Kidney Failure

This is koko here writing an entry on this little blog... a blog that has sort of gathered dust over the last couple of months. According to Google Analytics, many returning readers would still drop by occasionally, and for that we thank you for remembering us. 

Life has been pretty crazy for cheche and I, especially with a hyperactive toddler and a not-so-well dog constantly requiring our undivided attention. Hero was diagnosed with kidney failure in April, something that is not unexpected ever since we knew he is suffering from FSF, a form of congenital disease in the breed.

It all started when hero had a kerfuffle with a stray while taking a night walk. In the heat of things, he had the misfortune of tearing a tissue on his front leg, at the carpal region. Due to the swelling, hero was on anti-inflammatory medication which resulted in him vomiting and having bloody diarrhea for days. We took him in for a blood test and that was how we found out about his kidney condition. Hero was at stage three of kidney failure.

While we are fully aware of such possibility, we were not prepared for the news. Since then, we have worked out a treatment schedule and made all the necessary arrangement. In addition to conventional medication (Azodyl and Ipakitine), we put hero on special diet and also holistic treatment, such as herbal remedy and acupuncture sessions. The hardest part is the daily fluid therapy, i.e. subcutaneous injection, where he would be most uncomfortable with the poking of needles, but we do give him a treat as a reward for his patience.

Hero sleeping with his favorite toy.

Canine renal disease cannot be reversed and it is slowly taking its toll on hero. We are working hard to keep hero with us as long as possible during this difficult path. Thus far, hero has been admitted to hospital twice, with each visit having to spent a couple of nights on intravenous drips. He seems happily engaged for now and we know he is a trooper although he is losing strength by the day. Taking care of a dog with chronic kidney disease is physically taxing and mentally challenging. The constant worrying and roller coaster emotional feelings can really put a strain on the most upbeat of souls. However, having said that, we would still do it many times over, for the joy he has brought us ever since we had him is priceless.

Hero and meimei staring into the open sea.

In a month’s time, hero will be seven years old. We still have many planned adventures to go, mountains to hike, food to taste, rivers to cross and most of all, meimei is looking forward to hero walking her to her first day of school next summer. With so much yet to be done, it is difficult to imagine hero not being a part of all these. Sometimes, life just seems so unfair.

I guess Dr. Seuss was right when he said "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened".

22 comments:

TimberLove said...

We are sorry to hear this, enjoy wooos time together. All our prayers and warmest husky woooos,

RA

sprinkles said...

I'm so sorry! I always did have a soft spot for Hero, so this makes me especially sad! I'll keep you all in my prayers.

booahboo said...

I am so so sorry. I was wondering where you guys were. Did you go to Dr Susanna of Asia Paws?
She did wonders with one of our shelter animals. I am not sure if she can help with the kidney problem...but here's her link http://www.asiapaws.com/
I hope time will be kind to Hero and his lil Angel. I am sure he will hang on because he loves you all so. Our thoughts are with you.

Molly the Airedale said...

We are so sorry to hear this news. Enjoy every single day together to the fullest.

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

We are so very sorry to hear this news about Hero. We feel your pain only too well as we very unexpectedly lost our Thunder a month ago to cancer. Seemingly healthy one day, stopped eating, and gone in two weeks. Enjoy every day you have with your special Hero.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

Chloe and Libby said...

I am so very sorry to hear about Hero's condition. He is a real trooper and I hope and pray he is with you all for a long time still. My Chloe suffers from FSF and is a much hated thing in our house. Such an unfair thing for our pei to have to deal with.
Sounds like Hero has some pawsome parents and little human to look after him.
We are sending lots of positive energy your way.

rottrover said...

Sending special rottie POTP to Mr. Hero. As others have said, enjoy each special day you have with him...

-Bart, Ruby and Otto

The Queens' Pack said...

Like everyone who has followed this blog. I'm extremely saddened to hear this news. Our prayers go to you and your family during these times. We do wish Hero to get better. Lots of love goes to him from my whole pack ( Char Siew the Shar Pei, Midori the Beagle, Brita the GSP ).

Eva the Sheltie said...

We are so sorry to hear about Hero's conditions. We love this gentle boy and will keep him in our prayers. Enjoy each and every moment with him and we're sure he knows how much you guys love him too.

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

Hero my twin brother,
I can't help but crying when I noticed your new post today. I have not blogged for a long while but once in a while I return to all my favorite blogs to catch up with all furry friends. I'm so shocked to hear you got sick, kidney failure? Hero, I don't know what to say, I just want to hug you and pray for you and give my love and support to you, Meimei and all in your family. A few years back, I made some pictures of yours looked like a painting, I don't remember if I sent it to you. I'll look for it and if it is still in my file, I'll send it to you.
Hero, I wish I can share some of the suffer that you have been through. Love to you, always. You take care Hero, love you all

Unknown said...

May all be well and have the strength to face every challenges. Prayers and wishes from me and our family pet dog, bebe

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

How are you doing, my twin brother Hero? I send my hugs and love to you and your family everyday.
Take care.

Anonymous said...

I have followed the (mis)adventures of Hero and his special family from time to time. It is sad to hear of Hero's predicament. He is indeed very blessed to have such a family to love him and support him during such a period. Here is sending all our blessings and positive vibes to Hero and his family.

Take care.

Anonymous said...

Sending prayers for healing, comfort, and support to Hero and family. So sorry to hear this news.Please keep us updated on how Hero is doing. I have a sharpei that is 12 yrs old and she is the love of my life. They are 'heart' dogs without a doubt!!
I so enjoy reading about Hero's adventures and I hope to see more of them soon. <3

Maggie Mae and Max said...

We is sendin' our very special boxer puppy prayers to Hero. Stay strong dear furiend.

Woofs and Healing Licks,
Maggie Mae and Max

Taffy said...

Hi, koko! Taffy (and Twix's) Mom here. I am heart broken to read this news. We have been away for a long time but think of you often as you and Hero were so special to Twix. Thank you for being so wonderful to her. I will be praying for you all as I know how hard this is for you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Taffy is sending as many doxie healing sun rays as she can to Hero.

Sending love and hugs to you,
Teresa and Taffy

Anonymous said...

We just lost our Tommy, our shar pei, two months ago. Still difficult. Hero has been loved so much. My thoughts.

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

My beloved twin brother Hero,
Another birthday is coming to the two of us. I wish you a very happy birthday, I love always, always!

LP said...

We have enjoyed dropping by every once in while over the years to hear about Hero's adventures. We were happy for you when your beautiful daughter was born. We know having a young child takes up time and we hadn't visited in soome time before now. We are so sorry to hear about Hero's condition. We know how difficult it is as we had a cat who had the same condition. It is an emotional roller coaster.We are thinking of you now and wish you all the best.

Love,

the critters in the cottage xo

Anonymous said...

My dog Bolok had the same issue, kidney failure. Hero, get well soon!!

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harga hp terbaru said...

e love this gentle boy and will keep him in our prayers.