Canine Kidney Failure Treatment

Healthy kidneys are very important in maintaining good health in your dog. If the kidneys fail, it can lead to serious illness and even death. Luckily, there are treatments available to stop canine kidney failure, but even when applied you need to realize that they cannot guarantee your dog will recover.

  1. Signs of Kidney Failure

    • There are several obvious signs that a dog is suffering from kidney disease or failure. They will begin to consume much higher quantities of water than normal, and will also begin producing more urine then normal. Loss of appetite and weight loss are common later stage signs of a kidney problem, as are vomiting, diarrhea, depression and weakness. Some dogs also form ulcers in their mouths and will begin to bleed or bruise easily.

    Causes of Kidney Failure

    • Kidney failure in dogs is often associated with or caused by another disease. Most commonly this disease is chronic interstitial nephritis. High blood pressure, elevated thyroid levels and bacterial infections are also common culprits. Kidney failure is not just linked with diseases, however. Ingestion or exposure to toxic chemicals can also be a cause.

    First Treatment Step

    • Once a dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure by a veterinarian, she will start the dog on a treatment program. Initially the kidneys will be "restarted" by flushing them out with large amounts of intravenous fluids. This helps to stimulate kidney cell function and replaces electrolytes that may have been lost. It is also normal to give medications and nutritional supplements at this time to control further weight loss, diarrhea and vomiting.

    Results from First Treatment Step

    • There are several outcomes to this first phase of treatment for kidney failure, and they can oftem mean the difference between life and death. The best outcome is for the kidneys to resume functioning on their own. This can last for a few days or weeks or even years in the best scenario. In some cases, kidneys will resume functioning during treatment, but will fail again when the treatment is concluded. And in the worst case situation, the kidneys will not resume functioning at all. If this is the case, there may be nothing else that can be done for the dog and death is possible.

    Second Treatment Step

    • If the first step of treatment goes well and the kidneys are once again functioning, try and keep them functioning as long as possible. A special diet that is low in protein, phosphorous and acid must be given on a daily basis. Fluids may need to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) on a daily or weekly schedule to keep the kidneys going, and medication will probably be necessary to regulate calcium levels as well as the parathyroid gland and production of new blood cells through bone marrow.