The Dangers of Kidney Failure in Dogs

Kidney failure is a serious health risk for our furry friends. A dog’s two bean-shaped kidneys perform vital roles in filtering the blood and removing toxins and waste. When kidney function drops below 25%, dogs face life-threatening dangers.

In the US alone, over 37,000 dogs are diagnosed with kidney disease yearly. Certain breeds, like Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Schnauzers, are genetically prone to kidney problems. Older dogs are also at higher risk, with 20% of dogs over 10 years old developing chronic kidney disease.

Kidney failure leads to the blood’s buildup of waste products like creatinine and urea nitrogen. It also disrupts fluid balance and essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus. As toxins accumulate, dogs show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. Without treatment, kidney failure can lead to seizures, coma, and ultimately death.

The good news is that dogs can recover from kidney disease with early diagnosis and proper veterinary care. Fluid therapy, dietary changes, and medications can help manage their condition. While kidney failure cannot be cured, dogs can live happily for months or years with the proper treatment. Annual blood work and urinalysis in older dogs allow early detection and intervention. So, while kidney disease poses real dangers, dog parents can take heart, knowing their pup can beat the odds with attentive care.

Table of Contents

• The key points about kidney failure in dogs
• The two main types of kidney failure in dogs
• The main causes that can lead to kidney problems and failure in dogs
• Key things to monitor and manage when dog is suffering from kidney failure
• Common causes of acute kidney failure in dogs
• Signs and symptoms of kidney problems in dogs
• Main diagnostic tests used to diagnose chronic kidney failure in dogs
• How kidney failure is treated in dogs
• What can happen if kidney disease goes untreated in dogs
• Tips to help prevent kidney problems in dogs
• What life can look like for dogs with kidney failure with proper management?
• How long can dogs live with kidney disease?
• Is kidney failure in dogs painful?
• Can a dog recover from kidney failure?

The key points about kidney failure in dogs

• Kidney failure is when a dog’s kidneys stop functioning correctly, leading to toxins and an imbalance of fluids/minerals in the body.

• The kidneys play vital roles like filtering blood, removing wastes, regulating blood pressure, balancing minerals like calcium and potassium, and producing red blood cells.

• When kidneys fail, these functions are disrupted, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased thirst/urination, and lethargy.

• Common causes include chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury from toxins/trauma, urinary blockages, infections, cancer, and genetic disorders like polycystic kidney disease.

• Kidney failure is diagnosed through blood tests that measure levels of waste (creatinine, BUN) and urine tests checking for protein loss.

• Treatment focuses on managing clinical signs and slowing disease progression via medications, intravenous fluids, dietary changes, and treatment of underlying disease.

• With early diagnosis and proper treatment, dogs can live months to years with kidney failure. However, it is a serious condition that requires close monitoring and care.

• Preventative care like annual vet checkups and bloodwork in older dogs allows early detection and better outcomes for kidney disease.

The two main types of kidney failure in dogs

Acute Kidney Failure

• Sudden onset develops rapidly over days/weeks
• Causes include ingestion of toxins, severe dehydration, shock, or obstruction of urine flow
• It may be reversible if the underlying cause is treated promptly
• Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite
• Requires intensive therapy like IV fluids, hospitalization,

Chronic Kidney Disease

• Progressive loss of kidney function over months/years
• More common in older dogs, certain breeds like Cocker Spaniels
• Causes include age-related changes, chronic infections, high blood pressure, immune disorders
• Irreversible condition that worsens over time
• Symptoms like increased thirst/urination come on gradually
• Managed through medications, dietary changes, monitoring lab work
• The goal is to slow disease progression and prolong quality of life

The key difference is acute kidney failure has a quick onset and may be reversible, while chronic kidney disease is a slow, irreversible decline in kidney function typically seen in older dogs. Identifying the type of kidney disease based on symptoms, breed, and lab tests helps vets determine the appropriate treatment plan. Catching kidney failure early, either acute or chronic, gives dogs the best chance of recovery and improved longevity.

The main causes that can lead to kidney problems and failure in dogs

• Age – Older dogs are more prone to age-related kidney disease and decline in function. Over 10% of dogs over 10 years old develop chronic kidney disease.

• Genetics – Some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Schnauzers, and Shih Tzus are genetically predisposed to kidney disorders.

• Infections – Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that spread to the kidneys can cause inflammation and damage.

• Toxins – Ingestion of toxins like antifreeze, grapes, xylitol, and lilies can poison kidneys.

• Cancer – Cancer spreading to the kidneys, like lymphoma, can impair kidney function.

• Trauma – Blunt force trauma, like being hit by a car, can acutely damage kidneys.

• Obstructions – Blockages in the urinary tract from stones, crystals, or masses can block urine flow and cause kidney damage.

• High blood pressure – Chronically high blood pressure can impair kidney function.

• Dental disease – Bacteria from dental infections can spread to kidneys through the bloodstream.

• Immune disorders – Diseases where the immune system attacks the kidneys, like glomerulonephritis, can develop.

The combination of age, genetics, and one or more factors puts dogs most at risk for kidney problems and renal failure. That’s why regular vet checkups to monitor kidney health are so important.

Key things to monitor and manage when dog is suffering from kidney failure

• Hydration – Ensure adequate water intake to support kidney function. Your vet may prescribe subcutaneous fluids under the skin.
• Potassium – Kidney failure can cause high potassium levels, disrupting heart rhythms. Your vet may prescribe a low-potassium diet.
• Phosphorus and Calcium – Imbalances in these minerals stress the kidneys. Restrict dietary phosphorus and supplement calcium under veterinary direction.
• Acidosis – Kidney failure causes acid buildup in the blood. Your vet may prescribe medications like sodium bicarbonate to manage it.
• Sodium – Kidney disease leads to sodium retention and edema. Sodium intake may need to be restricted.
• Blood Pressure – High blood pressure further damages the kidneys. Medications to control hypertension may be prescribed.
• Anemia – Failing kidneys reduce red blood cell production. Your vet can prescribe erythropoietin injections to stimulate red blood cell creation.
• Fats – Limit dietary fats, which are more challenging for diseased kidneys to process.

Close monitoring and management of these parameters, along with medications and dietary changes recommended by your vet, can help prolong and improve your dog’s quality of life with kidney failure.

Common causes of acute kidney failure in dogs

• Toxins – Ingestion of antifreeze, grapes, raisins, xylitol, lilies, or other nephrotoxic substances can rapidly damage kidneys. Even small amounts can be deadly.
• Medications – Overdosing certain drugs like NSAIDs, chemotherapy, and some antibiotics can injure kidneys, especially if the dog is dehydrated.
• Urinary obstructions – Blockages from stones, tumors, or debris can obstruct urine flow, leading to rapid kidney injury. Requires emergency treatment.
• Severe dehydration – Dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate water causes decreased blood flow to kidneys and acute failure.
• Sepsis – Widespread bacterial infections like leptospirosis can infect the kidneys directly, causing inflammation and dysfunction.
• Shock – Low blood pressure from trauma, blood loss, heart failure, or other causes reduces kidney perfusion.
• Cancer – Cancer like hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and leukemia can infiltrate kidneys and impair function.
• Blood clots – Clots in the kidneys’ blood vessels reduce oxygenation and cause tissue death.

Prompt veterinary treatment is crucial for acute kidney failure. The key is to address the underlying cause and support kidney function with IV fluids, medication, and therapy until the kidneys recover.

Signs and symptoms of kidney problems in dogs

Early-Stage Symptoms

• Increased thirst and drinking more water
• Increased urination and larger volumes of dilute urine
• Minor loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Occasional vomiting or diarrhea

Late-Stage Symptoms

• Severe loss of appetite or complete refusal to eat
• Significant weight loss and muscle wasting
• Severe vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy, depression and weakness
• Dehydration
• Bad breath and mouth ulcers
• Anemia (pale gums)
• High blood pressure (sudden blindness)
• Fluid buildup in the abdomen or limbs
• Seizures and coma in extreme cases

Acute Kidney Failure – Symptoms progress rapidly over days/weeks

Chronic Kidney Failure – Symptoms develop slowly over months/years

Catching symptoms early and significantly increased thirst and urination provides the best chance to get veterinary treatment and slow further kidney damage. Severe symptoms indicate advanced kidney failure and require prompt veterinary care to manage and support kidney function.

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Additional symptoms to watch for that can indicate kidney failure or problems in dogs

• Bad breath or ammonia-like odor – from toxin buildup
• Weight loss – Despite a normal appetite in the early stages
• Blood in urine – from bladder inflammation
• Diarrhea – from gastrointestinal irritation
• Mouth ulcers – from toxin irritation
• Pale gums – from anemia
• Wobbliness, acting drunk – from metabolic toxin buildup
• Bone fractures – kidneys regulate calcium, so bones weaken
• Itchy skin – calcium/phosphorus deposits under the skin
• Bruising, bleeding – kidneys make clotting factors

Acute kidney failure

• Frequent or no urination – depending on kidney response
• Hunched posture, stiff gait – from acute kidney pain

Chronic kidney disease

• Increased urination – trying to remove more toxins
• Easy bruising/bleeding – chronic issues with clotting

Catching these additional signals early on, even if subtle, along with the typical symptoms, can help identify kidney trouble and prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

Main diagnostic tests used to diagnose chronic kidney failure in dogs

• Blood tests – Evaluating levels of waste products like creatinine and BUN reveals impaired kidney filtration. Other biomarkers like phosphorus and electrolytes are also measured.
• Urinalysis – Blood, protein, or crystals in urine indicate kidney damage. Low urine specific gravity is an early sign of dysfunction.
• Blood pressure – High blood pressure often accompanies chronic kidney disease and can worsen it.
• Imaging – X-rays and ultrasound allow visual assessment of kidney size, shape, and masses.
• Biopsy – Taking a kidney tissue sample can help identify the specific cause of the kidney disease.
• Urine culture – Growing bacteria from a urine sample can diagnose an underlying infection.

In the early stages, increased waste product levels in the blood and decreased urine specific gravity may be the only abnormalities. Later stages show increased blood levels of creatinine, BUN, phosphorus, and reduced calcium.

Diagnostic testing allows the determination of the stage of kidney disease to guide treatment. Monitoring progression over time also helps manage kidney function and prevent further deterioration.

Veterinarians use staging guidelines developed by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) to classify the degree of kidney failure in dogs.

Stage 1 – Non-azotemic – No symptoms, kidney function only slightly decreased. BUN and creatinine are within normal limits.

Stage 2 – Mildly azotemic – Minimal symptoms like increased thirst/urination. Slight increase in BUN and creatinine.

Stage 3 – Moderately azotemic – Symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, anemia. BUN and creatinine moderately increased.

Stage 4 – Severely azotemic – Significant clinical signs and lab abnormalities. BUN and creatinine are severely elevated.

Critical diagnostics used for staging:

• Creatinine – Levels >1.6 mg/dL indicate kidney dysfunction. Each stage correlates with a higher creatinine range.
• BUN – Increases as kidney function worsens. Levels >30 mg/dL are considered abnormal.
• Urine specific gravity – Values below 1.030 indicate diluted urine and kidney issues.
• Phosphorus – Increases with worsening kidney function. It can cause bone problems.
• Blood pressure – Hypertension aggravates kidney disease.

Staging allows vets to determine the prognosis and the best treatment plan. Lower stages focus on slowing disease progression, while later stages prioritize clinical symptom management and blood work stabilization.

How kidney failure is treated in dogs

Acute Kidney Failure

• Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause
• IV fluids to rehydrate and support kidney function
• Medications to manage vomiting, nausea, electrolyte imbalances
• Appetite stimulants if not eating
• Monitor blood pressure, organ function, and fluid levels
• Treatment can resolve acute failure if caught early

Chronic Kidney Failure

• It cannot be cured, but progression can be slowed with treatment
• IV fluids to flush kidneys and correct dehydration
• Prescription kidney diet – low protein, phosphorus, sodium
• Phosphate binders – control excess phosphorus
• Medications – ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, antacids, calcium
• Treatments for anemia like erythropoietin
• Subcutaneous fluids at home to support kidney function
• Regular lab work to monitor disease progression
• Manage clinical symptoms and quality of life
• Dialysis is generally not an option in dogs

The key to acute failure is fast diagnosis and treatment. For chronic failure, early detection and lifelong management are crucial to prolonging a dog’s life. While not curable, dogs can live for years with proper vet care.

What can happen if kidney disease goes untreated in dogs

• Toxins and waste build up to dangerous levels in the bloodstream, leading to a condition called uremia
• Electrolyte imbalances worsen, especially high potassium, which can cause heart arrhythmias
• Excess phosphorus causes bones to weaken and break more easily
• Anemia progresses as diseased kidneys fail to produce erythropoietin for red blood cell formation
• High blood pressure damages blood vessels in the eyes, brain, and body
• Fluid accumulation in the lungs causes breathing difficulty and congestion
• Loss of protein through urine results in muscle wasting and weight loss
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite lead to malnutrition
• Metabolic acidosis from toxin buildup disrupts organ function
• Coma, seizures, and death can occur from untreated uremia and electrolyte disturbances

The combination of these issues ultimately leads to multiple organ failure. Most dogs will die within weeks to months without treatment. However, with prompt veterinary care for kidney disease, dogs can be successfully managed for years. Catching it early is key.

Tips to help prevent kidney problems in dogs

• Keep toxins and dangerous foods out of reach – like antifreeze, human medications, grapes, raisins, and chocolate.
• Be careful with OTC meds like NSAIDs – use proper dosing and monitor for side effects.
• Ensure good hydration – always provide fresh, clean water.
• Feed age-appropriate diets – avoid excess protein in older dogs.
• Manage dental disease – bacteria from teeth/gums can spread to kidneys.
• Control blood pressure – hypertension damages kidneys over time.
• Do annual vet exams – includes screening bloodwork to assess kidney function.
• Address UTIs quickly – recurrent infections can cause kidney scarring.
• Limit nephrotoxic drugs when possible – some chemo antibiotics are harmful.
• Monitor at-risk breeds like Cocker Spaniels for kidney disease.

While kidney disease can’t always be prevented, these steps help reduce risk and allow early detection and intervention when issues arise. Annual screening bloodwork is critical for older dogs.

What life can look like for dogs with kidney failure with proper management?

• Many dogs live happily for years with chronic kidney disease when caught early.
• Work closely with your vet to determine your dog’s risk level and best treatment plan. Routine monitoring is crucial.
• Stick to your vet’s kidney-friendly diet, usually lower in protein, phosphorus, and sodium.
• Give medications as prescribed – such as ACE inhibitors for blood pressure control.
• Provide easy access to fresh water. Supplement with subcutaneous fluids as needed.
• Adjust exercise as required based on your dog’s stamina. Low-impact activities are best.
• Watch for signs of nausea and give anti-nausea medications as directed.
• Note any changes in behavior or new symptoms and notify your vet promptly.
• Make regular vet visits for rechecking bloodwork to monitor kidney function.
• Manage pain, if present, with medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

While kidney disease shortens the average lifespan, your dog can live happily for years with diligent, at-home care under your veterinarian’s guidance. The goal is to maximize quality of life.

How long can dogs live with kidney disease?

Here’s an overview of life expectancy for dogs with kidney disease:

• With early detection and proper management, many dogs live for years past their diagnosis.
• Dogs diagnosed with Stage 1 or 2 kidney disease often live for 12-24 months or longer.
• The prognosis declines as the disease progresses to Stage 3, especially Stage 4.
• Stage 3’s life expectancy ranges from 6-12 months with treatment.
• End-stage kidney failure (Stage 4) carries a prognosis of weeks to a few months.
• Smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds with kidney disease.
• Strict adherence to vet recommendations maximizes longevity – medications, diet, fluids, etc.
• Kidney disease is not directly fatal but can lead to complications over time.

The key is early detection through annual senior bloodwork. With excellent at-home care under veterinary supervision, dogs can live happily with kidney disease for years before it becomes debilitating. Monitoring progression and symptom management are vital.

Is kidney failure in dogs painful?

Kidney failure can cause some pain in dogs, but it is often manageable:

• Acute kidney failure may cause mild to moderate abdominal pain, evidenced by arched posture or reluctance to move. This usually resolves with treatment.
• Chronic kidney disease itself does not directly cause pain when well controlled. Dogs may feel nauseous or weak when uremic.
• However, complications of chronic kidney failure can be painful:

1. Ulcers in the mouth, stomach
2. Fractured bones from kidney-related calcium issues
3. Joint pain from fluid buildup or inflammation
4. Headache and nausea from high blood pressure

Medications like gastroprotectants, calcium supplements, NSAIDs, etc can treat pain from these complications. Overall, a dog’s pain levels can be kept low with proper treatment and management of their kidney disease.

So, while acute kidney issues may initially cause some discomfort, chronic kidney failure does not tend to be overtly painful for dogs when stabilized on treatment. Working closely with your vet ensures your dog’s pain stays minimal and your quality of life remains high.

Can a dog recover from kidney failure?

Dogs can recover from acute kidney failure, but chronic kidney failure cannot be cured:

• Acute kidney failure may be reversible if treated promptly before permanent damage occurs. Kidney function can often return to normal or near normal with aggressive therapy.
• However, the damage can become irreversible if acute kidney failure goes untreated for an extended time.
• Chronic kidney disease is a progressive, irreversible condition. Lost kidney function cannot be recovered.
• However, chronic kidney failure can be well-managed with medications, diet, fluids, and regular vet monitoring.
• Many dogs with chronic kidney disease live happily for years with minimal symptoms when correctly managed.
• While not a proper “recovery,” effective treatment can significantly minimize the impacts of chronic kidney failure on a dog’s quality of life.

So, while acute kidney failure can often be successfully reversed if caught early, chronic kidney failure is permanent but very manageable. Despite proper recovery, dogs can feel great and live for years with diligent care under a veterinarian’s guidance. The key is early detection and intervention.