Kidney failure

[Lin Phillips]

Tia will be 15 in 'May so is a very old girl. She has recently been diagnosed with renal failure, after also being cleared of Cushings disease. She also has a mild form of epilepsy and her back lacks have quite bad arthritis. Our main problem,with Tia is her tendency to wet night and day, the smell from her urine is very strong and hard to keep her and the house fresh. Has anybody else experienced the same health problems with their setter?

[Sue Paterson]

What a grand  old age Tia has reached. Sorry to hear of her renal failure etc. I have no experience of that or epilepsy, but I have had a couple who became incontinent periodically for various reasons, and in old age.

To keep them clean underneath we swab off with a mild solution of hibiscrub (anti- bacterial) and then pat dry or use a drier if very wet. I know someone who has used Sudocreme to help keep bare belly skin soft and dry.Frequent breaks for letting out, being ready to help them up. Bedding is soft memory foam mattress, covered in waterproof sleeve plus usual cover and then a vetbed so urine wicks away from them and keeps them as dry as possible. And the washing machine on the go quite a lot!  Plug in air fresheners, room sprays, scented candles and a pleasant smelling disinfectant or Odorkill for use on hard floors.

Its a real labour of love, but they so deserve it.

Enjoy her, and know when to let her go.

[silvia]

Hi Lin, I cant advise.. but I really hope she will have a long and nice time with you for many future years! Such a love you are showing, oh yes she  really deserve it and we will do everything when they are frail and old dont we.. a big hug to Tia from us!