What Are the Causes of Petechiae & Renal Failure in Dogs?

Changes in a dog's activity level could indicate illness.

Many dogs may suffer from kidney failure or petechia in their lifetimes. Kidney failure, commonly called renal failure, has two main forms including acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. Petechia is a disorder that causes excessive bleeding from the mucus membranes and skin. According to the experts at vetconnet.com, petechia is usually a complication caused by an underlying medical condition.

Causes of Acute Kidney Failure

Acute kidney failure (AKF) is a rapid decline in kidney production that leads to changes in the blood chemistry. Common causes of AKF include trauma to the kidneys, decreased blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys, kidney obstruction, and disrupted urination caused by a ruptured bladder.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure (CKF) is similar to AKF but usually develops more slowly. Kidney function slowly declines and less waste is eliminated from the blood stream. Common causes of CKF include trauma to the kidneys, poor blood circulation, exposure to toxins, kidney infections, cancers, inflammatory disease and immune system abnormalities.

Causes of Petechia

Petechia is most commonly a disorder that develops when dogs have another underlying disease. Some diseases that cause petechia include thrombocytopenia or a low platelet count, vascular disease like Cushing's disease, liver disease, vitamin C deficiency and congenital heart disease

Age and Breed

While these health issues all have separate causes, there are some commonalities. Older dogs are more prone to developing AKF, CKF and petechia. The average age of dog patients with these conditions is seven. Some dog breeds more commonly develop kidney issues including Shih Tzus, Dobermans, Terriers, Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Symptoms

Symptoms of these conditions differ often from dog to dog, however pet owners should look out for the following signs: lethargy, decreased coordination, changes in appetite, changes in thirst, changes in urination habits, weakness and vomiting.

References

• Petechia
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Chronic Kidney Failure