Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure (ARF), is when the kidneys suddenly stop functioning properly. This affects virtually all systems in the dog's body, and can quickly lead to death as the kidneys become unable to eliminate waste products from the body. Although ARF is not common in younger dogs, there are several things that can cause it in a dog of any age, according to Dr. Debra Primovic of Pet Place.
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Antifreeze
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Antifreeze sometimes leaks from car engines and can poison pets. More common in the fall and winter months as people winterize their vehicles, antifreeze poisoning can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which has a sweet taste but is highly poisonous. Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning include disorientation, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and weakness. In the early stages, shortly after ingestion, your dog will appear drunk. According to veterinarian Dr. Ron Hines, of the 2nd Chance website, there is no cure for this type of poisoning once the antifreeze has begun to damage the kidneys, and the dog will usually die of acute kidney failure within a few days. Caught early, however, kidney damage can be minimized or prevented, and the dog will be able to live a normal life.
Leptospirosis
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Rats are one carrier of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a disease that has a number of different strains, each one caused by a slightly different bacterial pathogen. It exists in the soil or is carried by rats, skunks, opossums or raccoons. Pets gain protection against some strains through vaccinations. If a dog contracts this disease, the kidneys can be damaged.
Symptoms are frequent urination, urine that is very dark, fever, vomiting and an increase in thirst. Treatment with antibiotics stops the disease from continuing to damage the dog's liver and kidneys, but the dog will be contagious to humans and pets for as long as three months. The dog may still develop acute kidney failure, but most times if the progress of the disease is halted the dog will recover.
Injury
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A serious injury can result in acute kidney failure. A serious injury, such as being hit by a car, falling and being kicked or similarly injured, can lead to acute kidney failure. When a dog is injured, there is the possibility of its bladder being ruptured from the trauma. This, in turn, will prevent the dog from being able to eliminate urine, and this leads to the buildup of toxins in the kidneys and, eventually, kidney failure. Dr. Primovic cautions that surgery is the only way to save the life of a dog with kidney failure caused by a ruptured bladder, but in some cases it may not be a viable option. A veterinarian will need to make the determination based on the specific circumstances of the case.
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