Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

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Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

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Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will take a complete medical history specifically questioning exposure to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), recent surgery or anesthesia (possibly causing decreased blood flow to the kidneys), exposure to drugs toxic to the kidneys (aminoglycoside group of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and previous illnesses. The following diagnostic tests may also be necessary to recognize acute kidney failure and exclude other diseases. Tests may include:

Complete physical examination

Serum biochemistry tests

Urinalysis

Complete blood count

X-rays of the abdomen

Culture of the urine

Ultrasound examination

Kidney biopsy

Ethylene glycol test

Blood tests for certain infections

Treatment

ARF is a life-threatening serious condition that requires hospitalization and intensive treatment.

Treatment consists of identification and correction of life-threatening problems while searching for the underlying cause of ARF. Treatment for ARF may include one or more of the following:

Induce vomiting

Intravenous fluids

Drugs that encourage urine production

Management of blood electrolyte abnormalities

Monitor urinary output

Control of vomiting

Management of anemia

Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis

Treatment with 4-methylpyrazole (Antizol®) or ethanol

Home Care

Acute renal failure is a life-threatening condition and there is no effective home treatment. If you suspect your pet has this condition, or if you even suspect your pet may have consumed even a small amount of anti-freeze, you should call your veterinarian immediately. Your veterinarian may instruct you to induce vomiting before bringing your pet to the hospital.

Administer any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Follow-up examinations and laboratory tests are important to assess your pet's response to treatment. Allow free access to fresh clean water.

Preventative Care

Avoid exposure to ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), and avoid exposure to drugs known to be toxic to the kidney (e.g. aminoglycoside antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Don't allow dogs to roam outside unattended.

Vaccinate your dog for leptospirosis as recommended by your veterinarian. This vaccine usually is included in routine vaccination protocols.

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1 Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis in Dogs
Ethylene glycol toxicosis occurs after ingestion of anti-freeze or other fluids containing the ingredient ethylene glycol. It is not toxic, but it is metabolized in the animal’s body to several extremely...
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2 Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals, caused by a spirochete (spiral shaped bacterium) called a leptospire. It primarily affects the kidneys but can also affect...
Read More
3 Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs
The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these...
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1 Ethylene Glycol Toxicosis in Dogs
Ethylene glycol toxicosis occurs after ingestion of anti-freeze or other fluids containing the ingredient ethylene glycol. It is not toxic, but it is metabolized in the animal’s body to several extremely...
Read More
2 Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can affect both humans and animals, caused by a spirochete (spiral shaped bacterium) called a leptospire. It primarily affects the kidneys but can also affect...
Read More
3 Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs
The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these...
Read More

Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

Acute Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

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