natural treatment for kidney problems in dogs
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.
Kidney Disease in Dogs: How to Treat It Naturally
When Red was diagnosed with kidney issues, my first thought was how to treat kidney disease in dogs naturally.
Ive been interested in alternative treatments for myself and then later for my pets, for quite some time. Due to various circumstances I wasnt able to pursue that for my dogs until recently.
I finally got to a holistic vet 3 weeks ago, and Im excited about this new journey for Red. My vet, Dr. Ortega from VetYVet in Malaga, has replaced 2 medications with natural remedies. Shes on a lot of drugs so replacing/reducing will be a lengthy and gradual process.
Red has been on a prescription kidney diet for a couple of years now, but my new vet believes a homemade diet will be significantly better for her. When he first mentioned it I wasnt thrilled. I dont like to cook so having to do even more of it was not something I was looking forward to, but for Red I would do it. Thankfully he told me its freezable so last night I made a huge batch and well see how long it lasts. The good news is shes loving it. Its a recipe created specifically for Red, based on the results of comprehensive blood tests. It is made up of chicken, quinoa, brown rice, olive oil, cooked broccoli, raw apples and raw carrots.
A kinder, gentler, more natural approach
Whether your dog has just been diagnosed with kidney disease or been living with it for awhile, now is the perfect time to learn all you can about it so your dog receives the best possible care. Of course your trusted vet has sat down with you and explained the what, where and whys right? If youre not loving your vet, now is the time to find a great one.
There are the treatment options recommended by traditional vets that may include a prescription kidney diet and perhaps some medications. On the flip side there are the recommendations a holistic vet will make, and that leads me to this article called Kidney Failure In Dogs Natural Treatment Options.
In this very informative post, you will find treatment recommendations from several holistic vets I believe are worth considering. If you like what you read and are interested in learning more, I suggest you find a holistic vet and make an appointment for a chat. Dont think you have to make a choice between exclusively holistic or exclusively traditional. Find the things youre comfortable with and see if you can incorporate the two disciplines.
For example, you may feel more comfortable with a prescription kidney food or some medication, but you like the idea of acupuncture or adding some herbs to your dogs treatment plan. The vets I have met were comfortable with that, so if thats how you want to start, make sure your vet agrees as well.
Some practices have holistic vets on staff, while other vets practice both types of medicine. The best thing you can do for your dog is find a vet you like and trust, and is always ready to listen to your concerns.
Kidney disease in dogs conclusion
I know it can take time to get used to believing illnesses can often be treated as effectively with herbs and acupuncture for example, as with medication. If its an avenue youd like to explore, I hope this article has given you a helpful place to start. I find it comforting knowing, kidney disease in dogs can be managed naturally.
Do you have a holistic vet? Was there a particular incident that led you to seek alternative treatment? Have you been considering a more natural treatment plan for your dog? Id love to hear your story, and sharing helps others, so please tell us in the comment section below. In the case of a senior dog, you can leave a post on my Facebook page as well.
How to Naturally Treat Liver Disease In Dogs
How to Naturally Treat Liver Disease In Dogs
One of the largest, and most important organs is your dogs liver. It has a number of functions, such as in digestion, detoxification, sugar storage, breaking down red blood cells, and hormone production. It is found under the rib cage, encircling the stomach, and tucked up next to the diaphragm. In this article you will learn the more common causes of canine liver disease, along with the common symptoms to recognize in your dog. I will discuss the more steps in diagnosis of liver disease, and the large number of holistic options available if your dog is to be diagnosed with canine liver disease.
There are numerous things that can cause liver disease ranging from tumors to infections. Dogs commonly eat compost in which there is often a toxin that can cause acute liver disease. Your pet can get a viral infection affecting the liver (hepatitis). Young dogs can have liver disease as a result of a liver shunt, or certain breeds can aquire liver disease due to a copper storage deficiency ( Bedlington Terriers, Westies, Keeshounds, Dalmations). Common veterinary medications ( Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatories) can damage the liver and result in signs of liver disease. Fortunately the liver can do a wonderful job of regenerating liver cells, and can heal itself with supportive care and supplements.
The signs of liver disease are many and varied; they are similar to many other canine diseases. In the early stages there are often no symptoms, and the first signs can be very non specific. Some of the more common signs start with eating; your pets appetite is lowered. Some dogs are depressed, are lethargic, and classified as ADR (aint doing right. As the disease progresses, there may be vomiting or diarrhea. Many dogs show signs of increased drinking and urinating more than normal. Due to the lower protein levels in the blood (low albumin which is produced from the liver), you may see fluid retention which will show up as a swollen belly. A classic symptom is jaundice; the white area around her eyes and the gums may be yellowish. A few uncommon signs include neurologic disease (ie circling, head pressing, ataxia, seizures), and hepatocutaneous syndrome (skin disease), which shows as thickened crusted foot pads, itchiness, redness between toes.
Canine liver disease is diagnosed with an initial physical exam, along with a detailed history which may reveal some of the classic symptoms, such as jaundice. Your veterinarian will suggest a basic blood panel; this may reveal many changes suggesting liver disease. You can see elevated ALP, ALT, GGT and bilirubin. Many dogs are anemic (low RBCs), and most have low protein levels, especially low albumin, which is produced by the liver. Urine changes often show bilirubin, and brownish/yellowish urine.If you suspect that your dog has liver disease, the first step is to confirm what type of liver disease your pet has. Your vet can perform some of the above specific diagnostic tests as there are so many possibilities.
Adequate nutrition is needed to help the liver heal. Offer him his favorite food. In some cases, spicing it up with garlic and warming it in a microwave will encourage eating. Many holistic veterinarians advise a natural, moderate protein, moderate carbohydrate diet; your veterinarian may advise a specific veterinary diet. Regardless the most important thing is it being a food that your dog likes, and wants to eat. The composition of the food is now near as critical as getting him to eat.
Of all the alternative options, milk thistle is the most important solution in helping any ailing liver. The active ingredient is silymarin and it has protective effects on the liver, improve liver function, helps treat liver inflammation, toxin induced liver disease, and end stage liver failure (cirrhosis). The dose of the dried herb is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily. It is available at most pharmacies. I have had great success using this herb.
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a supplement and potent antioxidant shown to be very effective in people and pets with chronic liver disease. The tablets are available at health food stores; give 800 mg per 40 lbs of body weight daily.
Antioxidant vitamins work in conjunction with SAMe to decrease liver cell damage and help the liver regenerate; Vitamin E and Vitamin C are the two most commonly used. Give 400 IU per 40 lbs of body weight daily of Vitamin E, and give 250 mg per 40 lbs of body weight daily of Vitamin C.
Turmeric gives curry its flavor and yellow color, and has been used as an anti-inflammatory, to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds while also being a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants can fight free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. The dose of the dried herb is 100 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily. It can also be given as a tincture of 2 drops per 10lbs twice daily.
Many cases of liver disease are believed to be secondary to the immune system attacking the liver and bile ducts (auto-immune). There are a number of supplements which can be helpful in normalizing the immune system, but there are particular ones that may be beneficial for the liver. Those are flavanoids, compounds in a class of their own. They compose the thousands of structures that give the bright color to fruits and vegetables. These include flavones, (apigenin), isoflavones (genistein), and flavonols (quercetin). Purchase a mixed bioflavonoid product that contains polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate), which is the specific flavonoid isolated from green tea. The dose for a 10 lb dog is 250 mg daily.
Homeopathic remedies are used to supplement veterinary care and additional remedies. These pets are often very weak, so I begin with lower potency remedies. Cardus Marianus is produced from Milk Thistle. Some dogs vomit the milk thistle herbal capsules, so this is the option to give. The dose being 1 30C capsule per 20lbs twice daily.
Liver disease in dogs is one of the more common veterinary diagnoses, and you should now be able to recognize the more common symptoms (anorexia, weight loss, vomiting, distended abdomen, jaundice). The causes are varied, with many dogs having acute damage by ingesting some type of toxin, or reacting to a prescribed veterinary medication. There are numerous holistic options to treat canine liver disease, ranging from the herb milk thistle, to flavanoids including green tea.
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
