Kidney Medicines for Dogs
Kidney medicines for dogs help to eliminate wastes that accumulate in the kidneys, combat dehydration (a common symptom of impaired kidney function), restore normal urination and treat any underlying causes of kidney damage. Kidney medication may be required for only a few weeks or for the rest of the dog's life, depending on how much of the kidneys' natural function can be restored.
-
Fluid Therapy
-
Fluid therapy to hydrate dogs with kidney conditions is a key component of kidney medicines for dogs. Fluid therapy is needed to help flush out built-up toxins in the kidneys and to resume normal fluid balance within the dog's body. Fluid therapy usually consists of a 0.9-percent saline solution and is administered either subcutaneously (under the skin) or intravenously (in the vein).
Medication to Restore Urination
-
In instances when urine production has slowed and needs to be increased, or when high calcium levels in the blood are endangering the kidneys, a diuretic will be administered along with fluid therapy to promote urination. The diuretic furosemide is generally prescribed as a kidney medicine for dogs and is administered either orally (furosemide tablet) or through an injection (injectable furosemide).
-
Sodium Bicarbonate and Glucocorticoids
-
Sodium bicarbonate and steroid medicines (glucocorticoids such as prednisone) are prescribed as well to restore normal calcium blood levels. Sodium bicarbonate is administered through an intravenous route and glucocorticoids may either be injected or administered orally in tablet form.
Time Frame
-
The length of time for which kidney medications need to be administered depends on what is impairing the dog's normal kidney function. If the dog's kidneys have only been temporarily impaired (e.g., excess calcium in the blood, injury or the beginning effects of poisoning), medications may only be needed for a few days to a few weeks. If the dog's kidneys have become permanently damaged either through kidney disease, irreparable injuries or poisoning that was not addressed in time, kidney medications are generally needed for the rest of the dog's life.
Home Adminstration of Kidney Medicines
-
Once a dog's kidneys have been stabilized, pet owners may continue kidney medications at home. Pet owners can even learn how to perform subcutaneous hydration medication which, in some severe cases, may need to be administered daily or multiple times a week; this type of hydration therapy is quick (approximately five minutes) and the technique is relatively easy to perform once the basics have been mastered.
-
