Chronic kidney failure cannot be reversed or cured. The kidneys will continue to worsen. Damage to the kidneys has been happening for more than 3 months (as opposed to acute failure, which occurs much more rapidly). Chronic kidney failure is the most common type of kidney disease in dogs, occurring in 0.5-1% of dogs.
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.
Stages of Renal Failure in Dogs
It's best if some treatments are started when the pet is at a specific stage of chronic kidney disease. Median survival time for dogs in Stage 1 is more than 400 days, while Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days and Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days.
The kidneys may be supported using dialysis, which helps to remove toxins from the blood. Without treatment, acute kidney failure is fatal. Chronic kidney failure is treated primarily through changes in diet, fluid therapy, and various medications on an outpatient basis.
Is Kidney Failure in Dogs Painful? Yes, kidney failure in dogs can be painful. Kidney failure in dogs can be painful because the kidneys are responsible for filtering body waste and toxins. When they fail, these toxins build up in the bloodstream and can cause discomfort and pain.
Dogs in acute kidney failure develop severe symptoms, very quickly- usually in less than a week of the kidney injury, although it can occur within minutes to hours of the injury for toxins like antifreeze.
Prognosis for Dogs With Kidney Disease
Sadly, many dogs with acute renal failure will not survive more than several days. 6 However, if caught early enough and treated aggressively, some dogs can fully recover. Treatment generally involves intravenous fluid therapy and supportive medications.
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. High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium.
For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3's or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.
The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath. Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth.
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.
Stage 1 Kidney Disease
In stage one, there is a small amount to no protein in the urine, and the pup typically maintains normal blood pressure. However, diagnostic tests may indicate abnormalities in the urine concentration or irregular kidney palpation. Most dogs do not present with symptoms during this stage.
“A low protein diet is recommended to slow the progression of renal disease in pets,” says Dr. Grzyb, as is a diet that is low in phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. Diets lower in protein and these minerals can help stabilize and even improve kidney enzymes—leading to a healthier pet with a longer life span.
Healthy dogs can safely enjoy some table scraps like lean meats, bland rice or pasta, and some fruits and vegetables.
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.
Although there is no cure for chronic kidney disease in dogs, in many cases the condition can be managed through a therapeutic diet. Keeping your canine companion on a strict therapeutic diet may help your pet to enjoy a good quality of life for months, depending on their specific circumstances.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) are likely the most common kidney toxins found around the house. Human NSAIDs are toxic to dogs because they are not formulated for their physiology and can cause harm even in small doses.
Bad breath - Breath that smells like an outhouse can be seen in the advanced stages of renal failure in dogs. This is a result of the toxins that build up in the blood.
Reduced GFR is a red flag for six major complications in patients with CKD: acute kidney injury risk, resistant hypertension, metabolic abnormalities, adverse drug reactions, accelerated cardiovascular disease and progression to end-stage kidney disease.
The end stages of kidney disease occur when the kidneys no longer work, and the body is not responding to treatment. 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.