During the week my old girl Crunchie had bloods done for suspected kidney disease. As they took the blood, they found clear fluid in her chest. I was advised this could be from advanced kidney failure, or possibly heart disease. I was devastated, and at nearly 8 years old I should be prepared for this- but I wasn't. Crunchie came home and perked up fairly quickly after a long sleep. She's eating well and very bright eyed, however we are needing alot of care and are not drinking on our own.
Wednesday I got a call with blood results- crunchies kidney levels where normal. I was so happy I cried, aware we where likely dealing with heart disease now but with normal kidneys- we could manage her heart hopefully.
Crunchies breathing became heavier after her anaesthetic, and I spoke to the vet today about possibly trailing diuretics. It was then I got the news.
Crunchies vet wasn't happy- she was certain this was kidney disease. Her fluctuations in appetite, weight and incredibly dilute urine. She contacted the specialists at London vet school, who advised her They are seeing this often now. Piggies with all the symptoms of kidney failure, and a decline that matches the condition but with normal blood results. On post mortem, all these pigs are found to have horrendous kidneys.
Given this discovery, and crunchies condition- my vet is convinced this is what is wrong. To be celebrating the lesser of 2 evils on Wednesday, to breaking my heart once more today has been one of the worst days yet.
Crunchie is now on palliative care. Her pain meds, supplements and laser therapy to keep her arthritis at bay and keep her comfortable- we won't be scrimping on Metacam despite how bad it is for kidneys, as this is about quality of life and not quantity. If she needs diuretics for her chest , she will have them. Shortening her time left for comfortable days feels like the right thing to do. We will continue to have her watery feeds 4-5 times a day to keep her hydrated. I have decided not to pursue subcut fluid therapy when the time comes- crunchie hates injections, and the day she can't remain feeling well with non invasive treatments will be the day we say goodbye.
Heartbroken, shocked and generally just in disbelief.
This thread will be for Crunchie, to fill with photos of her beautiful face and cheeky antics. I've been here before, with my darling Fudge and her "A picture a day" thread. I often go back and read through- I love that it's there, full of her bright big eyes and pretty smile. It's only right that my Crunchie has one too.
For now, our weight is stable. We enjoyed our oxbow tablet as usual and are just about to have our last veg of the day.
Wednesday I got a call with blood results- crunchies kidney levels where normal. I was so happy I cried, aware we where likely dealing with heart disease now but with normal kidneys- we could manage her heart hopefully.
Crunchies breathing became heavier after her anaesthetic, and I spoke to the vet today about possibly trailing diuretics. It was then I got the news.
Crunchies vet wasn't happy- she was certain this was kidney disease. Her fluctuations in appetite, weight and incredibly dilute urine. She contacted the specialists at London vet school, who advised her They are seeing this often now. Piggies with all the symptoms of kidney failure, and a decline that matches the condition but with normal blood results. On post mortem, all these pigs are found to have horrendous kidneys.
Given this discovery, and crunchies condition- my vet is convinced this is what is wrong. To be celebrating the lesser of 2 evils on Wednesday, to breaking my heart once more today has been one of the worst days yet.
Crunchie is now on palliative care. Her pain meds, supplements and laser therapy to keep her arthritis at bay and keep her comfortable- we won't be scrimping on Metacam despite how bad it is for kidneys, as this is about quality of life and not quantity. If she needs diuretics for her chest , she will have them. Shortening her time left for comfortable days feels like the right thing to do. We will continue to have her watery feeds 4-5 times a day to keep her hydrated. I have decided not to pursue subcut fluid therapy when the time comes- crunchie hates injections, and the day she can't remain feeling well with non invasive treatments will be the day we say goodbye.
Heartbroken, shocked and generally just in disbelief.
This thread will be for Crunchie, to fill with photos of her beautiful face and cheeky antics. I've been here before, with my darling Fudge and her "A picture a day" thread. I often go back and read through- I love that it's there, full of her bright big eyes and pretty smile. It's only right that my Crunchie has one too.
For now, our weight is stable. We enjoyed our oxbow tablet as usual and are just about to have our last veg of the day.
