Dog liver/kidney failure

Hi all! Would love some advice please on something that has been upsetting the family and myself recently.

Where to begin .... Our little dog (not staffy but I'm sure biologically speaking he's the same) has this year developed either liver or kidney failure - or both!
It started early this year - weight loss, loss of appetite, excessive drinking, etc we knew from his age that it was likely to be liver/kidneys. He started fitting and becoming lethargic so we took him to the vets. The vet took a blood sample and confirmed that it was either liver or kidney failure. The vet said we could do a scan to find out what it is exacntly but they would have to put him under general and he is just too weak and probably would not wake.
We changed his diet, fed him white fish, chicken. Hes been drinknig filtered watwer and we keep him as comfortable as possible.
For a tiem he was fine - the fits stopped and he was his usual self.
Recently however, the fits have started again. Originally just the twitchy fits - likely petit mals. Last night he had his first grand mal - spasms, frothing at the mouth, etc this may have been brought on by my dad trying to cuddle/comfort him whilst he was having a petit mal - I think he made the fit worse by doing this.
It was very upsetting to see. He soon recovered after the fit but he has been having the twitchy fits today.
Has anyone been in this position? Anything we can do? I dont belive the vet can offer treatment besides the scan that we know he is too weak for to recover from the general.
I know to be prepared for the worst.
Sorry about the rant!
Any advice/help is much appreciated

I cant give any advice sorry, but I am sad to read this someone will be along soon with advice.
Hugs to Minnie and you and your family xxxx

I'm so sorry to hear about this! It must be an awful thing for you to have to see.

Personally, I think it would be best to sit down with your vet to discuss what options are available for your boy. I really wish I could offer some more helpful advice than that, but from what you've said, it looks like you're already doing the things I would have recommended - diet change, comfortable life, etc..

How awful for you all. My heart goes out to you.

Please don't think your dad made matters worse by trying to cuddle him. Whilst he's fitting he won't know what's happening around him, so it won't have done any harm.

If it were me, I'd carry on giving tender loving care for as long as Minnie is enjoying life. Let him know he's loved and just enjoy every day. You will know when the right time has come to let him go, and I'm sure you will do what's best for him.

I'm so sorry that I can't offer any more advice, I'd love to wave a wand and make it all better for you. 

Has your vet sugested any treatment for him?

Thanks for all the kind words guys!
Its really tough at the moment. From what my dad has read its the last stages of liver failure. I guess all we can do is see. My dad has been making him a stew of potato, sweet potato, green beans and white fish - something he found online.
If it continues I think my dad will be taking a trip to vets.
He's been the family pet for 14 years so its tough.

It's always tough, and there's nothing anybody can say to make it easier for you. But 14's a good age, and I'm sure he's had many years of great love and companionship from you.

I hope you know that we're here to listen if you need us.

Thanks Caryll
and yeah your right 14 is a good age. He's currently asleep at the side of me. Not been any of the twitching for a while - dont want to speak to soon though!

You and your family sound like the kind of dog owners every single dog should have   Stay strong - he knows how much you love him  

He sounds a real sweetie. Any chance of some pics of him?

Huge hugs from us xxx

Aww thank you Jo, thats sweet of you to say
 
I'll try put a pic up Caryll. Hopefully I've done it right.
 



It was taken earlier this year, january I believe. One of the nice ones.

Awwww, he's so beautiful! 

Aww bless him, he is a ripe old age for a wee fella   

Thanks for posting a pic of the beautiful and very much loved Minnie  

Aww thanks you all!
He is a sweetie!

Oh XemzX, I do feel for you. Minnie has been a part of your life since you were, at a rough guess, 8 years old. It is so hard to see our nearest and dearest failing in health as they get older, and the very best thing we can do for our oldies is to keep them as happy and comfortable as possible whilst they are still with us.

Your love, care and attention to Minnie will mean the world to him at this difficult time. Bless you both - we are always here to talk to if it helps you            

Thank you Lynda for the kind words anf yeah your right we've had him since I was a child or approx 8ish - when you say it like that it seems so long ago, yet it just goes so quick! I still remember visiting the breeder as a family and picking him out.
Your certainly right though - keep them happy while they are still with us.

Aww gorgeous Minnie   

My last staff, my girl tyra had liver disease and we believe cancer at the end, she lived for 3 years on liver support meds and liver support prescription diet, tyra was on doxion 425 mg tablets once per day. Started with lethargy, excessive drinking, weightloss she never had fits though! She was able to have a liver scan with no anaesthetic, she just lay there with me talking to her. It's not invasive! Ask your vet to do a bile acid test and liver enzyme bloods that should let you know if its liver related or not. Hope that helps. Thinking of you xxxxxx

Forgot to say, tyra was lived til she was 14.

My heart goes out to you and I hope that it all turns out well. 14 years is a great run and I know that these years will always be cherished.

Big hugs to you all from us

Thanks for that bit of info kellie - I told my dad about what you posted.
Hes been a bit better today. He had a bath and was a bit more alert and keen for food. I've not seen him fit for a bit either.