kidney failure dog poop

Kidney Disease in Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Your dogs kidneys are essential organs that filter waste products from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are weakened, either by acute or chronic kidney disease, your dogs health could suffer. Because kidney disease progresses over time, its important to learn the common symptoms so tha you can recognize them. If you catch kidney disease in dogs early on, treatment can slow down the progression and allow your dog to live longer.

What Is Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Kidney disease in dogs is sometimes called renal or kidney insufficiency because it occurs when a dogs kidneys stop doing their job as efficiently as they should. The main job of the kidneys is to help clear and excrete waste products from the blood and convert them to urine, says Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC. If the kidneys are not working properly, these waste products can build up in the blood, causing detrimental effects.

Dogs can get either acute kidney disease, which develops suddenly, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), which develops slowly and worsens over an extended period. Both involve loss of kidney function, but they result from different circumstances. Acute kidney disease is a sudden attack or injury to the kidney, whereas chronic kidney disease is a slow, degenerative loss of kidney function, Dr. Klein explains.

What Causes Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Dr. Klein warns that kidney disease could be caused by a lot of things, including infection (such as with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis), trauma, genetics, drugs, toxins, cancer, mechanical obstructions (like kidney stones), and degenerative diseases (where the job and form of the affected body part get worse over time). Anything that decreases blood flow to the kidneys, such as dehydration or heatstroke, can cause the kidneys to fail.

Acute kidney disease in dogs can be caused by exposure to hazardous materials, including toxic plants such as lilies, certain drugs, harmful foods such as grapes or raisins, or antifreeze. Puppy-proofing your home and yard can keep your dog away from potentially harmful items or foods that could be toxic.

Chronic kidney disease in dogs is also associated with growing older. Because kidney tissue cant regenerate once its damaged, the kidneys can wear out over time. As small-breed dogs often live longer than large-breed dogs, they tend to show early signs of kidney disease at an older age10 years old or more, compared to as young as 7 for the large breeds.

What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Dogs?

The earliest signs of kidney disease in dogs are increased urination and therefore increased thirst. Other symptoms dont usually become apparent until about two-thirds of the kidney tissue is destroyed. So, in the case of CKD, the damage may have begun months or even years before the owner notices. Because of this, its common for the signs of kidney disease in dogs to seem like they came out of the blue when in fact, the kidneys have been struggling for a long time.

Other signs of chronic kidney disease in dogs to watch for include:

Dr. Klein says there are some rarer symptoms of kidney disease in dogs to be aware of, as well. On occasion, there can be abdominal painurinary obstructions or stonesand in certain instances, one can see ulcers in the oral or gastric cavity. In extreme cases, little or no urine is produced at all.

What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs?

Kidney disease in dogs is measured in stages. Many veterinarians use the IRIS scale, which has four stages. Blood work measurements like creatinine and SDMA (biomarkers for kidney function) allow your vet to assign your dog to a particular stage which will determine the exact treatment.

Dr. Klein explains, The stages determine how well the kidneys can filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. As the stages go up, the kidney function worsens. In the early stages of CKD, the kidneys are still able to filter out waste from the blood. In the latter stages, the kidneys must work harder to filter the blood and in late stages may stop working altogether.

How Is Kidney Disease in Dogs Treated?

Dialysis (a medical procedure that removes waste products and extra fluid from the blood) is far more common in humans than in dogs, although peritoneal (kidney) dialysis can be performed in some cases. On rare occasions, surgical kidney transplant is possible in dogs.

But Dr. Klein specifies that depending on the type and stage of kidney disease, the main treatments for CKD are diet changes and administration of fluids, either directly into the veins (intravenous) or under the skin (subcutaneous). The balancing and correction of electrolytes are extremely important in the management of kidney patients, he explains.

Proper nutrition is needed, and there are many available diets formulated for cats and dogs with kidney issues, some by prescription only. Your veterinarian can help guide you to the most appropriate diet for your pet.

Because kidney disease, particularly in the late stages, can cause a dog to lose their appetite, it can be difficult to encourage your dog to eat enough. Dr. Klein advises, There are medications used as appetite stimulators available, such as the prescription drug mirtazapine. Capromorelin has recently been FDA-approved for dogs to address appetite in chronic kidney disease.

When Do You Need to Call Your Vet?

The prognosis and expected life span for a dog with kidney disease depend on the type of disease, the speed of progression, and underlying conditions present in the dog. However, the more serious the disease, the poorer the outcome. Thats why its so crucial to catch the illness early on.

According to Dr. Klein, In chronic kidney disease, there are methods, such as diets and medications, that can be used to lessen the burden of work the kidneys need to do and may help slow down the progression from one stage to the next. In acute kidney disease, there is less time and fewer choices available to prevent further damage to the kidneys and to try to jump-start the kidneys to get them to function normally.

Regular veterinary exams, including bloodwork, are an excellent way to spot kidney problems before the outward symptoms become apparent. And if you notice any of the above signs, dont hesitate to get your dog to the vet for further testing. It can make a huge difference in preserving kidney function and your dogs well-being for as long as possible.

My Dog Has Kidney Failure And Won T Eat

[ad_1]My Dog Has Kidney Failure And Wont Eat: What Can I Do?

Having a beloved pet diagnosed with kidney failure can be a difficult and emotional experience for any pet owner. Kidney failure in dogs can be a serious and life-threatening condition, and one of the most common symptoms of kidney failure is a loss of appetite. If your dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure and wont eat, its important to take action quickly to ensure their health and well-being.

In this article, we will explore the various reasons why a dog with kidney failure may refuse to eat, as well as provide some helpful tips and advice on how to encourage your dog to eat. We will also delve into some interesting trends related to the topic and address common concerns that pet owners may have when dealing with a dog with kidney failure.

7 Interesting Trends Related to Dogs with Kidney Failure and Loss of Appetite:

1. Increased Interest in Homemade Diets: With the rise of holistic and natural pet care, many pet owners are turning to homemade diets for their dogs with kidney failure. These diets can be tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of a dog with kidney failure and may be more appealing to a dog who has lost their appetite.

2. Rise in Alternative Therapies: As traditional veterinary treatments for kidney failure may not always be successful in stimulating appetite, some pet owners are turning to alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, and massage to help improve their dogs appetite and overall well-being.

3. Growing Popularity of Appetite Stimulants: Appetite stimulants are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners whose dogs are refusing to eat due to kidney failure. These medications can help to increase a dogs appetite and encourage them to eat, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

4. Interest in Nutritional Supplements: Many pet owners are exploring the use of nutritional supplements to help support their dogs kidney function and improve their appetite. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can be beneficial for dogs with kidney failure and may help to stimulate their appetite.

5. Adoption of Specialized Diets: There has been a growing trend in the adoption of specialized diets for dogs with kidney failure. These diets are formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs with kidney failure and may help to improve their appetite and overall health.

6. Increase in Veterinary Consultations: Pet owners are increasingly seeking the advice of veterinarians and veterinary specialists when dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite. These professionals can provide valuable guidance and support in managing the condition and improving the dogs appetite.

7. Interest in Home Care: With the rise of telemedicine and virtual consultations, many pet owners are taking a more active role in managing their dogs kidney failure at home. This trend allows pet owners to monitor their dogs appetite and overall health more closely and make adjustments to their care as needed.

Quotes from Professionals in the Field:

1. When dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite, its important to work closely with your veterinarian to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your dogs specific needs. This may include medication, dietary changes, and supportive care to help improve your dogs appetite and overall well-being.

2. Appetite stimulants can be a helpful tool in managing a dog with kidney failure who is not eating. However, its important to use these medications under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

3. Nutritional supplements can play a valuable role in supporting a dog with kidney failure and improving their appetite. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can help to support kidney function and promote a healthy appetite in dogs with kidney failure.

4. Specialized diets formulated for dogs with kidney failure can be an important part of managing the condition and improving your dogs appetite. These diets are designed to be low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, which can help to reduce the workload on the kidneys and support overall kidney function.

Common Concerns and Answers Related to Dogs with Kidney Failure and Loss of Appetite:

1. Concern: My dog has been diagnosed with kidney failure, but they wont eat. What should I do?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of your dogs loss of appetite and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include medication, dietary changes, and supportive care to help improve your dogs appetite.

2. Concern: Are there any appetite stimulants that can help my dog with kidney failure eat?

Answer: Yes, there are appetite stimulants available that can help to increase your dogs appetite and encourage them to eat. However, its important to use these medications under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they may have potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

3. Concern: Can nutritional supplements help improve my dogs appetite with kidney failure?

Answer: Yes, nutritional supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants can help to support kidney function and promote a healthy appetite in dogs with kidney failure. These supplements can be beneficial in improving your dogs overall health and well-being.

4. Concern: Should I switch my dog to a specialized diet for kidney failure?

Answer: Specialized diets formulated for dogs with kidney failure can be an important part of managing the condition and improving your dogs appetite. These diets are designed to be low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, which can help to reduce the workload on the kidneys and support overall kidney function.

5. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to eat. What can I do to encourage them to eat?

Answer: There are several strategies you can try to encourage your dog to eat, such as offering small, frequent meals, warming their food to enhance the aroma, and adding tasty toppings or treats to make their food more appealing.

6. Concern: My dog has kidney failure and is losing weight due to not eating. How can I help them maintain a healthy weight?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dogs weight and adjust their diet as needed to help them maintain a healthy weight. This may include feeding a calorie-dense diet or using nutritional supplements to support their overall health.

7. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is on medication that may affect their appetite. What should I do?

Answer: If your dog is on medication that may affect their appetite, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. They may recommend adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication, or switching to a different medication that is less likely to impact your dogs appetite.

8. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing nausea and vomiting, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them feel better?

Answer: If your dog is experiencing nausea and vomiting, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include medication to help control nausea, dietary changes, and supportive care to help your dog feel better.

9. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is dehydrated, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to ensure they stay hydrated?

Answer: Its important to ensure that your dog with kidney failure stays hydrated to support their overall kidney function and appetite. You can encourage them to drink more water by offering fresh water regularly, adding water to their food, or providing wet food to increase their moisture intake.

10. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is showing signs of depression due to not eating. What can I do to improve their mood?

Answer: Its important to provide your dog with plenty of love, attention, and mental stimulation to help improve their mood and overall well-being. You can also try engaging them in activities they enjoy, such as walks, playtime, and training sessions, to help lift their spirits.

11. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to eat their prescription diet. What should I do?

Answer: If your dog is refusing to eat their prescription diet, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to address it. This may include trying different flavors or textures of food, offering small, frequent meals, and adding tasty toppings or treats to make their food more appealing.

12. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing constipation, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them have regular bowel movements?

Answer: If your dog is experiencing constipation, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan to address it. This may include dietary changes, medication to help regulate their bowel movements, and supportive care to help your dog feel better.

13. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is refusing to take their medication, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to ensure they receive their necessary medication?

Answer: If your dog is refusing to take their medication, its important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action. This may include trying different forms of the medication, such as liquid or chewable tablets, or using pill pockets or tasty treats to help your dog take their medication more easily.

14. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing muscle weakness and lethargy due to not eating. What can I do to help them regain their strength?

Answer: Its important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor your dogs muscle strength and overall health, and develop a plan to help them regain their strength. This may include physical therapy, exercise, and nutritional supplements to support muscle function and improve their overall well-being.

15. Concern: My dog with kidney failure is experiencing anxiety and stress, which is affecting their appetite. What can I do to help them feel more calm and relaxed?

Answer: Its important to provide your dog with a calm and stress-free environment to help them feel more relaxed and at ease. You can also try using calming supplements or pheromone diffusers to help reduce their anxiety and improve their appetite.

In conclusion, dealing with a dog with kidney failure and loss of appetite can be a challenging and emotional experience for any pet owner. By working closely with your veterinarian and following their guidance, you can help to improve your dogs appetite and overall well-being. Remember to be patient and persistent in your efforts to encourage your dog to eat, and dont hesitate to seek help and support from veterinary professionals when needed. With the right care and attention, you can help your dog with kidney failure live a happy and healthy life.[ad_2]