kidney failure in dogs pee color

What Does Your Dogs Urine Color Mean?

Liquid gold. Thats the nickname for urine I was taught in veterinary medical school. We learned urine could provide us with such valuable insight into a patients health, that it was worth its weight in gold. We also learned that the color and consistency of urine, from light yellow to black and clear to cloudy, signaled health or illness. If youve ever pondered what your dogs pee color meant, heres a description of your dogs urine spectrum.What is normal urine color for dogs?The normal color of urine from a healthy dog or cat is transparent yellow. Veterinarians sometimes refer to this color as straw yellow, pale gold, amber, or clear yellow. The most accurate way to assess urine color is to examine it in a clear plastic or glass container against a white background. Urine is made as a normal result of metabolism and removal of cellular wastes. Normal urine is sterile and the color can vary depending on what your pet has recently eaten or drunk. If youre wondering why urine is yellow, its due to the presence of a substance called urochrome which is excreted by the kidneys. What do different shades of yellow mean?The intensity of yellow color in normal, clear urine indicates the concentration or dilution of urine. In simplest terms, dilute urine is associated with increased water excretion and concentrated urine correlates with less water. Dilute urine will be almost colorless while highly concentrated urine is bright yellow, amber or honey colored. Minor daily variations in yellow shouldnt alarm you. Persistent color changes lasting more than a couple of days should be brought to your veterinarians attention. Colorless or bright-yellow urine can also be associated with certain medical conditions. In general, yellowish urine is normal. What if my dogs urine is dark yellow?Its not unusual for a dogs urine color to be dark yellow. However, if your dog has dark or bright yellow urine, especially after a long day outdoors, it could signal a need to consume more water. What if my dogs urine is dark enough to look orange?Dark yellow is typically normal in most pets. If the urine is more orange, it may be associated with a condition known as icterus or jaundice. Orange urine may be the result of:

• Damaged red blood cells
• Liver disease
• Severe dehydration
• Bile duct problems
• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatic problems

If your pet has orange colored pee, additional blood and urine tests need to be performed immediately.What if my dogs urine is red, pink, red/brown, or red/orange urineRed or pink urine is often caused by a urinary tract infection. Many times you will also notice the urine is cloudy or turbid. Other reasons for reddish urine include feline lower urinary tract disorder, cystitis, bleeding or clotting diseases, trauma and cancer. Red urine clearly indicates your dog needs additional diagnostic tests to determine the cause of color change. What if my dogs urine is brown to black Brown to black urine can signal something serious has happened. The dark color can be due to blood cell damage releasing hemoglobin, muscle damage from trauma, or toxins such as onions, garlic, zinc, or acetaminophen (Tylenol). If your dogs urine changes color, seek veterinary help If your dogs urine changes hue, call your veterinarian. A simple urinalysis will determine if your dog requires additional tests, and appropriate treatment. Youre most likely to observe color changes associated with uncomfortable urinary tract infections (UTIs) and painful cystitis. The sooner you treat, the less discomfort your loved one will suffer.

Next learn why your veterinarian might want a urine sample from your dog >>

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.

References:

1. Clinical Veterinary Advisor Dogs and Cats Third Edition, Etienne Ct DVM, DACVIM Editor-in-chief. Elsevier 2015 pp. 1272, 1440-1441

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) in Dogs

What Is Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs?

Chronic renal failure (CRF), renal insufficiency, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are all medical terms used to describe the same condition. It occurs when the kidneys are unable to perform their required tasks at the same level of efficiency as before.

Dogs have two kidneys located on either side of their abdomen, that play a vital role in filtering waste from the body. Additionally, the kidneys serve to regulate fluid, mineral, and electrolyte balance; conserve water and protein; and play an important role in maintaining blood pressure and red blood cell production by making a hormone called erythropoietin.

Dogs cannot survive without their kidneys, and unfortunately, kidney transplants are yet to be a viable solution. Dialysis (a treatment for failing kidneys including the removal of waste) is often expensive and is extremely rare in dogs. However, early diagnosis and intervention is key to help maintain your dogs quality of life.

Once diagnosed, CRF is then classified into four different stages based on severity of clinical signs and laboratory values:

• Stage I: Clinical signs usually not apparent

• Stage II: Some clinical signs noted

• Stage III: Many clinical signs noted, and pets often feel sick

• Stage IV: Majority of clinical signs noted, pets often present as a crisis

Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

The term chronic in chronic renal failure means that the process has been ongoing, is progressive, and unfortunately, cannot be reversed. For some dogs, the disease could have occurred after a serious kidney injury such as from a severe infection (i.e., leptospirosis, pyelonephritis) or ingestion of a toxic substance such as anti-freeze, grapes, or raisins, and certain antibiotics.

For others, it could be inherited, such as with glomerular disease (a specific type of renal kidney disease) and amyloidosis (a rare organ disease) as seen in breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Shar-pei.

For others, it could be attributed to underlying immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like events, or even from clotting disorders. In cases for newly diagnosed dogs the underlying cause will likely remain unknown.

Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

Clinical signs are often related to the severity of the CRF stage, meaning there are additional and more severe signs noted with stages III and IV than there are with stages I and II. Dogs often exhibit symptoms including:

• Foul breath

• Weight loss

• Decreased appetite

Some dogs may show muscle wasting and signs attributed to high blood pressure, such as vision loss and weakness.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

CRF is often diagnosed based on routine blood work and a urinalysis looking specifically at kidney markers such as:

• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): A by-product of protein metabolism, higher values can often indicate kidney failure

• Creatinine (CREA): Measures how well kidneys are filtering waste from blood

• Phosphorous: Elevated phosphorus levels typically indicate kidney damage

• Electrolytes (Sodium, potassium, chloride)

• Calcium

• Red blood cell count: A low red blood cell count may indicate kidney failure

• Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA): An additional test to help determine if kidney disease is present; it can be used for early detection of kidney disease

• Urine specific gravity: A marker of how diluted or concentrated the urine is. Usually the higher the number, the more concentrated the urine is and the greater ability of the kidney to conserve water.

Your veterinarian will most likely recommend additional diagnostic testing, including:

• A urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio to quantify how much protein is being lost in the urine

• A urine culture, as dogs in CKD are more likely to acquire urinary tract infections

• A blood pressure evaluation

• Radiographs or abdominal ultrasound to screen for kidney stones or infarcts (areas of dead tissue)

Treatment of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

Dogs with CRF are generally older and have other ongoing issues, such as arthritis or liver disease, and so the management of CRF can be challenging. However, CRF can be managed, mostly with the aid of medications, diet, and hydration.

Specific management is geared toward each stage of the disease, with each progressive stage recommendations built upon the previous stage recommendations. Any dog in any stage with an increase in either UPC (urine protein to creatinine ratio) or high blood pressure will most likely be treated with medication.

Throughout your dogs life, any disease process or illness that could affect his hydration should be treated promptly with IV fluids. Other drugs will be prescribed based on the dogs diagnosis since renal metabolism will be affected and can lead to overdosages and/or worsening of the kidney disease.

Additionally, for all stages, fresh water should always be available, drinking should be encouraged, and adequate nutrition should be given daily. Dogs diagnosed with CRF are most likely prescribed a kidney friendly diet, which may include feeding your dog a canned diet of wet food that contains additional water.

Recovery and Prevention of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs

As chronic renal failure is not curable and often progressive (although the timeline is variable) in nature, dogs diagnosed early on will benefit from nutritional management and consistent veterinary attention, which may include more frequent check-ups and blood work.

Dogs in stages I and II may often be monitored for further progression of signs, and some may be given a prescription diet specifically geared to help the kidney, by limiting the amount of work they must do.

Many dogs can go on to have a decent quality of life for many months to years. Dogs in stages III and IV often require more medical and dietary assistance. If secondary anemia is present, erythropoietin injections can be given at the direction of your veterinarian.

Dietary supplements, and phosphorus binders (to treat high phosphorus levels) may also be given for low potassium. Anti-nausea and anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medications can also be prescribed for dogs with a poor appetite, vomiting, or nausea. Fluids given either intravenously or underneath the skin can help dehydration. Because of the severity of signs often seen in dogs with stage III and IV, and the amount of care and effort required to support these dogs, some may be humanely euthanized.

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) In Dogs FAQs

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.

Can dogs recover from chronic renal failure?

There is no cure for CRF. However, if CRF is caught early and managed correctly, most dogs that experience kidney disease can go on to live a relatively normal life with some changes and long-term management.

Can chronic renal failure in dogs be reversed?

While CRF is not reversible, early treatment can provide your pet with a happier, longer, and fuller life. Regular, semi-annual checkups are key to early diagnosis and treatment of the development of chronic renal disease.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Korneeva_Kristina

WRITTEN BY

Michael Kearley, DVM

Veterinarian

Dr. Michael Kearley graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. He graduated with a certificate in...

Kidney Failure in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

In this post, well dive into the causes of kidney failure in dogs, common symptoms you should look out for, available treatment options, and more.

Table of Contents

Pro Tip: Not all pet insurance will cover your vet bills if your dog develops a long-term illness. Thats why its very important to have the right pet insurance plan in place.

Types of kidney failure in dogs

Just like in humans, healthy kidneys in dogs control blood pressure, regulate hydration, remove toxins, release hormones needed to produce red blood cells, and maintain a normal electrolyte balance. If the kidney function is impaired, kidney failure occurs. When the kidneys dont work properly, a number of other organs can be affected, including the brain and heart.

Kidney failure (also called renal failure) in dogs can be chronic or acute:

Chronic kidney failure

This occurs when the kidneys lose function gradually and is typically caused by degeneration related to old age. Chronic kidney failure is the most common type of kidney disease in dogs, occurring in 0.5% to 1% of dogs.

Acute kidney failure

This occurs when a canine's kidney function suddenly decreases, usually within hours or a few days. Its typically caused by a severe kidney infection or the consumption of toxins.

The main difference between these two types of kidney failure is that acute kidney failure can be reversed with timely and aggressive treatment. Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, cant be reversed or cured and it can only be managed. In most cases, the damage to the kidneys has been happening for more than three months and the kidneys will continue to worsen.

What causes kidney failure in dogs?

Chronic kidney failure in dogs

The exact cause of chronic kidney failure is often difficult to pinpoint because of its slow onset. Early symptoms are usually mild and can be easily overlooked or dismissed.

Dental disease is a leading cause of chronic renal failure in senior dogs. Bacteria build up in the animals teeth and enter the digestive system through eating and drinking, affecting the kidneys ability to filter waste over time.

Chronic kidney failure can also be caused by:

• Congenital diseases or birth defects (such as agenesis, when the dog is born missing one or both kidneys)
• Kidney cancer (renal neoplasia)
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Kidney infections
• Fanconi syndrome
• Elevated calcium (hypercalcemia)
• Kidney stones
• Renal dysplasia
• Immune system dysfunction
• Poor blood flow to the kidneys
• Blocked urine movement or flow
• Certain medications (such as NSAIDs and some antibiotics)

Acute renal failure can also lead to chronic renal failure.

Acute kidney failure in dogs

Acute renal failure is most often a result of a dog ingesting poison. It might be antifreeze, household cleaners, or certain drugs. Some human foods like grapes and raisins have also been known to cause kidney failure if eaten frequently and in larger quantities.

Severe bacterial infections can also cause acute kidney failure. Even though kidney infections can occur spontaneously, theres usually a reason why the dog has trouble fighting off the infection, such as urine blockage or kidney stones.

Leptospirosis is one example of a bacterial infection that can cause sudden renal failure in pups. Our canine companions can get leptospirosis by coming into contact with infected urine, water, soil, water, food or bedding, or through a bite from an infected animal. Be sure to talk to your vet about vaccinating against this disease.

Kidney issues can also result from decreased blood flow through the kidneys. This can be caused by severe dehydration (usually from severe diarrhea or vomiting), heatstroke, or snake bites, and bee stings.

Signs of kidney failure in dogs

The most common symptoms in dogs with kidney failure include:

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Bad breath
• Pale gums
• Vomiting
• Blood in urine
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Uncoordinated movement such as stumbling
• Intestinal seizures

Dogs with chronic renal failure might not show any clinical signs at first, or the signs might be very subtle.

In severe renal failure, the amount of urine might actually decrease, or the dog might stop making urine altogether. As the condition worsens, other symptoms may include blood in the stool, black or tarry stool, or vomiting blood.

Diagnosing kidney failure in dogs

Blood and urine tests are commonly performed to diagnose kidney failure. Other tests, such as ultrasound, X-rays, and special blood tests might be needed in order to assess the severity of the disease and determine the cause for the failure. In some cases, a biopsy of the kidney might be recommended.

How to treat kidney failure in dogs

Treatment for kidney failure in dogs will depend on the severity of the condition and the underlying reason that caused their kidney to fail.

Dogs with acute renal failure can get very ill and might need to be hospitalized. Milder cases can be treated with antibiotics and fluids on an outpatient basis.

In some cases, dialysis might be necessary. Signs that indicate dialysis should be considered include very high potassium levels, lack of improvement in lab results while the pet receives intravenous fluids, and fluid in the lungs. Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be effective but are generally quite expensive.

While damage from acute renal failure is more easily treated, chronic renal failure will cause irreversible damage to your dogs kidneys unless caught early. For that reason, veterinarians generally focus on slowing down the progression of the disease and finding ways to improve the dogs quality of life, usually with medication and diet changes.

Your pups treatment plan might also include:

• Electrolytes to balance out blood levels
• Medications that encourage the production of urine
• Medications to ease gastrointestinal problems
• Medications to reduce vomiting
• Medications for anemia
• Blood pressure management

If kidney disease is left untreated, end-stage renal failure might occur, leading to death. If you suspect your pet has kidney failure, contact your veterinarian or take your dog to an emergency clinic for a diagnosis and treatment.

Cost to treat dogs kidney failure

The cost of diagnosis and treatment will also depend on the cause, as well as on how the dog responds. Initial diagnostic tests usually range between $200 and $750, whereas long-term management of chronic kidney failure can cost between $100 and $500 per month, depending on the prescribed medications and how often IV fluid therapy is required.

Pro Tip: Every dog owner should consider pet insurance. Even if you believe you have enough money to cover veterinary costs, pet insurance could still save you thousands of dollars if your dog gets sick or injured.

Whats the prognosis?

Kidney failure is a very serious disease and about 60% of pets suffering from it will either die or be euthanized because of it. In cases when medical treatment has failed, the chance of survival without dialysis is extremely low. About half of the patients that receive dialysis will recover, depending on what caused the failure. Many of them will recover only partially and end up with permanent kidney damage.

However, some pups manage to recover completely and have a good quality of life for years after being diagnosed with the disease.

Talk to your vet about what you should expect after your dog has been diagnosed and treated for kidney failure. The vet might recommend nutritional supplements and/or a therapeutic diet to manage your pups condition.

Preventing kidney failure in dogs

Considering the fact that acute renal failure is usually caused by ingesting toxins or foods like raisins, preventing it is fairly easy. Make sure to get any poisons, medications, and dog-unsafe foods out of your pups reach. You can also get your dog vaccinated for Leptospirosis.

Chronic renal failure is usually age-related and genetically predetermined, so theres not much you can do to prevent it. However, taking your pet for annual wellness checkups and physical exams can increase the chances of catching the disease early and start treatment before it progresses and becomes more serious.