Decreased Kidney Function in Dogs
Your dog's kidneys filters out toxins in her body, regulate her salt, phosphorus, calcium levels and blood pressure and manufacture hormones that help to produce red blood cells. When a dog's kidneys are not functioning properly, she is at risk of developing life-threatening health disorders. If his kidney disorder is not treated, she will eventually suffer from kidney failure, which is fatal.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms that indicate your dog's kidneys may not be functioning properly include an increase in thirst, staggering, weight loss, vomiting, depression, listlessness, bad breath, decreased appetite, blood in her urine, mouth ulcers or pale gums. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to have your veterinarian check her blood levels for kidney dysfunction.
Prevention/Solution
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Provide your dog with fresh, clean water throughout the day. Keep your dog's mouth and teeth clean by brushing her teeth with canine toothpaste and a toothbrush designed for use in dogs. You can purchase a meat-flavored toothpaste that will help to encourage your dog's cooperation while brushing. Dental disease is one of the main causes for kidney problems in dogs. Keep all toxic substances away from your pet. Common toxins that pets get into around the home include antifreeze, which has a sweet taste but is highly poisonous to pets, chocolate powder or cocoa powder, onions, prescription medications or sweet-smelling cleansers. Be sure to keep these products where your dog cannot get into them.
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Treatment
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Treatment for kidney dysfunction will depend largely on the underlying cause of the illness. In cases of acute toxicity, involving the ingestion of poisons, your dog's veterinarian will administer the appropriate therapy for the toxin ingested. If your dog is suffering from gastrointestinal difficulties as a result of kidney dysfunction, he will be treated for his symptoms. Dogs that have become dehydrated due to kidney malfunction will receive fluid therapy, possibly intravenous. His electrolyte balance will be checked, and if he is found to be suffering from an imbalance, he will be given an oral or IV electrolyte treatment. Your veterinarian may put your dog on low-sodium diet and, if anemia is present, he may increase the amount of iron in your pet's diet or prescribe a supplement. For blood pressure problems, your vet may prescribe blood pressure medication. If an infection is present, your dog may receive antibiotics. In severe cases of kidney failure, your dog will need to undergo a series of kidney dialysis treatments.
Outcomes
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If your dog's kidney disorder goes untreated, she will be in danger of suffering complete kidney failure, which is fatal. When properly treated, kidney dysfunction, along with the symptoms associated with the ailment, can be managed and may even be reversed.
Tests
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Tests to check for proper functioning of your dog's kidneys include a urinalysis, including a full urine culture, a test for urine specific gravity, proteinuria, glomerlonephritis, electrophoresis and the Heska ERD (early renal disease detection). Tests that search for the underlying cause of kidney disease include a test for leptosporosis test, tick disease testing, Addison's disease test, a hypothyroidism test, blood pressure tests, Cushing's disease test and a renal scintigraphy to determine which of the kidneys is diseased.
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References
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