Senior Kidney Disease in Dogs With High Nitrogen Levels

Kidney disease is common in dogs, particularly in older ones. Elevated nitrogen levels in the blood are due to urea, a waste product resulting from protein breaking down in your senior dog's body. Urea is processed in the liver and exits the body through the urinary tract. A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test can determine your pet's nitrogen levels.

  1. Causes

    • Next to arthritis and cancer, kidney disease is a major illness in older dogs. The disease can be caused by age; viral, fungal and bacterial infections; parasites; cancer; inflammation; autoimmune disease; abnormal deposit of proteins in the kidney; and toxicity. High nitrogen levels occur due to azotemia, which is an increased concentration of urea and creatinine. This is caused by enhanced catabolism of tissues in association with infection, fever, trauma, corticosteroid excess, low blood volume or low blood pressure.

    Symptoms

    • Azotemia and kidney disease in your senior dog is caused by a urinary obstruction, according to Vetconnect.com. Typical symptoms in a dog with high nitrogen levels of kidney disease include weight loss, poor skin and coat condition, fatigue, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea and halitosis.

    Diagnosis

    • Your veterinarian can diagnose the disease through a urinalysis and other tests including serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentration test, X-rays and ultrasounds of the kidneys, blood count, a chemical blood profile, and a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test.

    Treatment

    • Fluid therapy to relieve your dog's hydration, and restriction of dietary protein are important steps in treating this disease. Depending on the disease's severity, your dog may need IV fluid therapy, antibiotics, diuretics to flush as much fluid through the system as possible, and corticosteroids or other medications. Your vet will determine appropriate treatment for your dog.

    Home Care

    • You must monitor your dog at home and make sure normal urine flow has been restored. If he's still having problems there's a risk of progressive renal damage or death due to hyperkalemia and uremia. Fresh water should be available at all times. Give him ample opportunities to relieve himself. The vet may suggest a modified diet with less protein.