Treatments for kidney failure in dogs include things like: Medicines that encourage the production of urine. Fluid therapy via an IV (available at your local vet hospital) Addition of electrolytes to balance out blood levels.
How long your dog will live after severe kidney failure is difficult to predict and depends on response to treatment and follow-up care. Many patients respond well however and maintain good quality of life for up to four years or more.
Each case should be treated aggressively and monitored closely. Even dogs that have severe kidney failure may respond favorably to treatment and resume a normal quality of life after treatment.
Diet For Dogs With Kidney Disease – Feed your dog a kidney-friendly diet low in protein and sodium and high in omega fatty acids. Reducing the amount of protein wastes or “metabolic” toxins will not only make your pup feel better, but it will also help to keep the blood tests as close to normal as possible.
Kidney failure in dogs can be painful because the kidneys are responsible for filtering body waste and toxins.
It is estimated that more than half of pets suffering from acute kidney failure either die from the condition or are euthanized to prevent suffering. That said, if caught early and treated aggressively some dogs are able to recover from acute kidney failure.
These diets are formulated to help dogs with CKD avoid metabolic acidosis and are available from your veterinarian. Examples include Hill's® Prescription Diet® k/d®, Royal Canin® Veterinary Diet Canine Renal Support, Purina® ProPlan® Veterinary Diet NF Kidney Function®, and Rayne Clinical Nutrition™ Adult Health-RSS™.
Your dog may become very lethargic, or sleepy, and have a hard time rising. They likely have lost a great deal of weight and their appetite is usually diminished. They may be too nauseous to keep food down. Confusion is often a sign of late-stage disease and is caused by the toxins present in the blood stream.
Cost of Dialysis and Renal Replacement Therapy in Dogs
The average price of dialysis and CRRT, for the first two to three treatments, ranges from $3,000 to $4,500. Subsequent treatments typically cost $600 to $700 each. This price may not include the cost of hospitalization.
Signs of acute kidney failure in dogs will appear quickly, typically within a couple of hours or days of ingesting the toxin. If your dog is suffering from acute kidney failure you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: Increase or decrease in water consumption. Increase or decrease in volume of urine.
Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs
One is acute, or sudden, which usually occurs after a pet ingests a toxin like antifreeze or certain prescription medications. Other causes of acute renal failure include severe urinary tract infections and decreased blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys.
Pain: If your dog is in pain, it may remain hidden or become reluctant to interact with the family. Your dog may seem to be panting more than usual or trembling. You may also notice other signs of pain like irritability, restlessness, or aggression.
Breed: Some dog breeds, including English Cocker spaniels, bull terriers and German shepherds, are more likely to develop particular types of kidney disease. Learn more about a very special German shepherd named Buddy that was diagnosed with kidney failure.
GRAPES & RAISINS: Grapes and raisins (and even currants) can cause quite a severe toxicity in dogs. If even a small amount is ingested, they could go into acute kidney failure. Other common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, and abnormal drinking or urination.
Treatment for kidney disease often includes a number of dietary changes or restrictions, combined with medications. While medications are used primarily to reduce symptoms of the disease, a therapeutic diet will help slow the progression of disease and help to reduce the work your dog's kidneys need to perform.
Acute renal (i.e., kidney) failure can impact many of your dog's normal internal functions, and become life-threatening without prompt and aggressive treatment.
ESRD occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to work at a level needed for day-to-day life. The most common causes of ESRD in the United States are diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions can affect your kidneys. ESRD almost always comes after chronic kidney disease.
Stage IV: Signs are at their worst because there are severe elevations of kidney values in bloodwork. Kidney failure can also cause painful ulcers in a dog's mouth and make them feel sick, nauseous and weak, leading to poor quality of life in the later stages.
Usually the size of the kidneys is something your vet will try and feel or look at on a scan or x-ray. Some dogs may show a strange unpleasant smell on their breath, this can happen when waste products such as urea build up in the blood and can give off a smell.
In addition to feeding a lower protein diet, you also need to avoid giving high protein treats such as meat, jerky treats, cheese, rawhides, pig ears, etc.
Avoid products that are high in phosphorus and salt. Prescribing medications to reduce nausea, stomach inflammation, ulcers, or other symptoms that may be reducing your dog's appetite. Recommending a different prescription kidney diet or, if necessary, a suitable over-the-counter food.
For dogs with kidney failure, this protein should be fed in moderation and with care as the yolk has high amounts of phosphorus. Unless your vet tells you that an occasional egg is okay to feed your dog, it is best to avoid giving eggs to dogs with kidney disease, to be on the safe side.
Treatments for Canine Kidney Failure
Fluid therapy via an IV (available at your local vet hospital) Addition of electrolytes to balance out blood levels. Medicine to reduce vomiting. Medication to ease gastrointestinal problems.
An older study gave a median survival time of >400 days for dogs with Stage 1 disease, 200 to 400 days for dogs with Stage 2 disease, 110 to 200 days for dogs with Stage 3 disease, and 14 to 80 days for dogs with Stage 4 disease (end stage kidney failure).
But does your dog understand the depth of love you have for him or her? According to Dr. Brian Hare, a canine cognition specialist, our dogs do know we love them. Dogs and humans have the ability to form a special neural connection.