Causes of Renal Failure in a Canine

Antifreeze Poisoning

• Antifreeze tastes good to dogs, and they will drink it if it is left within their reach. Antifreeze contains a dangerous toxin called ethylene glycol that is lethal to dogs if they swallow approximately a teaspoon of the undiluted substance for every 2.2 pounds of body weight, according to Vet Info. Dogs begin showing symptoms of poisoning approximately half an hour after exposure, including intoxicated behavior and depression. Untreated pets suffer irreparable kidney damage after the initial symptoms pass, which leads to acute kidney failure. Some of the symptoms of acute renal failure are severe depression, bad breath, vomiting, oral sores, and reduced urine production until eventually the dog stops urinating completely. These symptoms are followed by coma and eventual death. Treatment must begin within five hours of antifreeze ingestion for the pet to survive.

Age and Heredity

• According to Petside, the chance of developing chronic renal failure increases with the dog's age. The disorder is most prevalent in dogs 7 years old or older.

  In addition, a number of breeds are susceptible to developing chronic renal failure because of genetic disorders. Some of those breeds include Doberman pinschers, standard poodles and golden retrievers, as well as cocker spaniels, Rottweilers, Shih Tzus and cairn terriers.

  Chronic renal failure is different from acute renal failure because the symptoms develop more slowly. Over time the animal begins to drink more often and urinate more frequently. It may also lose its appetite. As the disease progresses the dog may lose its sight to hypertension. Dehydration is frequently seen because the kidneys are unable to reabsorb water. Petside indicates that chronic renal failure affects 0.6 percent of the entire canine population. Treatments are available that slow down the disease's progression.

Diseases

• Pet Place explains that amyloidosis, a disorder where abnormal amounts of a protein called amyloid overload the kidneys, can cause chronic kidney failure in dogs 9 years of age or older. The amyloid deposits cause the kidneys to malfunction. Symptoms of amyloidosis include swelling in the face or abdomen, blood clotting in the lungs, a lack of appetite, excessive drinking and frequent urination.

  According to Medicine Net, acute kidney failure is often caused by infectious illnesses such as Lyme disease, which is a tick-borne illness, and leptospirosis, a dangerous bacterial infection. Urinary tract obstructions such as those caused by bladder stones can also lead to acute kidney failure.