Famotidine is a medication that is prescribed to relieve the pain and discomfort of stomach ulcers that are commonly associated with kidney failure in dogs. This medication is not approved for use in dogs, however, veterinarians may legally prescribe it as an extra label drug.
-
Identification
-
Kidney failure in dogs may occur when the kidneys cannot function properly to remove metabolic waste from the blood. These wastes build up in the blood until they reach a toxic level, producing signs of illness in the dog.
Causes
-
Kidney failure in dogs may be due to aging, or it may be caused by poisoning, blockage of the urinary tract, heat stroke, certain medications and infections. In many cases, the cause of kidney failure remains unknown. Kidney failure in dogs may develop gradually over time, or appear suddenly.
Symptoms
-
Some of the symptoms associated with kidney failure in dogs is increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, vomiting, anemia, weight loss and the inability to produce urine.
Stomach Ulcers
-
One side effect that is associated with kidney failure in dogs is stomach ulcers. This is due to the acidity of the stomach that is increased by kidney failure. This makes the dog more likely to develop stomach ulcers and bleeding of the stomach. Stomach ulcers may also cause vomiting.
Famotidine
-
Famotidine is prescribed for dogs that suffer from stomach ulcers as a result of kidney failure. This medication is an anti-ulcer drug that targets the cell membranes of the stomach that produce stomach acid. Famotidine blocks the production of stomach acid, allowing the ulcer to heal. This medication is also beneficial in treating inflammation of the stomach in dogs, due to kidney failure.
-