olliesmama24
Premium Member

Sorry for the lack of updates—it's been quite an emotional roller coaster.
In January 2026, Oliver was diagnosed with mild glomerular damage/dysfunction after our internal specialist submitted his urine for a Urine SDS-PAGE test. He’s had proteinuria for over a year, which is why he previously underwent multiple Cushing’s tests—all of which came back negative.
He is currently taking Telmisartan daily. Based on the specialist’s recommendation, we transitioned him to a renal diet, switching from Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low-Fat to Royal Canin Renal S. He initially did well, but then developed mushy stools followed by two days of watery diarrhea. We tried pumpkin and probiotics (even at maximum doses), but nothing seemed to relieve the gut inflammation.
In March, I took him to a different vet who specializes in nephrology and urology, hoping to better support his kidney health. She recommended changing his food, noting that gut inflammation can contribute to his kidney condition.
We discontinued the Royal Canin Renal S (which he had also developed an aversion to), and transitioned him to Purina Pro Plan Hydrolyzed Vegetarian. He absolutely loves this food—can’t get enough of it—but now he’s straining when trying to go, and his stool is clay-like.
We’re still giving him pumpkin, but the straining is concerning, especially since he had hernia surgery in November 2024. I’m worried about the risk of recurrence if this continues.
Oliver has always had a sensitive stomach, and we’re trying to find a diet that supports both his kidney health and digestive system while helping him maintain regular, comfortable bowel movements.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you’re in Southern California and have a veterinarian you highly recommend, we would love to connect—it always helps to get another perspective.