Kidney disease occurs in senior dogs for many reasons, the most common of which is age. According to Dr. Ron Hines of the 2nd Chance website, as dogs get older, their kidney cells can’t replace themselves the way other organs can, notably the liver, lungs and bones. Therefore, once cells are lost, they are gone forever, which causes irreversible damage to the kidneys. Kidney disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed.
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Increased Thirst and Urine Output
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Hines states that the first sign of kidney disease is typically an increase in the amount of water your dog drinks and how frequently he urinates. Unfortunately, many owners do not detect this behavior and these important symptoms go unnoticed.
Behavioral Differences
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Senior dogs may start to slow down as they age. When yours was younger he may have been able to run two miles a day, but now he can only manage one. This type of change is normal; however, if your dog is suddenly lethargic, this could be a sign of kidney disease. In addition, the dog may simply refuse to move, states the Doctors Foster and Smith website. This is not a normal change for an aging dog; it could be a symptom of something serious.
Decrease in Appetite
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As the kidney disease progresses, the senior dog will often eat less or refuse to eat all together. Hines states that dogs can feel nauseous and vomit or retch as a result. The dog may also refuse water and become dehydrated. These dogs will often stand over their water bowls and do nothing. In many cases, dogs that display this type of behavior have developed uremia—a dangerously high level of waste products in their blood. According to the Doctors Foster and Smith website, uremia—also called azotemia—occurs when the kidneys have lost at least 75 percent of their function.
Abnormal Appearance
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Dogs with kidney disease may stand hunched over or have poor hair coats. These dogs may also have swollen stomachs and limbs because of fluid buildup in their bodies. Additionally, dogs with kidney disease can have bad breath that smells like urine due to the toxic substances in their blood streams, ulcers in their mouths and pale gums.
Kidney Disease Management
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Dogs that have kidney disease are often placed on special diets that are easy on the kidneys. They receive periodic fluid therapy the rest of their lives, either intravenously or subcutaneously. While this treatment doesn't cure the disease, it helps the kidneys last as long as possible.
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