Chronic kidney failure in dogs cannot be cured or reversed, so early detection is vital. There are treatments available for dogs with kidney disease or long-term kidney failure. Your veterinarian will run tests to determine exactly what your dog is facing and the best treatment options.
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.
How long can a dog live with kidney failure without treatment? Left untreated, dogs in kidney failure will die, usually within a few days to a few weeks. Death is often preceded by loss of appetite, dehydration, weight loss, vomiting, and multi-organ failure.
Prognosis. Despite all the advances in the treatment of acute kidney failure, it remains a serious and often fatal disease. About 60% of dogs and cats with this disease either die or are humanely euthanized because of failure to respond to supportive care.
Management tips for dogs with CKD
A warm, comfortable place to sleep. Easy access to food and water. A palatable kidney prescription diet. Fluids administered under the skin, if directed by your veterinarian.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Animals are sometimes misdiagnosed with kidney disease based solely on laboratory findings rather than assessing the clinical symptoms in relation to the blood results. This is especially common with raw-fed dogs and cats, as discussed later in this article.
Early Signs Of Kidney Disease
One of the earliest signs of kidney disease is a marked increase in drinking and urination. Dogs often drink copious amounts of water which is often referred to as polydipsia. Of course, this is logically followed by excessive urination (polyuria).
“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.
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.
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.
When the kidneys can no longer efficiently remove waste products, these accumulate in the blood and cause some of the clinical signs of kidney disease, such as poor appetite, weight loss, increased thirst, and vomiting.
Without life-sustaining dialysis or a kidney transplant, once a person with kidney disease reaches stage 5 (end stage renal disease or ESRD), toxins build up in the body and death usually comes within a few weeks. The decision to stop treatment should be an informed and voluntary choice.
And as kidney disease progresses, you may notice the following symptoms. Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little.
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.
Healthy dogs can safely enjoy some table scraps like lean meats, bland rice or pasta, and some fruits and vegetables.
Decreased urination. Yes, kidney problems can also lead to less urination than usual. If you notice this symptom, then your dog likely needs to see a vet as an emergency— the inability to urinate is very serious indeed.
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.
Poor Diet: a diet made up of dry kibble does not provide enough moisture and nutrition to nourish a dog's kidneys. Overtime, the lack of moisture can cause chronic kidney issues.