What are the Dog Kidney Failure Symptoms?

We all know that dogs are animals. However, unlike any other creatures or animals on earth, dogs are actually very similar to humans. These pets are also capable of feelings and are also attached to their owners just like what a person is also capable of feeling. Unfortunately, feelings are not the only thing that makes dogs similar to humans. In fact, dogs can also suffer some of the health problems that are usually experienced by men. Dogs can also develop certain types of cancer as well as diabetes, and in addition to these, dogs can also encounter kidney failure. So what are the different facts about kidney failure in dogs and what are the dog kidney failure symptoms?

What is kidney Failure?

What is kidney failure? Kidney failure is described as the cessation of the functioning of the kidneys due to the destruction of the nephrons that are caused by several factors, which inhibits its capacity to filter toxins and remove waste products adequately from the blood out of the body through the urine. Most of us would think that such health problem is only experienced by men; however, these conditions could also be suffered by our loyal pet dogs. In fact, the anatomy of dogs is also quite similar to humans. They also have organs that are the same with men, which are also susceptible for infections and certain abnormalities. This is the reason why scientists before make use of animals like apes, mice and dogs to test and study the different parts of the body as well as the effects of newly discovered medicine on health for the benefit of men.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs

There are actually a lot of symptoms that can occur once dogs start to experience kidney problems. However, most of these symptoms of kidney failure would take more time for it to be noticed. Most of the early symptoms of this condition would usually not raise any significant alarm. However any combination of the clinical symptoms will usually present advanced problems. Kidney failure is always considered treatable; nevertheless, once it becomes chronic, the damage is said to be irreversible.

Some of the early symptoms of kidney failure in dogs include the noticeable increase in consumption of water and the increase in frequency of urination. Other cases may also show or exhibit signs of weakness, intolerance as well as the inability or the difficulty in exercising normally. Some dogs may also show easy fatigability or tiredness.

Once these things are taken for granted, the condition of the dog can worsen and can also lead to severe symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, constipation, diarrhea, depression, weight loss, lack of appetite, halithosis or severe bad breathe, mouth ulcers, acute blindness, seizures and comas and hematuria or the presence of blood in the urine.

Causes of Kidney failure in Dogs

Kidney failure in dogs can also be caused by a lot of factors just like in humans. Urinary blockage or obstruction to the urinary tract (commonly in the ureters) can be a caused of kidney damage leading to failure. Other medications can also be harmful to the kidneys causing damage and destruction as well as other health conditions like lymphoma and diabetes mellitus. Kidney failure can also result from hereditary factors or the genetic disposition of dogs.

Breeds Commonly Affected by Kidney Failure

Although all breeds of dogs are possible of experiencing this disease, some breeds are said to be more susceptible than the others. Some of the common types of dogs that are prevalent to kidney failure include the Samoyed, Cairn Terrier, English Cocker Spaniel, Bull Terrier and the German Shepherd. Other dogs that are also possible of acquiring this condition include Dobermans, Beagles, Rottweilers, Poodles, Shar Peis and Shih Tzus. Nowadays, 9 out of 1000 dogs are diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Most of these dogs are already aged dogs; however, kidney failure can still affect any age of dogs.

Treatment of Kidney failure in Dogs

There are already a lot of treatments and medications available for dogs that can help relieve the symptoms of chronic kidney failure. However, chronic renal failure is still considered irreversible, which means no drugs or operation is still discovered that can help reverse the damaged nephrons back to normal condition. Proper care and treatment such as the administration of normal food, injections of intra dermal medications and regular or religious veterinary visit can be given. Nevertheless, this condition can still lead to hospitalization and intravenous care in the long run.

These are some of the details and facts about kidney failure in dogs as well as the possible signs and symptoms and treatment that can be given to ease up the condition. Kidney failure does not only affects humans, dogs as well as cats can also show signs of this disease, which is why equal attention and care must also be given.