Types Of Kidney Disease In Dogs
- Acute Renal Failure: When the kidneys suddenly fail in an otherwise healthy dog, it is considered acute renal failure. This form of kidney disease develops over a few days, causing a dog to go from normal to very sick in that short period of time.
- Chronic Kidney Disease : Chronic kidney disease is sometimes called chronic kidney failure. More vets have begun calling it chronic kidney disease because it seems to be a better way to describe the disease. Kidney function becomes worse over time, eventually leading to death.
Kidney Failure In Dogs
Also referred to as renal failure, kidney failure can be caused by a number of diseases that may affect the kidneys and related organs. Healthy kidneys regulate hydration, maintain a normal electrolyte balance, release hormones needed to produce red blood cells, and remove toxins.
When the kidneys are no longer able to function efficiently, kidney failure occurs. In dogs, there are two broad categories of this condition:
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose function gradually . Its most commonly caused by degeneration related to old age. While all kidneys have a lifespan, some dogs may deteriorate faster than others.
Acute Renal Failure
Kidney function may suddenly decrease within hours or days. This is known as acute renal failure and is usually associated with consuming toxins or contracting infections.
One thing that differentiates chronic renal failure from acute renal failure is the fact that acute kidney failure can likely be reversed if treated early and aggressively, but chronic kidney failure can only be managed.
Symptoms Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
It’s always tricky to know when your dog is temporarily under the weather or when their change in behavior or health is an indicator of a more serious, underlying condition. Often, dogs’ early signs and symptoms of kidney failure may not be all that different from a temporary illness. “The most common symptoms, especially early on, are usually GI-related, such as a loss of appetite or vomiting,” Dr. Matelski says. “We also see lethargy, sometimes abdominal pain and ultimately decreased urine production.”
If your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to get it to see the vet right away. Even if they aren’t suffering from kidney failure, a vet can diagnose and treat whatever is causing the symptoms.
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Summary Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are no longer functioning correctly. There are two different types acute and chronic kidney failure. Acute kidney failure happens suddenly, and if caught and treated quickly, can be reversed. While there is no cure for chronic kidney failure, symptoms can be minimized with fluid therapy and diet changes.
How Does Kidney Disease Stage Dictate Treatment
Once your vet assigns your dog a kidney disease stage and substage, it is time to think about treatment. You know that your dog is special and unique. Fortunately, IRIS knows that too. They provide guidelines on treatment for the different stages. But they make an important note that these are merely recommendations that your veterinarian can use to tailor the final treatment plan to your dogs unique situation.
All these treatments for chronic kidney disease are either aimed at slowing the progression of disease or improving your dogs quality of life. During Stages 1 and 2, most dogs do not have any signs of illness. So treatments the vet initiates during this time focus on preserving kidney function and slowing disease progression.
In the later stages, treatment shifts to combine both types of treatmentsthose that slow progression and those that improve signs of illness to support quality of life.
Regardless of the stage, it is vitally important that dogs with kidney disease always have free access to fresh water. Otherwise, the specific stage-related management recommendations are:
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Treatment For Kidney Failure In Dogs
As with many other conditions, treatment will be determined by your dogs overall health and the underlying cause of their kidney problems.
If your pet is suffering from acute kidney failure, urgent and intensive treatment will be required, often in intensive care at your animal hospital. That said, if spotted early, milder cases of acute kidney failure may be treated with fluids, antibiotics and medications without the need for hospitalization. In some cases dialysis may be recommended to treat acute renal failure in dogs.
When it comes to treating chronic kidney failure, the primarily focus will be on slowing the progression of the disease and improving your dog’s quality of life. Symptoms of chronic kidney disease such as nausea, fluid imbalances, and blood pressure fluctuations may be treated with medications and/or changes to your dog’s regular diet.
Many dogs being treated for chronic kidney failure go on to enjoy a good quality of life for a number of years. In order to help manage your dog’s condition, and improve your dog’s quality of life, specific nutrients, nutritional supplements or a therapeutic diet may be recommended.
Treatment Of Lyme Disease
If your dog is positive for Lyme disease and is showing signs of this disease, they will be treated with Doxycycline. This is an antibiotic that will help kill these bacteria. Only about 10% of dogs who are positive for Lyme disease will need to be treated. In severe cases, your dog may have to stay in the hospital on IV fluids and injectable medications for them to fully recover.
Many dogs live in areas where there is a high numbers of Lyme disease, but they will not show any signs of the disease. Your veterinarian may recommend that you test your dog each year for tick born disease to know if there are any underlying diseases that you need to be watching for signs of the disease.
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What Are The Iris Stages Of Kidney Disease In Dogs
After your veterinarian has performed a physical exam, urinalysis, and chemistry panel, he or she can compare these results to the IRIS guidelines. One caveat to that is dogs who are ill or dehydrated at the initial vet visit. In that case, your vet cant accurately stage your dogs kidney disease until your dog is rehydrated and feeling better.
The guidelines divide the progression of chronic kidney failure into four sequential stages. IRIS bases the stages on clinical findings plus creatinine and/or SDMA values . The stages are as follows:
Treatments For Renal Failure In Dogs
Treatment for acute renal failure and chronic renal failure in dogs usually begins with intravenous fluids to help remove toxic waste from the blood, improve hydration, and slow progression of the condition.
Dogs who dont respond to intravenous fluids may also need dialysis or hemodialysis. The veterinarian may temporarily put in a feeding tube for dogs who suffer from extreme loss of appetite.
Antacids such as famotidine, ranitidine, or omeprazole may be given to dogs to help with diarrhea and vomiting. If it is suspected that the condition is the result of toxin ingestion, then activated charcoal may be given to bind the substance and help it be removed from the body through feces, urine, or vomit.
Generally, dogs who go through renal failure need dietary changes so they consume less protein, phosphorus, and sodium. They may need elevated levels of potassium and fatty acids added to their diets.
The prognosis for treatment varies, and the extent of treatment depends on the causes of the renal failure, the severity of the condition, and the individual dog. Your vet will prescribe the best course of action based on your dogs specific needs.
Do you take steps to keep your dogs kidneys healthy? Do you keep up with regular vet visits to find health issues early? Let us know in the comments below!
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What Can I Expect From This First Phase Of Treatment
There are three possible outcomes from the first phase of treatment:
1. The kidneys will resume functioning and continue to function for a few weeks to a few years.
2. The kidneys will resume functioning during treatment but fail again as soon as treatment stops, usually within three to fourteen days.
3. Kidney function will not return.
Unfortunately, there are no reliable tests that will predict the outcome. Each case should be treated aggressively and monitored closely. Even dogs that have severe kidney failure may respond favorably to treatment and resume a normal quality of life after treatment.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Suffering Kidney Failure
Since acute kidney failure is commonly caused by consuming tainted foods, foods they shouldnt ingest , or interactions with toxins, in many instances dog owners can prevent this type.
Look at your house through your dogs eyes and remove potential toxins such as antifreeze made from ethylene glycol and store medications or other dangerous-for-dogs foods or substances out of reach of their curious nose.
Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure is most often age-related and predetermined by genetics. However, bringing your dog in for regular physical exams and annual wellness checkups will increase the opportunity to detect these problems early. After that, your vet may be able to develop a treatment plan.
With your veterinarians assistance, your dogs kidney failure can be diagnosed and potentially treated to give her an opportunity to live a long, contented life. If you think your dog may be experiencing chronic or acute kidney failure, its time for an appointment.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets.
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What Are Common Causes Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
Any disease that impacts the kidneys may cause the kidneys to fail, such as:
Congenital Disease: This category is comprised of hereditary conditions and underlying illnesses – everything from cysts to agenesis .
Dental Disease: Advanced dental disease can result from the buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums. The bacteria accumulates here, then enters the bloodstream to attack multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to kidneys, along with the liver and heart.
Bacterial Infections: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water is a hazard, as the system becomes susceptible to bacterial infections including leptospirosis. This can result in inflamed kidneys and renal cells being killed.
Toxicosis: If the kidneys are poisoned, this can cause cells within the kidneys to become damaged. This can happen if your dog consumes drugs or poisons .
Geriatric Degeneration: Cells within the kidneys may break down and die as your dog ages, which can lead to kidney disease.
How To Diagnose Lyme Disease In Dogs
Lyme disease can easily be diagnosed by a blood test. Your vet will want to perform a physical exam and run bloodwork. This bloodwork will also check for liver and kidney abnormalities and help your vet be able to develop a treatment plan for your dog.
Your vet may also take a joint fluid sample to make sure that there is not an infection in their joint capsule. Most dogs who live in popular Lyme disease areas will test positive for Lyme disease. Not all positive animals are treated for this disease.
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Since Chronic Kidney Disease Is Basically Just A Wearing Out Process How Is It Treated
The treatment of chronic kidney disease depends on the results of blood tests, and specific treatments are aimed at resolving specific abnormalities. In some cases, the kidneys are damaged beyond repair before diagnosis and medical treatment is ineffective. However, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many dogs will live a normal lifestyle for many months or years.
Treatment usually occurs in two phases, first flushing the kidneys and removing the accumulated toxins from the blood, and then providing treatments to manage the disease and delay its progression.
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Treatment Of Chronic Renal Failure In Dogs
Dogs with CRF are generally older and have other ongoing issues, such as arthritis or liver disease, and so the management of CRF can be challenging. However, CRF can be managed, mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration.
Specific management is geared toward each stage of the disease, with each progressive stage recommendations built upon the previous stage recommendations. Any dog in any stage with an increase in either UPC or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication.
Throughout your dogs life, any disease process or illness that could affect his hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. Other drugs will be prescribed based on the dogs diagnosis since renal metabolism will be affected and can lead to overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease.
Additionally, for all stages, fresh water should always be available, drinking should be encouraged, and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Dogs diagnosed with CRF are most likely prescribed a kidney friendly diet, which may include feeding your dog a canned diet of wet food that contains additional water.
Preventing Kidney Failure In Dogs
Acute kidney failure is often caused when dogs consume toxins, tainted foods or foods they shouldnt ingest, such as grapes or chocolate. To help prevent your dog from developing acute kidney failure, pay particular attention to the products in your home that are potentially poisonous to your dog. Keep toxic substances such as antifreeze, human medications and potentially harmful foods well out of your dog’s reach.
Chronic kidney failure is generally age-related and predetermined by genetics, making it much more difficult to prevent. That said, regular wellness exams twice yearly at your primary care veterinarian’s office will help to increase the chances detecting symptoms early so that treatment can begin before the condition becomes more severe.
Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
If your dog is showing signs of kidney failure, contact your vet immediately. If your vet is unavailable contact Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma Center in Mechanicsburg.
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Iris Is Committed To Helping Pets With Kidney Disease
In addition to creating these important guidelines, IRIS also investigates ways to accurately diagnose early chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury . Plus, IRIS researches new treatments to improve the prognosis of dogs and cats diagnosed with these diseases.
Medicine is constantly changing, so these guidelines are always a work in progress. IRIS continues to modify them as researchers develop new tests and treatments and experts learn more about this complex disease process.
IRIS structured their guidelines to encourage and facilitate the diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in its earliest identifiable stages. This is the time when treatments to slow progression can have the greatest impact.
I want to clarify, though, that these guidelines are not a method for DIAGNOSING kidney disease. Instead they are a way to tailor treatment, monitor disease progression, and provide prognostic information AFTER diagnosis.
Recovery And Prevention Of Chronic Renal Failure In Dogs
As chronic renal failure is not curable and often progressive in nature, dogs diagnosed early on will benefit from nutritional management and consistent veterinary attention, which may include more frequent check-ups and blood work.
Dogs in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidney, by limiting the amount of work they must do.
Many dogs can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months to years. Dogs in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance. If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian.
Dietary supplements, and phosphorus binders may also be given for low potassium. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic medications can also be prescribed for dogs with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help dehydration. Because of the severity of signs often seen in dogs with stage III and IV, and the amount of care and effort required to support these dogs, some may be humanely euthanized.
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Kidney Disease In Dogs
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Kidney disease is a serious health problem in dogs that requires medical attention. Other common terms for kidney disease include renal failure, kidney failure, and renal insufficiency. There are different forms of kidney disease, and the signs that indicate this disease can vary depending on each dog’s case. Owners of dogs with kidney disease may observe symptoms like nausea, increased thirst, lethargy, loss of appetite, and increased urination as the disease progresses into a chronic stage.
Kidney failure can be either acute or chronic, occurring suddenly or gradually happening over time. While acute kidney disease can be caused by toxins or other health conditions, chronic kidney disease typically affects aging dogs. When a dog’s kidneys are not working properly, it can affect every other system in the body, and kidney disease can be fatal when left untreated.
Can Dogs Survive Acute Kidney Failure
This condition is very serious and sadly the prognosis for dogs suffering from acute kidney failure is poor. It is estimated that more than half of pets suffering from acute kidney failure either die from the condition or are euthanized to prevent suffering.
That said, if caught early and treated aggressively some dogs are able to recover from acute kidney failure.
Your vet will be able to provide you with a realistic prognosis for your pet’s recovery following a complete examination and testing. Your veterinarian will provide you with an estimate of treatment costs and help to guide you through the most appropriate approach to treatment for your pup.
Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
Do you think your dog may be suffering from acute kidney failure? Immediate veterinary care is required Contact our highly skilled Greensboro vets to arrange emergency care during our regular business hours, or visit local area hospitals after-hours.
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