Kidney disease in dogs is quite common, especially if your dog is aging. It can be considered as one of the most typical reasons why dogs die unexpectedly. However, symptoms don't usually show up until almost all of their kidney functions have become impaired. As a dog owner, you'd probably be devastated by this sad news. But don't worry - there are still some things and treatments that you can do to help lengthen your dog's life, and to help him regain some of his kidney functions again.
Symptoms
Dogs and cats can encounter kidney failure, but most of the time, you won't be seeing the symptoms and signs unless about 70% of the function has failed. Early symptoms could be noticed in your dog's high consumption of water, and a noticeable increase in urine production. More complicated kidney problems and later kidney failure stages can show a loss in your dog's appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth ulcers and a quite bad breath.
Treatments and Medications
There are many treatments available to help alleviate kidney disease in dogs, although there are no assurances that they will help your dog regain its full kidney functions.
A dog's kidney may be 'restarted' in a process called diuresis. Intravenous fluids are used to flush out the kidneys, and stimulate the kidney to function. It stimulates the kidney to make functioning kidney cells so that it can help the body remove wastes. Electrolytes and potassium can also help restart the kidney, as well as dextrose. A special diet should be observed to lighten nausea and lessen vomiting.
This process may help your dog regain its kidney functions for a few months or a few years. However, there is no assurance as to it will work. Others who undergo dieresis may have functioning kidneys, but may fail again after the process. Other dogs do not gain their kidney functionalities anymore.
If your dog has impaired kidney functions, you can help him by feeding him a special diet that reduces mineral deposits he intakes to lessen the work of his kidneys. A large amount of these mineral deposits and nitrogen may trigger nausea and vomiting.
A high level of phosphorus in your dog's body is one cause of his appetite loss. Since kidneys are responsible for removing phosphorus in his body, you can give him a low-phosphorus diet to lessen his kidney's job and hopefully help him regain his appetite. There are also some medications which effectively bind phosphorus so as not to be absorbed by the intestines.
Fluids given subcutaneously can also help restart your dog's kidneys. Depending on the severity of your dog's kidneys, it can be done on a daily to a weekly basis.
You should also have your dog checked for anemia. Because kidneys produce erythropoietin hormones which are responsible for stimulating your dog's bone barrow to produce new red blood cells, he may develop anemia.
By doing these things and assuring your dog that you are there for him, you can help him fight his kidney disease and add more years to his life.
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