Over the past decade, the number of reported cases of kidney damage in dogs has been on the rise. This is a concerning trend, as it is a serious condition that can have life-threatening consequences. As a pet owner, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney damage and to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect your dog is suffering from it. But the big question is: can you reverse the effects of kidney damage in dogs? In this blog post, we will explore what we know about the causes and treatments of canine kidney damage and discuss whether it is possible to reverse the effects. By understanding the causes and treatment options, pet owners can be better equipped to make informed decisions about their pet’s health.
What is involved in the first phase of treatment?
High intravenous fluid doses are administered during the initial stage in order to clear the kidneys and bloodstream. Diuresis, a flushing procedure, restores some function to mildly damaged kidney cells by removing toxic metabolites and fostering a more favorable environment for recovery.
The kidneys may be able to sufficiently meet the body’s needs for filtration and waste removal if enough healthy kidney cells are still present. Fluid therapy includes replacement of various electrolytes, especially potassium. Proper nutrition and medication to control vomiting and diarrhea, if present, are additional critical elements of the initial course of treatment. After starting this stage of treatment, your dog frequently starts to feel better quickly.
Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs
Chronic renal failure refers to a condition that has a long history, is progressive, and, regrettably, cannot be reversed. For some canines, the illness might have developed after a severe kidney injury, such as one brought on by an intense infection (i e. , leptospirosis, pyelonephritis) or ingesting something toxic like antifreeze, grapes, raisins, and some antibiotics
Some types of kidney disease, such as glomerular disease and amyloidosis, which are rare organ diseases seen in breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dog and Shar-pei, may be inherited.
Others may experience it due to immune-mediated diseases, stroke-like symptoms, or even clotting disorders. In cases where a dog has recently been diagnosed, the underlying cause is probably still unknown.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Canine kidney disease impairs the organ’s capacity to remove waste from the body, ultimately resulting in renal failure. Dogs can live with just one kidney, unlike humans, who cannot survive without any kidneys. Understanding the function of the kidneys will help you better comprehend how kidney disease affects a dog’s body.
In vertebrates, such as dogs and humans, the kidneys play a crucial role in health. The kidneys of a dog are situated very similarly to those of a human in the middle of the abdomen, close to the back. They are linked to other vital organs by a vast network of blood vessels. The kidneys are complicated organs that serve several purposes.
Blood pH and electrolyte balance are kept in the proper range by the kidneys. They also produce urine, which is used to excrete waste, and filter waste from the blood. The kidneys also produce hormones and enzymes that aid in regulating a variety of bodily processes. Together, the heart and kidneys keep the body functioning.
FAQ
Can kidneys repair themselves in dogs?
The kidneys have a lot of reserve capacity to carry out their various functions because kidney tissue cannot regenerate if it is destroyed. Before any clinical symptoms appear, at least two thirds of the kidneys must be dysfunctional.
How can I improve my dog’s kidney function?
- Reduced phosphorus content. …
- Less — but adequate, higher quality — protein. …
- Limited sodium level. …
- Increased amounts of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.
How long does a dog have to live with kidney failure?
The best time to begin some treatments for a pet with chronic kidney disease is when it is in a particular stage of the condition. Dogs in Stage 1 have a median survival time of more than 400 days, followed by Stages 2 and 3 with median survival times of 200 to 400 days and 110 to 200 days, respectively.
How can I heal my dogs kidneys naturally?
The progression of renal disease in pets should be slowed down with a low-protein diet, advises Dr. Grzyb, as well as a diet low in sodium, calcium, and phosphorus A pet will be healthier and live longer on a diet low in protein and containing these minerals, which can help stabilize and even improve kidney enzymes.