Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is a progressive disorder most common among older dogs. The kidneys lose their ability to collect urine and eliminate waste from the dog's body. The disease is irreversible, though there are treatments to prolong the dog's life and improve his quality of life. A little more than 1/2 of 1 percent of dogs will develop chronic renal failure.
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Likely Candidates
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Dogs over age 7 years are more likely to develop chronic renal failure, though the condition can affect dogs of any age. There is no difference in the rates of occurrence among males and females. Certain breeds are predisposed to develop the disease, including Basenjis, Beagles, Bedlington Terriers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Bull Terriers, Cairn Terriers, Chinese Shar-Peis, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, Doberman Pinschers, Golden Retrievers, Keeshonds, Lhasa Apsos, Newfoundlands, Norwegian Elkhounds, Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Rottweilers, Samoyed, Shih Tzus, Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers and Standard Poodles.
Symptoms
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Symptoms of chronic renal failure include increased frequency of urination, diluted urine, increased drinking, anorexia, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, blindness, oral or stomach ulcers, exercise intolerance, muscle weakness and, rarely, seizures.
Causes
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Causes of chronic renal failure can include a kidney infection, cancer, kidney stone, immune disorder, lupus and congenital disorders. Sometimes, the cause of the disease remains a mystery.
Diagnosis
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To diagnose chronic renal failure, your veterinarian will likely begin with a complete blood count, a blood chemistry analysis, electrolytes testing, urinalysis, blood pressure check, ultrasounds and X-rays. The doctor may also wish to do a renal biopsy and additional testing to determine how progressed the disease is.
Veterinary Care
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Treatment of chronic renal failure is not designed to cure the disease, which is irreversible. Treatment is designed to slow the progression of the dog's life and make the animal's quality of life as good as possible.
Treatment includes providing the animal with subcutaneous fluids, blood pressure medication, antibiotics for kidney infections, stomach acid reducers, medication to modify electrolytes, dietary changes and a potential blood transfusion to address anemia.
Home Care
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After diagnosis and treatment at a veterinary clinic, you will likely be asked to provide your dog with subcutaneous fluids at home. Your veterinarian will teach you how to do this procedure, which provides fluids under your dog's skin. There will also be dietary changes you will need to make and medications you will need to provide your pet.
Diet
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A low-protein, low-phosphorus, low-sodium diet is often recommended for dogs suffering chronic renal failure. Your veterinarian may recommend you make a homemade diet for your pet, or the doctor may prescribe a veterinary diet. Hydration is extremely important for your dog. Ensure she has access to clean and fresh water at all times. The veterinarian may also suggest nutritional supplements, such as Omega 3 fatty acids from marine fish oil, vitamin E, vitamin B-complex and vitamin C. You might also consider giving your dog a multivitamin. Some animals with chronic renal failure also need potassium supplementation.
Holistic Treatments
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Reducing stress is especially important for dog's suffering chronic renal failure. You may try flower essences and acupuncture as holistic treatments for stress relief and to relieve the symptoms of your dog's illness. You may also consider consulting a holistic veterinarian.
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