Medications to Treat Dog Kidney Failure
Renal failure, more commonly known as kidney failure, can occur in any dog regardless of age, breed or gender. Early detection can be the key to treating renal failure properly. Treatment and medications depend on the cause of the kidney failure and vary from dog to dog.
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Symptoms of Kidney Failure
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Some of the most common signs of renal failure include a change in bowel movements such as an increase or decrease in urination, or a total lack of urination altogether. This is often accompanied by an increase or decrease in water intake. Additional symptoms of kidney failure include vomiting, diarrhea, halitosis (bad breath), dehydration, weakness and weight loss.
Fluid Therapy
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Fluid therapy is one of the most important treatments for kidney failure and is often the first treatment given. Changes in the dog's bowel movements often result in severe dehydration. Fluid therapy, through the use of intravenous (IV) fluids, is necessary to rehydrate the dog.
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Regulating Urination
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Once proper fluid levels have been reestablished, some dogs will return to normal levels of urine output. For dogs who do not, medications such as furosemide and mannitol can be used to help produce urine.
Furosemide is an oral medication that also goes by the names of Lasix and Diuride. It works with the kidney to prevent the body from absorbing potassium, chloride, water and sodium. Furosemide results in increased urine which aids in flushing out excess waste and fluid. As with any medication, furosemide has potential side effects which include anemia, low potassium levels, dehydration and in some dogs, hearing loss.
Mannitol is another diuretic medication that comes in injection form. Just as with furosemide, mannitol works to increase urine production and aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Dogs who are using mannitol may suffer from dehydration, imbalanced levels of electrolytes, high or low levels of sodium, calcium or potassium in the blood. In rare instances, it may cause vomiting, nausea, headaches and dizziness.
Diet
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As the dog becomes rehydrated, it is likely she will also wish to begin eating on her own. Prescription diets are often used to help your dog receive the appropriate levels of protein and fat. Some dogs may experience vomiting during kidney failure, so smaller meals combined with medications such as chlorpromazine or cimetidine can help reduce vomiting and nausea.
Little is currently known about chlorpromazine, which is helpful in reducing vomiting and nausea in dogs. It is thought that this medication works by blocking certain receptors of the nervous system, which control various functions of the body. Chlorpromazine currently has few known side effects, the most common being sleepiness or sedation.
Cimetidine reduces stomach acid production in the body. It is often used for treating inflammations of the esophagus (esophagitis), inflammations of the stomach (gastritis), and acid reflux issues. Side effects are relatively uncommon but some dogs may experience an increased heart rate or difficulty breathing. If this occurs, emergency veterinary help should be sought.
Underlying Conditions
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Treating underlying conditions is the next step for dogs who have been stabilized with food and water. For example, kidney failure that is being caused by an infection may require antibiotics. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cephalexin and tetracycline are used to kill microorganisms that are causing infections in the dog's body. Kidney failure that is due to parasites or tumors normally requires surgery to remove the parasite or tumor. In rare cases, dogs may be eligible candidates for a kidney transplant. However, this option is still relatively rare due to few veterinary hospitals offering this treatment.
Proper treatment can increase the life span of a dog suffering from kidney failure from a few months to several years under the right conditions.
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