The function of the kidney is to rid the body of waste produced during metabolism. Removal of waste takes place within the kidneys through a system of nephrons. Contained in each nephron is a glomerulus (sieve-like filtering structure). This system maintains correct blood protein and cell levels, while unneeded fluid and waste are excreted in the urine. As a dog ages, the kidneys lose the ability to filter the blood due to the destruction of the glomeruli. Kidney failure occurs when 80 percent of these filters are clogged or destroyed and waste levels start to increase in the bloodstream.
Instructions
Rejuvenate and minimize further damage
Administer large quantities of fluids intravenously to flush and restart the kidneys. This therapy is referred to as diuresis. Diuresis helps to stimulate normal kidney cell function again. This fluid therapy should also include replacing potassium as well as other electrolytes.
At home, provide fresh clean water at all times. Kidney failure causes the dog to drink in excess to help flush the kidneys. Fluid therapy helps restore metabolic balance by flushing the dog's body of nitrogenous waste.
Avoid foods high in phosphorus. Phosphorus is normally filtered through the kidneys. When filtration is impaired, phosphorus levels rise in the bloodstream, and calcium may be extracted from bone to correct the calcium:phosphorus ratio, which should be 2:1.
Supplementing Calcitrol may help restore an imbalanced ratio. Or, if necessary, specific phosphorus-binding drugs, such as Maalox, may be prescribed to lower blood levels.
High-quality protein should be fed at a level of 2.0 to 2.8 grams/kilogram/day. Raw meat-based diets produce less protein (nitrogen) waste. Higher quality protein is more digestible, which leads to less waste and is therefore less taxing on the kidneys. In addition, meat-based diets contain more water to assist in flushing the kidneys.
Dogs suffering from decreased appetite, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and bad breath (uremia) may benefit from adding soluble fiber to help manage excess urea.
Reduce blood pressure with the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Elevated blood pressure causes destruction of the glomeruli. ACE works by increasing the diameter of the blood vessels. This decreases blood pressure, thereby minimizing the destruction of the remaining functioning glomeruli. Limit salt consumption as well.
Add B vitamins to the dog's diet to stimulate appetite. Dogs with kidney failure often suffer from digestive upset. This may inhibit the absorption of nutrients, causing weight loss and anemia. Supplementing with iron will help offset the loss of red blood cell production.
Add omega-3 fatty acids from sources such as fish oil to the diet, to slow kidney destruction. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation in the kidney. Vitamin E can be added, as it acts synergistically with omega-3.
Kidney damage cannot be reversed, but careful management can rejuvenate functioning kidney cells and slow their scarring.