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My dog with kidney failure is collapsing and shaking. Is this normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi, our 11 year old Jack Russell has a heart attack & kidney failure on Thursday 12/03, we couldn’t let him go and asked if the vet could help. He was put on fluids and given meds to help, he perked up and Friday and she said give him 100% rest and we’ll see him next week. He is just laying there, he won’t eat, was sick yesterday and collapsed, started shaking? Is this normal? Is this how he will be or part of the recovery? Thanks

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Anna M., DVM

Answered By Anna M., DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 15th, 2020

I'm sorry to hear your dog isn't doing well. No, this isn't normal - if he has been diagnosed with kidney failure then I recommend keeping him hospitalized and on IV fluids until his kidney values improve and he's feeling better and regains his appetite. Sometimes we can turn kidney failure cases around, and sometimes we can't - it really depends on their response to our therapy. Your vet may have not been open for the weekend and therefore had to discharge him Friday, but I recommend looking for the nearest 24 hour emergency vet location if he's still doing poorly, and then potentially transferring him back to your vet Monday morning.
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