Health Problems of a Senior Corgi

My twelve year old corgi is recovering from pancreatitis and has been diagnosed with heart and kidney problems. On a special kidney diet, taking pancreatic enzymes, sleeping a little more than before, still playing and still begging (no people food snacks allowed) and enjoying every morsel of his food. Anyone with a senior with similar problelms? Any hints to help my beloved Charlie? Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Melissa and Franklin! on November 2, 2011 at 1:36pm

I don't have an elderly corgi but in my pharmacology class yesterday we were talking about some supplements and we were discussing Omega 3s. May be worth talking to your vet about supplementing Charlie's diet with some Omega 3 fatty acids because they do a lot to help heart and kidney function. Also, Taurine is very good for the heart, maybe add some fresh cooked meat to his diet like chicken or ground beef if the vet ok's that. Its a bit hard to supplement when he had pancreatitis so always ask your vet before adding anything, but these 2 supplements definitely have a lot of heart and kidney benefits.

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Permalink Reply by Becky S on November 2, 2011 at 3:34pm

however, fats are NOT good for pancreatitis. I'm a dietitian and counseling a patient on pancreatitis tomorrow and it is a very strict fat intake, so even though omega 3's are a very healthy type of fat, they are still 100% fat so I'm not sure that would be a very good idea. But like you said Melissa, check with the vet, I'm not an animal nutritionist, just a human one.

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Permalink Reply by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on November 2, 2011 at 3:05pm

I have had senior corgis, but none with the problems you have had with your little guy. I myself though, have kidney problems and some heart issues. Don't know if the same rules apply for dogs...but I am now on dialysis and can tell you about renal diets. Not too much protein beacuse it taxes the kidneys. You also have to watch yur potassium and phosphorus intake. Veterinary Select makes a dog treat that is low in fat and phosphorus - it's like a little rice cake in lamb or chicken flavor. I hope that all is going well, and at least you have a happy corgi. That's all they really need...to be loved and happy. Best Wishes to you!

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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on November 2, 2011 at 8:45pm

My senior mix, Bruce, is 16...maybe older. He's a rescue. He was diagnosed with impaired kidney function three years ago; we put him on Royal Canin renal function kibble, and I supplement it with either a little canned Science Diet senior (4% protein) or home-made low protein dog food. Since then, his numbers have improved and stabilized.

He doesn't hear very well anymore, but that's a blessing. We live near the marine corps base, and he would shake and tremble with fear whenever they do live ordinance training, or whenever we'd get the rare thunderstorm. Now he doesn't hear it, so he's not scared anymore. His vision is going, but you wouldn't know it the way he gets around.

He sometimes favors his rear left leg due to arthritis, so he doesn't go out to the dog park or on long walks anymore. I give him a Dasuquin chew (glucosamine etc etc) every other day for it.

He sleeps more, but he's a very happy, alert, well-loved dog with a super appetite and leaps up with excitement if he sees me walking toward the treat jar :)

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Permalink Reply by christy fry on November 3, 2011 at 11:31am

My Shuffs had pancreatitis about a year before he passed. He was on a prescription low fat Royal Canine dog food all his treats were to have a 6% fat content or less I found only 1 commercial treat that fit that requirement. He was not allowed anything else and I did have him on fish oil before his bout but he had to stop it afterward.