9 in every 1,000 dogs that are experienced chronic kidney failure. And while dogs of any age can be detected with the kidney disease, it is more frequently seen in older dogs.
What Is Chronic Kidney Failure?
Chronic kidney failure in dogs linked to few things manages blood pressure, blood glucose, blood volume, water composition in the blood, and pH levels, and produces red blood cells and certain hormones — can take so place so slowly, that by the time the symptoms have become obvious, it might be too late to treat the condition effectively. Frequently, the kidney will find ways to compensate as it loses functionality over the course of months, or even years.
While chronic renal failure can not be reversed or treated, treatment and management aimed at lowering the contributing factors and symptoms can slow its progression.
Chronic kidney failure can impact both dogs and cats.
Symptoms and Signs of Chronic Kidney Failure In Dogs
Symptoms frequently happen slowly over an extended petriod of time. In addition, symptoms may vary and not all those listed below will be seen in every dog:
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Absence of cravings (anorexia).
- Acute loss of sight.
- Seizures and comas.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria).
- An increase in the frequency and amount of urination.
Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure in Dogs
Causes of kidney failure can include kidney disease, urinary obstruction (obstruction of the urinary tract or of the ureters), certain prescription medications, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, and genetic (genetic) elements.
The following breeds are prone to chronic renal failure:
- Samoyed.
- Bull Terrier.
- Cairn Terrier.
- German Shepherd.
- English Cocker Spaniel.
Diagnosis
Your dog will go through a complete blood profile, including a chemical blood profile, a total blood count, and a urinalysis. Dogs with chronic renal failure may have anemia, unusual electrolyte levels, and elevated blood pressure. The levels of specific protein enzymes and chemicals such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) will likewise be high.
Another great indication of chronic renal failure is urine that is either concentrated or dilute, hence showing the kidney’s failure to process the urine properly. X-ray or ultrasound imaging may likewise be used to observe the shapes and size of the dog’s kidney( s) to see if there are any visibly obvious irregularities. Frequently, chronic kidney failure causes kidneys to become unusually small.
Treatment for Chronic Kidney Failure In Dogs
Dogs suffering from chronic kidney failure will often go through fluid therapy to assist with diminished body fluid levels (dehydration). Dietary protein is often limited, considering that it can further compound the issue.
Although there is no treatment for chronic kidney failure, there are numerous steps that can be taken to decrease the symptoms and slow the development of the disease. For example, feeding your dog a specifically developed kidney diet, or other diet low in protein, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium, is normally really helpful. These specially developed foods will usually have a higher level of potassium and polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids), both have shown to be advantageous to the kidneys. The drawback is that these foods are not tasty.
If your dog is resistant to its new diet, percentages of tuna juice, chicken stock, or other flavor enhancers can be used with guidance from your vet.
Keeping hydration is critical. You will have to guarantee your dog constantly has an adequate quantity of clean water to drink. If your dog has been identified with dehydration, extra fluids may be provided intravenously or under the skin (subcutaneously).
Phosphorus binders and vitamin D supplements are frequently offered to dogs with chronic kidney failure in an attempt to enhance calcium and phosphorus balance, and to reduce some of the secondary results of kidney failure. H-2 receptor blockers, or other medications to treat the secondary stomach ulcers and gastritis that develops, can be helpful in increasing a dog’s appetite. Depending upon the symptoms and conditions, other medications that may be considered include:
- Anti-hypertensives to reduce blood pressure.
- Enalapril to block angiotensin, a natural blood pressure elevator.
- Erythropoietin to promote the production of red cell, therefore increasing oxygen in the tissues.
How to Help Your Dog with Chronic Kidney Failure?
Chronic kidney failure is a progressive disease. Dogs experiencing this disease ought to be kept track of on a continuous basis, with frequent check-ups to ensure that it is not needed to make changes to medications or diet.
Your dog’s diagnosis will depend upon the seriousness of the disease and its stages of progression, but a few months, or a few years of stability might be anticipated, with the proper treatment. The best way to manage this disease is to follow through with the treatments your veterinarian recommends.
Pet owners are encouraged not to reproduce dogs that have developed chronic kidney disease.
Prevention
There are currently no known techniques for preventing kidney disease.