Renal failure in dogs is an extremely dangerous pathological condition characterized by a complete loss of the ability of the kidneys to form/excrete urine. This leads to the most serious violations of acid-base, water-salt, osmotic homeostasis - as a result, all systems of the animal's body are damaged. The causes of kidney failure are very different - infectious diseases, poisoning, neoplasms of the urinary system, various chronic and genetic diseases.

Depending on the symptoms of kidney failure and the causes of this dangerous condition, an acute and chronic form of pathology is distinguished.

Acute renal failure

The clinical picture in the development of acute renal failure is pronounced, the symptoms are vivid, the animal's condition worsens very quickly, within one or two days, and sometimes even hours.

The dog becomes lethargic, lethargic, completely refuses food, nausea is observed. One of the main manifestations of acute renal failure is intense thirst, and at first an increase in the volume of urine is recorded, but very quickly urine ceases to be excreted at all. An unpleasant uremic odor emerges from the mouth. Without timely veterinary care, depression of consciousness and coma develops. Without treatment, the animal dies within a few days.

Depending on the causes that cause the development of acute renal failure, the following types of it are distinguished:

• Prerenal - the kidneys cease to function due to a violation of their blood supply and blood circulation. This condition often develops due to extensive blood loss or may be the result of improper anesthesia.
• Renal - most common. It occurs due to the detrimental effect on the kidney tissue of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan pathogenic microorganisms. It can develop as a result of poisoning the dog with various poisons, toxic substances. Acute renal failure of this type often acts as a complication in diseases such as plague, leptospirosis, piroplasmosis, etc.
• Postrenal - more often recorded in older dogs due to a violation of the outflow of urine with advanced urolithiasis, obstruction of the urinary tract.

Acute renal failure is a very dangerous condition for the health and, sometimes, the life of an animal. However, unlike the chronic form of pathology, the processes in this case are reversible and with timely access to a doctor and properly administered therapy, the dog recovers completely.

Treatment of Acute Renal Failure in Dogs

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical picture and data from special studies.

Then intensive therapy is prescribed, the main directions of which will be:

• removal of severe intoxication - intravenous administration of glucose solution, Ringer-Locke solution, saline, etc. or carrying out forced diuresis;
• maintaining the work of the liver and heart;
• treatment of the disease or elimination of the condition that caused the development of acute renal failure;
• auxiliary therapy - the appointment of vitamins, probiotics, hematopoietic stimulants, etc.;
• if the condition of the animal is very serious, a blood transfusion may be prescribed.

For treatment, you need to place the dog in a hospital, as intensive care is required with constant monitoring of the state of all organs and systems.

Chronic renal failure in dogs

This pathological condition develops slowly. In this case, the process of death of nephrons occurs gradually. And for a certain time, living kidney cells perform the functions of dead ones. Only when the tissues of the organ are affected by 25 percent or more do signs of pathology begin to appear.

In chronic renal failure, the clinical picture is as follows:

• the dog becomes not so active, does not tolerate physical activity well;
• markedly worsening appetite;
• increased thirst;
• digestion may be disturbed - nausea, vomiting, constipation is replaced by diarrhea;
• the dog is gradually losing weight;
• the color and volume of urine change.

The symptoms in this case are non-specific, therefore, a comprehensive examination is required - urinalysis, blood test, ultrasound (sometimes X-ray) of the abdominal cavity.

The main causes of this pathological condition are:

• complications of acute renal failure;
• chronic inflammatory processes of the kidneys;
• various hereditary pathologies - dysplasia, amyloidosis.

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the easier it is to keep the animal in good condition. There is no cure for chronic renal failure. The main direction of treatment is to slow down its development. A special diet for chronic renal failure in dogs plays an important role. The dog must drink enough fluids. Also prescribed drugs to control pressure, absorbents, drugs that protect the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.

One of the most dangerous ailments are kidney diseases in dogs. Danger lies in wait for an individual of any breed, height or age. According to statistics, kidney disease develops in pets due to poor living conditions of the animal. Therefore, all veterinarians recommend prevention and careful monitoring of a four-legged pet.

Any unusual behavior may indicate the development of the disease. Kidney failure often develops as a complication of infectious or viral diseases.
Why is kidney disease dangerous and what are its signs? Several causes of progression of kidney disease in dogs. Let's talk about all this in more detail.

Basic functions of the kidneys

Kidney diseases are in second place in the top ten most dangerous ailments that lead to the death of an animal. The main problem in violation of the basic functions of the kidneys is the inability to restore the already damaged tissue of the organ. Therefore, treatment, as such, only helps to support kidney function, especially in advanced cases. The kidneys perform a number of important functions:

• Purification of the body's blood from toxins produced as a result of the processing of food, water, air, etc.
• Excretion of poisons, such as ingestion or inhalation of dangerous toxic gases.
• Excess water is also excreted through the kidneys.

The kidneys are involved in the production of important hormones, one of which is erythropoietin, which is responsible for the production of red blood cells. The work of the kidneys balances the content of salt and water in the body of the animal. The kidneys as a well-oiled mechanism, if one of the systems is damaged, the work of the others gradually deteriorates.

Important: The main problem is considered to be the timely determination of kidney disease in an animal, because the symptoms of the disease appear even when the condition is neglected. And sometimes the level of organ damage, after diagnosis, is 60%. There are two types of kidney disease:

1. Acute.
2. Chronic.

The acute form manifests itself in the form of a sharp progression of the disease in one of the functional systems of the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease in a pet may be asymptomatic for several years. Much depends on the ability of the animal's immunity. Typically, dogs are diagnosed with the chronic form.

Classification of kidney diseases

Common kidney diseases:

Pyelonephritis proceeds as an internal inflammation of the connective tissue of the organ and renal pelvis. It develops due to bacterial infection of the organ, for example:

• coli,
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
• staphylococcus, etc.

Also, the disease can develop as a complication of cystitis or other inflammation of the genital and urinary organs. The presence of a tumor of any internal organ also provokes this disease. A distinctive feature is the defeat of both kidneys. Pyelonephritis progresses so quickly that the animal dies during the exacerbation of the disease within a day.

Glomerulonephritis is a non-infectious kidney disease. Develops as a complication of past illnesses:

• severe allergic reaction
• poorly treated wound in an animal,
• severe inflammation of the internal organs,
• severe infectious disease.

In case of disruption of the renal tubules responsible for the elimination of toxins and protein metabolism in the animal's body, nephrosis develops. Kidney failure is the last stage of the disease. The gradual failure of every function of the kidneys leads to uncontrolled degradation of the organ. If the dog was given this diagnosis, then the further life of the animal will be reduced to the constant presence of the pet under a dropper and injections.

Attention! To establish the accuracy of kidney disease, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination. Insist on a detailed clarification of the cause of renal failure, the correctness of the therapy selected by the veterinarian for the treatment of the animal depends on this.

Causes of the development of kidney ailments

There are a number of reasons for the development of kidney disease:

• Poor nutrition with a lack of nutrients leads to beriberi and a decrease in the dog's immune system.
• The presence of hereditary diseases. Purebred pets are the most susceptible to this condition. Diseases, acquiring a chronic form indirectly, provokes kidney failure.
• Serious infectious or bacterial diseases.
• Weak immune system.
• The presence of tumors in the body of the animal.
• Accumulation of toxins.
• Acute poisoning.
• Severe dehydration of the animal's body, leading to poor blood supply to the kidneys.

It is important to prevent the progression of the disease and at the first manifestations of unusual pet behavior, consult a doctor.

The main symptoms of kidney disease in dogs

Symptoms of kidney disease can take many weeks to show up, gradually worsening your four-legged friend's condition. Don't make a diagnosis based on visual signs of a dog's illness alone. After all, the symptoms of many health problems are similar to each other. Here is a list of the main symptoms of the disease:

• A sharp decrease in appetite or a complete refusal to eat.
• Increased thirst, so it is important that the dog has a full bowl of fresh water at all times.
• There are frequent urges to the toilet, while the amount of urine is either small or large.
• The animal may vomit.
• Nervous state.
• The color of urine changes, depending on the cause of the disease, it can be bloody, colorless or cloudy, with the presence of other impurities.
• The smell of urine becomes more pungent.
• Previously, a clean dog begins to walk small in various places: at home, in a car.
• The smell of ammonia from the mouth indicates the accumulation of a large amount of toxins in the body of the animal.
• Diarrhea.
• Kind of a walk. Due to constant pain, the animal begins to arch its back unnaturally.
• There is swelling of the paws in the dog. Other parts of the body can also swell: the abdominal region, the upper eyelids of the animal.
• Pain and whining of a pet when urinating.
• If this is a male, then during a trip to the toilet, he sits down, instead of lifting his paw up.
• A brown coating can be observed on the dog's tongue.

The presence of several signs should immediately alert the owner of the dog. The sooner you see a doctor, the more likely your pet will survive.

Diagnosis and treatment

To make an accurate diagnosis, a comprehensive diagnosis should be carried out. The accuracy of treatment depends on the nature of the disease. Only a veterinarian can determine which kidney disease has affected a pet.

Treatment of kidney disease in dogs can take a long time. Much depends on the neglect of a particular case, determining the form of the course of the disease. After clarifying all the nuances, drug therapy is prescribed. It is important to be careful and accurately calculate the dosage of the medicine so as not to harm the animal. First you need to provide access to water to avoid dehydration.

In the chronic form, it is impossible to completely cure the dog, drug therapy only slows down the symptoms, thereby prolonging the life of the animal.
It is important to establish the cause of the development; the dog's therapy will be based on this.
Compliance with a special diet, which is prescribed by a doctor based on the results of the examination. The duration of therapy depends on the progress of the disease and the condition of the animal.
Each case of the disease is individual, and treating a dog at home without consulting a specialist threatens with the imminent death of a pet.

The best medicine is prevention

To prevent the development of kidney ailments, follow a number of preventive measures. They will protect your four-legged friend and help you live a long life.

1. Don't let your dog play with stray dogs. There is a high probability of catching any disease from them.
2. Get your vaccinations up to date to avoid serious illnesses that can lead to complications.
3. Do not allow your dog to eat unhealthy foods and make sure that the animal receives all the necessary vitamins and minerals from food.
4. Go to the veterinarian for preventive examinations in order to identify possible ailments in time.

Monitor the behavior of your pet, if the dog began to behave strangely or began to consume more water than usual, then it is worth checking it for the presence of diseases.
Attentive attitude to the four-legged friend will help to avoid a number of troubles associated with the health of the animal. Even if your pet is ill, you should immediately contact the veterinarian, this will help to start treatment sooner and reduce the likelihood of complications in the dog.

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In dogs, kidney disease is more common than in other animals and increases with age. In more than 50% of dogs over the age of 8 years, clinical examination can reveal pronounced pathological changes in both kidneys, and histological examination - in 80% of dogs. The disease develops imperceptibly for many years. The causes that cause it are infections, allergic, chemical and physical factors.

A high predisposition is determined by the anatomical and physiological features of the kidneys. The kidneys of dogs are adapted to excrete the breakdown products of large amounts of animal protein. At the same time, acidic urine is released (pH 5.0-6.5), in which microorganisms do not multiply. Animals that receive mainly plant foods have alkaline urine, which favors the development of microflora.

On the other hand, the direct communication of the urinary tubules of the kidney (in dogs there are no renal calyces!) With the pelvis facilitates the spread of infection from the parenchyma or interstitium to the pelvis and vice versa. An essential species feature in this regard is the high predisposition of dogs to autoallergies.

The ureters, bladder and urethra, on the contrary, are very resistant to infection and pathological factors. Therefore, their inflammation occurs much less frequently.

The following symptoms and syndromes indicate a disease of the urinary organs:

• pain syndrome in the urinary organs - the desire to lie in a cold place, arching the back, the need for frequent urination (pollakiuria), pain during urination (dysuria, stranguria), pain in the back muscle-tour when pressed with fingers, transient paresis of the pelvic limbs, edema;
• nephrotic syndrome - edema, proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, cylindrouria, oliguria;
• uremic syndrome - apathy, anorexia, vomiting, stubbornly recurrent diarrhea, smell of urine from the mouth, an increase in the concentration of urea and creatinine in the blood, anuria, anemia;
• osteorenal syndrome - deformation and osteoporosis of bones, osteodystrophy, hypocalcemia;
• renal eclampsia syndrome - tonic-clonic convulsions, episcleral vascular injection, nephrotic syndrome.

Acute diffuse glomerulonephritis

Interstitial nephritis. This is a rapidly occurring infectious-allergic inflammation of the kidneys with a predominant lesion of the glomerular vessels and the transition of inflammation to the interstitial tissue. Nephrites account for 57% of all kidney diseases. Acute nephritis develops after the transfer of viral or bacterial infections, as well as with leptospirosis. The causative agents are leptospira, viruses, staphylococci, hemolytic streptococci, which are introduced into the kidneys by the hematogenous route. Of great importance in the development of nephritis are foci of chronic infection (ulcerative necrotic periodontal disease, tonsillitis, pyometra).

Viruses and bacteria cause primary damage to kidney tissue during infection. Altered proteins, acting as an antigen, stimulate the production of appropriate antibodies in the reticuloendothelial system. The latter, entering into complex formation with antigens, are fixed in the renal glomeruli, causing severe secondary damage to them. Inflammation spreads to the interstitial tissue (interstitial nephritis), tubules, walls of the pelvis, generally covering the entire kidney.

In acute diffuse glomerulonephritis, both kidneys are always affected and all glomeruli are equally affected. In addition, vessels of other organs and tissues are involved in the process. Nephritis is thus a generalized vascular lesion dominated by urinary dysfunction.

Symptoms

The acute phase of glomerulonephritis is characterized by oliguria (with outwardly frequent urination), hematuria and proteinuria. Clinically, in such animals, fever, violent vomiting, and short-term paresis of the pelvic limbs are noted. Radiographs show bilateral enlargement of the kidneys. Data from laboratory studies are shown in Table 8.

An increased content of erythrocytes in the urine sediment indicates damage to the glomeruli of the kidney. The involvement of the interstitial tissue is indicated by a large number of leukocytes and bacteria. Changes in the tubular system of the kidneys are characterized by a more frequent release of all types of urinary cylinders. Hematuria can be so severe that the urine becomes the color of meat slops. In very severe cases of acute diffuse glomerulonephritis, the animal develops anuria with azotemia, tonic-clonic convulsions. At the same time, the values ​​of urea and creatinine in the blood serum rise to 25 mmol/l and 265 µmol/l.

Acute glomerulonephritis lasts no more than two weeks and often ends in death.

Differential diagnosis of forms of nephritis is carried out on the basis of data from laboratory tests of urine and blood. If leptospirosis is suspected, the blood serum is examined serologically, but not earlier than the 7-12th day of the disease (sufficient antibody titer!).

Treatment

Assign a diet rich in protein, antibiotics of the cephalosporin series (with indications of urea in the blood over 25 mmol / l - only nitrofuran preparations!), Prednisone, aminofillin and strophanthin. In cases of severe oliguria, mannitol and reopoliglyukin are administered intravenously. With azotemia, peritoneal dialysis is performed.

Peritoneal dialysis technique. Do general anesthesia of the animal, laparocentesis. Intraperitoneally injected 0.25-2 l of 20% glucose solution with gemodez in a ratio of 20:1. Aspirate fluid from the abdominal cavity 20-30 minutes after administration (remove as completely as possible). Control diuresis. Peritoneal dialysis for acute diffuse glomerulonephritis allows you to survive an unfavorable period of decline in kidney function. If necessary, it is carried out twice until diuresis is restored. Re-examinations in 1-2 days.

Chronic diffuse glomerulonephritis

Nephrosclerosis. Uremia. Chronic diffuse glomerulonephritis is characterized mainly by an intracapillary inflammatory process in the glomeruli and a gradual overgrowth of capillary loops and the capsule cavity with connective tissue. In the epithelium of the renal tubules, dystrophic changes occur. Chronic diffuse glomerulonephritis is often the result of acute nephritis, when there was no timely treatment. Sometimes it can occur without a history of acute nephritis. The development of insufficiency of the renal glomeruli and tubules leads to a loss of the concentration ability of the kidneys. With the loss of the ability of the kidneys to excrete urine of a constant specific gravity, polyuria appears, which ultimately leads to dehydration of the body. Damaged glomeruli excrete nitrogenous waste less, and altered tubules reabsorb sodium less. Cylindruria is unstable. Due to the large loss of sodium, thirst and acidosis appear. In dogs weighing 30-40 kg, the daily loss of sodium can be 1-3 g (corresponds to 2.5-7.5 g of table salt).

Symptoms

They are less pronounced than in acute nephritis. Polydipsia, polyuria and severe dehydration are noted. The kidneys are reduced in size, compacted and bumpy (wrinkled kidney - nephrosclerosis).

With the progression of sclerosis of the renal glomeruli, the excretion of nitrogenous wastes from the body is even more difficult, calcium reabsorption is disturbed and its level in plasma decreases. To maintain calcium balance, it is washed out of the bones of the skeleton. The accumulation of urea and the product of its decomposition - ammonia in the blood causes chronic poisoning of the body with a predominant lesion of the nervous system - uremia. The animal has a fetid ammonia smell from the mouth, apathy, anemia, a decrease in skin elasticity, vomiting and persistent diarrhea (gastroenteritis), osteodystrophy (the first sign is a rubbery consistency of the lower jaw). In the final stage, vomiting with blood, profuse diarrhea, muscle twitching and tonic-clonic convulsions are observed. Chronic diffuse glomerulonephritis proceeds for a long time, periods of exacerbations alternate with temporary relief of symptoms.

Treatment

With uremia, when the concentration of urea in the blood is below 17 mmol / l, the dog is not treated, its condition is monitored and this indicator is once every six months. The urea content of more than 35 mmol / l should be considered unfavorable, over 50 mmol / l - as evidence of inevitable death during the year. The prognosis worsens with a simultaneous strong increase in the amount of creatinine and indican. Frequent feeding and a diet rich in protein (20-30 g/kg) and sodium (give twice the dose of common salt!) are recommended. Prescribe antibiotics, prednisolone and hingamin for a long time, for 12 months. At the same time, foci of chronic infection (sick teeth, tonsils, pyometra) are eliminated. Practice intravenous drip solutions of sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate to relieve acidosis. With uremia, lespenephril, calcium preparations and B vitamins are additionally prescribed.

Acute and chronic pyelonephritis

Acute pyelitis. Pyelonephritis is a simultaneous inflammation of the walls of the renal pelvis and parenchyma. It is registered in 31% of cases of all kidney diseases. All dogs get sick, but old animals with disturbed, slow urination are more predisposed (chronic cardiovascular insufficiency, nephrolithiasis, nephrosclerosis). Acute pyelonephritis occurs as a complication of nephritis with the spread of inflammation from the parenchyma or interstitial tissue. The presence of pyogenic microbes (E. coli, Proteus) in the urine at this moment causes the simultaneous development of empyema (accumulation of pus) in the pelvis. Sometimes the infection penetrates the ascending path from the bladder. Then at first there is an acute pyelitis. Pyelitis can cause a urinary stone located in the pelvis. The process with pyelo is expressed in. unequal degree.

Symptoms

Animals show pain in the muscles of the back and kidneys on palpation, a gait with an arched back, slight transient paresis of the pelvic limbs. Urinary incontinence is characteristic, but with painful urination, the urine is cloudy, contains a lot of protein, leukocytes and the so-called tail cells. Radiographically, an increase in the shadow of the kidneys is found, a deformed pattern of the pelvis with artificial contrast (Fig. 42)

Contrast pyelography technique. The bladder is tightly bandaged with a bandage and a radiopaque substance (triombrast, verografin, urographin) is injected intravenously at a dose of 1 ml/kg. Then, three ventrodorsal images of the kidneys are taken sequentially after 3, 10 and 20 minutes.

The outcome of an acute process is often chronic asymptomatic pyelonephritis.

Diagnosis

It is possible only on the basis of the results of laboratory studies. Acute pyelitis is accompanied by pain syndrome.

It is differentiated from paresis associated with a disease of the spine, by conducting a urine test and by X-ray.

Treatment

Heat, antibacterial agents (the best combination is erythromycin and furadonin!) and stimulation of diuresis (cardiac glycosides, mannitol) are needed. The duration of the therapeutic course is 10 days, then a second examination and a change of antibiotics.

Nephrosis. nephrotic syndrome.

Nephrosis is a metabolic-dystrophic disease of the kidneys with a predominant degenerative change in the urinary tubules. The development of nephrosis is associated with intoxication of the body and metabolic disorders: endotoxins, when excreted through the kidneys, cause degenerative changes in the epithelium of the tubules. The influence of toxic substances from the outside and the developing circulatory disorders in the kidneys often lead to necrosis of the tubular epithelium. As a result of impaired tubular reabsorption of the protein, large losses occur in the urine: up to 2.5-15 g per day. In this regard, the content of albumin in plasma decreases to 16-18 g/l, which causes edema. The content of lipoproteins and cholesterol in the plasma increases. Nitrogen retention occurs only when the renal glomeruli are involved in the process.

Symptoms

Nephrosis and nephrotic syndrome are divided depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease and on what treatment is effective. With nephrosis in an animal over the age of 6-7 years, proteinuria with a high protein content is recorded, which, however, does not affect the general condition. Such animals die many years later, usually quickly with symptoms of oliguria, edema, ascites and uremia.

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by four main clinical symptoms: proteinuria, cylindruria, ascites and edema of the breast or abdomen, cachexia. Laboratory data and differential differences are given in Table 8. After examination, dogs live for several more weeks or months.

Treatment

Doesn't bring success. The introduction of prednisone in nephrotic syndrome immediately improves the patient's condition. Ascites is eliminated by drip infusion of mannitol. Alvezin and retabolil are administered to normalize protein metabolism. Antibiotics and vitamin B12 are prescribed as a symptomatic remedy against a developing infection. Re-examination of the dog after 3 months.

The kidneys perform many functions necessary for a dog's life. They filter and remove toxic waste from the body with the help of urine, provide the necessary level of calcium and vitamin D.

The kidneys maintain the necessary level of fluid in the body and secrete hormones that affect the production of red blood cells. Kidney disease is the second leading cause of death in dogs.

Kidney disease can occur for the following reasons:

• unbalanced and poor quality food,
• bacterial and viral infections,
• immune system defects
• toxins,
• hereditary predisposition that is present in certain breeds

Most often in dogs there are not acute, but chronic kidney diseases. They pass slowly, up to several years, accompanied by a gradual deterioration. In this process, the kidneys undergo irreversible changes and the disease becomes incurable.

The Most Common Kidney Diseases in Dogs and Their Symptoms

With pyelonephritis the connective tissue of the kidneys and renal pelvis becomes inflamed. As a rule, the nature of this disease is bacterial and occurs as a result of infectious processes of the genital organs. Both kidneys are mostly affected.

In this case, the animal:

• pain in the kidney area
• protein found in urine

The disease can proceed so suddenly that the animal dies within 12 hours. In the chronic course of the disease, the animal becomes exhausted, becomes lethargic, and experiences pain during urination.

The parenchyma of the kidneys becomes inflamed and the vessels of the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis) are affected. The disease has an immunoallergic nature and is manifested by a decrease in appetite, an increase in body temperature, and depression. Animals often unnaturally arch their backs, swelling of the eyelids, intermaxillary space, abdomen, hips, vomiting, and dyspeptic phenomena appear. His mucous membranes turn pale. As a secondary phenomenon, bronchitis and bronchopneumonia can develop.

Alarming and life-threatening are the symptoms of azotemic uremia:

• pupil constriction,
• drowsiness,
• vomit,
• complete rejection of food
• , convulsive twitches

Signs of chronic renal failure

Most often . It is dangerous because the kidneys cannot excrete metabolic products with urine. As a result, toxic substances accumulate in the blood: nitrogen, ammonia, acids and others. With this disease, the animal has the following symptoms:

1. increased thirst and increased urine output,
2. the dog loses its appetite and, accordingly, loses weight,
3. may be vomiting
4. depression,
5. a brownish coating appears on the surface of the tongue,
6. ulcers may appear on the tongue and gums, and an ammonia smell is noticeable when breathing

At a severe stage, the animal also falls into a coma. It should be borne in mind that similar symptoms also indicate diseases such as, therefore, the diagnosis is established only after a complete examination of the animal. However, these signs appear very late, at the stage when more than 70-80% of kidney functions have actually been lost.

First of all, it is necessary to prevent dehydration of the body, since the kidneys do not cope with their functions and all the liquid is excreted along with the urine. The dog should always have fresh water. In the most serious cases, veterinarians will inject fluid into the dog subcutaneously. The dog needs to provide proper nutrition, reducing the amount of toxins, that is, the intake of salt, protein and phosphorus. Iron must be included in the diet

Renal failure in dogs is a disorder in the functioning of the kidneys, in which the excretory ability completely stops or decreases. The body accumulates toxic substances, and the general condition of the animal worsens. This pathology at the initial stage is almost never not detected, because hosts very rarely test urine and blood at diagnostic intervals. Animals older than 5 years are most susceptible to the disease.

Breeds at Risk

The following breeds of dogs are most susceptible to kidney failure:

1. Golden retriever.
2. English Cocker Spaniel.
3. Shih Tzu.
4. Bull Terrier.
5. Yorkshire Terrier.
6. Sharpei.
7. German Shepherd.
8. Samoyed husky.

Typically, kidney failure occurs destruction renal tissues, and the increased load of the overall excretory function falls on the remaining cells. Kidney tissues and cells are not restored. It is because of this that the loss of organ function is possible.

With the constant delivery of urine and blood tests, it is necessary to pay special attention to the upper values ​​\u200b\u200bof the indicators - they show whether or not there is a predisposition to pathology. It is very important to take tests regularly due to the fact that the pathology manifests itself externally when about 70% of the kidneys are already affected. Healing in this state impossible. All that can be done is to regularly carry out maintenance therapy.

This pathology has two forms of leakage:

1. Chronic.
2. Acute.

Causes of pathology

Accompanying illnesses:

1. Underdevelopment of the kidneys.
2. Interstitial nephritis.
3. Urolithiasis disease.

1. Leptospirosis.
2. Hemobarthenelosis.
3. Piroplasmosis.
4. Viral diseases.

Diseases are genetic:

1. Polycystic (formation of cavities with fluid in the tissue of the kidneys).
2. Amyloidosis (deposition of protein in tissues and violation of protein metabolism).

Functional (purulent and deep tissue damage):

1. Toxic damage.
2. Glomerulonephritis.
3. Pyelonephritis.

Symptoms and signs of kidney failure in dogs

Renal failure is an insidious pathology that manifests itself by external signs when it is no longer possible to restore the functioning of the organs. It can begin to appear when one kidney fails completely, and the second - by a third. To the state of the pet you need to be attentive. Symptoms may appear one at a time or simultaneously in a complex.

The first symptoms of the manifestation of the disease are:

1. Decreased animal activity.
2. Depressed and tired look.
3. The dog lies more.
4. The amount of urine that is excreted increases dramatically. This is due to the fact that the ability to absorb and retain fluid is lost.
5. The urge to go to the toilet becomes more frequent up to 8 times.

All of these symptoms lead to constant thirst and dehydration. The amount of urine then decreases, and then completely disappears.

The dog loses weight due to periodic diarrhea and vomiting, as well as lack of appetite. The pulse quickens, the mucous membranes turn pale, swelling appears (it starts from the bottom of the paws).

In the most difficult cases, inflammation in the mouth and muscle tremors can be observed. Ulcers may occur. The dog feels really bad when she starts complete apathy, vomiting of undigested food, extensive ulcerative stomatitis, regular convulsions. Because of coma the animal will soon die.

Acute form (AR)

This form of the disease is distinguished by a particularly rapid rate of development and manifestation of clinical signs. Acute malnutrition in the dog is a potentially curable disease if diagnosed early. Compensatory therapy can lead to a state of maximum efficiency of the kidney. The situation is complicated by the fact that very rarely there is an acute primary course. As a rule, this is an exacerbation of the chronic type. It inflicts main harm kidneys. Secondary AKI is considered incurable.

Pathology is divided into three main types depending on the main causes:

1. Prerenal (prerenal). This type appears due to a sharp drop in blood pressure in the kidneys. Because of this, renal blood flow is disturbed (heat stroke, dehydration, bleeding, and others).
2. Renal (kidney). This condition develops due to direct damage to the cells and tissues of the organ during blockage of the tubules by hemoglobin, accelerated breakdown of red blood cells, exposure to snake venom, drug poisoning, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis and other factors.
3. Postrenal (postrenal). The main role in this type of pathology is played by a mechanical effect on the urinary tract - complete blockage or narrowing of the lumen during compression. It can be observed against the background of prostate enlargement in males, urolithiasis or tumor processes.

External signs

External obvious symptoms can appear one at a time or several at once:

1. Sores appear in the mouth (often along the edge of the tongue).
2. Body temperature may rise or fall (depending on the causes of the disease).
3. Edema of the extremities, in advanced stage - swelling of the chest and abdomen.
4. The mucous membranes may turn pale (or become very red), the pulse quickens.
5. Appetite disappears. The dog does not even react to his favorite food.
6. There is muscle weakness. The dog gets up with great difficulty, its paws visibly tremble when moving.
7. Urination becomes more frequent, and the amount of urine increases (as the disease progresses, it decreases).
8. The oppression of the dog comes very sharply. In the morning, she can frolic, and by the evening she can lie in a bed.
9. Symptoms can develop very quickly, bringing the animal into a coma.

What analyzes show

Having passed the tests of the pet, you will see:

1. High levels of sugar and protein in the urine, a decrease in its specific gravity. Cells of a renal epithelium, leukocytes and erythrocytes are noted.
2. In the blood, the levels of urea, creatinine, phosphorus and sugar will increase.

If these abnormalities are detected, the dog should be taken to a specialist immediately. Otherwise, she may die.

Chronic form (CRF)

This form is more common in dogs over 6 years of age. The causes of development in young individuals are:

1. Chronic primary kidney disease.
2. Genetic predisposition to kidney disease.
3. Previously formed OPN.

External symptoms appear late in the development of the disease. They are:

1. There may be edema.
2. Gagging, vomiting of undigested food.
3. The number of heartbeats decreases, body temperature decreases.
4. There is a sharp ammonia smell from the mouth.
5. There are signs of dehydration - viscous saliva, dry mucous membranes, dull coat.
6. Strong thirst.
7. Very little urine is excreted, sometimes only urges remain.
8. The dog becomes lethargic and weak.

The analyzes show the following:

1. There is a lot of sugar and protein in the urine, the specific gravity decreases. Sediment is not observed.
2. In the blood - signs of anemia, increased levels of urea and creatinine.

Food for dogs with kidney failure

In the treatment of the disease, it is necessary to follow a certain diet. Can feed the pet personally formulated diets or commercially prepared feeds intended for animals with renal insufficiency. When self-feeding, the following rules must be observed:

1. Fats in food should be high or moderate amount. They can easily restore the energy that the dog lacks so much. It is easy for a weakened body to digest them. Saturated fats are found in high-fat yogurt, egg whites, fatty meats, and butter. But vegetable oils are not recommended.
2. Protein food is acceptable, but with high quality protein and in limited quantities. Experts do not recommend completely eliminating protein from the diet.
3. Carbohydrates in small quantities. They are a source of nutrients and calories, while the amount of phosphorus does not increase. To do this, steamed vegetables, semolina and round rice are used in the diet.
4. You need to reduce the amount of salt.
5. Drink your pet only with filtered clean water in sufficient quantities.
6. Dogs often lose or lose their appetite. It is necessary to find the product, the smell of which will provoke the pet to consume food.
7. You can add to food such additives: vitamins C, E, B, coenzyme Q-10, salmon oil.
8. It is necessary to completely remove multivitamin complexes from the diet, which include phosphorus and vitamin D.

Treatment Methods

Treatment of the acute and chronic forms of the disease is carried out with approximately the same medications. The only difference is that with acute renal failure, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the influence of the provoking factor, and with chronic renal failure, it is necessary to maintain the vitality of the pet. Treatment should be prescribed only by a specialist. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate.

If the disease is diagnosed in time then treatment is possible. Chronic renal failure is considered incurable, in which medical procedures help to bring the animal's body into a state of compensation, prolonging the dog's relatively normal life for a long time.

It is impossible to fully restore kidney function if the cause of the disease is congenital underdevelopment or other genetic disorder.

In this case, symptomatic treatment is carried out.

1. Intensive drip administration of drugs is prescribed, aimed at restoring the acid-base, electrolyte and water balance. Thanks to droppers, the maximum amount of toxic elements that the kidneys cannot directly cope with is removed. Solutions must be administered warm so as not to worsen the condition of the pet, whose body temperature is already low.
2. Medicines are prescribed that normalize blood counts, relieve vomiting and eliminate anemia (it is natural in chronic renal failure).
3. With a purulent lesion, antibiotic therapy may be needed.
4. Urination is normalized with the help of diuretic drugs and mechanical diversion of urine in case of bladder overflow.
5. With an exacerbation, urine and blood tests are regularly done. This is necessary to monitor the dynamics of the state. At this time, it is best to leave the pet in the hospital under the supervision of specialists.
6. Glucocorticoid systemic therapy is used to suppress immune responses in autoimmune glomerulonephritis and restore water balance.
7. If necessary, medications are administered that lower blood pressure and normalize the passage of blood through the kidneys.
8. There may be a need for drugs that reduce the total acidity in the stomach and protect the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
9. The level of phosphorus in the blood is strictly controlled.

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