A dog's kidneys have failed when they are no longer able to remove waste from the blood, according to Pawprints and Purrs. Kidney failure---a life-threatening disease---most often occurs in older dogs.
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Types
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Acute kidney failure happens quickly, often from exposure to poison or medication, reports Vetinfo.com. Chronic kidney failure, which is more common, progresses slowly.
Risk Factors
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Kidney failure is most likely in dogs over 10 years old, but some larger breeds develop the condition when they are younger, according to Pawprints and Purrs.
Symptoms
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Signs of kidney failure include increased or decreased urination, increased thirst, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, bad breath, weight loss, bloody urine, mouth ulcers, balance and coordination problems, and/or dehydration.
Diagnosis
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Dogs may not show signs of illness until their kidneys have nearly failed, according to Dr. Larry Siegler, DVM. Vets check the levels of waste products, such as urea and creatinine, in the blood---levels that are too high indicate a problem with kidney function.
Treatment
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Intravenous (IV) fluid injections and a diet low in protein, phosphorous and sodium are typical treatments, according to Siegler. The vet may prescribe drugs to filter phosphorous out of the blood, prevent vomiting or increase red blood cell production, says Pawprints and Purrs. The prognosis after treatment depends on the dog, but a life expectancy as long as four years is possible.
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