Kidney Disease In Dogs
The kidneys are very important body organs and are essential to normal body function. Normal kidneys filter the waste products that result from routine body functions, and then remove these waste products from the blood stream through the urine.
When the kidneys fail to function properly, these waste products are not filtered properly and are not removed from the body, but rather remain in the blood stream.
As the kidney disease progresses, fewer and fewer of the waste products are removed, resulting in higher and higher levels of waste products circulating through the blood.
Normal kidneys also regulate the amount of fluid retained by the body, as well as playing a major role in maintaining the overall strength of the blood supply.
Anemia is a common problem in dogs with chronic kidney disease.
In the early stages of kidney failure, you may actually see an increase in the amount of urine your dog produces because the damaged kidneys are not properly retaining body fluids.
In the later stages of disease, the kidneys may shut down altogether and stop producing urine.
Kidney disease may have many causes. Potential causes include
- inherited defects,
- infections (such as leptospirosis),
- poisons and other toxic substances (such as antifreeze), and
- nutritional factors.
Old age is also a common factor in the condition termed “chronic renal failure” and is the primary cause of death in many older dogs.
Often the exact cause of kidney failure cannot be determined, but with careful examination and testing, the severity of the disease can be evaluated so that the best method of management for the condition can be recommended.
Kidney disease may be acute (occurring suddenly) or chronic (progressing over a period of time). Chronic kidney failure is the most common case in dogs and cats, and repeated acute episodes can result in chronic kidney failure also.
Symptoms Of Kidney Disease:
The signs of chronic kidney disease are attributable to a build-up of body waste materials resulting from the kidneys not functioning properly. In very simple terms, animals suffering from kidney disease are poisoning themselves on their own body wastes.
Signs include:
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst (water consumption)
- Increased frequency of urination
- Poor hair coat
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Diagnosis Of Kidney Disease:
Diagnosis will involve a physical examination carried out by your dog's veterinarian.
History will also play a role in diagnosis, especially in cases of exposure to toxins or nutritional deficits. You will want to notify your dog's veterinarian if your dog has been exceptionally thirsty or is urinating more than normal.
Your dog's veterinarian will need to do some basic laboratory tests to diagnose kidney disease. Some of these tests include:
- A routine blood screen
- Urinalysis (chemical and physical examination of your dog's urine)
- Urine cultures to identify specific infections
Kidney disease is also a frequent cause of hypertension (high blood pressure), so your dog's veterinarian may also advise monitoring your dog's blood pressure on a regular basis if a diagnosis of kidney disease has been reached.
Treatment Of Kidney Disease:
The treatment of kidney disease will vary depending on your dog’s symptoms and physical condition.
Treatment may include
- fluid therapy,
- special diets and
- other medications to help control symptoms such as anemia, vomiting and/or diarrhea, or changes in the electrolyte levels.
In cases of acute kidney disease, fluid therapy will likely be a cornerstone of treatment, serving to replace body fluid quantities lost through the urine and also to increase the blood flow to the kidneys in an attempt to allow them to filter more waste from the blood. Fluid therapy may be necessary for those animals suffering from chronic renal failure as well.
Often special diets, especially those low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, are recommended to help ease the burden placed on the kidneys. However, in some situations, promoting nutrient intake (i.e. getting your dog to eat) may become more important than feeding a special diet, especially in cases where your dog is refusing most foods.
Your dog's individual physical condition will also bear on the diet recommended. Not all dogs with kidney failure need special diets. Your dog's veterinarian will help you determine the diet which is optimal for your dog.
Other medications frequently used are medications, such as cimitedine, which reduce stomach irritation, and phosphate binders which control the levels of phosphorus building up in the blood stream.
Calcitriol is another medication commonly used to control both calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood stream.
Various vitamins (B-complex, C, and E) may be recommended, along with omega three fatty acids, all of which may help to increase your dog's overall health condition and replenish supplies lost by the malfunctioning kidneys.
Hormones, such as androgens or erythropoiten may be recommended to control anemia caused by kidney disease.
Frequent monitoring of the various diagnostic tests related to kidney function is a must to evaluate the efficacy of treatment and to provide your dog with the longest and best quality of life possible.
In severe cases, procedures such as kidney dialysis and even kidney transplants have been utilized as a last resort. However, these methods are frequently not very practical and usually only performed by veterinary specialists.
If your dog is suffering from kidney disease, it is important to make certain that clean fresh water is available to your dog at all times. Limiting water availability can be fatal.
You should also try to establish an environment for your dog which is as stress-free as possible. Making certain your dog is eating and drinking properly is important in treating kidney disease at home.
