Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

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Chronic Renal (Kidney) Failure in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

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Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests are needed to recognize CRF and exclude other diseases. Tests may include:

Complete medical history and physical examination

Complete medical history including questions regarding change in water consumption and urination, exposure to ethylene glycol (antifreeze), recent surgery or anesthesia, drug therapy, appetite, weight loss, previous illness, and medications

Complete physical examination

Biochemistry tests

Urinalysis

Complete blood count (CBC)

Other diagnostic tests may include:

Kidney ultrasonography

Excretory urography

Blood gas analysis

Endogenous or exogenous creatinine clearance

Urine protein/creatinine ratio

A fine needle aspirate

Fractional excretion of electrolyte

Kidney biopsy

Radioisotope clearance

Treatment

Although there is no cure, early detection can slow the progression of the disease.

CRF can be a life threatening condition that requires hospitalization and treatment for stabilization in extremely ill pets. Treatments may include:

Fluid therapy for dehydrated pets

Management of blood abnormalities such as hyperkalemia or hypokalemia (abnormal potassium blood levels), metabolic acidosis and hyperphosphatemia

Dietary therapy with protein a phosphorus restriction

Free access to water

Supportive care and careful monitoring of urine output

Control of vomiting with diet and drug therapy as needed

Management of anemia if needed (with Epogen)

Home Care

Chronic renal failure is life-threatening, and if you suspect your pet has this condition, you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Follow-up with your veterinarian for examinations, laboratory work and urinalysis. Blood and urine analysis should be repeated within five to seven days after discharge.

Feed your pet the diet recommended by your veterinarian. Provide free access to fresh clean water at all times. Some owners can administer subcutaneous fluid to their pets at home, if necessary. Your veterinarian can provide instructions when indicated.

Administer any prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. Drug therapy may include: phosphate binders; potassium supplementation; or drugs for vomiting (such as cimetidine or famotidine); or anabolic steroids for some patients. Epogen may be given for anemia two to three times weekly.

Preventive Care

There are no specific recommendations for prevention of chronic renal failure. However, general suggestions include:

Providing frequent attempts to urinate and free access to fresh clean water.

Avoiding exposure to ethylene glycol that can cause acute kidney damage.

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