Badger - He has Addison's

Badger was down in the field again this morning. Vet did blood work, not as bad as last time, but it took 2 days before they realized something was really wrong last time. Anyway, his BUN is 66 and Creatinine is 3. something. This guy thinks either someone has poured antifreeze over the fence (only way he could get it), or he is marginal with kidney disease, only has issues when he's stressed. It got really cold here both times this has hit. If it is the latter, need to find some affordable food more in tune with him. This means less protein and easier on the kidneys. Of course they have prescription food. I said with a dog his size, he'll eat me out of house and home in no time. It's just not an option.

Any suggestions on what I can do to help him if it is the kidneys? Any food or food supplements that could help? Yes, I'm stressed. The last go round was over $400 and no clue where this one is going and probably means I have to go to work Monday, get my computer, and come back home to work. I hate doing that at a new job. And I don't want our gentle giant suffering and not being to do what he loves most.

 

You're right. I forgot about rice. He's finicky, so hopefully if it's mixed in, he'll eat it. Vegies...hmmm...we don't eat 'em much. I'll figure out what I can do there. Thank you. That gives me some hope on feeding. As I type this, Brad's dog Mia (golden) is snoring sooooo loud behind me. She's hunting mice.

 

They are giving him fluids today and will check the blood again in the morning. urinalysis Monday and will call specialist about an ultrasound.

 

Well, when we first asked about the goat feed, it was more from a poison point-of-view which the other vet said would have to be ALOT of goat feed to do that. The goat feed is 16%, so even if he ate it, it's less than his food. My vet isn't on call, so I got his soon to be split apart partner. they are going separate ways Jan. 1. So, I'll get to talk to my vet tomorrow at church...I hope.

 

Levels were down but not back to normal this morning. They'll were going to try and feed him today. He chewed out his catheter. Got a suggestion of Addison's disease. Going to ask for a test for that.

 

Been reading up and asking q's on Addison's. Expensive test and lifelong therapy. Could be as high as $100/month, which we can't do. I'll let you know the results. Won't have them tomorrow. Don't know if it's a couple or many days as they have to send it off. And it's hereditary (we have his daughter).

 

Well, once again he is doing better today just from fluids. They took a baseline blood sample and sent it off. They'll get that back tonight or in the morning. If his counts are low, that's indicative of Addison's. If it is high, no way does he have it. Then tomorrow they'll get the injection in him, then take another sample and send it. If the levels don't elevate, he has it. It's expensive, but it's a for sure test. My vet is so patient, I know I drive him crazy with my research on the internet.

You know, I was convinced he had this as he fits all the symptoms, but writing this, I'm not so sure. You know how you get feelings. If he does have it, I think it's the milder one, not the one where we'd have to determine his fate. The vet is going to research the meds and prices and see what we'll be looking at if this is the case. Thing is, if it's not, where do we go from here? Does he get sick again in another week? Vet said he will do this as economically as he can. I've joined a yahoo group and they have given me lots of info. As with all animal people, they are a sweet group of people. A couple of them lost their dogs yesterday and today.

 

He has it!!! We know! OMG that is such a relief to know! Whew. The vet is working on the vet bill, ordering the medicine and finishing the remainder of the test. Meds will end up being about $50 a month. I have one thing I just started paying for I can get rid of and I can come up with the other $30 a month. And it's tax deductible. Thank goodness there is a chat group for this disease and I will have tons of support!

Badger will be okay!!! MAJOR happy dance!!!!