Kidney Diseases In Dogs

An Overview

The chief duties of kidneys are to balance certain substances in the body and to filter out toxins as urine. They also maintain the average concentration of water and salt in the body. Kidneys also aid in metabolism of calcium, control blood pressure, and sustain phosphorous levels in the body.

They also encourage the production of a particular hormone, promoting the activation of red blood cells. When kidneys develop an issue, toxins stay in the blood, and the animal will eventually get ill. Canine kidneys behave the same way as in humans.

According to an estimation, one in ten dogs will develop kidney disorders in its overall lifetime.

Causes of Kidney Problems in our Furry Friends?

When it comes to acute kidney failure, the regular functions of kidneys gets disrupted over a period. They can develop the same as a consequence of ingesting toxic substances, including certain medications, antifreeze, foods having taints, etc. Some other reasons for the condition consist of a decrease in the flow of blood, or a deletion in the flow of oxygen to the kidneys, or an infection.

Many kidney problems originate as an after effect of an immediate cause and treatment will focus on to eradicate the direct cause. On the other hand, the chronic variant of the disorder is harder to determine. According to experts, this condition mostly affects the senior dogs, and in many cases, happens due to:

• An underline causes
• Hereditary conditions
• Congenital conditions

In a surprise revellation, the primary cause of the disease are dental issues. The bacterias, thriving in the oral environment of the dog, enters the bloodstream and attacks multiple organs. The scariest fact is, this causes irreversible damages to the liver, heart, and the kidneys.

Some other significant conditions which can ignite kidney problems are:

• Glomerulonephritis
• Pyelonephritis
• Nephrolithiasis
• Hydronephrosis
• Tubulointerstitial
• Leptospirosis
• Cancer
• Amyloidosis
• Hereditary nephropathies

Primary Signs

1. A sudden change in the consumption of water.
2. A sudden change in the production of urine.
3. Listlessness and depression.
4. A reduction in the appetite.
5. Being nauseatic, followed by frequent vomiting.
6. A sudden decrease in the weight.
7. Urine containing blood.
8. Ulcers in the mouth.
9. Pale gums.
10. Frequent stumbling and may seem drunk.

So, if a dog disposes of these signs, the owner should immediately consult a vet.

Treatment of the Condition

It is imperative to identify and treat the condition in its earliest stage. Accordingly, an initial consultation with the vet is crucial to avoid future consequences. As the severity of the illness goes, the treatments will include the following things:

1. Medicines that will encourage the production of urine.
2. Therapy for the fluids.
3. Management of abnormalities of the blood electrolytes.
4. Monitoring the production of urine.
5. Controlling the frequent vomiting.
6. Drugs for the gastrointestinal issues.
7. Frequent dialysis.
8. Management of the diet.
9. Managing the Anemia ( if there’s any).
10. Managing the high blood pressure.
11. Therapy for any specific underlying cause. For example, toxicity, antifreeze, or an infection.

What if kidney problems get unnoticed, and left untreated?

Well, in that case, kidney problems can lead to life-threatening conditions that may require urgent hospitalization and immediate attention. Untreated kidney health issues may result in fatal outcomes.

Prevention

Kidney problems due to a poisonous interaction can be prevented by making sure that the dog does not have access to potentially harmful substances in the environment. Close supervision is extremely needed. Providing medications to the patient, without the advice of the vet, is out of recommendation.

The owner will have to make sure that the dog is having regular access to clean and fresh water all the time. As most of the cases are the result of bad oral health, maintaining good oral hygiene should be a necessity.

Limiting the vaccines, drugs, and other preventive procedures can prevent the condition in dogs. The less stress the kidneys get, the safer the kidneys will become. Feeding the dog a species appropriate diet can prevent the disease to a considerable extent. The owner can perform a whole wellness program for the pet at home.