Dealing With Kidney Failure In Cats And Dogs

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Note – as with other pages on this site, our article is for general information purposes and should not be considered as professional veterinary advice or as a substitute for professional evaluation. We have picked out a great article about kidney failure in cats and dogs. The link is at the end, after our introduction to the topic.

Though most common in cats, kidney problems also occur in dogs, a condition known as Canine Kidney Failure. Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys are no longer capable of concentrating the urine or removing waste from the blood. ^[1]

Dogs can suffer from two types of canine renal failure. It can either be a Chronic Renal Failure that is characterized by the slow or gradual development of the condition which can stretch from months to years. Meanwhile, the second type is the acute renal failure which can turn chronic, and is reversible, in some cases.

The primary task of the kidneys involves production of highly concentrated urine which is beneficial in eliminating toxins in a minimal amount of water. Everyday, the canine’s body continues to produce toxins which can be eliminated through urination.

In many cases, the occurrence of renal failure in dogs is usually triggered by ingestion of toxins – such as medications, incorrect foods or poisons such as anti-freeze. ^[2]

When the kidneys begin to fail, the body needs a higher quantity of water in order to eliminate the same amount of toxins it used to eradicate. In effect, dogs with this condition will continue to increase their water intake, until such time that they can no longer take in more water. At tis time the level of toxins in the bloodstream continues to rise. ^[1]

The onset of renal failure is often characterized by the presence of a number of symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, disorientation, loss of coordination, physical weakness, reduced urination, and loss of appetite. Other clinical signs may include enhanced water consumption, diarrhea, bloody urine, increased urine volume, and weight loss. ^[3] For more advanced cases of kidney failure, depression, bad breath and mouth ulcers may appear. ^[4]

There are a number of methods available in the treatment of renal failure. These methods include Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, fluid therapy, and low-but-high-quality protein-diet. When kidney problems remain untreated, they may result to life-threatening conditions which may require urgent veterinary care.

Learn more information about how renal failure in dogs can be treated. Visit this website to discover more information on kidney failure treatment. https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/kidney-problems-in-dogs#1