Kidney Disease in Dogs

Underlying health problems and injury are just two of the two ways that your dog can become susceptible to kidney disease. Two of the earliest clinical signs are increased thirst and urination. Dogs with renal disease drink excessive amounts of water because the kidney, as the condition worsens, is no longer able to concentrate the urine as it should and excess urine is lost. Dogs drink more to compensate for this.

Also known as renal disease, malfunction of the kidneys results in the inability of the organ to filter toxins out of the bloodstream. The normal processes of water balance in the body are also disturbed. Kidney failure can come on quickly with severe complications (acute), or gradually occur over time (chronic). Kidney disease must be treated without delay; see the veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog is ill.

Though your pet may not present with all of these symptoms, kidney failure may be indicated by the list below:

• Vomiting
• Physical weakness due to low red blood count and low blood potassium
• Itchy skin because of deposits of phosphorous and calcium in the skin
• Lack of appetite that has the opportunity to lead to weight loss
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Large volume of urine being produced (polyuria)
• Blood in urine
• Frequent urination
• Straining to urinate
• Incontinence or leaking of urine
• Acute blindness due to high blood pressure
• Dehydration
• Ulcers in mouth
• Bad breath
• Anemia which may show as pale gums
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Disorientation
• Abdominal pain

Types

There are two types of kidney disease:

• Acute
• This is sudden onset renal failure
• With prompt treatment, the failure can sometimes be resolved before it becomes long term
• Recovery depends upon how much damage was done to the kidneys
• If left untreated, acute kidney disease can quickly become fatal

• Chronic
• This is the most common disease in older dogs
• Unfortunately, it is often irreversible
• Early management can help slow the progression
• Upon diagnosis, chronic kidney disease will be classified as stage I through IV

Whether of an acute nature, or a chronic problem, kidney disease occurs for many reasons:

• Acute
• Urinary obstruction
• Problem occurred in surgery
• Heat stroke
• Poisons like toxic plants, antifreeze or human medications that have been ingested accidentally
• Toxicity from ingestion of foods such as grapes or raisins
• Bacterial infection
• Trauma to the organ from being struck by a car, for example
• Dehydration

• Chronic
• Old age deterioration of organ function
• Genetic e.g. PKD
• High blood pressure
• Birth defect in the kidney
• Incomplete recovery of kidney from a previous injury
• Leptospirosis
• Tumor
• Lyme disease
• Pyelonephritis (inflammation of urinary tract which causes bacteria to go into the kidney)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in the kidney structure that filters blood)

Studies have shown that several breeds are found to be prone to inherited chronic kidney disease:

• Samoyed
• Shih Tzu
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Poodles
• Rottweiler
• Cocker Spaniel
• Doberman Pinscher
• Lhasa Apso

Acute kidney failure must be treated without delay because damage to the kidneys can become irreversible. Upon arrival at the clinic or even while you're in the waiting room, be prepared to give a history of your pet’s recent behavior. The eating, drinking and urinary and defecation habits of your pet of late can be important indications to their health.

The veterinarian will under most circumstances, order a complete blood count, chemical profile, and blood analysis. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen are found to be high in canines with kidney disease. As well, the electrolyte levels of your dog will be evaluated, to look for abnormalities or disturbances such as hyperphosphatemia (elevated phosphate in the blood). Blood pressure may be elevated, and a urine sample could show evidence of bacteria. The concentration of the urine is another important kidney disease marker.

Dogs with kidney disease often present with weakened bones, bleeding in the stomach and fluid retention in the limbs and abdomen.Sometimes radiographs or ultrasound are used to further examine the kidneys size for diagnosis and to look for evidence of underlying causes. If warranted, a biopsy of the kidney tissue could be part of the diagnosis.

Determining the cause for the kidney disease will direct the veterinarian towards the treatment plan. The condition of the kidneys at the time of diagnosis, and learning whether the renal failure is acute or chronic are other crucial points to be considered.

In the case of acute kidney failure, your pet may need to be hospitalized so the kidneys can be stabilized. Fluid therapy, in the form of intravenous fluid administration, will reduce the amount of toxins and waste in the body. Pain relievers, gastrointestinal protectants, and anti-nausea medications will be given. If the damage to the kidneys is severe, the veterinarian will discuss the option of trying dialysis for an extended time, so the kidneys can have a chance to heal.

Depending upon the state of the kidneys, chronic renal disease will need to be addressed similarly to acute failure, or in the case of a slow progression of the illness, a more conservative treatment approach will be taken. To start, though, intravenous therapy may be done to flush out the kidneys (the process is called diuresis).

A change in diet will be part of the treatment plan. A diet with less protein (of a high quality like eggs and meat), which will create less waste for the kidneys to eliminate, is paramount to battling the chronic renal failure. Low phosphorus in the diet is key also because phosphorus tends to accumulate in diseased kidneys. Phosphate binders may be given.

Blood pressure medication may be part of the long-term treatment, as well as other drugs required to maintain calcium levels and reduce stomach acid.

Dogs with acute kidney failure can have different outcomes which depend on the cause of the renal disease, and the severity of the disorder. The outcome for a dog with chronic renal failure is impossible to predict. Your pet may respond well to treatment and dietary changes and have months or years of a good quality of life. Other dogs will revert to a crisis situation shortly after the treatment has stopped. In some instances, the kidneys do not recover any function at all.

The change in diet could result in a longer lifespan. Be diligent in the type and amount of food you are feeding your dog. Follow the recommendations of the veterinarian carefully. Always provide plenty of fresh water. Some canines require the administration of subcutaneous fluids at home. The veterinary caregiver can provide training for you. Most dogs tolerate the administration very well.

It's imperative to reduce the amount of stress that your dog is exposed to. Work with him or her to maintain a calm, peaceful atmosphere. For example, if boarding your dog causes stress, have a dog sitter come to the home to stay there while you are away. If your pet prefers human company over the excitement of being around other canines, limit his exposure for the time he has left as your pet. The quality of care is essential to the longevity of your dog’s life.

Expect frequent visits to the veterinarian as part of the quality care. The testing of blood and urine on a regular basis is the safest way to assure your pet’s kidneys are continuing to function well.