My sweet dog Kilo hasn’t been feeling well for a little over a month so we’re searching for some answers for my pet. 🐾
About a month ago, I started noticing subtle but concerning changes. He was unusually lethargic, didn’t want to get up much, seemed uncomfortable in his body, almost like he was inflamed or in pain, and had very little interest in food or even some of the things he normally gets excited about. As a dog parent, you know when something just doesn’t feel right.
🩺 We took him in for testing, and one of the first things that came back was an elevated SDMA and whie blood cell level. While his other kidney values were normal, hearing that anything is elevated is enough to start asking questions and digging deeper.
We still don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m grateful we listened to our instincts and got my pet checked when we did!!
📍 What’s next:
🐶 Monitoring his appetite, energy, hydration, and bathroom habits closely
🧪 Reviewing additional test results and ruling out other possible causes
🥣 Making diet adjustments and finding foods that are easier on his system
❤️ Taking it one day at a time and doing everything we can to get our boy feeling like himself again
💊Administering antibiotics
I’m sharing our experience in the hopes that if another family notices subtle changes in their pet, they trust their gut and ask the extra questions. Sometimes the smallest changes are the ones worth paying attention to.
Vet and clinic info:
@Banfield Pet Hospital
@Chewy
@Walmart
@ZoetisPetcare
#dogsoftiktok #familydog #pitbullsoftiktok #fyp #creatorsearchinsights
As a devoted pet parent, I've learned that subtle health changes in dogs often require more attention than we might initially think. When my dog Kilo started showing signs of lethargy and loss of appetite, it was a clear signal to act quickly. Elevated SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine) is a relatively recent kidney biomarker that helps detect kidney function decline earlier than traditional markers like creatinine. In Kilo’s case, this elevation hinted at possible early kidney issues even though other kidney values remained normal. Alongside the elevated SDMA, we noticed a rise in white blood cells, which generally indicates immune response or inflammation. These lab results led us to engage closely with our vet to investigate underlying causes such as infections, inflammation, or other systemic problems. We adjusted Kilo’s diet to include renal-friendly foods that are easier on his kidneys and supportive of overall health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in phosphorus can help reduce inflammation and support kidney health. Throughout this process, consistent monitoring proved invaluable. Tracking Kilo’s appetite, hydration status, energy levels, and bathroom habits allowed us to catch any worsening symptoms early. Administering prescribed antibiotics helped manage any suspected infections contributing to his symptoms. Our experience underscores the importance of trusting your instincts and not overlooking even the smallest changes in your pet’s behavior or health. For other dog owners, when you notice unusual lethargy, discomfort, or decreased interest in favorite activities, have your pup evaluated comprehensively. Early detection through blood tests like SDMA and white blood cell counts can make a critical difference in managing potential kidney or immune issues. Remember, each pet is unique, and their health journey is a process best navigated with patience, love, attentive care, and professional veterinary guidance.
