I still don’t know much about Molly’s condition, but the pieces of the puzzle are slowly falling into place. I got a call from the vet this morning. There are several medical tests that are still outstanding, but they just got results back on the blood creatinine test. As you know, there was a high level of protein in Molly’s urine, so the task at hand is finding out why and correcting the problem before even more kidney damage occurs.
The blood creatinine test is an excellent indicator of how the kidneys are functioning. Normal kidney function will show a blood creatinine level of 0.4 or lower. Molly’s level is 0.9. What the vet has advised as the next course of action is to reschedule Molly’s ear flushing and dental cleaning - both to be done under anesthesia. This will be done next Tuesday morning. There is a small chance that the kidney problems could be caused by the bacteria from the teeth getting into the bloodstream. The blood creatinine test will be repeated approximately two weeks after the dental cleaning. If it is still high at that time, the doctors will move on to other potential causes for the kidney malfunction.
The next step will be to test for tickborne diseases. Since I’ve had Molly, I have not found a tick on her; however, when I adopted her from the pound in 2000, she was covered in them! I asked the vet if a tickborne disease could lay dormant for that long, and yes - Lyme Disease can hang around without symptoms for a number of years. If the tickborne diseases come back negative, the doctors will move on to the next disease on the list - something I can’t pronounce and certainly can’t spell.
Regardless of what the problem is found to be, if the next blood creatinine test comes back high, Molly will have to begin treatment to lower the amount of protein excreted by the kidneys. This would involve a daily medication and supplements of Omega 3 fatty acids. She will also have to follow a low protein diet.
Once again, the vet informed me that after a few more steps, Molly’s case will be referred to the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital.
This state of limbo is really depressing. I want my dog to get well. I want to find out what’s wrong and fix it. At this rate, it will be weeks (or maybe even months) before the problem is diagnosed. In the meantime, I have no idea if Molly is in pain from the kidney problems. I pray that she isn’t. But as her loyal friend, I have to do whatever I can do to make sure she is healthy and comfortable. And if that means thousands of dollars in vet bills, then I’ll do it.
January 15th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
I wish Molly the best. I have a miniature schnauzer that’s had several health problems (diabetes and now some liver issues), and while it can be quite expensive, fur babies are family too. I know you feel the same way. Sending out good thoughts!
January 15th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
You are a good mom. I would do anything for Midget and I firmly believe that it’s people like you and I who get to come back as dogs with good lives that include sleeping in the sun and running in fields of flowers.
Best wishes your way!
January 15th, 2007 at 10:48 pm
not sure i could spend that much on a dog… i wonder if it’s different for people who have kids.
January 16th, 2007 at 12:00 am
Just Thinking…It probably has more to do with the attachment that the mom has towards the dog.
Tish I hope Molly is not in pain too. Surely she would wimper if she was. Sounds like you have a few uncertain days and a lot of vet bills ahead of you. I hope they find out what is wrong SOON!
Big Hugs!
January 16th, 2007 at 1:12 am
hey …just thinkin!…….geez…….((om shanti om…..om shanti om………dont blast…dont blast….))
Okay……Hi Tish…..Big huggles to MOlly from the zoester, bellabella, korkor and pebbles….. I dont know what I would do if one of my furkids….yes just thinkin I said furkids…and even if I did have human ones…..they would still be the wonderful unconditionally lovin sentient beings that they are………
I lost one of my macaws tonite…..still processing…..Bubba has always been a chewer…..and I saw that he helped himself to a big area of the birdroom wall recently…..as well as some other pieces of the room while wandering about on the floor……took about an hour to clear the room….chix seems a little lonely…….big hugs……M
January 16th, 2007 at 11:18 am
i feel for her even though ive never met her. aspen and i give her our prayers. its tough when your best friend is a dog.
did i just call myself a dog???
January 17th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Thank you for the lovely comment on the curtains 2007. Yes, I would very much like to see “Broken Bridges” with Tobey Keith. I saw him in concert last year and they showed a trailer of film. Huge country music fan amongst some others. So nice to chat with you even though brief. I wish you the best on your puppy. I have 4 of my own and love them dearly!
January 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Aww, I’m hoping for the best both for you and for Molly.
January 17th, 2007 at 11:50 pm
Awwww poor doggie!
I know kidney infections are quite painful, so it wouldn’t surprise me if she has some pain from the kidney problems.
Hope everything goes well, and she’s back on the mend soon!