Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, occurs when the kidneys stop filtering waste products out of the dog's bloodstream. A veterinarian can diagnose kidney failure and can recommend a method of treatment.
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Types of Kidney Failure
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There are two types of kidney failure. Acute or sudden-onset kidney failure is usually caused by heat stroke or poisoning. Chronic kidney failure is a long-term, progressive disease caused by existing kidney problems, parasites or cancer.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Failure
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The early symptoms of chronic kidney failure are excessive drinking and urination. As the disease progresses, the dog will have vomiting, diarrhea and little appetite.
Symptoms of Acute Kidney Failure
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Dogs with acute kidney failure often refuse to drink water and do not urinate. They may have vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.
Diagnosis
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A veterinarian will perform a blood test and a urinalysis to determine the levels of waste products, such as blood urea nitrogen and blood creatinine levels, in the dog's body. These tests will tell him how advanced the disease is.
Treatment
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In most cases, the dog can be treated with medication, medical procedures or diet, but if the disease is advanced, there may be little that the veterinarian can do to save the dog's life.
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