What are signs of kidney failure in dogs?
Watch for these common symptoms of kidney failure:
A few factors can indicate whether kidney problems or other issues such as diabetes mellitus are causing the symptoms, such as: the type of kidney failure your dog may be experiencing, the extent of loss of function in the kidneys, progression of the condition and its underlying causes.
What is renal failure in dogs?
Renal failure (also referred to as kidney failure) can be caused by many conditions that negatively affect the health and functioning of the kidneys and its related organs.
A healthy dog’s kidneys work to regulate hydration, release hormones required to produce red blood cells, remove toxins and maintain a normal balance of electrolytes. If a dog experiences kidney failure, the kidneys no longer perform these functions efficiently.
While kidney problems can be concerning for any pet owner, don’t lose hope if your veterinarian has diagnosed your pup with a kidney issue that may lead to kidney failure. Depending on the circumstances, there may be measures you and your veterinarian can take to prolong your pet’s life. Here’s what you should know.
There are two types of renal failure in dogs:
Most commonly associated with toxins or infections, acute renal failure causes kidney function to suddenly decline (in hours or days).
This type of kidney failure involves more gradual loss of kidney function (over weeks, months or years). Degeneration associated with geriatric decline is often to blame. While all kidneys have a natural lifespan, some dogs’ kidneys will, unfortunately, deteriorate more quickly than others.
Any disease that impacts the kidneys can cause kidney failure. These conditions include:
From abnormal development and cysts to agenesis (being born without one or both kidneys) there are a number of inherited conditions that can lead to abnormal kidney function.
These can be transmitted by swimming in or drinking contaminated water. This type of infection can cause the kidneys to become inflamed and renal cells to be destroyed.
Also referred to as kidney poisoning, toxicosis can damage the kidneys’ cells and happens when your dog ingests poisons (such as chocolate or antifreeze) or drugs (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen). These are just some of the many common household items that should be kept out of the reach of your dog’s curious paws.
Any condition that causes the kidneys to stop functioning properly is referred to as kidney or renal disease in dogs, and may vary significantly in severity. While damage is in progress, there is still functional tissue left. Renal failure is far more serious, as the kidneys have stopped working altogether.
What does “Chronic Renal Failure” mean?
Many people think that “chronic kidney failure” or “chronic renal failure” means that the kidneys have stopped working and are not making urine. Fortunately, this is not the case. By definition, chronic renal failure (CRF) is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of its physiological waste products, not the inability to produce urine. Ironically, most dogs in kidney failure produce large quantities of urine, but the bodys toxic wastes are not being effectively eliminated.
How to Recognize the Signs & Symptoms of Canine Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in dogs isnt super common, but the odds of your dog acquiring this health condition can creep up as he gets older.
But just like kidney disease in cats, you and your veterinarian can treat chronic kidney disease so your dog can live on for years after the diagnosis. Heres what to know about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for dog kidney disease.