There are different causes that can be behind kidney problems in dogs and in this article on our site we will review the most common ones. It is very important that we are clear that the kidneys play an essential role in the body, so a failure in their operation can have fatal consequences. Therefore, if our dog presents any of the symptoms that we will describe below, a quick visit to the veterinarian is essential. Early treatment can help limit kidney damage.
Kidney insufficiency or renal failure is usually the most common pathology, however, it is not the only one that can affect the dog. For this reason, we show a complete list of the most common kidney diseases in dogs and their main symptoms to see a specialist as soon as possible.
Kidney diseases in dogs
The kidneys are two organs that are located on both sides of the spinal column, behind the last rib. They form urine and send it to the ureters, which are the tubes that reach the bladder, from where the urine passes through the urethra and out. But the kidneys, in addition to purifying the body of waste products, play an important role in regulating fluids and electrolytes. For this reason, kidney problems in dogs will affect the entire body, manifesting with different symptoms that will begin by affecting the elimination of urine. If the kidney tissue is damaged, it will no longer be able to recover.
The most notable pathologies that cause kidney problems in dogs are:
- Kidney stones
- Pyelonephritis
- Nephritis
- Renal insufficiency
Although kidney failure in dogs is the most common and well-known kidney disease, the truth is that it is not the only one they can suffer from. Next, we review the most frequent symptoms of each of these problems.
1. Kidney stones in dogs
We begin the review of kidney problems in dogs with the stones, which are nothing more than stones of different sizes that are formed by the precipitation of some minerals. This process is influenced by food, pH and hydration. Kidney stones cause pain, difficulties when urinating or incontinence, blood in the urine, presence of grit in the urine, etc. Sometimes, it is even possible to observe the expulsion of a stone that, as a recommendation, we should take to the veterinary clinic to be analyzed in order to discover the cause of its formation.
If they are not controlled they can cause perforations, obstructions and kidney failure Treatment will depend on the type of stone, since there are several those that exist based on their composition (calcium, struvite, uric acid, etc.). In any case, a specific diet is usually needed, since it manages to undo some calculations, and antibiotics to prevent infections. In the most severe or complicated cases, surgical intervention may be required.
two. Pyelonephritis in Dogs
This kidney problem in dogs consists of a kidney infection caused by bacteria that will also affect the ureter. Usually, it occurs as a complication of a bladder infection, which implies that the bacteria have ascended from it to the kidneys. On the other hand, there may be an obstruction or a birth defect that favors the appearance of these infections.
The disease can appear acutely or chronically. In the first case, symptoms include fever, anorexia, vomiting and pain in the lower back and when urinating. The dog assumes an abnormal posture with stiff legs and a hunched body. Chronic pyelonephritis may or may not occur after an acute one. The clinical picture is characterized by anorexia, weight loss, elimination of a greater amount of urine and increased water intake.
This kidney infection can cause kidney failure Therefore, it is very important to follow veterinary treatment, which is usually prolonged, even about two months, and consists of antibiotics. It is a difficult infection to eliminate and relapses are common. A strict follow-up will be scheduled to check the efficacy of the treatment and, upon its conclusion, to discharge.
3. Nephritis and nephrosis in dogs
Another of the kidney problems in dogs are diseases that will affect the kidneys to the point of kidney failure. Specifically, nephritis is an inflammation that is associated with diseases such as hepatitis, ehrlichiosis, pancreatitis or borreliosis. On the other hand, nephrosis is due to degenerative changes as a result of poisoning, for example, by the consumption of some medications.
In both cases the dogs will present nephrotic syndrome, with edema, ascites and pleural effusion. Nephritis can be resolved by treating the cause that has developed it early. For nephrotic syndrome, we act as in renal failure, which we will see in the next section.
4. Kidney failure in dogs
This insufficiency is one of the most common and well-known kidney diseases in dogs. It is defined as the inability to eliminate waste from the body Kidney failure in dogs, as this pathology is also known, can occur acutely or chronically, which These are the most common cases and they affect older dogs the most. In fact, kidney failure in young dogs is more uncommon. It is due to causes such as obstruction, bladder rupture, shock, heart failure, poisoning, etc.
One problem to bear in mind is that kidney damage will not produce symptoms until it is already very advanced. In a blood test, elevated creatinine is a sign of kidney failure in dogs, but measurement has recently been highlighted of SDMA for diagnosis because it rises before creatinine, that is, when the damage has not spread as much and is not altered as much by other factors, such as muscle mass, which does influence the creatinine values.
Symptoms of kidney failure are an increased intake of water, the elimination of urine and dehydration due to the difficulty of the organism to getting rid of waste, depression, anorexia, weight loss, poor coat appearance, ammonia-smelling breath, mouth sores, fluid retention, vomiting, diarrhea or hemorrhages, as a consequence of the effects of the toxins that are not being eliminated.
The treatment includes the administration of a specific diet, the maintenance of good hydration and the appropriate medication to control the symptoms that appear. Sometimes vitamins are also prescribed. Any worsening should prompt us to seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Is kidney failure in dogs curable?
This kidney problem in dogs usually involves permanent damageSometimes, if it is small or affects only one kidney, the other can compensate for its function, therefore, the dog could live without symptoms. But the more extensive the lesions are, the worse the prognosis will be, although we must know that dogs with kidney disease can live for years with good veterinary treatment and follow-up. Thus, is not curable but treatable
Food for dogs with kidney problems
There are different products for this type of kidney problem in dogs specifically formulated foods Their s alt content is restricted and they use protein from high quality to lighten the work of the kidneys. In addition, the percentage of phosphorus is also controlled, which is usually high in sick animals. A moist diet is recommended, as it is important to promote hydration.
If a homemade menu is preferred, it must be agreed with a veterinarian trained in nutrition, since an inadequate diet would aggravate the problem. In any case, the restrictions would be the same, so it is convenient to administer easily digestible protein, foods low in phosphorus and sodium
Can a dog live with only one kidney?
Sometimes, kidney diseases require the removal of one of the kidneys, a fact that produces great doubts among dog handlers, leading them to wonder if a dog can really live with only one kidney and what changes implies this new situation. Well, the truth is that a dog yes can live with a single kidney, but it will be necessary for it to receive a strict veterinary control and proper nutrition so as not to force the excess the organ. Also, dialysis may be necessary in some cases.
