What Are the Causes of Dog Kidney Problems?
The kidneys are part of the canine urinary system. Their main function is to filter blood and produce urine, making them an important part of a healthy urinary tract. When a problem arises in one or both of the kidneys, it can cause serious illness or, in some cases, death.
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Kidney Disease
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Medically referred to as renal disease, kidney disease is common in older dogs but can affect any dog. Kidney disease is actually a broad term that can include several conditions affecting the kidneys, such as parasites or infections.
Parasites
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The giant kidney worm is a parasite that is more than a yard long and in rare cases, can be found in the canine kidney. Kidney worms can cause serious damage and can potentially destroy the entire kidney.
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Infections
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Infections of the canine kidney can be due to bacteria, viruses or fungi. Depending on what type of infection is present, antibiotics, anti-fungal or anti-viral medications can be used for treatment.
Kidney Failure
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Kidney failure occurs when the canine kidneys shut down. However, it can be treated and in some cases, reversed. Dogs with kidney failure can live for a few months to several years with proper treatment.
Additional Kidney Problems
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Unfortunately, there are several additional conditions that can affect the kidneys, including autoimmune diseases, trauma or injury, congenital defects or cancer.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of D. Sharon Pruitt
