She has kidney disease, our active 14 year old canine pup. Though a protein restricted diet is her new health protocol, I am not accustomed to waiting and hoping for the best. I simply use what has been given me: my mind- to change outcomes, if possible, based upon common sense.
Sally's output, on the frozen ground, is an obvious clue to her health status. Colour is too. Snow helps with its white colour backdrop letting us all know what is clean and what has transpired with our pup. We love her dearly. But pills and such are not going to rule her day and ours. Diet is medicine. We all know that.
Miracles are beginning to happen. Her urine is a soft yellow now, an obvious sign of recovery, temporary or long term. I'm not sure which. She is fed a 'raw' diet of produce, allowable for dogs. I must watch out for all those oxalates so have begun my study of the contraindications of some foods she has been given so as to make sure they benefit her health. Green is out, sort of, while it is a favourable choice for our Mr. Wiggles. Vitamin K, the blood clotting factor, is found in many green foods. Another thing to consider. Back and forth, I go! She needs to go out!!
She pulled a muscle or whatever it is that has impaired her mobility. Running marathons, even short ones, with her four-year-old human cousin, might have caused this latest injury. A harness, worn full time now, helps with walking. Another piece of this puzzle has been added to assist with her getting up from a resting position. The toughest part of this journey is using the two steps to go outside. Lifting her is a tough road till we find a ramp to make life easy. I have decided that building this accessory over the concrete steps will be the decision that makes sense. Her brother, now ten, might need help in the future. At over 80 pounds, he will test my strength, I'm certain of that. Must stay strong!
Recent tests to determine the status of Sally's kidneys make me happy. Low protein is not the only part of the health puzzle. Berries, apples, cucumbers-peeled a bit and sliced and other miracle foods help to round out the diet my precious old girl needs as she advances to 15. I can hardly wait.
