Expert: Herbs, NuVet Plus Supplements, Dog/Cat Food Recipes; ( Marie) - 6/10/2008

Question
Marie- I'm so glad to have such a knowledgeable resource at my disposal.  My mom's border collie, Lucky, had a urinalysis today and it came back almost as clear as water.(all findings were normal or negative, except S.G., which was 1.005)  My vet gave the following possibilities:  ARF, CRF, Cushing's or Addison's disease, diabetes insipidus.  He suspects that acute renal failure or chronic renal failure are the most probable.  Lucky is a doll to my mom and myself, but isn't a dog that can go in for blood work, being high-strung and highly aggressive to strangers.  After having success with my own Westie's heart condition by giving him drops of hawthorne berries, I wonder if there is something to relieve Lucky.  He has been having indoor accidents (very unusual), but seems to been eating normally.  He is drinking more than usual.  We gave him Cephalexin for about 5 days, then took a urine sample to the vet today.  My mom has just come home from the hospital after a lengthy stay and is hardly up to taking care of her precious dog.  Help me find some answers, Marie, to give her friend the help he needs.  Thanks so much.  Pam Shively

Answer
Hello Pam:  Not much can be done with a specific gravity level of 1.005.  The kidney is not working correctly and natural help will not do the trick.  The only way to find out what is going on is with more testing.  
I understand the stress and financial hardship this will cause your mom and the dog.  I wish there was more that I could say.
It is hard to suggest anything when you don't know the Diagnosis.


Here is some info on the urine testing:
Just for your info....


http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/courses_vm546/content_links/Clinical_Pathology/Lab_Tes...


Best wishes to you and your family!


Marie Peppers
The Doggie Chalet Hotel
NuVET Plus - The BEST doggie vitamin/supplement in the USA
http://www.apluspetcare.com