Cocker Spaniel was diagnosed with heart disease... now

[lilrebelbabe18]

Kidney Failure? My English Cocker Spaniel is almost 14 years old. We just went through him being diagnosed with heart disease and had to have a tumor removed from his mouth and 13 teeth pulled. Recently he has been peeing on the carpet frequently, and since this was very unusual for him my mom took him to the vet. They first told her that he had serious heart disease and had anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to live (they didn't tell us much when they diagnosed him originally, just put him on a heart pill and healthy diet). They first thought it may be the medication, but after running test they found he is in the early stages of kidney failure. They said we'd just have to put up with him peeing all over the house, and just take good care of him. Has anyone else had to go through this? Anyone know how long he probably has to live, or anything we can do to help him? Also any tips for the dealing with the wet carpets (he seems to be peeing in his sleep every night now). Any info/advice please?

[chaychayolei]

I haven't experienced the heart issues before, but for the urination problems I would suggest a diaper. I know it sounds silly but I got a Cocker puppy a couple years ago and the thing that saved my carpets was a washable dog diaper. I got mine at petsmart, they have them for all sizes m & f. I would suggest to not bother buying the liners that they sell there because they're expensive, but buy some feminine pads from the grocery store or walmart, there are more and way cheaper.

[Gems]

kindey failur tends to act quick, it attacks quickly and probably puts your dog on the shorter end 6mths to 1yr left...14 yrs is an excelent age for a EC btw.if the vet says hes not in pain, a belly band (essentially a doggy diaper) can be put on him when hes indoors, itll need to be changed frequently and the area cleaned to keep it from mattting but it will help keep the carpets clean...as for cleaning the caprets, natures miracle :)Good luck, and as hard as it it, its time to start preparing for that day...

[erins_kotybear]

The best thing I discovered that would work with a male dog peeing was baby diapers wrapped around his belly. This worked because my dog was 10 lbs so it may work for your dog. Otherwise get a belly band from either the Internet or a pet store. Petco should carry them. They wrap around the belly and you put a pad in them (women's sanitary pads work best as they absorb the most urine.) I really suggest joining the K9Kidneys group on yahoo groups. I am a member and while was not particularly active when my dog was sick they were a tremendous help when Koty passed. A lot of the members are very knowledgeable about diet, supplements, sub-Q fluids, etc. Give it a try and good luck with your dog!EDIT: a REALLY good site for kidney disease is www.dogaware.com I cannot give any accurate info on how long your dog has but just keep hoping and praying.

[texas_angel_wattitude]

There are doggy diapers most petshops have them. I dont want to sound mean god knows I just had my own American bulldog put down and she was only 4 and it was hard. But your dog is suffering and maybe you and your family should come to grips with it and humanely have him put to sleep. Its a hard choice I held my dog until her last breath and about 20 minutes after wards but I did it out of love.

[rachal961]

Sorry to hear that. Just like in humans, heart disease is often followed by kidney problems. The diaper idea is probably the best so you don't have to keep him penned up in a small area, but also don't have to buy new carpet. How long he has to live is unfortunately unknown to any of us (and true for all living things), but it sounds like it won't be really really long as he is quite advanced in age and dealing with serious health problems. Just try to keep him as comfortable as possible - and enjoy him for however many weeks/months/years you still have together.