The kidneys are the most important filter and detoxification organs.
If kidney failure occurs in the dog, it pulls dire consequences after itself, the even to death of the dog being able to lead.
It is therefore important to avoid acute or chronic kidney failure, also known as renal insufficiency recognized and treated in a timely manner. We reveal how!
What is kidney failure in dogs?
If kidney failure occurs in the dog, work no more his kidneys the way they should.
One task is Filter waste and toxins from the blood. These are excreted in the urine.
In addition, they regulate the water-electrolyte balance and keep that Balanced acid-base ratio.
Now die kidney regions (nephrons) from or become unsatisfactory supplied with blood, kidney failure occurs.
The important tasks of the kidneys can no longer be done and that takes care of it serious consequences.
These include, for example poisoning from endogenous waste products up to deadly consequences for your dog.
Kidney failure in dogs – these are the causes
The causes of kidney failure are extreme diverse and can range via poisoning, infection or accident.
That’s how they are Causes of acute Kidney failure in dogs is also quite different than in chronic kidney failure.
Good to know
Acute renal failure can occur if treatment is delayed chronic kidney failure to lead!
Below we take the causes for examine both possibilities.
Causes of acute renal failure in dogs
Acute renal failure (ANF). the rapid loss of renal function. This can happen as a result of poisoning, a circulatory disorder or an infection.
Acute kidney failure is life-threatening for dogs.
Losing a large amount of blood or fluid can lead to kidney failure. This follows burns, an accident with open wounds or heat stroke on.
Another cause can be a poisoning by substances with kidney-damaging properties. These poisons include:
- grapes or raisins
- Antifreeze (it has a sweet taste for dogs and that’s why they like it)
- pesticides
- herbicides
- humane painkillers
Severe Infections such as Lyme disease, leishmaniasis or leptospirosis can also trigger kidney failure in dogs.
There are also other causes:
- Bladder or kidney stones blocking the urinary tract
- inflammation of the renal pelvis
- Blood poisoning from other wounds or infections
- too high or too low blood pressure
Causes of chronic kidney failure
The original cause of chronic kidney failure is often identified not recognized at allsince the kidneys have distributed the tasks of the damaged kidney cells and areas to the healthy ones.
Chronic kidney failure, also abbreviated to CKD, is different than acute kidney failure gradual process without major abnormalities.
Only from one Damage to the kidneys of about 75 percent the kidney failure in the dog becomes noticeable.
At this point, the failure is too no longer avoidablebut only to slow down.
Kidney Failure in Dogs: Symptoms & Signs
So you kidney failure punctual recognize, we have compiled the symptoms and signs for you here.
Symptoms of acute renal failure
The signs of acute renal failure in dogs are partial very unspecificin other words: cannot be clearly assigned to this disease.
What applies in each case is a sudden deterioration in general well-being your dog.
Kick very often Apathy and refusal to eat on. Other symptoms are:
- nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
- dehydration
- frequent urination and incontinence or reduced urination
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- pale mucous membranes
- Smell of ammonia from the mouth
In acute kidney failure, the Dog trembling, abdominal pain have touched the area of the kidneys or salivate heavily.
If the dog’s kidney failure is in the final stages, symptoms such as seizures and staggering noticeable.
Symptoms of chronic kidney failure
The insidious process of chronic kidney failure in dogs is really very quiet. They often show up first symptoms only during stress or great exertion.
These are definitely the most noticeable symptoms Losing weight, brown plaque on the teeth and blood in the urine.
Otherwise you will find the same symptoms as in acute renal failure.
In canine chronic kidney failure, tremors are a late symptom. If the dog’s kidney failure is in the final stage, symptoms such as Drowsiness, anemia and epileptic seizurese visible.
Differences and stages of renal failure in dogs
While the sudden acute renal failure with quick treatment actually curable can be is the chronic renal failure cannot be cured and is a process that has four different stages according to IRIS (International Renal Interest Society).
stage 1 is very far-reaching. Chronic kidney failure in dogs is diagnosed very late.
Veterinarians assume that the dog with up to 33 percent of kidney function well live can.
stage 2 shows a working capacity of the kidney between 33 and 25 percentt, stage 3 only 25 to 10 percent and in stage 4 are only 10 to 0 percent functionalityt.
This classification can be done via the blood serum creatinine level by two examinations within 2 to 4 weeks.
Chronic renal insufficiency can also develop from acute renal failure if Despite treatment, the damage to the kidneys cannot be repaired is.
And in chronic renal failure, acute renal failure can also occur because the kidneys are strong prone to risk factors such as blood poisoning or certain medications.
What is the life expectancy if my dog’s kidney fails?
Unfortunately, life expectancy can be reduced in kidney failure do not specify in days, months or years.
In the case of acute kidney failure in the dog, action must be taken quickly, then there is a good chance of recovery and that too Dog’s survival is saved.
Unfortunately, around 60 percent of dogs die from acute kidney failurebecause it is not recognized in time.
If the dog survives, there is also a chance that the kidneys heal completely and despite a one-off kidney failure, the dog had one natural death dies.
Chronic kidney failure is treated with special medication and kidney diet halted kidney failurebut not stopped.
Here it is from animal to animal individuallyhow old it gets with chronic renal failure.
Diagnosis and therapy of renal failure in dogs
The diagnostics can be primarily about Blood and urine testsdetermine g. The Therapy is very individualdepending on what the trigger is.
Diagnosis and therapy in acute renal failure
In the case of acute renal failure, it is helpful to trigger to know, be it poison or an accident.
Then you can act even faster, like that Pumping of the stomach or an IV fluidto compensate for the loss of fluid.
The dog’s blood is on Accumulation of urea and creatininewhich are actually excreted via the kidneys.
The urine is checked for sufficiently concentrated is.
If the suspicion of kidney failure is confirmed, a Infusion therapy over several days in a veterinary clinic.
Here will for adequate fluid and electrolyte balance taken care of.
The amount of urine excreted will be checked.
If urinary stones or tumors are the trigger for acute kidney failure, these removed by surgery.
In the case of complications, there is even a possibility of one dialysis, i.e. the purification of the blood. This can stabilize the dog.
Diagnosis and therapy in chronic renal failure
Here the Diagnosis via the creatinine level in the blood via two independent blood serum tests.
The therapy then follows adjusted to what stage the renal insufficiency is classified.
In addition, a changed urine density determine.
It is also often seen in sick dogs high blood pressure and anemia.
A Ultrasonic often confirms a change in the kidneys in chronic kidney failure.
Chronic kidney failure in dogs cannot be cured. An infusion helps the dog to his to improve general condition.
Certain medications also help are diuretic and alleviate certain symptoms.
Otherwise, the dog must have a specific kidney diet receive.
The special lining relieves the kidneys and can still do it a good life for an indefinite period make possible.
This is how you can support your dog
When diagnosing chronic kidney failure, you must strictly follow the Feeding the kidney diet keep and always enough for your dog fresh waterr provide.
It is best to give your dog the food throughout the day slightly heated in small portions. It also helps with symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
Avoid with your dog stress. Too many stress hormones put a strain on the kidneys.
Otherwise leave the kidney and blood values of your sick dog check regularlyn to adjust the therapy if necessary.
Conclusion
Kidney failure, whether chronic or acute, is one serious illnessthe rapid medical action makes necessary.
In acute kidney failure, your dog always has a chance to get wellbut also to get chronic kidney failure.
With chronic kidney failure treated, your dog can with the right medication and a special kidney diet get really old.
when it’s time to say goodbyeyour dog’s general condition and your vet will say during regular check-ups.
Do you have a dog with chronic kidney failure or has your dog ever had acute kidney failure? Share gladly your experiences with us.