QUESTION

Were receiveing Metacam for arthritic back legs but this has been discontinued for a month on the recommendation of the vet. They are now on Glucosamine and a teaspoon of cod liver oil as the vet suggested. They currently are on a mixture of the Burns diet and Hills KD tinned prescribed diet. We have two Westie bros from the same litter aged 13, both have recently been diagnosed as having kidney disease which is stable on a prescribed diet. In the last two months since being on this new food they are drinking far more which the vet predicted but are urinating in the house on carpets and hard flooring even when they relieved themselves outdoors in the previous 5 mins. They do not seem to have an urinary function problem as they remain completely dry on their beds at night for approx 9hrs. They do not appear to be anxious or upset by their wetting but we realise they are getting old. Apart from this they are happy and very lively even the vets have commented on their youthful appearance.

Derek

ANSWER

Dear Derek,
Renal disease is a problem in a lot of dogs and treatment has been changed dramatically over the past few years. The main treatment is dietary and k/d is the diet that I would personally recommend as being the best. I would look at switching to completely k/d and this will probably decrease the water consumption and help the problems. As kidney failure develops there is an increase in Urea and this can lead to cognitive disorders where the dog is no longer as aware of what is happening in relation to its behaviour in the environment. I would consider the addition of a half dose of Vivitonin to try to overcome the lack of awareness as this will not be contraindicated with kidneys and may help overall awareness. I would also before doing anything else have both dogs examined for a urinary tract infection as this is highly prevalent in older dogs as a cause of kidney problems and often an extended course of an appropriate antibiotic can cure the renal problems. With urinary tract infections the dogs will not be able to hold the urine in properly and hence will urinate in the house.

Paul Wilson