Causes of Kidney Failure in Dalmatians

Symptoms

• Dalmatians can lose up to three-quarters of their kidney function before symptoms show. Symptoms include: increased thirst and urination (though urine production is slight), weight loss, bleeding and bruising, dehydration, weakness and lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and a stiff-legged gait. Kidney damage is typically progressive. Acute kidney disease can be stopped and dogs can recover completely from it. However, chronic kidney failure cannot be reversed and damaged kidneys cannot be repaired, although they can continue to function. A change in diet and prescriptions can slow kidney disease. The sooner it is diagnosed, the more likely the dog will have a relatively normal life.

  become apparent. Any measure that helps prevent the disease, delays the age of occurrence, and slows the progression of this disease will help a dog live longer.

Kidney Stones

• Too many minerals or mineral salts in a dalmatian's diet can cause kidney stones or bladder stones. Dalmatians are prone to kidney stones; they form ammonium urate stones. Females are more likely to get them. Bloody urine is one of the symptoms or if the dog appears to be in pain when urinating. If kidney stones are not treated, urine can back up in the body, and eventually the bladder can burst. Veterinarians prescribe special diets and medicines to help dissolve the stones. Sometimes surgery is required. Blood and urine tests help a veterinarian determine if there are kidney problems.

Treatment

• Treatment can include hospitalization and IV fluids if the case is severe enough. Otherwise, a combination of a low-protein and mineral diet and medication is usually prescribed. The dog might develop high blood pressure, which is a complication of kidney problems, and could need additional medicine or monitoring for that. Special dog foods are available from veterinarians and pet supply stores that restrict sodium, proteins, and phosphorous, while some of the foods are available only by prescription. They are designed to reduce the dog's production of toxic elements, which strain the kidneys. In addition, the dog must drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which also stresses the kidneys.

Prevention

• Monitor the dalmatian's food so that it avoids toxic things that can cause kidney problems. Take your dalmatian for regular check-ups and to give blood samples to monitor kidney function. Illnesses that strike the dog can contribute to kidney problems, and so should be treated early. For example, a disease such as leptospirosis can damage kidneys; vaccines are available to prevent leptospirosis. Prolonged use of certain medications, including antibiotics, can also cause kidney damage. Household products can pose kidney risks, too, especially anti-freeze, which is typically fatal. Feeding a dalmatian that is age seven or older senior dog food can help prevent excess protein from building up and causing kidney problems. Keeping the dalmatian parasite free is also helpful. Parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and heartworms can lead to kidney failure.

Kidney Transplants

• Seen as a last-ditch effort to save the dog, a kidney transplant is expensive, but effective. The dog will be on immuno-suppressive drugs for the rest of its life and the medicine is costly. Cyclosporine, used in human organ transplants, is typically prescribed, along with prednisone at the beginning. Azathioprine, a chemotherapy drug, may be prescribed. Periodic blood tests determine if the new kidney is functioning well and that the medicine dosage is correct. Long-term use of cyclosporine increases cancer risk. The cost of the immuno-suppressive drugs ranges from $150 to $2,000 a month, depending on the dog's size.