If our dog is sick or is already old, our veterinarian may take a blood sample to analyze when we go for a check-up. This clinical test will allow us to know the general condition of the dog and, above all, if it presents any anomaly in the functioning of its organs.
One of these parameters is creatinine. In this article on our site we are going to explain what high creatinine means in dogs, what reasons can cause it to rise, what are the repercussions on the dog's he alth animal and how it can be treated.
Creatinine and the kidneys
High creatinine in dogs indicates that the kidneys are not working properly. The role of the renal system is essential, since the kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood, cleaning it of impurities, eliminated through urine.
Kidneys can fail as a result of some disease, disorder, or deterioration caused by age. The renal system is capable of compensating for a long time, that is, even if it begins to fail, the animal will not show any symptoms. That is why it is so important to go for check-ups at least once a year if our dog is over 7 years old.
In addition, if we observe any abnormality it is important that the dog receives early treatment. We must know that only elevated creatinine does not have to mean that there is kidney damage. Thus, high urea and creatinine, in addition to another parameter such as phosphorus, are the data used to diagnose kidney disease.
Kidney disease
Urinary tract obstructions, bladder ruptures or poisoning, by affecting the kidney, can alter its function. In these cases we will be facing a acute kidney disease If we treat it, it is possible that the kidney function will recover and our dog will not have sequelae but, on other occasions, the kidney structure is irreversibly damaged.
These dogs will suffer from chronic kidney disease throughout their lives that will require monitoring and treatment. This kidney malfunction is responsible for high creatinine in dogs and causes the symptoms that we will see in the next section.
Kidney disease symptoms
High creatinine in dogs is one of the parameters used by veterinarians to determine the severity of kidney disease, since in This can be differentiated 4 stages. The symptoms that we can observe in our dog are the following:
- Weight loss and, in general, bad appearance.
- Increased water intake.
- Alterations in the elimination of urine, being able to excrete a large quantity or none.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Dehydration.
- Breath smells like ammonia.
- As the disease progresses, complications such as edema or coma may occur.
Treatment of kidney disease
High creatinine can be a vital emergency for our dog. In acute cases, their values can be shot up. In this situation, our veterinarian will explain how to lower high creatinine in our dog, following the following steps:
- The dog will be dehydrated, so fluid therapy is necessary.
- There is no drug that lowers high creatinine in dogs, but if it is known, it is possible to treat the cause of its elevation. For example, a ruptured bladder requires surgical intervention.
- There are other drugs that can be used to control other symptoms and make the dog more lively. Thus, a vomiting dog may require antiemetics or gastric protectors.
These are measures for acute cases. If the dog recovers but there has been irreversible kidney damage, he will become chronic kidney disease, as we will see in the next section
Maintenance of a dog with kidney disease
High creatinine in dogs, but not as high as in acute cases, is what animals with chronic disease usually have. In these cases it is a matter of maintaining creatinine, urea and phosphorus at the lowest values that are achieved for as long as possible, being aware that they will not return to normal.
Our veterinarian will determine with the data of the blood and urine tests and, also, additional tests such as radiography or ultrasound and blood pressure measurement, in which stage of the disease our dog is. dog and, based on it, will prescribe some pharmacological treatment
These dogs must also be fed a food specifically formulated for kidney patients We must also ensure that they stay hydrated, drinking or with Wet food, we will go to the vet in the event of any symptoms and he will schedule a regular follow-up.
