Renal disease is a condition that affects the kidney function of a dog. Working breed dogs such as the Doberman Pinscher appear to have a higher incidence of developing the disease. There is no known cure for the condition and most Dobermans die quickly after the onset of symptoms.
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What is Renal Disease
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Renal disease affects the kidneys' ability to filter toxins from the blood, ultimately resulting in death. Symptoms can be managed for a period of time based on the severity of the disease and the dog's ability to respond to treatment.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of renal disease in Dobermans include drinking large amounts of water, lethargy, urinating large quantities and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, vomiting, weight loss and odorous breath can be observed.
Treatments
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While there are no known cures for the disease, Dobermans can be treated, which will extend the life expectancy as well as improve the quality of life for the dog. Treatments include: fluid therapy, vitamin B injections, low protein diets, blood chemistry monitoring and anabolic steroid administration.
Presentation
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The timing of the presentation of symptoms will depend on whether or not the dog has the juvenile or adult onset version of the disease. Juvenile renal disease can present from birth until approximately two years of age while the adult onset disease tends to occur later in life, generally after five years of age. Juvenile renal disease is hereditary.
Monitoring
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Dogs such as Dobermans that are susceptible to the development of renal disease should have regular blood chemistry tests performed to monitor kidney function to signs of abnormal fluctuations in BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. Elevated levels of either BUN or creatinine are key indicators of kidney disease.
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