This is a few weeks ago now, but Kani had her monthly blood test to see how her kidneys are functioning. A few numbers improved, but the most important ones did not:
The BUN and Creatinine (CRE) are most significant in terms of kidney function, and they are asterisked, meaning they are above normal range. (The normal range are the numbers in the middle column.) Not only are they well above normal range, but they are higher than Kani’s October numbers, which I’ve written in on the right-hand side. Phosphorus (PHOS) is also important, and while that has gone down slightly, it is well above normal, even with a daily phosphorus inhibitor medication and dramatic change in diet. However, the PCV count (packed cell count) is within normal range (41%), which is good. From what I understand, this means Kani’s kidneys are still telling her bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Once this percentage drops below 20%, we’re in trouble.
When I asked Kani’s vet to give me an honest prognosis, she said we’re living on a house of cards. Right now Kani feels great. Her tail is wagging, her appetite is good, and she’s alert and fairly active. But at some point, the house of cards will collapse, and my vet warned me this will probably happen quickly. We’ve upped her phosporus inhibitor, and she now gets sub-q fluids three times a week, rather than two. I’ve become very grateful for this time we’re having together. She sleeps very close to me in bed and I make sure to let her know every day how special she is. I’m especially grateful that she made it to our annual holiday photo shoot with Creative Indulgence. I made sure to get some special photos just of her. Here’s the best of the best:
Our next blood test is right before Christmas. Until then, every day is a great day to be with her!
The Spaniel Annals 
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