Kidney disease (also referred to in medical terminology as renal disease) is a common finding in dogs, especially those who are reaching their senior years. In acute disease, such as a toxicity, the
signs occur suddenly and can be very severe. In chronic kidney disease, the onset may be very slow
and the signs fairly nonspecific, i.e., the animal is “just not doing well.” Whether the disease is acute
or chronic is typically related to the cause.
There are many causes of renal disease, and they may include:
Age
Viral, fungal, or bacterial infections
Parasites
Cancer
Amyloidosis (caused by abnormal deposits of a certain type of protein in the kidney)
Inflammation
Autoimmune diseases
Trauma
Toxic reaction to poisons or medications
Congenital and inherited disorders
This is not a complete list but demonstrates what the veterinarian is trying to rule in or out as
cause of the signs.
In cases of acute kidney disease, the animal usually has severe signs that occurred suddenly. These may include depression, vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and changes in the amount of urination.
A good medical history and testing will need to be performed to find the cause. The cause may be
treatable such as infection caused by leptospirosis; an infestation with a parasite such as the giant
kidney worm; or exposure to toxins such as the Easter lily or antifreeze. Blood and urine samples
are ideally taken before the start of treatment so the treatment does not affect the test results.
Fluid therapy: Initial treatment of kidney disease, involves rehydrating the patient typically
over about 2-10 hours and maintaining normal hydration after that. This is typically done
with intravenous (IV) fluids in the veterinary clinic so the appropriate amounts can be given
and the pet can be monitored for appropriate fluid output (urination). Many times, the IV fluid
administration is enough to start or increase urine output. If urine output is still not normal,
medication such as furosemide or mannitol may be necessary to try to get the kidneys to
produce urine. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes are monitored and maintained in the normal range through the administration of the IV fluids and,
sometimes, medications
Nutrition: As the pet becomes rehydrated with the fluids, he typically starts feeling less
nauseous and becomes more willing to eat. If the pet eats willingly or if tube feeding is
performed, a high quality lower quantity protein should be fed. This limits the demands
on the kidneys while providing the body with needed nutrition. In severe cases, parenteral
nutrition may be given via an IV line.
Supplements: During this difficult time, your dog will require additional vitamins and
nutrients because of the loss of fluids and lack of a normal diet. hardyPet Complete provides
over 40 pharmaceutical grade ingredients including all of the essential nutrients needed for
renal treatment.
HardyPet Complete contains large quantities of high quality omega-3,-6,-9 fatty acids
as well as other critical nutrients to boost the immune systems and support the internal
organ functions of dogs suffering from Kidney Conditions.
HardyPet Immune provides a higher dose of critical immune boosting ingredients in a
proven 10 day therapy and is guaranteed to be 100% safe and 100% effective. |
