Download Renal Failure in Toy Breeds

Renal Failure in Toy Breeds:
I found out some interesting facts today at the nephrologists’.
1. Papillon’s as a breed are prone to renal failure-toy breeds in general, but also by breeding.
2. If the BUN is elevated in Papillon’s, Maltese, and I believe he said Shitzu's, there is a
mathematical equation to use to figure out their "real" creatinine level which is what they use to
signal renal failure. It is:
The BUN/Creatinine ratio (so BUN divided by creatinine), divided by 16.67 x 1.8.
The 1.8 accounts for their small body and less body fat than a "normal" :-) dog. Anyway the
answer to the equation reflects the "real" creatinine level. In Mopsy's case in Michigan she was
4.6 up from 2.6 in June. They don't always use this equation (though Dr. Thornhill does anyway)
if the BUN/Creatinine ratio is in the 20's.
3. These dogs should get Lactated Ringers, not Normisol which most vets like to use because
they usually are losing calcium, and Normisol will not replace it.
4. If put on Azodyl, which is new in the last year, the capsule must be given whole and helps the
small intestine to act as a dialysis membrane to promote toxin exchange in the bowel so it doesn't
build up in the blood.
Anyway, just some facts that might help if anyone else has a pap in or goes into renal failure.
Only the nephrologists’ appears to have known this around here, not any vets (and I have seen a
few, lately!) of the ones I saw knew any of these bits of info. I learned a lot today, and I'll share
all of this with my general vet!
Lori, IL and Mopsy
et al