Question about kidneys

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Marci and Buddy

Marci and Buddy

Member Since 2009
All of Buddy's tests came back ok--no UTI,
Vet wants to do US of kidney to rule out infection. only real symptom is his sleeping all the time ,
but he is at laest 18 now. I really can't afford the uS. Is it useful to put him on an AB , just in case he does have
a kidney infection, without doing the US?
thanks very much for your thoughts.
 
An ultrasound may identify stones,and change in size (reduction or enlargement), which may indicate other problems and may provide helpful information for decision making.
 
wouldnt he be in pain if he had stones? i really don't believe he is .
it's not just the cost ($1,200.00), but he's at least 18 ,with a heart murmur,
and worry about putting him under.
 
Stones can block intermittently and may serve as a resevoir for infection (bacteria may lodge in small pits and crevices.)

Enlargement could point to a malignant process.
Shrinkage would suggest renal disease.

If you wouldn't do anything different for any of these diagnoses other than make him comfortable, then don't do the Us.
 
thank you -that's really helpful.
actually forgot to mention all was not normal-
he has high white blood cell count-but he's had that fro years.
 
A high white count could be a form of leukemia. This can originate in the bone.

I had a civvie, Pepper, who had lymphoma of the bone. which altered her blood counts and eventually invaded the kidneys causing renal failure. As we though we found it early, we did try chemo; it made her sick every time and was a very expensive 3 months before she passed from the renal failure.
 
He's not sick, and ha d had white high count for years.
i would not do anthing anyway, if he has cancer, except love him more.
 
Can you get some Gabapentin for him? If he's acting like he's in any pain, that is. I wouldn't put an 18 yr old through anesthesia either. Keep him comfy and give him all the love you can. And take lots of pictures. And do anything he likes doing (a new birdfeeder to entertain him, a catnip toy, or just a sunny window).

Wishing you both continued warm memories in the making.

Lu-Ann
 
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