Managing Kidney Disease in Dogs: Recognizing Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
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| Managing Kidney Disease in Dogs: Recognizing Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options |
The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating waste products from your dog's blood. If these organs are compromised due to acute or chronic kidney disease, your dog's overall health may be affected. Since kidney disease develops gradually, it's vital to be aware of its common symptoms. Early detection is key as it enables prompt treatment, which can help slow down the disease progression and extend your dog's lifespan.
What Is Kindey Disease in Dogs?
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Kidney disease in dogs, also known as renal or kidney insufficiency, occurs when the kidneys fail to perform their essential functions efficiently. According to Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, the kidneys play a crucial role in clearing waste products from the blood and converting them into urine. When this process is disrupted, harmful waste accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to adverse effects.
Dogs may experience either acute kidney disease, characterized by sudden onset, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), which progresses gradually over time. While both conditions entail a decline in kidney function, they stem from distinct causes. Dr. Klein distinguishes acute kidney disease as a rapid assault or injury to the kidney, whereas chronic kidney disease represents a slow, degenerative deterioration of kidney function.
What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Dr. Klein cautions that kidney disease in dogs can stem from various factors, including infection (such as that caused by leptospirosis bacteria), trauma, genetic predisposition, medication side effects, exposure to toxins, cancer, mechanical blockages (like kidney stones), and degenerative disorders leading to worsening function and structure of the affected organ. Any condition reducing blood flow to the kidneys, like dehydration or heatstroke, can precipitate kidney failure.
Acute kidney disease in dogs may result from exposure to harmful substances such as toxic plants like lilies, certain medications, hazardous foods like grapes or raisins, or antifreeze. Safeguarding your home and outdoor space can prevent your dog from encountering potentially dangerous items or foods that pose toxicity risks.
Furthermore, chronic kidney disease in dogs is often linked to advancing age. Since damaged kidney tissue cannot regenerate, the kidneys may deteriorate gradually over time. Smaller dog breeds, known for their longer lifespan compared to larger breeds, typically exhibit initial signs of kidney disease at an older age—typically around 10 years or more, in contrast to as early as 7 years for larger breeds.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?
The earliest indications of kidney disease in dogs typically manifest as increased urination and subsequently heightened thirst. However, other symptoms often remain unnoticed until approximately two-thirds of the kidney tissue undergoes damage. Consequently, in cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the onset of symptoms may occur months or even years after the initiation of kidney impairment. This delay can give the impression that the signs of kidney disease in dogs have suddenly emerged, whereas the kidneys have been struggling for an extended period.
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Additional signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs that pet owners should be vigilant about include:
- Weight loss
- Decreased appetite and/or episodes of nausea
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Detection of protein in the urine (this can be confirmed through urinalysis conducted by your veterinarian)
- Halitosis (bad breath)
What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs?
Kidney disease in dogs is categorized into stages, often assessed using the IRIS scale, comprising four distinct stages. Diagnostic parameters such as creatinine and SDMA levels in blood work serve as biomarkers for kidney function, enabling veterinarians to classify dogs into specific stages and thereby determine appropriate treatment protocols.
Dr. Klein elaborates on this, stating, "The stages of kidney disease indicate the kidneys' capacity to filter waste and excess fluid from the bloodstream. As the stages progress, kidney function declines. During the initial stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys retain some ability to eliminate waste products from the blood. However, as the disease advances, the kidneys experience increased strain to adequately filter the blood, and in severe cases, may cease functioning altogether."
How Is Kidney Disease in Dogs Treated?
Dialysis, a medical procedure utilized to eliminate waste products and excess fluid from the blood, is more prevalent in humans than in dogs. Nonetheless, peritoneal (kidney) dialysis is feasible in certain canine cases, although it remains uncommon. In rare instances, surgical kidney transplants may be considered for dogs.
According to Dr. Klein, the primary treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD) vary depending on the disease type and stage. These treatments typically involve dietary adjustments and fluid administration, either intravenously or subcutaneously. Dr. Klein emphasizes the importance of balancing and correcting electrolytes in managing kidney disease patients.
Appropriate nutrition is crucial, and there are numerous diets specifically formulated for cats and dogs with kidney issues, some of which require a prescription. Your veterinarian can offer guidance on selecting the most suitable diet for your pet. Since kidney disease, especially in its advanced stages, can lead to appetite loss in dogs, encouraging adequate food intake can be challenging. Dr. Klein suggests the use of appetite stimulant medications such as mirtazapine, a prescription drug. Capromorelin, recently FDA-approved for dogs, is another option to address appetite issues in chronic kidney disease.
When Do You Need to Call Your Vet?
The prognosis and life expectancy of a dog with kidney disease hinge on various factors, including the disease type, its progression rate, and any underlying health issues. Typically, the more severe the disease, the bleaker the outlook. Hence, early detection is paramount.
Dr. Klein emphasizes the significance of early intervention in chronic kidney disease. Measures such as dietary adjustments and medications can help alleviate the workload on the kidneys, potentially slowing down disease progression. Conversely, acute kidney disease poses a more immediate challenge, with fewer options available to prevent further kidney damage and restore normal function.
Regular veterinary check-ups, including comprehensive blood tests, serve as an effective means of identifying kidney issues before noticeable symptoms manifest. If any of the aforementioned signs are observed, prompt veterinary attention is essential for further evaluation. This proactive approach can significantly impact kidney function preservation and contribute to your dog's overall well-being over the long term.
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