Charlie Has Uremia
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I’ve just learned that Charlie has uremia.
As kidney function declines, a dog retains ammonia, nitrogen, acids, and other chemical waste products in its blood and tissues. This is called uremia.
According to what I just Googled, uremia is a major symptom of renal failure. It said it is also a sign of the last stages of chronic kidney disease.
This is what Abi had. It is what she died of.
Dr. Poteet rehydrated Charlie with fluids. He also gave him a shot for nausea plus an antibiotic.
I asked Dr. Poteet what he would do in my shoes. He said he would rehydrate Charlie for three days and see what happens. He said then we’d know, if that didn’t produce results, that we’d done all we could do.
Of course, I feel devastated. I tried not to show it in front of Charlie. Wearing a face mask helps on that front.
So I will take him back this afternoon for his second day of fluids. I have not given him any medication since the day before yesterday.
He loves the pill pockets that I put them in. But he won’t have anything to do with the pill pockets either right now. So I’m not forcing the issue.
When We Got Home:
When we got home around 5:30 (the vet was running late), Charlie drank some water and ate a bit of his prescription dry dog food. He wasn’t as wobbly as he’d been earlier. But he’s still weak.
Oddly enough, he has not coughed one time since at least Wednesday.
Last night, he wanted out almost every hour. It was to eat the herbs that settled his stomach.
Finally, I just tore a few stems off the plants and brought them inside. I put them on the bed with us so he could chew on them and let me rest a bit.
All we can do is love and care for them to the best of our ability. I am going to try to stay as calm as possible for Charlie. Because he always seems to sense my tension.
Why does love have to bring heartbreak eventually?
I will keep you updated.
I am so sorry to hear Charlie’s diagnosis! I am praying the fluids will work and he will be with you for a few more years! Prayers for both you and Charlie!
So sorry to hear this. Take care of yourself, too.
Brenda I am so sorry. I know your heart is breaking. Give Charlie a kiss for me. Hugs to you!
Oh, this is such sad news. 😔
Sending prayers and love for you and Charlie. Take comfort in knowing that you have been the best Mom Charlie could have ever hoped for.
This is the time when we are so very grateful for the talent, knowledge and kindness of a very good and trusted vet. I’m keeping you, Charlie and Ivy in my thoughts.
God has blessed you with many wonderful pets. You have cared for them with great love. But it may be time to let go. It may seem an unbearable thought but you love him so much. Don’t let him suffer. My mother once told me when i was a young child and my puppy was very sick, “It is time to show Laddie how very much you love him. We must send him to heaven to play with all the angel’s puppies.“ Those words gave me great comfort as a child. Now, as an adult, I truly understand how much love it takes to let go of someone when its time.
Oh Brenda I am so sorry to hear this. I hate it when this time comes. He has been such a love for you and you are the best dog mom. Keeping you and Charlie in my thoughts.
Love and prayers, Brenda.
Keep him comfy and stay strong.
Love and hugs to the both of you ~
My heart breaks for you Brenda.
Prayers for Charlie & you & Ivy.
Be in the moment & rest!!
When my dog Maci started having multiple issues, and I began to question whether I was doing the right things for her, my mom said to me don’t let her suffer. Now, almost three years after I put her down, I know I let her linger too long because I just didn’t want to see her go. Everyone must make their own decision. Hugs to you and Charlie.
Charlie is such a sweet little boy. I am glad you will be giving him the fluids to help him. I am sending you both positive thoughts. You both are surrounded by people who love you.
Linda, Ella, and Simon
Sending you and Charlie healing thoughts and tons of love. I hope you know how many of your blog friends are holding you in our hearts right now.
Brenda, you are such a good Mom to Charlie. My heart aches for you both. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.
My heart is broken – no other words…..
Oh Brenda,
my heart aches for you and Charlie! I lost my Brittany spaniel in 2018. We adopted him at just over 6 weeks old and we had him for a few weeks short of his 16th birthday. I was devastated for a very long time. I know the pain and dread you are feeling. I am praying for you and Charlie.
God Bless you both.
Susan
Thinking of you 💕
Prayers for Charlie. I am sorry Brenda this is happening. Keeping positive for you and for little Charlie he will bounce back.
Gentle hugs for both of you!!
Brenda, there are no words except I am sorry and I am praying for the two of you. Charlie is so blessed to have you for a mother, you have done everything to give him a wonderful life and you have, most importantly you have loved him and he knows it. Continue to love him for however long you have with him, God willing it will be a long time. Thank you for sharing bother Charlie, Abi and Ivy with us, your family is our family and we feel your pain too. Sending you a hug my friend.
I’m so sorry, Brenda. My Clementine has kidney disease and one of the things they test her for is her uremia level, too. It’s so heartbreaking. Sending you and Charlie lots of love and hugs.
(((BRENDA and CHARLIE))))
that beautiful little face. I love seeing him.
and my heart is with you and Charlie. and even Ivy too.
you’re a FAMILY. thank you for keeping us posted. we care.
sending you love. and…
I believe in miracles. I know he’s old. but maybe this will work.
Dr Poteet is so wonderful. perhaps Charlie’s dehydration just got the best of him. it takes a while to come back. my prayers are with you. always.
He just started coughing again. I don’t know why he completely stopped for 2 days.
I’m so sorry, I love dogs.
My prayers are with you and Charlie.
Audeni
Brazil, São Paulo
http://www.donamocinhadobrasil.blogspot.com.br
I’m so sorry about Charlie. I know how much it hurts to see your babies hurt.I hope the fluids help.
I’m so sorry to hear this,Brenda.Unfortunately, the time does come when we have to love them enough to let them go peacefully.
I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.
Dear Friend: My thoughts and prayers are with you and Charlie. What a lucky dog Charlie is to have such a caring and loving mom. As long as you are near him he will be comforted. I am here if you need to talk.
I understand. 💔 Difficult to say the least. Everyone knows, including your precious pup, that whatever decisions you need to make will be made out of love. I will be praying.
I’m so sorry Brenda. I know how hard this is. It’s the hardest part of being a pet parent.
I had to put down our sweet 16 year old Roxy a few weeks ago due to advanced cancer. I did the in-home euthanasia and as far as it could be, it was a wonderful experience and I felt good knowing she was in her own home and own bed with all the other pets and me with her when she crossed over.
We did the same thing with our 14 year old Golden when the time came. Having it done home in her own bed made it better for her for sure. Not anxious at all and we stayed with her.
🙏
Brenda,
I know how very upset you must be over this news, and I am so sorry. You have given Charlie the best of everything and just continue to love him as you always have, and enjoy all the time you have together.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Protest sounds like a great vet. Praying Charlie feels better from the fluids and meds. Charlie is your boy and you’re doing a wonderful job taking care of him. Just listen to your vet and take care. Love that Charlie Boy and prayers for both of you.