Kidney failure in dogs usually leads to other organ failures as the disease progresses in the dog's body. Toxins that are no longer being eliminated by the kidneys can affect the heart, the lungs, the gastrointestinal tract, the liver and the brain. If the dog's brain becomes toxic, seizures can become a veterinary emergency.
-
Disease Symptoms
-
Kidney failure is one of the most common diseases diagnosed in dogs. By using comprehensive blood tests and a known set of symptoms, veterinarians can diagnose whether the disease is acute (symptoms develop quickly) or chronic (disease signs worsen over a period of time). A dog in renal failure usually will drink to excess and urinate more than usual. They may become lethargic and depressed and be unwilling or unable to eat food. Dogs can begin vomiting, have diarrhea, and may develop ulcers in the mouth on the tongue and gums.
Causes of Seizure
-
In the later stages of kidney disease, dog owners may notice a foul, metallic smell to the dog's breath due to excess nitrogen and accumulation of toxins in the dog's urine and bloodstream. This polysystemic process, called uremia, usually occurs after 75% of kidney function has been compromised and indicates that other body systems in the dog are showing the effects of toxicity. Many dogs will develop hypertension and cardiac arrhythmias and show signs of heart failure. They may become anemic and can have difficult breathing. Uremia in dogs can also include neurological signs such as tremors, muscle weakness, behavioral changes, dementia and seizures due to excess toxins in the brain and spinal fluid.
Treatment
-
By the time uremia is noted in dogs with renal failure, veterinary treatment is usually palliative, designed to decrease the symptoms of the disease, increase kidney function, and improve quality of life. Dogs will usually be placed on either intravenous or subcutaneous fluid therapy to replace needed electrolytes and nutrition. If anemia is present, vets may recommend drug therapy to stimulate bone marrow to produce new red blood cells. Dogs that are seizing due to renal failure may be placed on some type of anti-seizure medication to avert brain damage.
Considerations
-
Dog owners and veterinarians will need to determine the underlying cause of the renal failure in order to provide the appropriate clinical and at-home care. Liver disease, pyometra (infection of the uterus), dehydration, malnutrition, sepsis, and exposure to drugs toxic to the kidneys all are possible factors in kidney failure. Older dogs are particularly at risk for this disease and may not show any symptoms until the disease has progressed to organ failure.
Warning
-
The prognosis for dogs with kidney disease can be variable depending on the response to treatment and the quality of follow-up care. In most dogs, some kidney function can return with continued treatment; but inevitably the kidneys will fail at some point in the future. If the dog becomes neurologically impaired due to renal failure, owners may have to consider euthanasia as a humane and loving option.
-