About Vicki Dressler Expertise I can answer questions about rescue, personalities, the breed, some general medical questions. I cannot answer technical medical problems as I am not a veterinarian or vet tech.
Experience I have been owned by Pugs for over 13 years, have done Pug rescue for over 10 years and have rescued/placed several hundred pugs throughout the years.
Organizations Prairie Pugs Rescue
Education/Credentials None specific to Pugs other then hands on experience
Question Hello, I have a 2 year old pug. Six months ago he was diagnosed with kidney failure. We have had him on the k/d and recently two weeks ago switched him to the Purina brand (I believe it's called NF). Since he has been on these foods - he has had constant runs - and sometimes it is so bad it's like a "spray" effect. I've started mixing some rice in his food and I am going to try only the wet food for now - his poo doesn't smell - it looks like liquid dog food with a little bit of grit in it. I just can't see him going through life having poo like this so bad. I had his blood checked a couple of weeks ago - his BUN level was normal for the first time - but his CREA level was elevated still. I also had them do an XRay on him - and it showed his stomach was FULL of food and gas. Now the past couple of days - he wakes up and is panting really hard like he is hot - but it's winter here in CT and I don't keep the heat up past 65 and he has never done this before. I've read online about phosphorus levels..and don't know what this means? I don't know if I should have him on Pet Tabs or something with vitamins..I'm running out of ideas...he has to be losing so much being on this food - and then with it just running right out of him. Is there any advice you can give me?
Thank you.
Answer Oh, the poor dear. I would say if he is waking up panting like that he is in pain. I am not a vet so I really have nothing to offer you other then I would get a second opinion and or take him to a veterinary teaching college and have him thouroughly checked over. Does he have Krohn's disease? I agree with you though, I would not want him to suffer.
I think it is highly unusual for a 18 month old pug puppy to have kidney failure. Does he have some kind of undiagnosed shunt? This is really odd.
Bless his little heart...I wish you only the best.
