06 Aug Everything About Kidney Disease in Dogs (part 1)

The dog’s body is very similar to humans. They have two kidneys, which are vital organs of the body. The kidneys excrete toxins from dogs. If kidney function is impaired or dogs have kidney disease; It’s difficult for them to continue living. You need to be familiar with different types of dog diseases to treat them on time. This article will talk about kidney disease in dogs, the different types, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods.

Kidney function

These important and complex organs in dogs are a network of blood vessels that connects to other important organs in the body. They work with the heart to keep the dog alive. The kidneys are located in the middle of the dog’s abdomen, close to his back. Its functions in the body include:

• By producing urine, it removes wastes from the blood
• Maintains the pH balance of the blood
• By producing hormones and enzymes, it balances and regulates the function of different body organs.
• Adjusts the number of different fluids (water and minerals) in the body
• Regulates calcium and vitamin D in the body

Therefore, the kidney plays an important role in the life and survival of dogs. Of course, dogs can live with one kidney just like humans.

Dogs prone to kidney disease

• Cocker Espanyol
• Lhasapoo
• Shinzo 
• Norwegian
• Miniature Pinscher
• Whitney Terrier
• Golden Retriever
• Bull Terrier
• Cairn Terrier
• German Shepherd
• Samoyed 

Kidney disease in dogs

This dog disease is very complex. In fact, its problems in dogs can be divided into two categories: acute renal failure, which occurs suddenly and requires immediate treatment, or chronic failure, which is a common disease in dogs over 7 years old. Chronic failure occurs over time and destroys the kidneys, and there is no cure for it.

Acute renal failure

This condition occurs due to reduced blood flow and lack of oxygen to the kidneys within a few days. This disease causes the dog to become abnormal and become very ill. If your dog isn’t treated too soon; He may not survive more than a few days.

Dogs exposed to toxins such as poisonous plants, grapes and raisins, antifreeze, human painkillers, etc., usually develop acute kidney disease. Kidney infections such as leptospirosis (bacterial infection) can also be a cause of acute kidney failure. Other causes include urinary tract obstruction and bladder paralysis.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease or failure is more common in older dogs due to degenerative changes over time, to the extent that it disrupts kidney function and causes the dog to die. Possible causes of this disease are tumours and congenital kidney disorders. Unfortunately, there’s no cure for chronic kidney failure. However, several treatments can be used so that the dog isn’t bothered too much during this illness and its quality of life improves.

Urinary incontinence is also a type of kidney disease in dogs. If your dog urinates indoors suddenly, it means he can’t control himself; He has a urinary problem, and it’s better to treat him very quickly.

Causes of urinary incontinence in dogs

• Decreased estrogen levels, especially in older sterilized female dogs
• Urinary tract infection and bladder wall sensitization
• Bladder stones, tumours and bladder polyps
• Some medications, such as urinary stimulants, are prescribed for a type of heart disease.
• Spinal cord injuries

Side effects of urinary incontinence in dogs include skin lesions; Because urine is in frequent contact with the skin and body surface. This condition can cause sores and skin damage, especially in less active dogs.

Symptoms

The symptoms of acute and chronic kidney failure are very similar, but there are some differences. As we have said, acute failure happens very quickly. But in chronic failure, the disease manifests itself over time. As a good dog owner, you need to have accurate information about the symptoms without wasting time.

Symptoms of acute renal failure

• Weakness and lethargy
• Increased thirst
• Diarrhoea and vomiting in dogs
• Loss of appetite
• Bad Breath
• stomachache
• Inability to urinate

Symptoms of chronic kidney failure

• Increased urination
• Oral ulcers
• Weight Loss
• Muscle analysis
• Bad Breath

When a dog’s kidney disease worsens, there may be symptoms such as high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, blood in the urine, anaemia, seizures, and an inability to regulate body temperature. In this case, consult a veterinarian immediately to investigate the problems and seek treatment.