What Are the Causes of Kidney Damage in Horses?

Kidney failure and renal deficiencies in horses have been traced to a variety of causes. Equine kidney damage can lead to death if left untreated, and in severe cases, a horse may live on dialysis for the remainder of its days. If treatment is begun promptly, horses may be released from a care center as soon as 72 hours after onset. While kidney failure is rare in horses, it does occur with a variety of causes such as dehydration, colic and heatstroke.

  1. Dehydration

    • Dehydration decreases the blood supply to the kidneys. Dehydration can be brought on by diarrhea, excessive sweating or a lack of water. This lack of moisture in the blood stream slows the process of blood flow. Kidney damage can occur within hours of the onset of dehydration. Treatment of renal failure due to dehydration is best treated by increasing fluids, through oral means or intravenously.

    Heatstroke

    • Heatstroke affects the kidneys in the same manner as dehydration. Heatstroke results from excessive physical exertion. During exercise, the body redirects blood flow to the muscles and skin and away from the kidneys. With continued exertion, the kidneys begin to develop damage from the lack of blood flow. Increasing fluids and reducing or eliminating physical activity is the most common treatment for heatstroke as well as moving the horse into a cooler environment until the temperature returns to normal levels.

    Toxins in Nature

    • There are many plants that are toxic to horses. The list in numerous and many cause damage to the kidneys. These toxic substances will be absorbed by the kidneys, resulting in damage. A horse's grazing area should be cleared of all toxic plants before turn out and routinely inspected for growth of toxic saplings.

    Colic

    • Colic is very damaging to all the systems of the body. It places stress and strain on every organ. During a colic attack, blood clots may form and clog the kidneys. This traps the toxins that the kidneys filter in the body, allowing them to damage the kidneys and flow throughout the body. Treat colic promptly to avoid causing damage to the kidneys and other organs

    Bacterial Infections

    • Bacterial infections can damage cells within the kidneys that protect and filter chemicals and toxins out of the body. The inflammation caused by infection can affect the tubal of the kidneys; this prevents the passing of plasma and water from the kidney.