kidney failure in dogs reasons
10 Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs
Kidney disease is a common problem of older dogs, affecting an estimated 10% of canines in their lifetimes1. There are a number of causes that may affect different age groups and have different consequences, ultimately though, chronic kidney disease (occurs over time) or acute kidney injury(occurs suddenly) will always have the same resultone sick pup. The signs of illness in your dog reflect the failure of the kidneys to do their many jobs well enough.Learn the basics of chronic kidney disease in dogs.Below you will find a brief description of ten common causes of kidney disease. These are the targets of your veterinarians testing:1. Damage to the kidney filters (glomerular disease)The glomerulus of the kidney (kidney filtration mechanism) is commonly involved in canine kidney disease. Early on, we expect no signs of illness, but since glomerular disease may be caused by infections (like Lyme disease) or cancer, amongst other things, time can make the problems worse. Over time, inflammation, in the glomerulus of the kidney, damages the surrounding kidney tissues, creating the chronic kidney disease that makes your dog feel sick.
Learn more about glomerular disease in dogs.
2. Infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)Infection of kidney tissues with bacteria, or rarely, fungal organisms, is one of the kidney diseases that may have a more favorable outcome, so your veterinarian will be on the lookout for it. Our goal with pyelonephritis is to kill the bacteria that can cause the damaging inflammation. This should limit progression of any chronic kidney disease or assist with recovery from an acute kidney injury. A bacterial urine culture and susceptibility can verify the infection and identify which antibiotic might work the best.3. Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)Kidney stones can be the product of chronic bacterial infection, genetics or diseases that alter blood or urine characteristics. Nephro (kidney) liths (stones) dont seem to cause dogs much pain, but this can change if they cause blockage within the kidney or its collecting ducts; it can also change if they contribute to infection (see pyelonephritis).
Learn more about kidney stones in dogs.4. Kidney blockage (ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis)Kidney stones can fragment and be carried along with urine into the ureter, the long narrow tube that connects each kidney to the urinary bladder. They are probably painful during their transit, but the bigger concern is the consequence to the kidney if they become lodged there, causing partial or complete blockage. New urine cannot exit the kidney easily and it backs up, causing the kidneys to swell. With enough pressure, the kidneys enlarge (hydronephrosis) and become damaged. If both ureters obstruct at the same time, it can prove disastrous.
5. Damage to kidney tubules (tubulointerstitial disease)Inflammation and damage to the kidney tubules and supporting tissues commonly leads to chronic kidney disease. In many cases there is no identified cause, and thus no option for specific treatment. This type of kidney disease can only be confirmed by microscopic examination of a kidney biopsy specimen, but biopsies are not usually recommended.6. Bacterial infection (leptospirosis)Bacterial infection with leptospires causes kidney disease and other organ challenges in dogs and people all over the world. Normally, the effects of leptospirosis will be quite sudden and cause an acute kidney injury. Occasionally, the infection might cause chronic kidney disease. Quick recognition of this highly treatable disease should lead to a better outcome and protect your dogs friends and family (YOU!) from becoming infected by contact with urine or other body fluids.
Learn more about leptospirosis in dogs.
7. ToxinsLots of household items can damage the kidneys, not just antifreeze. Ordinary table foods like grapes and raisins; certain commercial jerky treat products; common OTC medications like aspirin or other nonsteroidals (NSAIDs); or prescribed medications can all cause kidney disease. Venoms, pesticides and heavy metals are less common toxins. We know dogs like to lick stuff, eat stuff, roll in stuff or bathe in stuff, but that can put them at real risk. To reduce your buddys risk of kidney injury, consider limiting his free-roaming behaviors and refrain from giving him any medications without discussing it first with your veterinarian.
See the top 5 most damaging kidney toxins for dogs.
If you have any reason to believe your dog has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian right away. You may also contact:
8. CancerFortunately, kidney cancer is not very common in dogs. Unfortunately, treatment options for kidney cancer are rather limited. Solitary tumors affecting only one kidney can be removed by surgery with a good outcome, if the cancer is benign or has not spread to other parts of the body (including the opposite kidney). Your dog only needs one good kidney to function normally. If the cancer is more widespread, as usually occurs with lymphosarcoma, surgery will not be an option for cure. Microscopic analysis of a biopsy or small needle sample is needed for the correct diagnosis of cancer and appropriate treatment plans.
Learn 10 signs of cancer in dogs.
9. Protein issue (amyloidosis)Patients with amyloidosis lose function in certain organs, including the kidneys, because protein deposits replace the normal tissue. It is an uncommon consequence of chronic inflammation affecting other parts of the body. It may also be genetically programmed in some dog breeds. Amyloid deposits cannot be cleared away, and the functional kidney tissue that is lost cannot be replaced, so the prognosis is not good.
Learn more about amyloidosis in dogs.
10. Hereditary There are genetic links to various kinds of kidney disease for many purebred dogs. Some young dogs fail to develop normal kidneys, or have kidneys that are large and grape-like, with many fluid- filled cysts. These dogs show signs of kidney disease as youngsters. Other dogs with congenital problems of the glomerulus or with a predisposition to amyloidosis might only show signs or symptoms of kidney disease when theyre adults.
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:
- Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website. Updated October 2013. Accessed January 14, 2015.
Everything You Need to Know About Kidney Failure
Kidney failure occurs when your kidneys lose the ability to filter waste from your blood sufficiently. It may not cause symptoms in the early stages.
Your kidneys filter your blood and remove toxins from your body. These toxins go to your bladder and are eliminated when you urinate. When this doesnt work properly, you can get kidney failure.
If your kidneys arent able to function properly, toxins can overwhelm your body. This can lead to kidney failure, which can be life threatening if left untreated.
Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know about kidney failure, including symptoms, stages, treatment, and the typical outlook.
Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly stop working properly while chronic kidney failure occurs over time. Doctors typically divide kidney failure into five types.
The types of kidney failure include:
- Acute prerenal kidney failure: Insufficient blood flow to the kidneys can cause acute prerenal kidney failure. Doctors can usually cure this type once they determine the cause of the decreased blood flow.
- Acute intrinsic kidney failure: Acute intrinsic kidney failure can result from direct trauma to the kidneys, such as physical impact or an accident, toxin overload, and ischemia, which is a lack of oxygen to the kidneys.
- Chronic prerenal kidney failure: When there isnt enough blood flowing to your kidneys for an extended period of time, the kidneys can shrink and lose the ability to function.
- Chronic intrinsic kidney failure: This happens when theres long-term damage to the kidneys due to intrinsic kidney disease. Intrinsic kidney disease develops from direct trauma to the kidneys, such as severe bleeding or a lack of oxygen.
- Chronic post-renal kidney failure: A long-term blockage of the urinary tract prevents urination. This causes pressure and eventual kidney damage.
- Acute post-renal kidney failure: This type of kidney failure can occur due to stones or another blockage in the urinary tract.
Early-stage kidney failure often doesnt cause noticeable symptoms. According to the
As kidney disease progresses, symptoms may include:
Early signs of kidney failure
Symptoms of early-stage kidney disease may be subtle and hard to identify. They may include:
Kidney failure urine color
The color of your urine doesnt tell you much about the state of your kidney function until damage to the kidneys has progressed.
Still, urine color changes may be an early indicator of some issues.
Kidney failure can result from various causes. According to the National Kidney Foundation, the two most common include high blood pressure and diabetes.
People who are most at risk usually have one or more of the following:
Loss of blood flow to the kidneys
A sudden loss of blood flow to your kidneys can prompt kidney failure. Some causes include:
High blood pressure and anti-inflammatory medications can also limit blood flow.
Urine elimination problems
When your body cant eliminate urine, toxins build up and overload the kidneys. Some cancers can block the urine passageways, such as:
Other conditions can interfere with urination and possibly lead to kidney failure, including:
Other causes
Other factors that may lead to kidney failure include:
People of all ages develop kidney failure, but the risk
You may have a higher risk if you have:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- a family history of kidney failure
The longer youve had these conditions, the
Doctors use several tests to diagnose kidney failure. Common tests include:
- Urinalysis: A urine sample can show how much protein or sugar is in your urine. A urinary sediment examination looks for red and white blood cells, high levels of bacteria, and high numbers of cellular casts.
- Urine volume measurements: Measuring urine output can help diagnose kidney failure. Low output may suggest that kidney disease is due to a urinary blockage.
- Blood samples: Blood tests can measure substances filtered by your kidneys, such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. A rapid rise in these levels may indicate acute kidney failure.
- Imaging: Tests like ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans provide images of your kidneys and urinary tract to identify issues.
- Kidney tissue sample: Doctors use a kidney biopsy to collect and examine tissue samples.
Kidney disease is classified into five stages. These range from very mild (stage 1) to complete kidney failure (stage 5). Symptoms and complications increase as the stages progress.
Stage 1
You may experience no symptoms and have no visible complications. But some kidney damage is present.
Stage 2
Stage 2 kidney disease is still considered mild, but detectable issues like protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys may be more obvious.
Its also a good idea to talk with a doctor about risk factors that could make the disease progress more rapidly, such as:
Stage 3
At this stage, your kidneys arent working as well as they should.
Stage 3 kidney disease is sometimes divided into stages 3a and 3b. A blood test that measures the amount of waste products in your body helps doctors differentiate between the two.
Symptoms may become more apparent. Swelling in hands and feet, back pain, and changes to urination frequency are likely.
A doctor may consider medications to treat underlying conditions that could speed kidney failure.
Stage 4
Stage 4 kidney disease is considered moderate to severe. The kidneys arent working well, but youre not in complete kidney failure yet. Symptoms can include complications like:
A doctor will likely develop a treatment plan to slow kidney damage.
Stage 5
In stage 5, your kidneys are nearing or in complete failure. Symptoms of the loss of kidney function will be evident, such as vomiting and nausea, trouble breathing, and itchy skin.
Youll need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The
The type of treatment you need depends on the cause and stage of your kidney failure.
Dialysis
Dialysis filters and purifies the blood using a machine to performs the function of the kidneys. Depending on the type of dialysis, you may be connected to a large machine or a portable catheter bag.
Along with dialysis, you may need to follow a low potassium, low salt diet.
Dialysis doesnt cure kidney failure, but going to regularly scheduled treatments can extend your life.
Kidney transplant
A transplanted kidney can work fully, so you no longer need dialysis.
Theres usually a long wait to receive a donor kidney thats compatible with your body. If you have a living donor, the process may go more quickly.
Transplant surgery might not be the right treatment option for everyone. It is not always successful.
You must take immunosuppressant drugs after the surgery to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney. These drugs have their own side effects, some of which can be serious.
You can talk with a doctor about whether youre a good candidate for a kidney transplant.
Lifestyle modifications
Minimizing your intake of alcohol and making dietary changes may help prevent kidney failure from progressing.
At the early stages and beyond, its possible to manage and slow progression with lifestyle factors such as:
Dietary changes
The guidelines for what you eat will often depend on the stage of kidney disease you have and your overall health. Some recommendations might include:
- Limiting sodium and potassium: Aim to eat less than 2,000 milligrams per day of both sodium (salt) and potassium.
- Limiting phosphorus: Try to stay below
1,000 milligrams of phosphorus. - Following protein guidelines: In early and moderate kidney disease, you might want to cut back on protein consumption. But you may eat more protein in end-stage kidney failure, depending on your doctors recommendations.
Beyond these general guidelines, a doctor may also ask you to avoid certain foods.
Lowering alcohol intake
If you have kidney failure and drink alcohol, your kidneys must work harder than they already do. Alcohol doesnt metabolize out of your system, so if you have complete kidney failure, youll feel its effects until you receive dialysis to filter it from your blood.
Beer, ale, and wine also contain large amounts of phosphorous. Severe heart issues and death are possible if your kidneys cannot filter it out.
If you have kidney failure or late-stage kidney disease, a doctor may recommend you limit alcohol. Eliminating alcohol from your diet, if possible, may be best.
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure. About
Without management, high blood sugar can damage your kidneys. The damage can worsen over time.
Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney damage caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes, cant be reversed. Steps to prevent or limit kidney damage can include:
- managing your blood sugar
- managing blood pressure
- taking medications as prescribed
If you have diabetes, a doctor will likely perform regular screenings to monitor for kidney failure. Your risk for diabetic nephropathy increases the longer you live with diabetes.
Kidney failure can lead to various complications. These can include:
Many people with kidney failure develop secondary complications. These can include:
Its not possible to know precisely how long a person with kidney failure will live, as it can depend on many factors.
These include:
- the underlying cause
- how well that underlying cause is managed
- any complicating factors, like high blood pressure or diabetes
- stage of kidney disease at diagnosis
- age
The National Kidney Foundation says that a person on dialysis can expect to live for an average of 5 to 10 years as long as they follow their treatment. Some people live for more than 20 or 30 years.
Once you reach end-stage kidney failure, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to live. Missing even one dialysis treatment can decrease your life expectancy.
Proper treatment and healthy lifestyle changes may improve your outlook, such as avoiding certain foods.
You can take steps to lower the risk of kidney failure.
Follow directions when taking over-the-counter medications. Taking doses that are too high, even of common drugs like aspirin, can create high toxin levels quickly. This can overload your kidneys.
Many kidney or urinary tract conditions lead to kidney failure without prompt treatment.
You can help lower your risk of kidney failure by:
- eating a balanced diet
- maintaining a moderate weight
- taking prescribed and over-the-counter medications as directed and not taking more medication than is safe
- keeping conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, well managed and following a doctors advice
Kidney failure can develop suddenly or from long-term damage. Possible causes of kidney failure can include diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney trauma.
Kidney disease is classified into five stages, ranging from mild to complete kidney failure. Symptoms and complications increase as the stages progress.
If you have kidney failure, you can work with a doctor to determine the best treatment options.
