Introduction
The kidneys play a vital role in removing waste from the bloodstream and regulating essential nutrients, making them crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. A diagnosis of kidney disease is distressing news for any pet owner, but it’s important to understand that it doesn’t always mean a bleak outcome. The prognosis depends on various factors, so let’s delve deeper into what kidney disease entails for your furry friend.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease in dogs can lead to serious health complications, yet its symptoms may not always be easily identifiable. Early detection and treatment are key to improving your dog’s quality of life. Look out for signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, bad breath, itchy skin, and changes in behavior. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, poor coat appearance, weakness, and lack of energy. Remember, not all symptoms may be present, so consult your vet if you suspect kidney issues.
The Science of Kidney Disease in Dogs
The kidneys in dogs play crucial roles such as filtering blood, removing waste, maintaining salt and water levels, and regulating essential nutrients. When these functions are compromised, kidney disease occurs, a common issue among aging dogs due to various factors like age, breed, diet, and exposure to toxins. Chronic kidney disease develops gradually, often due to aging, while acute kidney failure occurs suddenly from trauma, blood loss, or poisoning.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Disease
If your vet suspects kidney disease, they can rely on two tests to provide an accurate diagnosis:
- A complete urinalysis to assess kidney function
- A blood biochemistry analysis to assess the levels of two waste products in the blood: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine
If a diagnosis of kidney disease is made, your vet will then work with you to develop the best possible treatment plan for your dog. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the disease and whether it is acute or chronic. Your pet’s treatment plan may include:
- Medications to encourage urine production
- Fluid therapy
- Supplements to restore blood electrolyte levels
- Measuring urinary output
- Dietary management to reduce the amount of work the kidneys are required to do
- Dialysis
- Drugs to control vomiting and diarrhea
Unfortunately, as we touched on above, most dogs won’t show any symptoms in the early stages of the disease, and signs usually don’t appear until 75 per cent of kidney function has been lost. The damage caused by kidney disease is irreversible, and if the disease has progressed significantly, the prognosis for the affected animal can be quite poor. However, if the condition is detected early enough and can be effectively managed, dogs with kidney disease can live for years and maintain a good quality of life.
With this in mind, it’s essential to keep your eyes peeled for any of the telltale signs of kidney disease. Acting quickly to get the problem diagnosed and treated is the best thing you can do to give your pet the chance of a bright future.