When a veterinarian runs blood work on your dog, one thing she checks is the serum creatinine levels. The amount of creatinine in your dog's blood can indirectly indicate the function of the kidneys, because creatinine is the byproduct produced by the metabolism of certain energy compounds in muscles. If tests show the creatinine levels to be elevated, it may indicate that the kidneys are not filtering waste into the urine correctly, although the levels do not directly correlate with the level of kidney function. Certain medications for a variety of conditions can adversely affect serum creatinine levels.
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Enalapril
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Enalapril is used to treat dogs with cardiomyopathy and other chronic heart conditions. It is a type of blood vessel dilator called an ACE inhibitor, and it works by loosening the constriction of the blood vessels and allowing the blood to flow more freely. This allows the heart to continue to function without working as hard. When a pet first begins taking enalapril, the vet will monitor his creatinine levels for a few weeks to ensure that the dose necessary to control the heart condition will not overtax the kidneys. She will also test the blood every three or four months so any problems that may arise will be caught early before major damage occurs.
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
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Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole is an antibiotic formulation used to treat a variety of infections including kennel cough and infections of the urinary tract, skin, ear and prostate. Although side effects are rare, long-term use may cause kidney failure in some dogs. Elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels will confirm this, and a different antibiotic should be used. The dog will also need to be treated for the kidney failure.
Furosemide
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Furosemide is a diuretic frequently prescribed to dogs who require a flushing out. Edema is a fluid-filled swelling that generally occurs in the limbs, and can be the result of a heart condition or an infection. Furosemide works to remove the excess fluid from the swollen tissue so it can be excreted in the urine. If furosemide is a part of long-term therapy, the dog's blood should be monitored for elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels on a regular basis, so kidney issues can be caught early.
Meloxicam
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Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly prescribed to dogs experiencing pain from osteoarthritis and works to reduce the joint inflammation that causes pain and inhibits movement. Although considered a very effective drug for this condition, meloxicam can be somewhat rough on the kidneys when given in high doses for an extended period of time. If meloxicam is part of a long-term treatment plan, blood chemistry should be monitored periodically for elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Use of another NSAID in conjunction with meloxicam can increase the risk of kidney damage.
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