Introduction
As dogs age and enter their senior years, their kidneys may start to show signs of wear and tear after years of hard work. Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, is a common issue among aging dogs. While it is a serious concern, dogs can still live several years with renal failure and maintain a good quality of life. Understanding how to care for a dog with renal failure is crucial for ensuring their well-being.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Renal failure in dogs is a progressive condition that develops over time. Initially, owners may notice increased thirst and urination. As the kidneys become less effective at filtering toxins, the body compensates by increasing blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in more frequent urination. This can lead to dehydration, hence the increased thirst in dogs with kidney failure. While these symptoms can indicate various health issues, they should be promptly examined by a vet.
As the condition advances, other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, mouth ulcers, and bad breath. Early diagnosis and treatment are key in managing kidney failure effectively. Therefore, it’s important to seek veterinary attention if you notice any concerning symptoms in your pet.
The Science Behind Renal Failure
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the bloodstream, maintaining nutrient levels, conserving water and salt, and producing urine. Renal failure does not mean the kidneys have stopped working entirely; instead, they are no longer efficiently filtering blood and removing waste. This condition is commonly associated with aging, particularly in senior dogs. However, other factors such as kidney stones, infections, leptospirosis, and cancer can also contribute to kidney problems.
Diagnosing kidney failure involves tests like urinalysis and blood tests to assess kidney function and waste product levels. Treatment can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life by using methods like diuresis, supportive care, proper nutrition, fluid therapy, and medication to control symptoms. With the right treatment, many dogs with renal failure can enjoy an extended and comfortable life.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your vet suspects kidney failure is the cause of your dog’s health problems, he or she will be able to use a couple of different tests to diagnose the condition:
- A urinalysis to determine the level at which the kidneys are functioning.
- A blood test to determine the levels of waste products, specifically blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine, in the blood.
In some tragic cases, the kidneys have simply suffered too much damage to respond to treatment. However, for many other dogs, treatment can greatly improve their quality of life and see them live for a few more years. Some dogs will be able to undergo the bulk of their treatment at home, but dogs with more severe kidney failure may need to be hospitalized.
Treatment starts with diuresis, which involves using IV fluids to flush out the kidneys and help them get back to normal function again — think of it like rebooting your computer after it freezes.
Supportive care also has an important role to play when treating kidney failure. For example, proper nutrition can help lessen the load on the kidneys, so feeding a prescription diet designed to promote kidney health may be essential. Fluid therapy to replace essential electrolytes, along with drugs to control vomiting and diarrhea, may also be required.
If you Google the average life expectancy for dogs with renal failure, you may be alarmed to see some relatively small figures quoted. However, this is more due to the fact that kidney failure most commonly occurs in older dogs, so even without any kidney failure, they could only have expected a limited lifespan.
In most cases, treatment is recommended and can greatly improve your pet’s quality of life, so speak to your vet about the best treatment and care for your pet.