Help figure out what may be wrong with our Sheltie girl

Thanks for your concern Daisy. Still no definitive answer. The vet ran more blood tests. Protein in urine is elevated, and it's low in her blood, which could be sign of early kidney failure, and if so is probably congenital. Heart EKG shows some irregularities too. Wants us to take her to a specialist for sonogram and more heart tests, but that vet is booked till Nov. It's possible it could be a minor heart issue that could be treated, but they have to make sure there is no heart valve infection. Not sure if the 2 things going on -- kidneys and heart -- are all because of one issue that hasn't been found yet, or if it's actually 2 separate. Hard to believe. She was fine till a month or so ago. Never sick. Very active and agile. Anyway, they aren't really treating her for anything except with an appetite stimulant until they figure out the problem(s).
 
Skyler, wishing you and your girl well.

I am dealing with a 13 year old, that has some of the same issues. Occasional Drips. But I know she has enlarged heart and collapsed trachea at this point. X rays confirmed for us.

We were told to Keep ours in the AC on the most wicked heat days, she will pant even in that. She likes to sleep in front of a fan on low. Seems to help her rest.

I wish the best for you.
 
Hard to deal with when there isn't answers. Hopefully the vets can find a
cause. Lucky is a little over 14 but at times his brain doesn't work with his
bladder. I have to command him to pee, and poo. His is just old age.

I wish you the best finding the answers you need.
 
Thanks for the kind thoughts. I wish the best for your Shelties too. We have managed to get a cardiologist appointment for ours this next week, so maybe we will know more after that. Meanwhile, she obviously doesn't feel good. We are keeping her in kitchen on the tile floor, but mopping constantly. Every morning there are puddles. The vet did put her on the appetite enhancer and something else to try to reduce the protein in her urine, but we can't tell much difference. Our last Sheltie had kidney failure starting at age 12 and we gave her IVs of fluid for 9 months or so till she couldn't stand up anymore. She wasn't leaking everywhere. I think she got down to 8 lbs. (though she was quite small anyway, probably 15 lbs. max). In hindsight that was too long. Won't go that long again. But, I just keep hoping that something more can be done for this one. She's only 8, and she hasn't really lost any weight. If anything she could stand to lose a pound or two. She just looks pitiful compared to her normal self. No bounce. No squirrel chasing.
 
I am so sorry you are not seeing any improvement...that is heartbreaking. Has your vet suggested a full organ ultrasound? Some health issues don't show up in blood work, but come clear when an ultrasound is done.

Trini
 
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