Kidney Failure

[Hanz23]

Hi my guniea pig Jaffa has now been diagnosed with kidney failure ;( the vet doesn't know how long he has had it or how long he has left, I was just wondering if there is anything I can do for him until it's the time, he running around acting normal he's eating and pooing but reduced that's why I took him to the vet in the first place. He had X-rays and a blood test which reviled kidney failure I'm adding recovery liquid food to his diet to keeps his weight up.

 

[sport_billy]

I am so sorry to hear this news, huge hugs to you and Jaffa. I am tagging in our H&I team @helen105281 @Pebble @Elwickcavies @Abi_nurse

 

[piggyfan]

I am really sorry to hear this sad news. I hope you enjoy your remaining time together.

 

[Teddybear22]

I'm really sorry. I don't really know what to say under this circumstances but I just hope you enjoy your time together, just like piggyfan said and sending lots of hugs and strength to you.

 

[Ktbubble007]

So sorry to hear this - nothing to add but hugs x

 

[Flutterby]

Sorry to hear this, sending healing vibes little Jaffa's way!

 

[Tbag]

Very sorry to hear your sad news. Your remaining time with Jaffa will be very bittersweet but you will learn to take every day as it comes and treasure each one.

I lost my Tango to kidney faillure last year and he lived a happy life until the last few days. I think it was around two months, possibly more after we initially took him to the vets (symptoms of small poos and trouble passing) before we had to say goodbye.

In terms of keeping him comfortable Id discuss the use of tramadol with your vet as opposed to metacam / prolonged metacam use can have a negative impact on kidney function.
Is he on any medication at the moment? Fibreplex could help give his tummy a little boost and the recovery food is a good idea too.
You could try giving him oats and banana to keep his weight up.

Lots of vibes!

 

[helen105281]

I agree that it is a matter of keeping him comfortable so I would discuss the most appropriate pain killer with the vet.

 

[Abi_nurse]

So sorry to hear of Jaffa's diagnoses. A few things I would consider are...

- kidney disease causes loss of water in the body much more rapidly than normal, so keeping him as hydrated as you can will be extremely helpful. Watery veg, watery syringe feeds or soaked pellets may help, springing water possibly but may not be necc. At a later date you may wish to consider using subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids to help keep him hydrated
- oats will help keep the weight up
- consider discussing with your vet if fortekor could be used, this is a drug we use in cats and dogs which helps blood flow to the kidneys etc. Although it won't stop the kidney disease it may help support/slow the progression but there are no garentees
- pain relief is something to consider nearer the end, kidney disease is not painful per say but it feels like a huge hangover as patients become dehydrated and have a lot of toxins in the blood making them feel unwell, so pain relief will help

HTH

x