Kidney disease is a serious condition that can cause a dog's kidneys to fail or operate less efficiently. It is common in older dogs but could occur suddenly or over time in any dog. It is important to recognize the causes and symptoms of this disease to begin treatment right away.
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Kidney Disease
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There are two types of canine kidney disease: acute and chronic. Acute kidney disease comes on suddenly, while the chronic type occurs over time. If your dog shows signs of kidney disease, your veterinarian can use blood and urine tests to test how well the kidneys are performing.
Symptoms
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There are many potential symptoms of kidney disease. It is important to discuss these symptoms with a veterinarian, as some of them could be signs of other conditions (such as urinary tract infections or liver problems). Some symptoms include an increase or decrease in urination, lack of appetite, an increase in thirst, vomiting or diarrhea, weight loss, blood in the urine and fatigue.
Causes
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Kidney disease has many possible causes. Acute (sudden onset) kidney disease and failure could be caused by shock, poisoning or toxicity, congestive heart failure, dehydration or an infection (bacterial, fungal and viral infections could all contribute to this condition). Potential causes of chronic kidney disease and failure include parasites, kidney stones, cancer and immune system diseases. Age is also a factor; older dogs are more likely to develop kidney problems.
Dietary Changes
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Changing the dog's diet is one important way to treat its kidney disease and make it feel more comfortable. A veterinarian can offer advice on adjusting a dog's food to make sure it is still getting all the nutrients it needs. Low-sodium and low-phosphate foods are recommended. A low-protein food can also be beneficial but must be monitored carefully. Avoid dry dog foods, which can help your dog stay hydrated. Discuss supplements with your veterinarian; Omega-3 fatty acids, potassium and vitamins B and C can help treat kidney disease.
Other Treatments
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Work closely with your veterinarian in order to treat your dog's kidney disease. In addition to making dietary changes, kidney disease can be treated with fluid therapy (to prevent dehydration), antibiotics or other infection treatments (if infection is a cause of the disease), kidney dialysis or medication. In some cases, a kidney transplant might be possible.
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