Merlin is having a scan

Mattie · Post by **Mattie** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 6:19 am

I was too upset to post this yesterday but Merlin's blood tests came back as showing early renal failure, he is in the vets now having a scan to see what his kidneys are doing. It has been suggested that I put him on a renal diet, Â£64 for a sack of food, I just don't have that sort of money so he can't go on it.

I have heen doing some research, the food he is on has only 1.5% more protein than the Hill's, the phosporous levels aren't shown so I have email Burgess to ask what they are. I also asked the vet if there is anything I could put onto his food that will reduce the phosporous, I am sure I had some for Tommy, she thinks there is and is going to check.

After looking on the internet I have found that Greyhounds normal creatinine levels are higher than other dogs so hopefully this is all it is.

Fundog · Post by **Fundog** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:09 am

(((hugs))) Hang in there, Mattie. Here's positive thoughts going your way, hoping it all turns out to be something not too serious that you and Merlin can both cope with.

Noobs · Post by **Noobs** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:10 am

Mattie I am so sorry to hear this. Chin up, and I am sending hugs and good thoughts your way.

mspat · Post by **mspat** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 8:46 am

So sorry to hear about Merlin. I'm saying a prayer for a good outcome. Please let us know how you make out.

Horace's Mum · Post by **Horace's Mum** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 10:42 am

Fingers crossed its not as bad as it seems. Thinking of you both.

Mattie · Post by **Mattie** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:03 pm

Merlin is home, it was Adam who done the scan, it was Adam who saved Ellie's life when he worked so fast when her breathing was going.

He thinks Merlin is in the very early stages of renal failure and he also has high blood pressure, he is going to bring this down to see how he is before he does anything else. He seems to think that when his blood pressure is down all Merlin will need is a senior diet but he will be keeping an eye on him.

Adam was able to do the scan without any sedation, Merlin really is good for them no matter what they do, even when they took blood from his bladder he stood for them.

Adam did say that sometime in the future he will want to do a biopsy but he doesn't like doing them and will only do this if it is necessary. It seems many vets will do this automatically but he doesn't think it is necessary in a lot of cases but it may be a good idea to know what his kidneys are like at the early stage for when he deteriates.

Merlin is booked in for another scan in 2 weeks time to see if the tables to lower his blood pressure are making a difference.

Nettle · Post by **Nettle** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:34 pm

All the best for Merlin, special boy.

Do greys have higher blood pressure than standard breeds as well? Most about their physiology seems to be different.

Mattie · Post by **Mattie** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 2:11 pm

Not sure Nettle but Adam does seem to understand Greyhounds, he should, they get quite alot in. I just need to find a good senior dog food now. I do have recipies for homecooking for renal failure but don't want to start it until he needs it.

Cracker · Post by **Cracker** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 5:40 pm

Sending good thoughts and Reiki your way Mattie and Merlin.

ckranz · Post by **ckranz** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 9:58 am

Sorry I have been away for a while. Mattie all my best thoughts for you and Merlin.

katowaggytail · Post by **katowaggytail** » Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:28 pm

Hi, been reading the posts and I hope all goes well and sending you both big virtual hugs. That Adam sounds fantastic, wish they were all like that. Fi x