Ask Your Local Liverpool Vet – What is Kidney Failure in Dogs?

Another term for kidney failure in dogs is renal failure. If you are concerned about the risk of kidney failure in your dog, you should ask your local Liverpool vet. 

However, to help you understand the basics of canine kidney failure, we’ve produced this brief article. Here, you will get an idea of what causes canine renal failure, its symptoms, how it can be treated, and what you can do to help prevent it. 

What is Kidney Disease in Dogs?

A kidney serves various functions, including eliminating toxins, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating hydration, releasing blood-cell-producing hormones.

When a kidney fails, it cannot carry out these functions. Kidney failure occurs in two ways; acute kidney failure, and chronic kidney failure.

What is Acute Kidney Disease? 

Acute kidney failure occurs when your dog’s kidney fails suddenly. It can come on in a matter of days, or even hours. Acute kidney disease in dogs generally occurs as a result of an infection or toxins.

Chronic Kidney Disease 

When your dog’s kidney fails gradually over months or years, the condition is called chronic kidney disease. Degeneration through old age is the usual cause of chronic kidney failure. A kidney has a natural lifespan, and some dogs’ kidneys will deteriorate sooner than others.

One of the main differences between chronic and acute kidney failure in dogs is your ability to treat the conditions. If you treat it aggressively and early enough, acute kidney failure can be reversed. However, chronic kidney disease can only be managed.

Causes of Dog Kidney Failure 

Conditions that can cause a dog’s kidneys to fail include the following:

• Toxicosis
• Dental disease
• Geriatric degeneration
• Congenital disease
• Bacterial infections

Dog Kidney Failure Symptoms 

If your dog suffers kidney failure, it will experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Blood in their urine.
• Pale gums.
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite.
• Increased or decreased drinking.
• Increased or decreased drinking urination.
• Mouth ulcers.
• Vomiting.
• Lack of coordination.
• Chemically smelling breath.
• Increased lethargy.
• Intestinal seizures.

Of course, these symptoms are not definite proof that your dog has kidney disease. Other conditions such as diabetes mellitus can present with similar symptoms. Therefore, you should consult your local Liverpool vet as soon as possible if you suspect dog kidney failure.

Treating Dog Kidney Failure 

As with many other conditions, how you treat your dog’s kidney failure will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If your pet has acute canine kidney failure, you’ll have to get a vet to treat it in a hospital.

For milder cases of acute dog kidney failure, you may be able to get your local Liverpool vet to treat your pet. They can do this using medications, fluids, and antibiotics. Dialysis is another effective treatment, but this can be expensive.

For chronic dog kidney disease, your vet will concentrate on managing the condition, and slowing down its progression to maintain your dog’s quality of life.

Preventing Dog Kidney Disease

One of the most common causes of dog kidney disease is their exposure to toxins. Therefore, checking your immediate environment and removing the risk of interaction with tainted foods, and other sources of toxins will help prevent the condition.

Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure is often age-related. Keeping your dog updated with veterinary checks can help you get advance warning of its onset. If you have any concerns or queries about dog kidney disease, you should contact your local Liverpool vet.