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Dog Kidney FailureDog kidney failure, or Canine Kidney Failure (CIN), is one of the more common problems seen in aging dogs.
Acute and Chronic Kidney Failure in DogsAcute kidney failure happens suddenly, and is usually the result of poisoning of some type, such as antifreeze poisoning, raisin or grape poisoning, or certain medications, such as some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs. Bacterial infections may also bring about acute kidney failure. Acute kidney failure is very dangerous and highly fatal. Immediate veterinary treatment with intensive fluid therapy and hospitalization is necessary. Chronic kidney failure is usually a slowly progressive disease that unfortunately often goes undetected for quite some time. When the kidneys have lost 70 to 75 percent of their cells, it is considered that kidney failure has begun. Up until this point, although kidney cells may be deteriorating or dying gradually, the proper functioning of the kidneys usually remain intact and the cell loss is therefore unnoticed. Chronic kidney failure is ultimately fatal; however, timely treatment and careful monitoring can usually slow down the deterioration quite a bit since the course of the illness does not progress very rapidly. TopSymptoms of Dog Kidney FailureAcute Kidney Failure:
Chronic Kidney Failure:
Causes of Chronic Dog Kidney FailureHere are some of the main causes: Diet A poor-quality or unbalanced diet can cause or aggravate kidney failure in dogs. In particular, too much phosphorus in the food is problematic - especially for dogs with pre-existing kidney disease. Additionally, if there is excessive phosphorus AND insufficient quantity of usable calcium in the diet, the kidneys cannot eliminate the phophorus effectively, resulting in kidney stone formation or kidney tissue degeneration. This will eventually lead to kidney failure. Other Diseases Dogs can also develop kidney problem as a result of other diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, congenital and inherited disorders, and autoimmune diseases. TopDiagnosis of Chronic Dog Kidney Failure
To diagnose dog kidney failure and determine the extent of the disease, a blood test and urinalysis is needed.
From the blood test, the values of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine are obtained and analyzed.
BUN is a by-product of protein digestion which is of no use to the body and is excreted by the kidneys. If the kidneys are not working correctly and filtering these
waste-products, they build up in the blood.
Creatinine is a by-product of muscle energy use in the body and the kidneys are the only organs that excrete this substance. If it builds up to higher than normal
levels, it is a sign of decreased or impaired function of the kidneys.
In dogs, normal BUN is about 10-25 mg/dl and normal creatinine level is about 1-2 mg/dl.
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Conventional Treatment of Chronic Dog Kidney FailureOne common treatment is subcutaneous fluid therapy. If your dog is suffering from chronic kidney disease, your veterinarian's office will most likely train you to do this at home. Dietary change is another crucial way to control kidney disease in dogs. Some studies suggest that a low-phosphorus diet supplemented by calcium can help slow the progression of kidney failure by reducing crystal and stone formation in the kidneys. Some veterinarians may suggest low-protein diets for dogs with chronic kidney failure as low protein diets generate fewer nitrogenous wastes. However, low-protein diets, if not carefully managed, can lead to malnutrition. Instead of low-protein diets, many holistic vets suggest a diet with high-quality protein sources, such as eggs, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt. TopNatural Remedies for Dog Kidney FailureFor more information on treating chronic dog kidney failure holistically with natural herbal and homeopathic remedies, please visit our page on Natural Remedies for Canine Kidney Failure.Related Topic Natural Remedies for Canine Kidney Failure References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). M.L. Wulff-Tilford and G.L. Tilford, Herbs for Pets (Bowtie Press, 1999). TOP of Dog Kidney Failure |
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