IMG_9254Lucille had her one week checkup with her kidney specialist today and we are beyond happy to report that she has not only stabilized but has improved since last week. Her blood creatinine decreased from 4.8 to 4.4; this is still quite high and indicates impaired kidney filtration, however the improvement (especially from a value of 6.9 prior to her specialist meeting) says her kidneys are holding steady. Her blood pressure was a remarkable 110/70 today which is NORMAL and is the best it has ever been! This is very important because a lower blood pressure will reduce the stress on her kidneys and heart, and also tells us that the new medication that was added is working. Lastly, and perhaps most exciting, Lucille  gained about 2 pounds!!! She has been eating so well and keeping all her food down. Starting tomorrow she’ll get 4 daily tube feedings as opposed to the current 6 in addition to all natural, kidney sensitive dog food throughout the day. She’s almost finished with all of her antibiotics-the last one being doxycycline for ehrlichia-which will be finished soon, too. The doctor, in her own words, is THRILLED with Lucille’s progress and overall change since last week and, while her prognosis is still guarded as she is still in chronic kidney failure, there is more hope and optimism concerning what the future looks like. Lucille has shown remarkable improvements on a daily basis in terms of energy, appetite and presence but it is still day to day and we will still be getting full blood works up and we’ll get the results for the UTI and Babesia back next week. But for today we’re celebrating and want you to celebrate the best health news report we’ve ever gotten on Lucille!