Kidneys function as filters for the bloodstream, removing toxic byproducts of metabolism from the blood stream. In dogs, kidney disease is one of the most common causes of sudden illness and death, so identifying the problem early is important. Canine kidney failure runs through a number of discrete stages, particularly in older dogs. (Kidney disease can also be triggered by drinking a bit of poison--lapping at a puddle with some anti-freeze in it is one example.)
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Early Stages
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The earliest stages of canine kidney failure are asymptomatic, unless they're caught by a veterinarian doing a routine checkup on the dog. At this stage of the process, the kidneys have taken some damage, but the primary symptoms are elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels.
Intermediate Stages
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The earliest symptom that most dog owners notice is that their dog is having to urinate a lot more frequently than normal; the kidneys, at this stage, are trying to make up for the damage done to them by canine kidney failure by flushing more water through the organ. Other symptoms include weight loss and increased thirst. A blood test will pin the disease down with the creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels.
Advanced Stages
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Advanced signs of canine kidney failure include vomiting, lethargy, and having difficulty urinating (or holding urine in). Sometimes there will be swelling along the lower abdomen, near the hips, as the kidneys get inflamed by a parasite or through cancerous tumors. At this stage, the dog is usually in terrible amounts of pain.
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