Kidney Disease in Dogs

Canine kidney disease can come on so gradually owners might not notice.

Canine kidney disease can develop quickly or over months or even years. Damaged kidneys do not remove toxins from the blood stream as well as those in good working order, which can lead to a variety of problems. Chronic cases are irreversible, but there are measures caring owners can take to prolong a dog's life with kidney disease or, in the least, make him more comfortable.

Causes

The causes of canine kidney disease vary. Sudden and acute cases can be brought on by poisoning, blood clots, severe dehydration, heat stroke and heart failure, according to the website Vetinfo. Chronic and gradual-onset cases can develop from existing kidney problems--such as a history of kidney stones--genetic predispositions, cancer, parasites in the kidneys and/or a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

According to the website Vetinfo, symptoms of canine kidney disease can vary widely and can indicate other, unrelated conditions. The most common symptom of kidney disease in dogs is excessive water consumption and frequent urination. Other common symptoms include digestive issues (including diarrhea and vomiting), fatigue and inexplicable weight loss.

Importance of Water

Plenty of fresh water is important for any dog, whether healthy or ill, according to experts at Vetinfo. However, with canines affecting by kidney disease, water intake becomes even more critical, as the kidneys are no longer as efficient at flushing out toxins from the bloodstream. If water consumption is insufficient, this only compounds the problem, leading to a dangerous build up of minerals and other toxins. (ref 2)

Treatment Options

Treatment options include altering the dog's environment to decrease factors that may agitate the disease, including physical stress. Certain antibiotics may also exacerbate kidney conditions, as well. Medicines commonly used for dogs with kidney disease include angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which conserves protein by limiting its loss in urine. Enalapril is one of the most common ACE inhibitors, which also helps to lower blood pressure. Aggressive fluid therapy, calcitriol (which limits problems associated with hyperparathyroidism), potassium, phosphate binders, medicines to protect against stomach irritation and erythropoietin injections to stimulate bone marrow are also used.

Diet

Specially formulated diets are recommended for dogs with kidney disease. These diets are low in protein and made with high bioavailability ingredients. They also contain Vitamin D3 and calcium and are low in phosphorus and sodium. Some vets recommended an entirely wet food diet to help with dehydration, while others recommend a combination of dry and wet food.

References

• Vetinfo: Canine Kidney Disease Symptoms
• Vetinfo: Characteristics of Kidney Disease Compliant Dog Food
• Vetinfo: Renal Failure in Dogs