Kidney disease continues to be a serious health problem for dogs and cats that usually cut their life short. Over the years the situation has been improving thanks to the greater awareness about the need for detecting and addressing kidney disease.
Aging Causes Kidney Slowdown
Dogs end up with kidney problems for two reasons. One is the age factor that wears out the kidney tissues and second is unhealthy food. The aging complications are often linked with the size of the dog.
In small dogs, kidney failure issues generally show up after 10 to 14 years whereas in large dogs kidney problems can begin after six years of age. When age advances the filtration capability of kidneys becomes slower, inefficient, and ineffective.
Timely medical attention for a sustained treatment and use of food supplements and medications could lessen the scope of kidney failure among dogs, and extend a dogs life who is dealing with kidney failure.
Therefore, a dog with kidney failure can live a long time.
However, kidney failure does not mean automatic death. Many dogs facing kidney failure can live on a small amount of function with the proper nutrition, supplements and medication.
Treatment For Dogs With Kidney Failure
The treatment of chronic kidney disease is planned based on test results. However, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can help dogs carry on with a normal lifestyle for many months or years.
There has to be urgency in addressing the life-threatening kidney disease among pets as they are emotionally tied with a person and his family sharing amazing love and devotion.
Kidney diseases are described by many names including renal failure, kidney failure, and renal insufficiency. When kidneys of a dog become dysfunctional it affects every system in the body.
Kidney disease builds up toxins in the bloodstream, and the progression will lead to the following issues:
- Dehydration
- High blood pressure
- Decreased urine output
- Gastric ulcers
- Blood in urine
- Inability to regulate body temperature
- Anaemia
- Seizures
Dogs with acute renal failure will show many of the above conditions which will deteriorate in the days ahead. In the case of chronic kidney disease, these symptoms worsen over months or years depending on the dog’s response to the treatment.
Acute renal failure is often reversible. But timely treatment can prolong life considerably although abrupt outcomes are also not uncommon.
We have data on cases where dogs with kidney disease have lived many years by due care and treatment. But delayed treatment or severe CKD could curb life even if the best treatment for stage 2 or stage 4 kidney diseases is rendered.
According to Stanley Rubin, a veterinary expert at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, an insidious onset marks out chronic kidney disease that becomes progressively worse.
The obvious early signs include pet drinking more and urinating frequently. In cats kidney disease also shows up as selective eating habits and acute blindness.
This happens from the blood pressure that hurts the eyesight and also damages the central nervous system and a host of organs. Ultimately, the life expectancy of a dog or cat will be severely curtailed by the kidney disease.
Signs of kidney disease in dogs
Vets detect kidney disease among dogs from the following signs. They normally ask for details on the following problems from pet owners.
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Drowsiness
- Lack of hunger
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrohea
- Weight loss
Phases of kidney treatment
The kidney treatment of dogs usually occurs in two phases, first, the kidneys are flushed for removing the accumulated toxins from the blood, and treatments start that would manage the disease and delay the progression of renal disease.
In the first phase, intravenous fluids are be administered to ‘flush” the kidneys and the bloodstream. The process is called diuresis and repairs damaged kidney cells as well to make them functional again by removing the toxic metabolites.
If there are enough functional kidney cells left in the ailing pet, the filtration and waste removal of kidneys can be reactivated.
To assess the degree of damage to kidneys vets use the IRIS (The International Renal Interest Society) staging system on serum creatinine levels, with a sub-staging on protein in the urine by measuring the protein: creatinine ratio [UPC]) and the blood pressure.
That initial treatment will also address shortcomings in nutrition and control vomiting and diarrhea by medicines to generate a feel-good condition for the dog.
A urinalysis will evaluate the conditions of kidney functions. If the urine specific gravity (USCG) is lower, it can be taken as an indication of kidney disease. The enhanced presence of protein in the urine will also indicate decreased function of the kidney.
The volume of waste products in the blood such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and blood creatinine (CREA) will indicate the deceleration of the kidney functions. Tests on the levels of albumin, globulin, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium, plus the red and white blood cell in the blood will show the extent of kidney failure.
Constant vigilance is the key to saving cats or dogs from kidney ailments. The most important path to mitigation is the prevention of the build-up of free radicals and inflammation that eventually leads to the breakdown of kidneys.
Food supplements as remedy for kidney disease
Now the good news is that many supplements are available in the market that when added to pets’ daily meals will ensure a healthy life. Our very own Kidney Restore For Cats & Dogs is one such supplement that supports normal kidney function and pets’ health.
Kidney failure progresses at a slower pace and even an outwardly healthy pet may be undergoing the strain of kidney issues. The above-mentioned supplements save pets from the terminal condition which comes from the sudden disclosure of damage to kidneys.
The critical role of kidneys as organs that filter the blood to remove toxins and chemicals is well understood. If the kidneys are in a state of damage or collapsing from the effects of toxins, nitrogenous waste, free radicals, and build-up of acids it will be a case of negligence also.
Fortunately, diet control and science-based supplements have come a long way in supporting normal kidney function even among pets.
A good diet plan can be the centre piece of a dog’s chronic kidney disease (CKD) treatment road map. According to Tufts University’s Veterinary Medical Center, a dog battling kidney disease must be served food that has less phosphorus, protein and sodium compared to regular dog foods.
Kidney Shield
There is a breakthrough natural kidney formula for pets known as Kidney Shield For Cats & Dogs now on offer containing the best omega-3 fatty acids derived from deep-sea cold fish. Its usage ensures the supply of cleanest levels of EPA/DHA for a pet’s health.
According to researchers, omega-3 fatty acids, found in plenty with fish and seafood is best to check inflammation and in ensuring normal kidney functioning. It carries two crucial health-giving compounds EPA and DHA.
By the effective supplementing of omega-3s in the pet’s diet, the spread of free radicals and toxins can be arrested and normal kidney function can be ensured.
Our supplement offers the best antioxidants as a supplement that is safe but natural too. Free from any adverse effects, it takes care of a pet’s body in several ways.
Kidney Shield is made from very rich sources including wild Alaskan Salmon, sardine, mackerel, and anchovies that are treasure troves of powerful omega-3 fatty acids.
To conclude, identifying the basic cause of kidney damage quite early is most important, as far as pets are concerned. It may include leptospirosis, kidney stones, or bacterial infections. Prevention is always better than cure.
