Renal Failure and Lactulose in Dogs

Renal failure is a common problem in aging dogs.

Being "a normal part of the aging process," according to Professor's House, renal failure is a common problem in dogs; however, this doesn't make the disease any less serious. Over time, the buildup of toxic levels of waste may lead to brain disorders and death. To stave off such dire consequences, pet owners and veterinarians frequently turn to the extra-label use of the drug lactulose, which the FDA has approved for human treatment but not canine.

Symptoms

Renal failure occurs when the kidneys fail to remove a dog's waste, leading to toxic levels of waste building up within the blood, according to FetchDog. Standard symptoms include increased fluid intake leading to increased urination that is generally clear, according to Professor's House. This increase of fluid intake is the dog's natural way of attempting to "flush out" the toxins that have built up. More severe symptoms include blood in urine or stool, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Professor's House reports that by the time these symptoms become apparent, the disease is already quite advanced---typically the kidneys are "functioning at only 25 percent."

Over time, this build up of toxic substances in the blood may lead to hepatic encephalopathy, the very name of which, according to HealthScout's "Health Encyclopedia," means "of the liver, a disorder of the brain."

Features

According to Medline Plus, lactulose is a synthetic sugar that draws water from the body into the colon, thereby softening bowel movements and treating constipation. PetPlace reports that the sugar "represents a combination of the simple sugars galactose and fructose," and that the drug is available in syrup form.

Dosage

Though pet owners should check with their veterinarian regarding the proper dosage for their specific dog, PetPlace reports that the typical dose for treatment of constipation in dogs is 1 ml per 10 lbs. of body weight three times daily, and the typical dose for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy in dogs is 15 to 30 ml four times daily, gradually adjusting the dose to achieve two to three soft stools a day.

Benefits

Because lactulose softens stools, dogs suffering from renal failure have an easier time making bowel movements and ridding their body of toxic waste. The use of lactulose at an early stage in the disease may prevent worse disorders, like hepatic encephalopathy, from developing. Furthermore, because lactulose is a sugar given in syrup form, there is a good chance that your pet will not mind its taste, making the drug much easier to dispense.

Considerations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of lactulose for animals, according to PetPlace. However, veterinarians may legally prescribe it as an "extra-label" drug, meaning the FDA allows its use "in a species not approved on the label by the FDA." Additionally, because lactulose is made of a synthetic sugar, care should be taken when administering the drug to diabetic animals, according to PetPlace. Because of the nature of the drug, PetPlace also cautions that diarrhea and dehydration may occur. The most common side effects listed by PetPlace are abdominal cramping and gas, which should ease over time.

References

• Professor's House: Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs
• FetchDog: Kidney or Renal Failure in Dogs
• HealthScout: Health Encyclopedia: Hepatic Encephalopathy
• Medline Plus: Hepatic Encephalopathy
• PetPlace: Lactulose