Hi I hope Maggi is going OK. This is my first post, I am here for a reason so sorry if I sound a bit antisocial. Look forward to contributing more in the future

I've just joined this forum as we are in the same boat with Cherokee, and I hope you don't mind if I share your thread, as I would really like to find out all I can in the way of alternative treatments & options. Here's a brief resume:

Cherokee 9yo white neutered male GSD; had splenectomy 5yrs ago after which we put him & other dog immediately on BARF diet with Aloe Vera juice to support his system in lieu of his spleen.

All gone well til recently. He has had infected gums/bad teeth so was put on course of anti-b's and booked in today to have 2 or more teeth out. Had blood test done first and that has found first stages of kidney failure, with high levels of sodium and phosphorous, although he has been racing around and full of beans apart from his teeth. But I have only just found out OH has not been adding the Aloe Vera juice to his food for 'some time'

They are putting him on a drip for the day to flush out the kidneys and then he's coming home with more anti-bs and kidney medication.

Vet is keen to put him on a special diet but I want to stick to RMB which will be chicken carcasses when we can get them and rabbits hopefully (or at least BARF blocks). As long as it is low but good-quality protein (not red meat) that should be just what he needs.

They won't deal with teeth til kidneys stabilised, and it could be bad news that the cancer which attacked his spleen has now spread via the blood to his kidneys.

Was interested to see post above about holistic vet and think I may go that route too.

I said to vet that Cherokees urine seemed nice & clear - & that was bad apparently so if you think your dog can't be ill, the more colourless the liquid the more it is showing that toxins & waste products not being excreted. Obvious now I've been told

If anyone has any info at all, I would be so grateful as we're not giving up. When the boy was diagnosed with spleen cancer a friend (qualified vet btw) gave him some strengthening healing & acupuncture to get through his op, and though vets amazed at his recovery ('oh he's still alive' was last weeks response!!) they poo-pooed the alternative treatment.

We will do anything which might help and will not harm to improve the quality of however long he has left.

Thanks fo reading, and good to be among you!