STAR AND KARMA the ICELANDICS in RENAL FAILURE

The unimaginable has happened. 2 of my dogs are in ICU fighting for their lives. They are BOTH in acute renal failure. Star (4 1/2 years) and Karma (9 years) who is her mother are both critical. They are currently at Greenbrier Veterinary Clinic. It is unclear what has caused this. But they are profoundly ill.

As you can imagine, having one dog in critical condition is both financially and emotionally devastating. Having two in this position is catastrophic. I would like to consider transfer to a university (Virginia Tech would be my choice) but it is completely cost prohibitive. The first step was evaluating renal function and the degree of permenent damage which is underway. I am asking for your help. Should either of the dogs survive the night, I would like to be able to cover their costs without being limited by finances. If this is leptospirosis, every dog in my house will require testing and treatment if indicated. I am beyond overwhelmed.

So, here is what happened. Shortly before Christmas both girls became sick within hours of each other. Both would vomit rather unpredictably. Neither had a fever. Christmas day, the symptoms seem to improve on Karma. I actually believed she was recovered having eaten and gone out to play. Star wouldn't eat and had periodic dry heaves. She was clearly ill, but it never occured to me she was life threatening ill. At 10 pm Karma vomited again after 24 hours clear. At 8 am I called the vet and took Star in. She looked much more worn down and was now uncomfortable. The vet thought pancreatitis, as did I. The work-up began. Star stunned us all with labs so bad on renal, they could not be read. Her pancreas was also inflamed but the vet believed it was secondary to kidney issue. She was immediately hospitalized and treatment began. Labs were sent out for EVERYTHING including Leptospososis and Lymes. She is Lymes positive but has been from prior infection.

At this point I figured it was a good idea to bring Karma in for assessment. Nothing about her appearance or illness prepared us for another acute renal failure. We had labs from her teeth cleaning and 8 years of history. We knew she had no signs of kidney disease. Her labs weren't off the charts but, like Star, her BUN, creatine and phosphorus are sky high. Both dogs were failing to concentrate urine even though Star was dehydrated and not urinating. Karma too, was admitted to begin treatment of pain,-nausea, antibiotics and flushing kidneys.

24-36 hours will tell if there is even a chance to have a good life. The prognosis yesterday was very poor. If we can kick start the kidneys by flushing the toxins or disease, we have a shot. The diagnosis is elusive. We have considered leptospirosis, lymes nephritis, antifreeze, environmental toxins and everything in-between. We are leaning on a lepto exposure and both urine and blood work is pending. Lymes is less likely with both dogs getting sick at the same time. Clearly this isn't a coincidence. I am terrified for my dogs....all of them. ALL ARE FULLY VACCINATED for both Lymes and Lepto.

I cant begin to explain how helpless we are all feeling. I battle with sending sick and dying dogs to the University 2 hours away. But if either has a shot at a good life, is stable enough to survive the trip and the finances are available, it would give me more options. I still can't believe this has happened to two of my dogs. I am in disbelief. If you can help, there are no words that can adequately express my appreciation. 100% of donations will go directly to the veterinarary clinics involved. Thank you.

Should there be an overpayment, it will be contributed to hardship funds by veterinary offices involved.