Saturday, December 1, 2007

Jaffa Update 4 - Dec. 1, 2007 (by mum)

Hi everyone, thank you for continuing to check back to the blogs and offering support for me, and my Aire-kids. Those who have e-mailed me privately, thank you, I will respond to all of you soon.

The good news is, I'm done sulking and feeling sorry for myself, Sunshade and most importantly, Jaffa. Jaffa is not feeling sorry for himself, so I shouldn't be either. It must be all the positive energy, Aire-Zens, prayers sent by caring folks from all over the world that have kept Jaffa feeling SOOOOO great despite his blood work! He really appears completely NORMAL. Sunshade is very in tuned with my emotions, and she has been counting on me to cheer up so she can cheer up herself too. That's exactly what I'll be doing for my special girl!

The shock, and denial stage is over. I'm not going to dwell on the unfortunate event that has happened, instead, I'm focusing my energy on how to make the best of things given the situation I'm in. I want to do everything in my power to give Jaffa the best quality of life for as long as possible. Same goes for Sunshade.

In the last couple of days, I've been talking to some folks on the Yahoo K9KIDNEY and K9KidneyDiet groups. I don't think Miss Sunshade has ever mentioned this before, but she too has kidney insufficiency. Back in 2003 when Sunshade was 3.5 years old, an abdominal ultrasound intended for her pancreas showed she had scarring of both kidneys. The exact cause of the scarring is unknown, but we suspect it's due to NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) toxicity. Sunshade was prescribed very high doses of NSAID's for her joint problems over a long period of time when she was young; before I knew anything about dog health/natural therapies. In Sunshade's case, her blood work was *never* out of the normal range. Meaning, she didn't have 100% kidney function, but she had more than 25% function which was all you need to lead a normal life. If we hadn't done the ultrasound, I still would not have known about her kidney condition even 'til today.

I joined the two kidney groups mentioned above when I first found out about Sunshade's kidneys back in 2003. I lurked the group and learned about managing kidney disease through diet modification, medication, supplementation, and daily Sub-Q fluid administration. The reason I did all that was to prepare myself so that if heaven forbid one day, Sunshade went into Chronic Kidney Failure, I would know how to manage it. Luckily, FIVE years later, Sunshade's bi-annual blood works have been nothing but perfect. Other than having her on some renal supportive supplements, I haven't had to do much.

Jaffa always calls Sunshade, "his" Sunshade, because in a way, she is always watching out for him.

Because of his Sunshade, I am able to quickly formulate a raw diet that is easier on his kidneys. He has also been put on all of Sunshade's renal support supplements since day one. Because of his Sunshade, I am not overwhelmed (after the initial shock stage that is) with what is needed to be done to keep him feeling well for as long as possible.

After talking to the very knowledgeable groups of people on K9KIDNEYS/K9KidneyDiets, I have decided to start giving him Sub-Q fluids at home everyday. Sub-Q fluids go under the skin instead of into the vein like IV's do. It keeps the dog hydrated while flushing and helping to take the load off those kidneys. He is also being fed a diet that is low in phosphorous (most harmful nutrient for failing kidneys) at around 11-15 mg of phos per pound of body weight per day. Those are very strict protocols usually used for dogs in "late stage" kidney failure.

However, some felt Jaffa's ibuprofen ingestion is still considered an acute assult. Which means, he is in "acute renal failure" and there is a chance that his serum kidney numbers can go down to the normal range. They suggested I treat him as aggressively as possible for NOW, baby those kidneys, and give them all the support I can possibly provide with diet and hydration.

Sunshade's kidneys suffered an assault, but whatever damage was done, was done and the kidneys have not worsened. Sure she doesn't have 100% kidney function, but she only needs 25% kidney function to live a healthy, normal life span (that's why kidney donors can live on 50% kidney function). This, is what I'm hoping for Jaffa as well. Whatever permanent damage he has suffered or will have suffered from the ibuprofen toxicity will leave him with > 25% kidney function (blood work in normal range).

I am hoping against all odds that I'll end up with two very expensive dogs to upkeep, but neither in Chronic Renal Failure......

Janice suggested we not do another blood test until Dec. 20th, which marks the one month anniversary of ibuprofen ingestion. I think she sensed the increase in my stress level with each blood work LOL. Meanwhile, we will continue with all the kidney supportive care and treat Jaffa as if he were a "late stage" renal failure patient.

38 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

Your mom is doing one terrific job, Jaffa! She has exactly the right attitude and she's so smart to join these kidney lists and know everything that she does! You and Sunshade are in the best hands, Jaffa! We salute your mom!

We love you guys!

Maggie and Mitch

Snowball said...

Elaine, I am glad that you have finally come to terms with what had happened. Just treat Jaffa as a normal healthy dog while giving him the special diet that he needs. Too much stress from you will not help either Miss Sunshade or Jaffaman.

Take good care of yourself and please give a hug and kiss to both your aire kids for us.

Luv,
Snowball and her nasty jie jie.

Jake of Florida said...

So glad to hear from you. With every day that went by, we were getting more and more concewrned. So we're relieved the news -- your attitude and knowledge -- are good.

Wirey woofs to two great fellow teriers and their Mom!!

Jake and Just Harry

Putter said...

Hi Jaffa! Hi!

OMG!!!!!! You have the most goodest, bestest Mum in the whole wide univserse! We are all here for you and we are so happiest ever that your Super Terrific Mum and your Sunshade are taking such goodest excellent care of you! We will talk soonest ever, K?

Your Friend,

Putter ...:)

Anonymous said...

i'm so glad ur mum is taking this in her stride! i'm sure everything she is doing will contribute to improving your condition!

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

Jaffa & Sunshade, you have the bestest Mom for taking such good care of you. Jaffa, we will keep purring and woofing for you to get better.

Riley, Tiki, & Kesey

jaffeboy said...

I'm so glad to hear that Jaffa is still behaving "normal". Kaylie is relieved.

Continue to stay strong for both of them.

Keep us posted with the "new diet" regime.

Kaylie's Mama

Ruby Bleu said...

Jaffa...you are such a lucky boy to have as great a mommy as you do. And to also have Sunshade to watch out for ya...even when she says she isn't ;)

I'll be keeping my paws crossed for you!

Lots of Licks, Ruby

Murphey said...

Thank you for the update, I figure what else will we spend our money on if not our dogs? I called my last dog Boo "platinum puppy", she cost lots to keep healthy, but I would do it all over again to have her for as long as I did. Sending lots of terrier love your way.

Murph and family.

Anonymous said...

Elaine, so glad you're feeling a bit better and more resolved about the the situation. You're so right, the dogs, especially that smart and sensitive Sunshade, pick up on your worry and stress.
Hope everything continues to improve.
xoxox,
Ellen

Anonymous said...

Wooo Elaine,

Mom and I have been keeping up with Jaffa and his situation. We are sorry that we have not posted to let you know that we have been thinking of all of you, but we have been sending Sibe prayers to you all along. We are amazed at how knowledgable you are with this situation. Mom thinks that coming to terms with the situation and enlightening yourself to know what is going on, is the best thing you can do. Keep us posted as you can, and know that we are thinking alot about you, Miss Sunshade, and handsome Jaffa!!!
Hugs,
Sitka, Tia, and Shelli

Gus said...

Our love to you all, so glad that Jaffa and Sunshade have you for a mom! Now the trick will be to take care of yourself while taking care of them. Please don't forget that once in a while, we must give care to the caregiver.

kisses from Gussie and Muzzer

Peanut said...

We are glad you are feeling better Elaine. It sounds like you are doing everything possible that you can for Jaffa. He is one lucky pup to have you and sunshade to of course.

Peanut and his mom

Toby said...

Elaine, I am glad to hear that your spirits have lifted. Sunshade and Jaffa will be delighted to have their good ol' mom back.

Thanks for the Jaffa update. We're so happy to hear that he's still acting like the same ol' Jaffa Man!!


Joyce

Maggie said...

JAFFA!!
Good to hear you have been doing better!! My mom would not be able to go through all of this!! She is doing a verrrrrry good job!!! I hope it will keep going how it has been, better!!

Harry said...

What a simply fabulous mum you have Jaffa (and Sunshade too of course). You will have a happy life with yummy food still and I know you'll reward your mum with infinite love in return.

Toodle pip,
Harry x

Faya said...

Jaffa you are the most loved dog !!!! Your mom and Sunshade are the best ! Kisses, Faya

Casper and pals said...

Hey Jaffa, We are so relieved that everything is okay. We were getting worried when we would check back and there was no more news. You have such a smart Momma, who is taking such good care of you! (And Miss sunshade too). We hope you like your new special diet. Keep getting better!!

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

Hey Elaine, just wanted to let you know that I've been thinking of you and Jaffa. J1 has just joined the K9 Kidneys yahoo group and saw your recent messages. They're such a knowledgeable bunch of people! Please remember to look after your self too, Elaine! J x

Anonymous said...

Your mum sounds absolutely awesome. I'm glad to hear that Jaffa is in good spirits and I hope he is able to get through this - which I'm sure he will with such an amazing family around him. Hugs to all of you.

River

Lenny said...

Elaine, Sunshade and Jaffa - hang in there! We're proud of you for being so tough!

Your friend, Lenny

Noah the Airedale said...

It's very good to hear from you. Gosh it all sounds so complicated. Elaine, Jaffa and Sunshade are so lucky to have you. You're doing a wonderful job though it must be so stressful. Don't forget to take care of yourself too.

Hugs and tail wags
Noah, Willow, Tess and Lucy

Crikit, Sparky, Ginger! said...

Hello Friends! Checking in to see how everyone is doing and to see if all our doggie prayers are working.

Love Licks & wagging tails

Lillie Valentine said...

Lean on those of us on the k9 kidney list.....I know they helped me alot with Daisie even though the outcome wasn't what we wanted. After all, we wouldn't have met and become friends with you if we hadn't joined that list. I pulled all my old stuff out and am willing to mail it to you should you want it. We are hoping that you can turn this around! Daisie is watching over you!!! Tell Sunshade she sent us TONS of snow!!

Lacy said...

woofies Jaffa, Sunshade and Elaine!!! u da mama and ur gonna worry...they r ur furkids, and just as much family as hooman pups...i dont think jaffa knows he's sick..heehee sure didnt look like it when he was after sunshades cake..a support group is always good to have and u have them and us too...Elanie, i think u scared us all when u didnt post for those days, dont know how many times i checked here and sunshades blog...

b safe and luv ya all...
;)lacylulu

Jemma Chihuahua said...

Elaine,

Obviously Sunshade and Jaffa are receiving the best care possible. From reading both blogs, I know there have been many issues for you to overcome with them (up until now, Sunshade mainly), but you never once let them down and they're very lucky puppers. I'll be continually checking back for some GOOD news :) Take care!

Kathy & Jemma

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the update. We’s was really getting worried.

All sounds CENTERED and right in Jaffa’s special part of the universe thanks to you and Sunshade. He knows the love he is blessed with and the responsibility of being well loved – to share the happiness.

Continued Airedale zen being sent you’ all’s way for a better than expected recovery.

Kat-
Bo (I’m pointing towards Vancouver – see, see - and thinking really hard – good, good thoughts for Jaffa and family. Northwest – right?)
Moxie & Buster (aka powerful Airedale gods in this household who are watching ever so carefully - RIP their mischievous souls)

Joe Stains said...

We are glad that you are feeling better Elaine. We have a feeling in our hearts that Jaffa will be ok. We are sending terrier love and hugs.

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Hey Guys!!!

Jaffa, Give ur mum big terrier kisses for us....she is doing one fabulous job at caring for you and thinkin' bout Sunshade's pickin' up on her anxiety. It's so hard to step back in a situation that has been so heartwrenching and say...OK...I'm over this part and movin' on.....I think the three of you all take strength from each other...and that's the best of the dog/hooman relationship. It's called love.

Terrier barks, licks, and hugs!
Scruffy, Lacie and Mumsie

Asta said...

JaffaBoy
You awe such a lucky pup to have youw Sunshade and such a wondewful cawing Mom..I'm suwe that's why youw spiwits awe so good..we will all continue to pway and woot fow you and with the good cawe and love and all ouw heling vibes..i'm suwe you will live fow a vewy long long time along with youw Sunshade..I think of you all the time
smoochie kisses
Asta

Ben & Darling said...

Im glad you are feeling better Elaine and Im glad Jaffa situation not going worst...Still I hope he will get well soon. I dont know what is NSAID but my mom allergied to it so I guess its a bad thing...

slurp~slurp licks,
BenBen

Luckie Girl said...

Hi Elaine,
Thanks for the update. Knowledge is power so I think all the information will go a long way to helping both of them.
:)

*birdee* the alpha miniature schnauzer bitch said...

hi jaffa ma,

would you be interested in herbs for ur boy? organic burdock root is really gd for liver n kidney aids. it also helps the body to cleanse itself. its a diuretic herb which mom is also usin for us. she blends it together wit our veg (6 days ration). u can read more bout it here: http://www.naturalherbsguide.com/burdock.html

& as well as our blog (http://mypawpals.blogspot.com)in the food section on organic burdock root as well as other herbs mom is usin for us. but we find dat organic burdock root might help u alot?

Princess Patches said...

Hi, we are so glad for the update! I don't think our mom has ever prayed so hard as she has for Jaffa. We don't want ANYTHING bad to happen to him (or any other dog). He and Sunshade are so lucky to have such a caring mom! Hang in there and we will keep up the prayers and keep sinding good Aire-vibes!
Poppy & Penny (the Aire-girls)

Kirby said...

I'm so glad that you are all doing well. Elaine, you are a wonder. You dogs have the BEST mum ever! You are doing everything right with Jaffa and he is doing well, which is the most important thing. Keep doing what you are doing as it seems to be working well for you. Give Jaffa and Sunshade kisses from Kirby & family! We've been thinking about you guys alot and contstantly send Aire-zen your way.

Your pals,
Kirby & Kirstin

Bogart H. Devil said...

Aw Jaffa you're a lucky little man to have SUCH A GOOD MAMA!!!

We've still got the AireZen cranked up to 11 - GO KIDNEYS!!!

Love & Big Aire Kisses

Lulu & Bogart

T-man Angel said...

Elaine, I can't imagine anyone who could take better care of Jaffa than you. Both of your pups are so lucky to have you! We'll be praying that Jaffa's kidney function improves.

T-man

Stanley said...

Elaine!

You are the best possible mama to JaffaMan & Sunshade! Thank doG you had what background you already had with Sunshade. I agree in hoping this is just an acute assault on his kidneys with a return to >25% kidney function soon!

Don't forget to take care of yourself, girl!

Goober love,
Stanley