giraffez

6 hours ago, Deeds said:

Has the vet said whether your dog has acute or chronic kidney disease. 

Just onset.  Stage 1 according to the upc results yesterday.  Looks like the diet is working according to the bloods.  

2 hours ago, Tassie said:

 

Did the vet include an SDMA test  when they did the bloods?

I did ask about this but he said in his experience the reliability is a bit hit or miss so he usually doesn’t recommend it.

i just don’t get how the blood test and urine test are telling two different stories.

4 hours ago, Deeds said:

 

Did they take his blood pressure?

 

Yeah was a bit high the first few takes but eventually trended down and went back down to somewhat acceptable range when he got used to machine.  He is always quite stress at the vet so high readings are likely just that.  Vet was happy with the reading and said to just monitor in 6 months.

Just wondering whether the UPC urine tests are reliable or do they need to be done several times  to be conclusive? They asked me to repeat this in one months time but thinking about it more I’m  not sure it will make a difference if nothing else has changed (eg meds, diet as he is already on a renal diet).  He has had several USG (different type of urine test) done earlier a few days / weeks apart and they were consistently borderline high so there is definitely signs of kidney issues.

Just an update, my darling boy did a blood test today and everything is back in range  again so the diet is working.  It's almost on the low end like nothing happened.

However, we also did a UPC, and that indicated he was stage 1 kidney disease.  I don't really quite get how the blood works can be great yet the urine is saying his kidneys are failing.  I can't quite comprehend.  If the blood works was like this the first time round, we would have never known his kidneys were in trouble.  

Are heartworm medication just as severe as tick and fleas in terms of toxicity?

I would treat my dog heartworms, this is a must, we have so many mosquitos and it has never crossed my mind not to.  I think it is more risky not to.

For fleas, i only apply as needed even when my vet tells me to apply all year round.  Never used tick medications.  I'm of the opinion that less is more in terms of these meds.  But if the area is bushy and a tick prone area, then I would consider flea and ticks but obviously since my dog has medical issues, I'm being extra cautious this time round.

So how do people protect their dogs against fleas and ticks if this is such a problem.  If you don't take prevention, wouldn't getting bitten by a tick be a bigger issue, it is deadly isn't it?

Does the sharp magic shave too close for the underbelly and pee pee area?  I hate clipping too close around that area as it’s so sensitive.

I currently use a 10 blade with my wired clippers, I don’t want to go any shorter than that

The ears and bum I use a #30 so shorter there

6 hours ago, jemappelle said:

I have the Shear Magic and while they are great, they have a narrow small blade so might not be what you're looking for.  I use them for bottom of the feet and inside ears as they give a close shave.

I cant' remember who (probably the breeder), but I was told not to shave the paw with clippers, rather use scissors.  I don't know why.  Is there anything stopping a clipping the area between the toe beans?

Thank you everyone, will get a pair

that link doesn’t seem to work for me, perhaps sold out by the time I got to it! 
That’s okay, I don’t use combs on my clippers, but given the size is smaller like you say I doubt my Andis blades will work on it.

what size blade does it come with?  I wonder whether it’s the super short one which is no good for me

thanks, I’ll look into it

Thanks.  I have my eyes on these:

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/265423199750

They are not rechargeable though.  Not sure they are any good but @Boronia are these the ones you are referring to?

I have a pair of very reliable Andis and they are wired.  I have many many blades, can i use these blades on the shear magic?

Merry Christmas everyone!

Any recommendations for rechargeable pet clippers.

Preferably rechargeable, a pair for infrequent use ( like just a trim here and there that I missed in the proper grooming cut).

If I want one more durable for more frequent use, a recommendation for that also?

Thank you everyone

3 hours ago, sheena said:

Amazon have some, this is just one of a few https://www.amazon.com.au/IRIS-Quart-Airtight-Food-Container/dp/B07Q25113J

Wow $90 for delivery is a bit too much.  Can I source this locally?

1 hour ago, Rebanne said:

I use a large rubber rubbish bin. Sometimes I tip the dry food straight into it and sometimes I just pop the open bag in, depending how much food I have to go in. Easily takes a 20 kilo bag but I doubt you need that size

Yeah I got one from bunnings too.  But it’s not airtight.  I’m sure it is not fresh once it reaches the bottom of the bag

Would like some suggestions on how you store you kibbles.  I haven’t been able to find anything airtight.  So it literally stays in the foiled bag it came in but the seal isn’t that reliable.

Even if it’s a medium size container that I can transfer some into and refill as needed would be nice. 

the ones for humans are too small and requires constant refilling.

I’m not swapping the heartworm, just adding the flea and tick on top.  Just want him to get some tick protection, it’s been reported it’s bad this year and we are going to parks.

4 hours ago, Dogsfevr said:

is for the dog in the other post with health issues ?

Yes

50 minutes ago, Deeds said:

I would get SASH to do the bloods & everything.  Because if you go there they will want to do their own tests anyway.  

 

You don't want to pay for the same thing twice.

 

Your dog is 12 and may have the condition for some time before it was picked up.  It is a progressive disease.

 

Your dog's circumstances vary greatly from mine. Because of the age and the later diagnosis.

 

I don't give my dog the canned renal food.  

 

  

Yeah that did cross my mind too.

but one thing I’m sure about is his diagnosis is quite recent.  He had a blood test mid year and levels were fine.  Also had one beginning of the year and that came back fine too

thanks for that

Yeah we are getting another blood test after the new year.  These couple of weeks would give it time to see whether the renal RC diet has any effect.

i will check out he the wet food as well.  My vet did say the wet food was fine too but I thought the bulk of it was just water so I resorted to the kibble instead.   10% protein isn’t very much.  It’s like less than a quarter cup…. Almost a bit bigger than a bite size considering the kibbles also has protein.  
 

thanks for the sash contact, I see how the vet consult goes and make an appointment

thanks.  Does anyone know which is more effective- topical or chewables?

Actually I think I’m mistaken.  Bravecto seem to be ticks and fleas.  
 

ok so is it fine to give interceptor and bravecto?  I would give them several days apart.

My dog has been on interceptor all his life.  But it doesn’t cover ticks.  Can I just switch him onto bravecto?  3-6 months protection seems a long time, what happens if there was an allergic reaction?

i think there is a top on for just fleas and ticks that has 6 month coverage, but I don’t need it that long so I think there is a 3 month chew.  Not sure whether it’s just as effective though.

17 hours ago, Deeds said:

Can't he have cooked chicken or the RC Renal pouches? 

Maybe I misunderstood this but protein makes their kidney work harder.  So to eliminate it would put less stress on it?  I guess I can still give him a little each week so that it isn’t that bland

Thanks for that.  That gives me a bit of hope.

I just feel so bad when I can't give him any meat.  He is on a veggie diet + the RC Renal Kibbles.  I worry it's not enough nutrition.   He doesn't seem to mind the food, he is a schnauzer and will eat anything.  I'm so grateful he is not a picky eater on this diet.

@Deeds did you need to go on medication or was it completely controlled with diet?