous was 8.2 last time. It has been up to 9.2 and his bun was down to the 60s. He is borderline anemic, but not quite there yet. I have heard of worse blood tests so it seems like maybe he could be still ok for a bit. Before the last day or so, he would still have moments of spunk. It appears to be fading. The idea of fluids at the vet may be an idea to help, but we tried 24 hours before a few months back and he came home not feeling well for several days after. I hate to put him through it just to find out it may not work - he literally hates, hates the vet office. I need some strength or assurance that the time may have come...I am afraid that maybe I could be wrong and in a few days he'd be better...

Dear Kazmiera,

In retrospect it was time for our CRF mastiff when he stopped being able to eat more than a mouthful or two of food at each meal. Eventually he threw it up later; pepcid didn't help him. We were giving him 1000 ml of subQ a day and that helped perk him up temporarily but once he stopped being able to eat normally that was the sign. He was also increasingly lethargic despite the subQ.

Have your vet smell Conan's breath -- in general the hi-acid "kidney breath" means the acidity in his body, and therefore the toxin level, is too high and body systems are starting to shut down. I'd check with the vet, too, but I believe the twitching/shakes indicate neurological problems because the toxin level is so high.

Daily subQ fluids might give a small dog a little more time, but my experience with a large dog is that once they cannot eat enough to sustain life they go downhill very quickly and they feel terrible. Our vet is a very kind straight shooter and the afternoon she examined our mastiff she gently told us that she recommended euthanasia that day. We had her run another blood panel. Even had the numbers not been terrible, the quality of life was declining. So we gave him one more morning subQ, time with his mastiff buddies and all his favorite toys, lots of hugs and love, and a carride to the park before she put him to sleep.

I know your heart is breaking. It may help you to ask your vet if it's time, if Conan is suffering, and what they would do now if Conan were theirs. Renal failure only goes one way, and from my experience, it is easier to live with yourself if you let your furbaby go early than if you wait too long. A pain-free passing with dignity, surrounded by love, is what I pray for and the best gift I can give my dogs.

Hope this helps. Best to you and Conan.

I am so sorry. We have gone through these kinds of up and downs with our dog Buster over the years. He is diabetic and for the most part is pretty healthy and is a trooper. We have had incidents over the years where we have come so close to losing him and I brace myself for losing my boy then he comes around again and we keep going.

I know your not in denial and that you know this very well may be the end but it's still never easy.

You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. I guess I will just watch her very closely for now. She is doing far better than I thought she would...

That's good news to hear and thanks for the update. My heart goes out to you and your dog.

There is nothing so wonderful as a good older dog -- they know us and we know them perfectly. They are in synch with us as nobody else can be. We all hate losing them!

Dog ownership is a mixed bag. It has so many perks we can't list them all, but the end is a real bear. It's all part of the picture... if we're going to have them we have to go through the icky end part. Hang in there, hon.

When it is time, you just know it. We went through a week with not knowing what to do with our Brittany, Chelsea a couple years ago. It all started on a Sunday and she just got worse till Thursday. She actually had a pretty good day, played some like she did only with me, and seemed to be in less pain. Then Friday night it got worse and Saturday morning we knew it was time. I will never forget the look in her eyes.

Know that you did what was right for Conan. You gave him a good life. It is hard - will be for some time but you have your memories. Cherish those.

hi kazmiera, I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care.

I am so sorry for your loss. (((hugs)))

We had to put our Lucy down last Monday. I'll admit we didn't see it coming, in fact I don't think we responded as quickly as anyone in this forum. She(small beagle) was 10 years old, difficult dog, she would mark her territories throughout the house, escape our yard and eat goose droppings, dog poop and just about anything. She often threw up strange things she found in our yard. We often talked about finding a new home for her but we just couldn't do it. If we took her for walks by the lake she would eat anything that she could find just like a vacuum cleaner. We gave her the recommended amount of food per day but she always wanted more, she would jump by our kitchen counter top and try to pull a loaf of bread off the counter top. She often got the loaf and she would proceed to eat the entire loaf in 3 seconds. I had her to several vets to help control her eating and peeing behaviors but I didn't have much success. We had 2 other dogs, 2 kids and life was just plain busy. We bought some garbage cans with lids and made sure there were no food items in her reach and gated off some rooms. It worked for the most part for 10 years. We got used to her lifestyle. I remember sitting on my deck(the neighbors also had a beagle) and saying "look at the beagle next door eating his own dog sh__" while my eyes focused in the distance I realized it was my beagle. Recently she slowed down and I said it is about time she slowed down and became more of a friend, not an eating machine. She started to pee more in the house, I thought I needed to get her out earlier in the morning. She started drinking more water, walking slower and throwing up a little more. I guess I didn't see the differences in her because she was always doing something. We started to notice she was eating less and within a week she stopped eating. We took her to the vet and he did some blood test on Saturday. He also gave her a fluid treatment to hydrate her. He called us on Sunday and he said that her numbers were off the charts and suggested we put her down. He said we can try the fluid therapy if we choose. We had an appointment on Monday to possible try the fluids but she had a tough night. She stayed up most of the night drinking a little water, throwing up and peeing. By the time we took her in she was very lethargic and she couldn't walk. She had a seizure before we got to the vet. All of us took her in and they recommended we put her down. I just didn't think it would happen so, so fast. Money was and still is very tight. I should have taken her in earlier in the week, I have extreme guilt for not realizing how bad she was, I look back and I don't know why we didn't take her to the vet sooner. We were not as conscientious as the posts I have read. I feel so bad that I let her down. Thanks for listening.

flipnkip: So sorry for your loss. Pets are family members and we love all of them, even the crazy ones. You did the right thing. Try not to dwell on it. She's out of her suffering now.

Hey Flip,
As I understand it, there is nothing you could do that would change the outcome even if you had realized how sick she was. Please don't feel guilty, you were there with her when she died. You gave her a good life. So sorry for your loss.
We are still keeping a close eye on our girl, she has not declined at all, so we are just giving her lots of love and attention, while we still can.

Dear flipnkip,

So sorry for your loss. Please don't blame yourself. You gave Lucy a great life. The decline from kidney failure can happen so slowly that you don't realize how much your pet has deteriorated.

I wish we had let our mastiff go several days earlier too. At the time I didn't realize how sick he was. Only when the vet told me pointblank that I should put him down did I see how badly off he was. Sounds like you went through the same thing and did the best thing as soon as you knew to do it.

I'm sure Lucy doesn't think you let her down.

hello to everyone. Flipnkip, sorry for your loss. Nycefarm how is your pointer doing? I was just told my dog has kidney failure. I have a million questions.
What I just cannot understand is why she seems like she wants to eat, she goes to her bowl but she only sniffs and walks away. She gets excited about food but wont eat it. also she does eat a little but only when it's a food she has not had before. she will eat it once then no more. anyone have any experience with this?

Sorry Mattman, my vet said that this is the news that no pet owner wants to hear. Bit is still hanging in there, she actually ate a bowl of kibble yesterday without being coaxed. There are some days that are better than others. I often tempt her with things, she loves milk bones and sliced ham. Sometimes she won't eat anything. I am sure she has lost 20 lbs or so. She is moving slowly, but will get a burst of energy and is playful. I didn't expect her to live this long, and am grateful for the extra time.
I guess we need to pay particular attention to whether the dogs are suffering or have given up. I look closely at her every day and so far she gets a reprieve every day.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Hi, nycefarm
I know what you mean about being coaxed. I've been feeding by hand. Still, if she eats it's only people food. I never know when, where, what or how long she will eat. Like being on a high wire, if she takes a bite of something, then no one move! she could eat two bites of ham then I go to get more but when i get back ( 20 seconds later ) she is done. It's very very stressfull. couple days ago she did eat from a small bowl a few times. but when she eats it's such a small amount. not really enough to keep from losing weight. Your dog's name is Bit? How did you arrive at that name? also how is she doing? is she on any meds or fluids? How are you doing?

Thanks Mattman, We are both doing fine mostly. It is stressful and sometimes I just don't know what to think. My DH is very supportive and spends a lot of time coaxing her with milk bones, so that helps. He named her "A little bit of Dazzle (her mother). She is almost a mirror image of her dam, only bigger, but just as sweet.
What breed of dog do you have, size? Bit was almost 80 lbs, pretty heavy to begin with. She also had a thyroid condition which we treated for years. She is still sizable, but her ribs are now visible. She is eating more regularly now, though still quite picky. I toss a little can of tuna on her food and she will eat everything. Quite a hurdle. I'm still puzzled, yet grateful. And wishing the best for your situation.

Hi nycefarm. I agree on the stressful, up and down up and down. Between the vets and what I've read it seems everyone says kidney failure is not cureable and all we can do at best is slow it down. I'm starting to believe that. But on the good side, with help, it seems everyone agrees ya never know how long they will last. So I am doing my best and using this time be with her more and to prepare. It's always the unknown that makes things worse for me.

I think it's really great how she got her name.

Do you put out every kind of food there is to find out what she will eat? I tried everything in the house, and continue to do so but. She will eat a few ouces of something brand new but then no more. I'm running out of new things. This last week however, she has been eating ground turkey meatloaf everyday. But only a few ounces once or twice a day.

My girl is pug and terrier. She was 21 lbs but now about 16 lbs. Her eyes bulge out a little and she has a terrier personality. She has a smaller snout, is brown & white and is almost 18 years old.

Great to hear she is eating more regular. Does she get any meds or anything? Don't forget to take care of yourself.
Good luck to both of you as well.

My 14 year old miniature pinscher, Max, has been diagnosed with kidney failure and also is not eating. Today is really bad. He was eating some corn flakes for a couple of days, but now he doesn't even want that. He is on fluid therapy, an antibiotic twice a day and 3 pills of Azodyl. I have to put the pills in bread with peanut butter. He sleeps most of the day, but does like to go out. He was 16 1/4 lbs and I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. I know he's lost weight and like many here, I want to ask the vet how long can a dog last without eating. It is so sad. Like you, I don't want him suffering and I would suspect that starvation would be painful. I am so fortunate to have found this forum because you sometimes feel alone and think your dog is the only one who is going through these symptom- especially the not eating.

Bit is still eating, lately I've been putting small cans of tuna on dry food and she eats most of it. Like you Mattman, I just try anything that I think she might find palatable. For awhile it was nothing but deer bologna (best use for it I've found so far - bleh!), then nothing but ham. She is still a little slow, but is enjoying the attention she is getting.
The other shoe dropped late last week - Dazzle started to limp and we took her to the vet on Saturday and he thinks she has bone cancer. She is home on tramadol & rimadyl for pain. Could not get up on her own, wouldn't eat or drink for a day or two, this morning she ate for the first time since Thursday. She is just a little better, but I'm thinking the prognosis is pretty bad.
I am worn out with grief as she is my most special dog, I can't stand to see her in such pain. Having two geriatric dogs is danged hard...

Hello everyone. My vet says dogs can go a surprisingly long time without eating. What's a long time? and when did that time start? It was the beginning of April when I notice she was eating less and less.
I have started asking myself when will be the right time to make " the decision ". (can't say the actual words.) Is it when I can't take it anymore? ( that would mean I'm giving up ) or Is it when I can't take it for her any more? ( But this is not about me it's about her ) Am I so selfish to be thinking about my feelings? Well I don't want her to go. I am doing all I can to take care of her, I guess for the both of us. I've never been in this situation before. No matter how I slice it I guess it all boils down to: I have a tough decision to make, just a matter of when I make it. It sure helps talking about it. Thanks for listening. sorry to ramble on and on.
My girl still barely eats. She sleeps about 16-18 hours on and off. I think she seems pretty good when she is awake. I think the more I write and talk about her the more I am able to step back and see that maybe she really isn't doing as good as I think. Talk to you later.

Hello? Can't be good if I'm the only one writing. I don't think I'll be writing much longer myself. I wish everyone well.

Hey Mattman,
I am just like you, watching and waiting. I don't know what else to say. When we first went to the vet, in early March, I thought it would be maybe a couple weeks. So far it has been a couple months. And to top it off, I'm afraid I'm gonna lose Dazzle, too. She is getting up now, eating, drinking and walking very stiffly, which is an improvement. Still, I think both are on borrowed time. I am thinking that when it's time, maybe they should go together.
I have a third bird dog, who is about 4 y.o. and while I know that assigning human emotions like grief to animals is wrong, it may be easier for her to accept the loss of both dogs at one time. Me too. Maybe. Probably not...

As I sit here reading all of your posts & I feel sad for all of you. I know it is so hard when our loved one's are hurt or suffering in any way. Please be strong & never feel along in your fight. There are a lot of us here that have been threw similar situations & understand your struggles to some extent. Hang in there & keep us up to date. Terri

Nycefarm, my heart really goes out to you and Bit. I think we've all been there, watching our dogs get old and losing them. I had two with cancer recently. One is gone now, after two operations and reoccurrence, then a herniated disk putting her in pain -- too much. The other is hanging in here after breast cancer removal. She is my heart of hearts.

One thing that can talk them into eating is canned mackrel. I don't know if you've tried that but it's majorly stinky and my dogs will do anything to get it.

Hang in there -- I'm sending you gentle healing e-hugs.

Hey nycefarm! Glad your all still with us. I think our dogs have feelings. I think they move on faster though. I change my mind a lot with the up and down emotions. Do you use heartguard plus? My Kellsiee loves them like treats. I called the company and found out they make treats. They are the same stuff as heartguard but without any drugs. So they are treats! And! they are free! Call your vet or any other vet. Also someone just told me to buy baby food. I hadn't thought of that. I did and she ate some. So I'm still going day to day hoping for the best and trying to enjoy all the moments I can, but preparing. It is so very hard though, especially to stay positive. double hard for you. You know how ya hear that dogs and their owner look alike or act alike? I believe in that. Other than some gray hair we don't really look alike ( ha ha ) But maybe because for the last eight years ( we drove cross country together and I work at home ) we do strangly enough have a lot of similarities. Maybe it's just in my mind but I believe she knows me pretty well and I think it's important for me to stay positive around her and keep things upbeat! I think it helps her to stay positive too. May sound crazy but she does perk up when I act happy and talk to her. Which i do all day. or Maybe she's just humoring me. ( ha ha )

Hi all,
Max, my 14 year old minpin, is still not eating. He's still on fluid therapy, an antibiotic twice a day, 3 pills of Azodyl - and now he's getting 2-3ccs of Aluminum Hydroxide, which is an antacid, 3x a day. One thought is maybe is his stomach is not feeling good, he associates that with the food and wont' eat. Just started this today so I'll see how it goes. He won't eat the pills in bread with peanut butter anymore, so I have to force his mouth open to get them down. I can't believe he still appears to have some energy as I can see he is losing a lot of weight. He still loves to go out and can still jump on the couch. I also heard about the baby food and will try that. I also am giving him some chicken broth with a syringe in his mouth (no salt). I did have his teeth cleaned thinking maybe his mouth hurt or there was an abcess or something, but it was all clear and he now has nice clean teeth. This is all hit or miss but I feel I have to try everything I can and if he refuses food after everything, I will at least feel I did everything I could.

Here is a link that might be useful: Max's Page

How do I know if today is Abby's last. She was doing so well since her diagnosis in Oct. She put on 10 lbs and has been very active and had appetite. She is a beautiful Rotti who's only 3 1/2 and now the last two days she has a look on her like she doesnt know what to do. not really eating. cant seem to get comfy.. She was shakey on Thurs for a few minutes then again last night. My husband is out taking her for a walk. is this it?

Hi Laura,
Abby is so young. I used to think renal failure was only for old dogs, like my Max who is 14. Max is not eating and is shaky too. But it seems like no one really knows when "it" is. Sometimes I think it is, then he gets excited to go out. He goes over to whatever food I put down like he wants to eat, sniffs and walks away. If I try and hand feed him, he pushes it away with his nose. He still looks alert, but with no food, I really don't know how long it can go on. I tried baby food today (even baby formula)and baby cracker snaks, but no luck. He ate a really tiny piece of the cracker and that was all. I think we're all in the same boat as far as how do we know what it's time. Every morning when I get up I expect to see him gone, but he gets up and wants to go out. I'm waiting for Monday to call the vet to let him know that Max, despite the antacids he just prescribed, still refuses to eat. I'm going right now to see if I can squeeze a syringe full of pureed baby food in his mouth. Keep us updated on Abby.

Hello. Everytime I read something I get another idea. I never experienced this before. Why don't our doctors tell us all kinds of different things to try? Am I asking to much? I don't even know to ask. I learn a lot from all of you here.
My dog also seems pretty good but will not eat enough or consistantly. My biggest stress everyday is hoping she will eat and eat more. And I hate giving her anything hoping she will eat, even if it's bad for her.

After reading the last message by josi303 I tried using the syringe with baby food ( because she would not eat on her own ) and after a couple of times with the syringe she leaned down and ate all the rest.

I am now going to find out the best foods for her to be eating ( so not to stress her kidneys ) and just start using the syringe for each meal hoping that the fluids and meds will do their job and she will eventually eat on her own. If she continues to not eat on her own then at some point I may have to give up. At least i won't have the stress of watching her not eat and losing more weight and not being able to do anything about it.
At least for me I don't feel so helpless. I am able to help her more and give her a fighting chance, instead of just watching and hoping for the best.

Mattman, happy to hear your girl ate too. Max sort of fought the syringe at first because I give him his antacid with it also, but after the baby (toddler) food syringe, he also went to the bowl and ate the rest. When I put some more in the bowl, he sniffed but didn't eat it, but is eating small amounts of it since yesterday. I also bought Simalac Organic Infant formula (already mixed), and gave him some with Cheerios. I think he wanted the Cheerios, so ended up drinking half of the small custard bowl I had the formula in (didn't get the Cheerios that were floating in the milk). So I too feel pretty good that at least he's getting something. The toddler food I gave him was the beef w/vegetables and some sweet potatoes. He licked the sweet potatoes from my fingers. Every little bit helps. I also bought some toddler crackers. He ate one. :)

Well we put Abby to sleep this afternoon. It was the hardest thing we ever have had to do. She had not eaten in three days, and even the water was coming back up. This morning she had thrown up what appeared to be all bile, and was just lying around. Didnt even want to go outside or even for a walk. We called the vet and discussed it, and decided not to let her suffer any more. She was diagnosed in October with kidney failure, and we really were not expecting her to last this long, but she went down hill really fast, and we just couldnt bear to see her suffer...She's at peace now and no longer suffering. she gave us 3 1/2 years of joy, selfless and unconditional love, and for that we will always remember her..Abby...
laura

Laura, I am so very sorry to hear about Abby. I know most of us here will have to go through this. I really feel Max will not be able to hold on very much longer either. I had to put his sister Bonnie down a year ago. I know Bonnie is there with so many others who are now happy and well and not suffering any more, to welcome Abby. And they will be there to welcome Max when it's his time to travel on. They will be in our hearts forever.

Here is a link that might be useful: If It Should Be

Laura, sorry to hear about Abby. We all know they need a lot of love and attention. You obviously did a fantastic job of taking care of her. That means your fantastic too.

Laura,
So sorry, it really isn't fair to lose a dog so young. She must have been quite strong.
We are still hanging on, though the past couple of days Bit hasn't wanted to eat much. Back to milk bones...
Dazzle is up and around, the meds seem to be doing the trick. But for how long?
I can't believe this all started in March.
Trying to think good thoughts...

Just like Abby, Max still is not eating and hasn't in several days. It is virtually impossible to even get his pills in his mouth and he is drinking very little water. Yesterday and again today he threw up bile, which is a bad sign, and like Abby just lays on the couch. He is so thin, shakey and his back legs are weak. I have decided not to have him suffer through this terrible kidney disease anymore and he will be going to a better place, described in the poem "The Rainbow Bridge," to see his sister Bonnie. I will be taking him on Friday and like Laura, this is the most difficult decision anyone has to make.

I call Max my little man, because my other 3 dogs are all girls. I will always remember him as a free spirit, so happy and hyper. I will remember his kisses and cuddling up to me on the couch at night, and his barking at people walking past the house and being so happy with himself when they passed by because he did such a great job scaring them off. He was with me for a wonderful 14 years, and I will wish him a safe journey, and I will miss him forever. Godspeed, my little man,until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again.

Sorry Josi, I know that day comes too soon. Just remember the wonderful life you shared. What a lucky dog to have you.

Sorry Josi. Sounds like you have lots of good memories. We wish you all well.

Nycefarm, how are you guys doin? Good I hope.

If anyone is interested I have ideas to share.
I have a theory: If I can get my girl emotional it seems she gets the desire to eat. Give her a bath, brush her teeth, cut her nails, all things she hates but are good for her. After we are done she is so happy it's over she runs to eat something. I think when she is happy she wants to eat. After I give her fluids, or give her medicine with the syringe, again she is happy it's over and runs to her bowl. She doesn't always eat, but she has that desire to eat. Maybe I'm in denial, or crazy but oh well.

I used to try and give pills but now I automatically disolve them all and use the syringe. Less stress and I know she gets them all.

Anyone give fluids? Epakitin? Azodyl? any others? I would love to talk about anything that might help us or anyone else out there.

If I have said any of this before, my apologies. I am so stressed I seem to forget a lot of things lately.

Bit is still eating, though quite picky. She really like tuna or salmon from a can, so I plop that on her kibble. Also found out she liked the canned chicken as well. She seems to be all about meat. I haven't been giving her any meds, the vet never suggested it. They may not have thought she would last this long and neither did I.
She has developed a sore on her leg, but it doesn't appear infected. She just licks at it a lot. I clean it and apply a little neosporin.
The other dog is doing well managing with her pain medication, neither dog is very active and spend a lot of time curled up together. Not sure what the third dog thinks, but she occasionally sleeps with them, too.
And I've watched my husband get Bit to eat by way of making her jealous of the other two getting treats... So I believe you about the emotional eating.
Sorry we are in this situation mattman... Keep updating!

Again, when no one writes I fear for the worst. I hope that is not true. My girl Kellsiee is still not eating regularly. She still will only eat chicken. Anytime she doesn't eat it I get very stressed. I don't know if shes just picky or the worst. I try to have a routine. That helps me be less stressed and stay organized. Anyone using azodyl or epakitin or malox or famotidin or fluids? or anything else?

No news is good news? Bit is eating a little every day, she prefers hot dogs this week though she did eat tuna this morning. She looks at me as if to say feed me, but mostly just turns her nose up at the food I put in front of her. She burps a lot for a dog that isn't eating much.
She has lost a bunch of weight, she used to be a heavy dog, but now I can see her ribs and back bone. She still runs around a little, wags her tail, responds when spoken to or called. Every day I decide to put it off another day...
I wish I had better answers mattman, but just knowing that I am not alone in this helps.

Nycefarm, have you heard of or ever tried Epakitin or Azodyl? check them out. http://www.vetoquinolusa.com/pages/pro_renal.html

How about fluids?

When I called around different vet offices in my area most of them never heard of this stuff. We live about an hour from Boston near the " Plymouth rock " in Ma. Very small town. If you live in a big city you may have more options.

Sometimes when my Kellsiee turns her nose up at the food I use the syringe to get her started then she eats. Also I sometimes use the magic bullett to puree the chicken and vegys and she will lick it up like it was soup.

This week my Kellsiee started getting tired of chicken.

Is your Bit cute when she burps? I bet she is.

It does help me too to talk about things. Hang in there.

Hey, hope everyone is fairing well. I am still keeping a close eye on my girls, but I really think the time is approaching. I spoke briefly with the vet about a farm visit and am waiting to hear back. I expect to euthanize both, as they are both rapidly failing. That way they will be together always. I realize once again I am attributing human emotion to them, but being human I don't know nay other way to think about it. Just don't be surprised that the next time I write it may already be over.

And it is finally over. Bit had a seeping spot and she just looked miserable. So thin and lethargic, I couldn't let it go on any longer. Dazzle could only manage mincing steps. In hindsight, I should have done it sooner. The vet that came out is the same vet that was there the day she was born, so there is always irony...
DH buried them together in their favorite hunting field.

I know the past 2+ months were difficult for you. With sadness, I'm glad they're now resting peacefully.
I'm so sorry................