Kidney Damage in Dogs

Kidney problems in dogs are not an infrequent occurrence. It is quite common in the older dog but can sometimes present in a younger dog. There are many causes, and the onset can be sudden or slow. If the dog suffers a sudden-onset, severe kidney problem, this is referred to as acute. If the disease is slower to manifest, it is known as chronic. The outcome for a dog with kidney damage will depend on the cause and stage of the disease.

  1. What to Look for

    • If your dog develops an acute kidney problem, this is relatively easy to spot. If the kidneys are not working properly in a dog, as in a human, substances such as creatinine and urea are not being eliminated from the body. This can rapidly produce toxicity, and you will notice your dog becoming very ill. It will go off its food, and it may vomit and have diarrhea. A dog in this state needs to be seen urgently by the veterinarian. A more chronic kidney problem, often diagnosed in an older dog, may be more difficult to detect, but you may notice your dog having "accidents" and drinking more than usual.

    What Causes Kidney Problems?

    • Your dog may become acutely ill because of kidney damage if it was in an accident. It may have been poisoned. Conditions such as Lyme's disease, a kidney stone and leptospirosis also can damage the kidneys and cause an acute problem. In an older dog, several lesions may develop in the kidneys. The older dog may also suffer from a cardiac problem, which may affect the kidneys in a chronic way.

    What the Veterinarian Will Do

    • The veterinarian will ask you for a history of the dog, including the symptoms you have noticed. She will examine the dog, assessing its general state and looking for signs of anemia or evidence of pain or fever. The veterinarian will carry out a urinalysis, looking at the concentration of the urine and checking for the presence of protein and blood. She may also carry out blood tests and send the dog for an X-ray and a scan.

    Treatment

    • The treatment will depend on the cause. If your dog is old and the condition is chronic, the damage may be irreversible, and you may be advised to manage the problem with a change in diet and rehydration. In an acute situation, the dog may need antibiotics or even surgery. Other medication may be prescribed.