Canine Renal Failure

canine renal failure




Canine renal failure which is also known as kidney disease can cause a variety of symptoms and considerable pain around the kidneys.

There are two forms of kidney disease in dogs one that is classed as Acute and the other classed as Chronic...

Each form can cause considerable problems and upsetting symptoms in your dog. Consequently, so that you are more able to spot the warning signs of the disease we have provided a list of the possible symptoms and causes such as prostate cancer that your dog may suffer...

It is important to remember that just because your dog is suffering from possible kidney disease it doesn't always mean the end for your dog, although this can depend on the damage and how advanced the stages.

We urge you to contact your vet if you have any worries regarding your dog, and although we have provided advice on the treatment and diet for kidney failure in your dog, please don't use it as a diagnostic tool.
 

Canine Renal Failure

As previously mentioned canine renal failure can take two or more forms, we will discuss two of the common varieties...

Acute Kidney Failure...

This form can attack your dog suddenly but the prognosis can be reasonably good if it is treated before too much damage is caused. Below we have provided some of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Causes...
  • Heart disease, a bacteria called Leptospirosis and fungal infections can be a cause.
  • Your dog may have inadvertently swallowed some rat poison or anti-freeze.
  • Some medications and antibiotics can cause canine renal failure.
  • A sudden trauma to your dog that has caused his blood pressure to fall suddenly and dramatically can be a cause, being hit by a car and the shock of it maybe a cause.
Symptoms...
  • Your dog maybe be thirsty due to dehydration.
  • Pain around your dog's kidneys
  • Your dog may not be urinating as much or not at all.
Diagnosis...
  • Acute kidney failure can be diagnosed through blood tests and urinalysis.
Treatment...
  • A vet will normally start by treating the underlying cause of the problem.
  • Your dog may have to receive IV fluids to help flush out any toxins.
If your vet has tried treating the underlying causes and and also used an IV drip on your dog and this has still not worked, your vet may decide that dialysis is the answer, there are two types of dialysis...
  • Peritoneal dialysis involves fluid being injected directly into your dog's belly and then being extracted along with any possible toxins.
  • Hemodialysis is very expensive with many vets not having the facilities, it involves a machine that filters toxins in your dog's bloodstream.
Chronic Kidney Failure...

This form can be slow and progressive and can recur and last for some duration and it needs to be treated early before too much damage is caused. Below are some of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Causes...
  • Infection.
  • Heart disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Your dog may have swallowed some poison.
  • Another cause of canine renal failure maybe due to a trauma or shock like being hit by a car.
A kidney disorder may have been inherited by your dog from birth which can also lead to chronic kidney disease, below are some of the different types...
  • Renal Hypoplasia - this when the kidney's haven't completely developed.
  • Renal Agenesis - This is when on or even both of your dog's kidneys are missing from birth.
  • Renal Dysplasia - The kidneys haven't developed normally.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease - This is when there are cysts in your dog's kidneys.
Symptoms...
  • Extreme weight loss.
  • Your dog may seem depressed.
  • Is your dog vomiting?
  • Constipation in dogs and diarrhea maybe symptoms of canine renal failure.
  • Your dog will have extreme thirst. You will fill his bowl up and he will drink it all and still want more.
  • Your dog may urinate around the house, simply because he can't help it.
  • Your dog may seem very weak.
  • Pain around the kidneys is another symptom of kidney disease.
  • Your dog's breath may have a smell similar to ammonia.
  • Check your dog's tongue, if it is dark it maybe a symptom of the disease.
Diagnosis...
  • Ultrasound and X-rays maybe needed to determine whether the kidneys are damaged.
  • Blood tests.
  • Your vet may need to perform kidney biopsy to get a really good idea whether the disease is present.
  • Urinalysis
Treatment...

There isn't a cure but the progression of the disease can be slowed, depending on the stages of the disease. Treatment may include some of the following treatment, medications and diet.
  • Your dog maybe given medication to stop the vomiting.
  • Sometimes your dog may have lost vital vitamins so B vitamins may be prescribed by your vet.
  • Your dog should always have enough water to drink.
  • Sometimes a specific diet may help your dog's symptoms, including dog food that is very low in protein, has specific salt and minerals for your dog.
  • Your vet may prescribe erythropoietin to treat any anemia that your dog has or may even use steroids.
  • Blood transfusions may also be offered by your vet.
  • Sometimes your vet may use bicarbonate, this will help regulate the pH levels in your dog's blood.
  • IV fluids may also be used to remove any toxins in your dog's body.
N.B. Although kidney cancer in dogs is very rare prostate cancer can cause kidney failure in your dog.



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