Kidney Failure in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Kidney Failure in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

Is something amiss with your furry friend? Have you noticed a surge in water consumption, persistent requests to go outside, a disinterest in their kibble, or perhaps an unwelcome onslaught of doggie breath? These could be indicators of kidney disease in your beloved canine companion.

Kidney disease affects up to 7% of our canine friends, with a higher incidence among older dogs and certain susceptible breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Boxers. However, kidney disease, and its more severe form, kidney failure, can strike any dog, regardless of age or breed.

Understanding Kidney Failure in Dogs

The kidneys play a crucial role in your dog's overall health, tirelessly working to regulate mineral levels, eliminate waste from the bloodstream, conserve water, and produce urine. However, there are times when the kidneys falter, leading to the onset of chronic kidney failure.

There are two primary types of renal failure in dogs, and distinguishing between them is crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment and prognosis:

1. Acute Kidney Disease:

 This typically occurs suddenly and can be attributed to toxin exposure or infection. In some cases, it can progress into chronic kidney disease.

2. Chronic Kidney Disease:

 This is a more gradual, progressive condition that predominantly affects older pets.

Since kidney disease is relatively common, being able to recognize the symptoms and understanding the available treatments is vital.

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Recognizing the Signs of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure in dogs can manifest silently, with symptoms going unnoticed for months or even years before a formal diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is established. In larger breeds, dogs may be diagnosed around the age of 7, while smaller breeds might not receive a diagnosis until they're as old as 14.

Given the kidneys' primary role in urine production, changes in urination frequency are often the first red flags. You may observe more indoor accidents, frequent requests to go outside, and larger urine volumes. These are early signs that could point towards kidney disease. Other symptoms of kidney disease in dogs include:

- Increased Thirst
- Loss of Appetite
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Unpleasant Breath and Mouth Ulcers due to toxin buildup

Kidneys in failure are less efficient at filtering toxins, leading to increased urine production. Consequently, dogs with this condition require more water to compensate, which is why increased thirst and urination are often the initial indicators of renal failure.

Common Causes of Kidney Failure

Although older age is a significant risk factor for kidney failure in dogs, it's not the sole culprit behind these essential organs' dysfunction. Common causes of kidney failure in dogs encompass:

- Toxins:

Such as raisins, radiator fluid, and antifreeze

- Medications:

 Including diuretics and ibuprofen

- Leptospirosis:

 A bacterial infection transmitted through exposure to contaminated water or urine from infected animals

- Heatstroke

- Severe Dehydration

- Injuries:

 Such as bee stings and snake bites that damage body tissues

Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, is often an age-related condition, unrelated to toxin exposure or infection.

Diagnosing Kidney Failure in Dogs

Diagnosing kidney failure necessitates a visit to your veterinarian. During this visit, your vet will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and run blood and urine tests to accurately diagnose kidney disease.

Laboratory test results, particularly those related to serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, provide critical insights. These are waste products that a healthy kidney should excrete in urine. When kidney function diminishes, these waste products accumulate in the blood.

A urinalysis is equally crucial because the primary function of the kidneys is urine production. Your vet will look for signs of infection, protein levels in the urine, and urine concentration. This information, combined with blood test results, helps determine the specific stage of kidney disease and offers a prognosis.

In some cases, more advanced diagnostic measures such as abdominal ultrasounds and X-rays may be required, especially when kidney or bladder stones are suspected. Your veterinarian might even recommend a kidney biopsy for closer examination of tissue.

Prognosis for Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is typically irreversible and can be fatal. However, in some instances of acute kidney failure caused by factors like infection or ingestion of raisins, certain dogs can recover.

Kidney failure in dogs is categorized into four stages, and the prognosis varies according to disease severity. For instance, dogs in stage one have a median survival time of over 400 days, whereas in stage four, survival dwindles to fewer than 80 days.

Treating Kidney Failure in Dogs

While kidney disease in dogs may not be curable, there are treatment options available that can alleviate symptoms and extend your furry friend's quality of life.

Hydration and Kidney Flushing:

 In cases of acute renal failure, hospitalization with intravenous diuresis can be recommended. This procedure uses intravenous fluids to flush the kidneys and bloodstream, removing toxins. IV therapy also helps replenish lost electrolytes. In chronic cases, at-home subcutaneous fluid administration might be considered to prevent dehydration and aid toxin elimination.

Specialized Diet:

 A therapeutic kidney diet forms the cornerstone of treatment. Studies indicate that dogs fed this diet post-diagnosis have survival rates three times longer than those on a regular maintenance diet. Kidney diets typically have reduced protein and phosphorus content, decreasing the strain on the kidneys. They are also lower in sodium, with increased soluble fiber, higher caloric density, and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to combat inflammation. These specialized diets are only available by prescription from your veterinarian.

Medications:

 While there isn't a specific medication to treat kidney failure, drugs can manage accompanying symptoms. For example, anemia often accompanies kidney failure and may be treated with Erythropoietin. Hypertension might require medications to lower blood pressure, and phosphorus binders can help reduce phosphorus levels in the bloodstream. Nausea or appetite-stimulating medications may also be used to manage gastrointestinal symptoms.

Preventing Kidney Failure in Dogs

While aging is an inevitable factor in kidney function decline, you can take proactive steps to prevent other causes of kidney disease in your dog:

- Vaccination:

 Ensure your dog's vaccines are up-to-date, especially for leptospirosis in areas where it's endemic.

- Dental Hygiene:

 Maintain good dental hygiene in your dog, as dental disease can release toxins into the bloodstream that affect kidney function.

- Toxin Management:

 Securely store toxins like raisins, medications, pesticides, and antifreeze out of your dog's reach.

- Weight Management:

 Prevent obesity, which can negatively impact kidney function and overall health.

The Cost of Treating Kidney Failure

The cost of treating kidney failure in dogs varies depending on the severity and cause of the condition. Acute kidney failure due to factors like antifreeze or raisin toxicity can be extremely expensive, requiring prolonged hospitalization. Conversely, managing chronic kidney failure may involve expenses primarily associated with prescribed foods.

Costs can range from a few hundred dollars per month for specialized diets and IV fluid therapy to thousands for extensive hospitalization and lab work. It's important to recognize that kidney failure is a chronic condition, and ongoing expenses can be challenging for pet parents to bear.

In conclusion, being aware of the signs, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for kidney failure in dogs is essential for providing your furry companion with the best possible care. While kidney disease can be daunting, early detection and appropriate management can significantly improve your dog's quality of life and overall well-being.