Old dog, kidney disease, & options

Post date: 2019-06-18 03:39:49

My senior dog's kidney disease is acting up again. Do I do fluid therapy and hospitalization?

We've been managing my 14/15year old Westie's kidney disease with specialized food. But he's refused it the past week and the vet says his bloodwork shows it's his kidney disease. She gave two options:

Hospitalization with fluid therapy to "jump start" or get him comfortable. This is about $1-2k and could work (few more months) or could do nothing. I worry because he was hospitalized a few years ago and not sure I want to put him through the stress though it could make him feel better.

Or, fluids under the skin that we administer. He got the shot a few days ago and it perked him up a little bit, but I'm not sure for how long it'll help.

Sigh. I've read the other related threads but any recommendations or thoughts would help greatly. He's still eating chicken and other home cooked foods, played ball a little yesterday, so I'm trying to be hopeful (but keep him comfortable).

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