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Expert: - 2/1/2010


Question
our dog of 13 years recently died.   She was diagnosed with kidney and liver cancer a few months ago.  She had stopped eating,  I found a food that contain mostly protein and we mixed it with her normally food. She started eating 3+ bowls a day.  She was very thirsty so I would ass pedialight to her water (vet said it was ok).  She was doing great, no more day days.  So what happened?  We found her with a small pool of blood my her mouth.  She was out of her house, very very weird>  She had to stay in the garage when we were gone (was having urine accidents in the house it no one was home).  She had a house on foam installation,  4 very thick blankets and a heavy comforter.  She never left her house unless she had to go to the bathroom or was coming gin the house.  She was lying on her side in front of it on cold concrete, WHY?   She need some type of closer so please help.  Did her cancer finally get to her?

Answer
I would have to say that her cancer finally got to her. This question is rather confusing to me- you say she needs some sort of closure but who is she? And what does this mean-"She was doing great, no more day days." I am confused by that sentence.

High protein foods are the worst thing that can be fed to an older dog or a dog with compromised kidneys. The kidneys have to filter all of that protein and when they are not doing well they cannot filter it and it builds up in the bloodstream.

Once that happens the toxins build up and causes burns in the mouth, seizures, and disorientation. Finally the dog will succumb to the poisons.

Many dogs will move out of the comfort of something warm when they are dying and will try to hide before they die. I am sorry for your loss, no matte how we lose them it's hard. 13 yrs is a good long life for a dog. She lived and full and loved life.

You will miss her but remember her love for you and that will bring you comfort. I hope you can find some peace in the coming days.

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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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