Is treatment for 12-year-old Santa Cruz dog a step too far?

Plus a reader writes in with a possible solution for a cat who won't eat its food.

DEAR JOAN: I adopted Molly 10 years ago and was told she was about two years old at that time.

A month ago, she had two episodes of night time incontinence, so I took her to the vet. After blood and urine testing, he diagnosed her with kidney disease and arthritis and put her on antibiotics for a possible bladder infection and medicine for bladder control. He said I should bring her to the office to start injecting fluids under her skin twice a week, because her lab reports indicated moderate kidney disease

Long story short, her urine culture was negative, no more night time incontinence, her appetite is good, and her energy level seems to have improved. However she drinks very little water now from her water dish.

I have not taken her in to start hypodermoclysis. I do not want artificial feedings or IVs for myself if I have a terminal disease and am thus reluctant to start “extraordinary” measures for my dog. She has been my constant companion all through these past three years of staying home and mostly away from people.

What do you think?

— Barbara, Santa Cruz

DEAR BARBARA: You should ask your vet to explain more about hypodermoclysis, but I wouldn’t equate it with the artificial feedings or IVs you don’t want for yourself. It’s just giving Molly the hydration she needs to keep her kidneys functioning.

Pets suffering from kidney disease can’t take in as much fluid as they need to flush the toxins from their bodies. They become dehydrated, which puts strain on all their organs. Hypodermoclysis hydrates them with a subcutaneous injection of fluid — under the skin, not in a vein.

Although kidney disease typically worsens over time, you have every reason to be hopeful. The ailment is described as moderate, there is no infection, and the treatments will keep your best bud feeling well. You can even learn to do treatments at home.

I’m guessing Molly received subcutaneous fluids during her recent trip to the vet, which would explain the improvement in her energy levels and her not having any more accidents.

DEAR JOAN: Last summer, I had a problem with my cat similar (to one) you recently wrote about. My cat wanted to eat, but was slowly starving.

I bought a lot of Friskies “Lil Shakes” to give to him. He eagerly lapped them up. I did about five pouches a day, but he is worth it to me. It turned out he had dental problems that were keeping him from eating. I took him to two vet dentists. The first one said he needed all his teeth pulled. I got a second opinion —  turns out he only needed two teeth pulled. When I brought him home, I continued with the “Lil Shakes” for a month. Now he’s OK and eating both dry and wet food.

— James, San Jose

DEAR JAMES: Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I had a cat, Sarah, who had to have all her teeth pulled. I was concerned about what I could feed her, but cats’ palates are very hard, and they are able to eat dry food with no problem. The bigger problem for me was surviving her anger at having left her with the vet all day. That cat could hold a grudge.

The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.