Renal Failure in Dogs and Cats

As you probably know, "renal failure" means the same thing as kidney failure. If you're reading this article, you probably already know that renal failure doesn't just happen to humans. It's also possible for kidneys to fail in dogs and cats.

Kidney failure in dogs is known as canine renal failure.

Kidney failure in cats is known as feline renal failure. 

No matter what you call it, it can be painful for the pet and heart rending for the pet's owner.

Feline renal failure is more common, but it certainly happens far too often with dogs too.

There are two types of renal failure in pets, just as there are in people.

Acute kidney failure is generally caused when some kind of toxin finds its way into your pet's body. This can happen when the pet eats something poisonous.

Chronic kidney failure occurs over a long period of time and many people don't recognize the symptoms until it has progressed to the danger point: when the kidney is approximately 75 percent non-functional. Chronic renal failure often results from a diet that lacks moisture and may be especially hazardous for cats who eat dry foods.

Symptoms of Pet Renal Failure

When the kidneys are diseased or damaged, they lose the ability to perform one of their most important jobs: concentrating excess fluid and toxins in urine. If this function is compromised by disease or damage, your pet will begin to experience constipation,

• unusual fatigue,
• nausea,
• poor appetite,
• noticeable weight loss.

When these symptoms begin to present themselves, it's time to get your dog or cat to a vet as soon as you can. The vet will perform a blood test and urinalysis.

Treatment

The conventional treatment for renal problems in dogs and cats is called subcutaneous fluid therapy. This procedure involves administering fluids through a needle which is inserted under the pet's skin.

A low-protein, low-phosphorus and low-sodium diet may be also help. But if you're not careful, this could lead to malnutrition. Talk to your vet and follow dietary treatment guidelines closely.

Avoid dry foods for pets with renal kidney problems. This is especially true for cats. It's important to make sure your pet gets plenty of fluids. Certain nutritional supplements, especially omega 3 fatty acids from marine fish oil are known slow the progression of kidney disease in a clinical trials with dogs. Your vet may also recommend Vitamin E supplements.
 

 
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