Reasons for Kidney Failure in Dogs
Your dog's kidneys perform crucial functions, such as removing waste products from the bloodstream, regulating body fluids, controlling blood pressure and producing hormones responsible for red blood cell production. When kidney function suddenly or gradually declines, this leads to a serious condition known as kidney failure, or renal failure.
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Acute Kidney Failure
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Ingesting certain medications, foods or toxins can result in acute kidney failure. Grapes, raisins, Vitamin D derivatives, such as calcitriol, and antifreeze are some of the substances that can lead to this life-threatening condition. Other causes include urinary obstructions, decreased oxygen or blood flow to the kidneys and infections. Dogs that are kept outdoors or that spend considerable amounts of time outside face a higher risk of suffering from acute kidney failure due to antifreeze ingestion.
Chronic Kidney Failure
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Congenital defects in the kidneys, decline in kidney function due to old age, high blood pressure, chronic bacterial infections, advanced dental disease and diseases that affect the immune system, such as systemic lupus, can cause chronic kidney failure. Suffering from acute kidney failure can also lead to this condition. The exact cause can be difficult to determine by the time symptoms appear. Older dogs are more prone to chronic kidney failure. Smaller breeds can begin exhibiting symptoms by the time they are 10-years-old, while larger breeds can show signs of kidney failure even earlier.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of kidney failure include increased water consumption and urination, vomiting, poor appetite, pale gums, bad breath, mouth ulcers, lack of coordination, weakness, depression and weight loss. Symptoms appear suddenly and can be more severe in cases of acute kidney failure due to the abrupt decline of the kidneys. In cases of chronic kidney failure, kidney function slowly decreases over time and symptoms gradually appear.
Treatment
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Acute kidney failure can often be reversed with prompt medical treatment. Chronic kidney failure is irreversible, although quality of life can be improved with proper care. Treatment options for kidney failure include intravenous fluids, drug and diet therapy to decrease vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems, potassium supplements and a diet of high-quality food low in protein. Underlying diseases or infections contributing to chronic kidney failure will also require treatment. Dogs with chronic kidney failure might not respond to treatment if damage is severe.
Warning
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Kidney failure left untreated results in fatality. Seek immediate medical care if your dog shows any signs of this condition. You can reduce your dog's risk of suffering acute kidney failure by keeping medications out of reach and supervising your dog outdoors. Regular oral care can prevent dental disease, which is a main cause of chronic kidney failure, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Providing access to fresh water at all times and frequent opportunities to urinate can also reduce the risk of kidney problems.
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