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Posted on February 18, 2008 by Catrina Dogurton | Posted under Pets Dogs
Dog Kidney Disease
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Typically speaking, kidney disease is observed in older dogs and it is caused by some other age-related illness. In such cases, the aim of treatment tends to be to improve the comfort levels of an elderly dog that is unfortunately dying. However, acute kidney disease can be the result of various factors such as viral infection, poor nutrition, immune deficiencies, exposure to certain toxins, and even genetic disorders. Acute versus Chronic Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease is best described as a long-term kidney disease and is actually the most common form of the disease observed in dogs. Acute kidney disease has a very sudden onset and is luckily rare in dogs and highly treatable when identified quickly. Unlike acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease is treatable but cannot be cured and will gradually break down the kidneys to the point of death. Symptoms The two main signs that your dog may be suffering from kidney disease is excessive water consumption and urination. Especially at the onset of kidney disease, the poor functioning of the kidneys can lead to dehydration thereby causing dogs to drink more. Still, maintaining hydration is nearly impossible for dogs with kidney disease as they urinate more. As kidney disease advances, you will notice some other symptoms. Excessive weight loss, vomiting, lethargy, and poor appetite are all signals that your dog may be suffering from kidney disease. Unfortunately, by the time many of these symptoms appear your dog will have lost as much as 80% of kidney function. Diagnosing Kidney Disease The main diagnostic tools for identifying kidney disease are blood and urine tests. In certain cases, a veterinarian may also order abdominal x-rays or kidney biopsy in order to identify the causes of kidney disease. A veterinarian will recommend regular blood and urine tests if your dog is known to be suffering from the more common causes of kidney disease like viral infection or genetic disorders. Treating Dog Kidney Disease Your veterinarian will likely need to discuss treatment options for your dog with you. In most cases, fluid therapy will be required as the kidneys are responsible for maintaining fluid levels in the body. Dogs with kidney disease lose too much fluid through urine and are therefore at a very high risk for dehydration. Nutritional and fluid therapies are designed to ease the work load of the kidneys by limiting the toxins that the kidneys must filter. Diets high in protein, phosphorus, and salt put extra stress on the kidneys so should be avoided for dogs with kidney disease. A new therapy in dog kidney disease is vitamin D supplements. Human dialysis patients have been given vitamin D for decades as it seems to support kidney function. While this kind of treatment is effectively new in dogs and research results are limited, there appears to be every reason to believe that vitamin D will function the same in dogs as humans. Perhaps the most important understanding you can have as the owner of a dog with chronic kidney disease is that long term management will be required. Dogs with kidney disease must be fed specific diets and must be regularly tested so that kidney functioning can be monitored. Alternative Treatments As is the case in the human world, alternative treatments for dog illnesses are becoming more popular and better understood. Still, while many alternative treatments have been proven to be safe there level of effectiveness is still under debate and you should consult with your veterinarian before attempting any treatments. Some herbal remedies that have shown promise for treating chronic kidney disease include administering fish oils (or omega-3 fatty acids), rhubarb, and vitamin B supplements. In addition, it is believed that daily alfalfa tablets can strengthen kidney tissue and promote cell growth. Also, parsley is a well known natural diuretic which can help the kidneys to expel waste. Conclusions Kidney disease is indeed a very serious illness in dogs that needs to monitored and treated. In all cases, whether acute or chronic, ignoring the symptoms of kidney disease will result in death. Nonetheless, acute cases can usually be reversed and chronic cases can be managed over the long term to ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet. Without question, dogs with kidney disease have been known to adjust very well to treatment and these treatments can usually be administered at home once the techniques have been learned. The bottom line is that dog kidney disease is not a death sentence rather a condition that can be managed through consistent adherence to veterinary recommendations. About The Author: Catrina Dogurton is online leading specialist in cat and dog health supplies. Find more information and pet health products to prevent and treat pet diseases such as Dog Cough, Dog Kidney Disease, Dog Pinkeye, and other. |
Tags: DOG, PET HEALTH INFORMATION, PET HEALTH CARE, PET DOG HEATLH
