How are you Tash? Has talking on here helped?
I come up to Chelsmford at least twice a week at the mo so if I can do anything to help, feel free to ask, I'm more than happy to
Very interested in hearing what meds she has to suggest.
Meanwhile, you might start with some herbs: fresh parsley and dandelion are good for kidney function and most bunnies enjoy these. Burdock root and Milk Thistle seeds strengthen both kidneys and liver and are viewed as "treats" here. Uva ursi leaves have are also good for the urinary tract and, again, are eagerly devoured by my kids who need them.
Good luck! Sending good thoughts your way.
Kathy Smith
Wow....I just saw this thread. I am highly concerned that your vet may not be on the top of his game. Is there any way you can post the entire lab? Labs are pieces of the puzzle that need to be put together. I would like to take a look at the other values.
My first thing I would do it to start sub-q fluids. I would really pay attention to his diet. Pellets are the primary reason proteins are high....and if they are high for extended periods of time, stress to the kidneys will result. The thing to watch for when doing the fluids with a possible kidney issue is edema in the chest cavity. Was a titer for EC performed with the labs? If not, I certainly suggest doing one. Spores from EC causes all sorts of renal issues. I would also like to see some rads to see if there is any calcification in the bladder and/or kidneys. I highly suspect that your rabbit might have an elevated glucose level too.
Just a thought about calcium levels. While it is true that rabbits metabolize calcium in an unusual manner, there is a concern called Metabolic Bone Disease. It is always a nutrtional issue. MBD is a combination of factors involving calcium/phosphorus ratios and access to Vitamins D2 & D3. The D vitamins are attainable thru only two methods.....exposure to direct unfiltered sunlight or supplements. MBD can present as all sorts of problems including weight loss, fur loss, dental issues in which the teeth can migrate or even fall outand in extreme cases, severe seizures as well as other clinical presentations. Calcium is a vital part of a healthy body....but like all other elements, in proper levels.
Has a full urinalysis been performed? If a kidney issue is in play, we need to know what is in that urine. The information provided by the blood labs and the urinalysis should bring things more into focus. And again, if possible, either post the labs or send them directly to me....my e-mail is listed.
In the meantime, make sure hydration is good....and remember that leafy greens provide a lot of hydration. You might want to add some canned pumpkin to his diet (NOT pie filling....canned pumpkin_ This is highly nutritious and many rabbits will eat it willingly. If you have some high quality alfalfa hay available, crush the leaves into as small a pieces as you can and mix in with the pumpkin. Feed a variety of high nutritional greens such as kale, dandelion greens and carrot tops. I would have no problem with your rabbit receiving an injection of B Comp ( a vitamin) as this usually helps to stimulate their appetite and makes them generally feel better.
Try to get those labs for us.
Randy
Did they do a blood test too? Xrays or ultrasound? Any sign of infection in the urine?
Sub-q fluids are often used to help flush the kidneys of toxins. You can see discussions of this in Myheart's thread on Luna. If you can find them, fresh or frozen cranberries are great for the urinary tract and some studies are finding them to have a preventative effect on infections in the kidneys/bladder. Unsweetened cranberry juice would also be a good choice.
Kathy, where do you find those whole versions of the herbal remedies you mentioned?Dandelion greens are in some grocery stores around here but I wouldn't know where to get Uva ursi or burdock root in the middle of winter.
Also, while reading up on dietary treatments for cats and dogs in kidney failure, I've seen mentions for supplementing B vitamins which tend to be lost by damaged kidneys- something to ask your vet about so you could get a proper dosage. It also mentioned that Omega 3 fatty acids seem tobe helpful although they're not sure why yet. That can be supplemented for rabbits with flax seeds or flax oil.
All the best to you and little Bob!
Interesting medicine choice. What does the vet think this will do for thekidneys? The info I'm finding says it's an ACE inhibitor which has the effect of decreasing blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Maybe to increase flow to the kidneys?
Let us know how he does on it.
http://www.prilium.co.uk/
http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/V_AOk-toquinol_UK_Ltd/Prilium_75mg__150mg_and_300mg/-32042.html
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