Acute canine kidney failure is defined as the abrupt decline of kidney function in a dog. While infection or introduction of a toxin is often the cause of the syndrome, it rarely is diagnosed. The symptoms are fairly simple to spot, but even with treatment, acute kidney failure is often fatal.
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Increased Need to Urinate
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Kidneys help to clean blood, and the toxins and waste products are eliminated via urine. However, when kidneys start to fail, a dog will need to urinate more frequently and may even find it painful.
Increased Water Intake
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When a dog begins to urinate more frequently as a result of acute kidney failure, it quickly becomes dehydrated. Thus, it is common for the dog to rapidly increase water intake. Continuous panting and drinking of water is often a sign acute kidney failure.
Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
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The process of kidneys shutting down is exhausting. Due to fatigue and the pain associated with urination, dogs experiencing acute kidney failure often lose their appetite and may lose a great deal of weight. They will become tired and lethargic.
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