Early Symptoms of Dog Kidney Failure: What to Watch For

Section 1: What to Do When a Dog Suffers from Kidney Failure

Dog kidney failure, also known as uremia, is a condition where the body's metabolic waste products and other toxic substances accumulate due to renal dysfunction, leading to a systemic poisoning syndrome.

Section 2: Causes of Canine Uremia

Uremia is a severe sign of kidney failure in dogs, and its occurrence is related to several factors. Normally, urine is alkaline, but due to kidney failure, the levels of acidic metabolic waste products in the urine increase and cannot be excreted, leading to acidosis. Dogs may also experience changes in respiratory and cardiovascular functions, as well as coma.

Section 3: Symptoms of Canine Uremia

The complex and varied clinical symptoms of canine uremia are a result of damage to various organs in the body. Affected dogs may exhibit extreme depression, confusion, sensory disturbances, drowsiness, vomiting, inflammation of the digestive tract, decreased appetite, ulceration of mucous membranes, diarrhea, hematochezia, intestinal paralysis, pulmonary edema, congestion, low respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, and heart failure.

Blood tests may reveal elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (over 40 mg/dL) and creatinine (over 4 mg/dL), as well as decreased levels of sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate. Potassium and phosphorus levels may also rise.

Section 4: Treatment Methods for Canine Uremia

Intermittent peritoneal dialysis: After shaving and disinfecting the abdominal wall, a peritoneal dialysis catheter is inserted. After removing the catheter, the tube is lowered. The dialysate needs to be warmed before administration, with 50 to 150 milliliters per kilogram of body weight injected. The fluid will remain in the dog's body for about 40 minutes before being naturally excreted. This process should be repeated two to three times. Sodium lactate formulations are commonly used as dialysate.

In cases of severe pulmonary edema, hypertonic glucose and sodium lactate formulations can be used. Since the dialysate does not contain potassium chloride, dogs with hypokalemia will require the addition of 4 milliliters of potassium chloride per liter of dialysate.

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, it is a sign that their kidneys are in a very serious condition. It is crucial for owners to take their pets to a veterinarian immediately.