Possible reasons for kidney trouble in 9 yr old Aussie shepherd? - Page 1

My mother-in-law's 9 year old Australian shepherd was recently diagnosed with kidney problems.  I can't say for sure that it's "kidney failure" and I did not see lab results.  My mother-in-law was just telling me about what has been going on with her dog these past few weeks when I saw her and the dog yesterday for Easter.

The dog is a female, 9 years old on thyroid medication.  She had been eating Wellness Core for years now without problems.  The vet did blood work to review the thyroid and check on that medication.  The dog has been on thyroid medication for at least 4 years now.  The kidney results came back showing that the dog's kidneys were not functioning properly.  The vet told my mother-in-law that it's probably due to being on grain-free, high protein food and switched the dog's food to a prescription diet. My mother-in-law feels terribly that it's her own fault that the dog has kidney problems now because she "fell for the grain-free fad."  Apparently, the latest kidney results for the dog, after a month on the prescription food, are improved.

I feel for the dog, though, because she is always hungry on the prescription food.  The dog has great food drive and she is big for an Aussie but not obese ( she would be fit and trim at around 55 pounds, but has gone up to 60).  She was gaining weight, which is why they were checking on her thyroid medication.  On the prescription diet, she has lost about 4 pounds.

Opinions from anyone on this scenario?

Possible other reasons the kidney's are having problems?

This link might help http://drjeandoddspethealthresource.tumblr.com/post/37721077132/animal-chronic-kidney-disease#.VSKZTpN7R-w

No more vaccinations unless required by law.  Reactions to vaccinations can wreck the dog's kidneys and rabies is the only vaccination required by law.  DPV after 1 year of age is useless and sometimes harmful.