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Your dog's kidneys are important organs that filter waste products from the bloodstream. When the kidneys become weakened due to acute or chronic kidney disease, your dog's health can be compromised. Kidney disease progresses over time, so it's important to be able to recognize common symptoms. If your dog's kidney disease is detected early, treatment can slow its progression and help your dog live a longer life.
What is kidney disease in dogs?
Kidney disease in dogs is sometimes referred to as renal insufficiency or renal insufficiency because it occurs when a dog's kidneys no longer function as well as they should. “The kidney's primary job is to help remove waste products from the blood, excrete them, and convert them into urine,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC's chief veterinary officer. “When your kidneys aren't working properly, these waste products can build up in your blood and cause negative effects.”
Dogs can develop acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), which develops slowly and worsens over a long period of time. Both involve loss of kidney function, but the causes are different. “Acute kidney disease is a sudden attack or damage to the kidneys, whereas chronic kidney disease is a slow, degenerative loss of kidney function,” explains Dr. Klein.
What causes kidney disease in dogs?
Dr. Klein explains that kidney disease can be caused by a variety of things, including infections (such as bacteria that cause leptospirosis), trauma, genetics, drugs, toxins, cancer, mechanical obstruction (such as kidney stones), and degenerative diseases. I'm warning you that it's sexual. (if the work or form of the affected body part deteriorates over time). Decreased blood flow to the kidneys, such as from dehydration or heat stroke, can reduce kidney function.
Acute kidney disease in dogs can be caused by exposure to poisonous plants such as lilies, certain drugs, harmful foods such as grapes and raisins, and hazardous substances such as antifreeze. Keeping your home and yard puppy-free will keep your dog away from potentially harmful objects and poisonous food.
Chronic kidney disease in dogs is also associated with aging. Once kidney tissue is damaged, it cannot regenerate, so the kidneys wear out over time. As a small dog often live longer Compared to large breed dogs, dogs tend to show early signs of kidney disease at an older age of 10 years or older, compared to as young as 7 years for large breed dogs.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease in dogs?
An early sign of kidney disease in dogs is increased urination and associated thirst. Other symptoms usually do not become apparent until about two-thirds of the kidney tissue has been destroyed. Therefore, in the case of CKD, the damage may have started months or even years before the owner noticed it. Because of this, signs of kidney disease in dogs often seem to appear suddenly, when in fact the kidneys have been suffering for a long time.
Other signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs to look out for include:
Dr. Klein says you should also be aware of rare symptoms of kidney disease in dogs. “In some cases, the patient may have difficulty urinating or have abdominal pain due to stones, and in some cases, there may be ulcers in the oral cavity or stomach cavity. In extreme cases, little or no urine may be produced. there is.”
What are the stages of chronic kidney disease in dogs?
Kidney disease in dogs is measured in stages. Used by many veterinarians IRIS scale, There are four stages. Measuring blood tests such as creatinine and SDMA (kidney function biomarkers) allows your veterinarian to assign your dog to a specific stage, which will determine the exact treatment.
Dr. Klein explains: “The stage determines how well the kidneys are able to filter waste and excess water from the blood. As the stage progresses, kidney function worsens. In the early stages of CKD, the kidneys are still filtering waste from the blood. In later stages, the kidneys have to work harder to filter the blood, and in later stages they may stop working completely.
How is kidney disease in dogs treated?
Dialysis (a medical procedure that removes waste products and excess water from the blood) is much more common in humans than in dogs, but in some cases peritoneal (kidney) dialysis can also be performed. In rare cases, surgical kidney transplantation is possible in dogs.
However, Dr. Klein notes that depending on the type and stage of kidney disease, the main treatments for CKD are dietary changes and administration of fluids either directly into the vein (intravenous) or under the skin (subcutaneous). Masu. “Electrolyte balance and correction is critical in the management of renal patients,” he explains.
Proper nutrition is necessary, and there are many prescribed diets for dogs and cats with kidney problems, some of which require a prescription. Your veterinarian can help guide you on the best diet for your pet.
Kidney disease, especially in the late stages, can reduce your dog's appetite, so encouraging your dog to eat enough can be difficult. Dr. Klein advises: “Drugs used as appetite stimulants are available, such as the prescription drug mirtazapine. Capromorelin was recently approved by the FDA to address appetite in dogs with chronic kidney disease.”
When should I contact my veterinarian?
The prognosis and expected life expectancy for dogs with kidney disease varies depending on the type of disease, rate of progression, and the dog's underlying health conditions. However, the more serious the disease, the worse the prognosis. That is why it is so important to detect the disease early.
According to Dr. Klein, “In chronic kidney disease, there are ways to reduce the workload the kidneys have to do, such as diet and medications, that may help slow the progression from one stage to the next. There are a few.” In acute kidney disease, people have limited time and options to prevent further damage to the kidneys and to rejuvenate them to normal function. ”
Regular veterinary exams, such as blood tests, are a great way to detect kidney problems before any outward symptoms become apparent. If you notice any of the above signs, don't hesitate to take your dog to the veterinarian for further testing. It can make a huge difference in keeping kidney function and your dog healthy for as long as possible.
