Kidney Inflammation Due to Fluid Accumulation in Dogs

There are several different reasons why a dog’s kidneys can accumulate fluid. Kidney inflammation due to fluid accumulation in dogs can occur very commonly in older dogs, but can also affect younger dogs, depending on the type of inflammation. This can happen over time, as in chronic kidney disease or very suddenly, as in an acute kidney inflammation or injury.

Kidney inflammation due to fluid accumulation in dogs occurs when fluid builds up within or around the kidneys. This can be caused by several different disorders, and must be treated for the kidneys to function properly. Abnormal fluid retention can be life-threatening and must be addressed as soon as possible.

Even though inflammation of the kidneys due to fluid accumulation can come from several causes, the symptoms are consistent across all instances. Symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst
• Abdominal pain
• High urine output
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Weight loss
• Malaise
• Depression
• Restlessness
• Circling
• Head pressing
• Blood in the urine

Types

There are different types of kidney inflammation due to fluid accumulation in dogs, and each of them must have a veterinarian’s attention or they can become quite serious. Types of this inflammation with fluid accumulation include:

• Perirenal pseudocysts, or is a cyst-like structure of fluid that has accumulated around the kidney 
• Hydronephrosis , which is caused by an obstruction to the kidney, such as kidney stones, a tumor, trauma, after a surgery of the ureter, or after radiotherapy
• Hypernatremia, or a high sodium content in the kidneys which can cause inflammation and fluid build-up

The causes of inflammation of the kidneys can vary, depending on the specific disorder.  Causes of kidney inflammation due to fluid accumulation include:

• Age
• Ingestion of toxins
• Kidney stones (blockage)
• Infection
• Congenital

When diagnosing a dog for inflammation of the kidneys, being aware of the symptoms can greatly help you communicate to the veterinarian before any testing occurs. The veterinarian will conduct blood tests, which will accurately reveal if kidney inflammation or disease is apparent, its severity, and what has caused it. It will check for amounts of creatinine to determine the rate of filtration and the blood urea nitrogen to see if proteins are being filtered rather than accumulating in the blood. A blood test also checks for phosphorus and calcium amounts, as well as anemia. 

A urinalysis will also be taken, which will reveal the level of urine concentration, a protein test to see if any protein amounts are getting lost in the urine, and a sediment test to test all of the particles of the urine.  All of these urine tests will tell the veterinarian a great deal about what is precisely happening to cause any inflammation and fluid retention in the kidneys.

Different types of imaging techniques may be performed so the veterinarian can take a closer look at the kidneys.  A radiograph will allow the medical professional to see the size and overall shape of the kidneys, an excretory urography, or intravenous pyelography, is used to watch dye which is injected into the vein and filtered through the kidneys, and an ultrasonography is performed to check the kidney density.  A biopsy may also be taken to check for cancer or more specific diseases as well.

Treatment for inflammation of the kidneys due to fluid accumulation is dependent on the actual diagnosis. Once your dog is seen by the veterinarian and diagnosed, he will be given fluids and antibiotics until full diagnostic treatment is finished. 

Your dog will be given the fluid and electrolytes to counteract the loss that has occurred from the inflammation and may need intravenous fluid therapy for up to six hours. There are several different forms of treatment, and can include:

Surgical Intervention

If the dog has perirenal pseudocysts, the fluid will need to be surgically drained from the cyst, or capsule, around the kidneys.

Catheterization

If there is hydronephrosis from a blocked kidney the obstruction will need to be removed as soon as it can be done. This will need to be accomplished with a cystostomy, which is an opening created into the bladder via a tube. This will be done by surgical means.

Surgery

Renal disease caused by the inflammation of the kidneys due to the accumulation of fluids, in rare instances, may require surgical intervention if the kidney must be removed. This usually occurs if there is cancer or another disease that is causing the severe inflammation.

Shock Wave Procedure

If kidney stones are present, the veterinarian may elect to perform shock wave lithotripsy. This procedure is an alternative to surgery and uses shock waves to break up any kidney stones into tiny particles. This will allow them to successfully pass.

Ureteral stents have also been used experimentally in dogs. These are hollow, plastic tubes that are surgically placed between the kidney and the bladder, functioning to hold the ureter open to allow normal drainage of urine.

After the treatment of this disorder, regular veterinarian visits are necessary to be sure the treatment was effective. The veterinarian will recommend how often these check-ups need to occur. In addition to the veterinarian visits, you will need to keep a watchful eye for any symptoms, such as increased water intake due to excessive thirst, loss of appetite or weight, and any blood in the urine.