Chronic kidney disease in dogs can result in failure of the organ if it is not addressed on time. Not Just 4 Paws Animal Hospital in Canyon Lake, CA, we provide treatment to improve your dog’s overall health. Before visiting us, learn more about why treatment for kidney disease is important below:
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
When the kidneys begin to work ineffectively, blood flow to the area increases in an attempt to filter out waste. One of the first signs of struggling kidneys is increased water consumption. If your dog has advanced kidney failure, he or she may experience lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Diagnosing Kidney Failure
At our practice, we offer two tests for kidney function: a blood chemistry analysis and a urinalysis. Having a low urine specific gravity is one of the first indications of kidney failure. Not only that, but an increase of protein in the urine is another sign. The blood biochemistry analysis measures the blood urea nitrogen and blood creatine, which can indicate decreased kidney function.
Treatment for Kidney Failure
If your dog has stage 1 kidney failure, we’ll give him or her intravenous fluids for a few days to help flush out the bloodstream and kidneys. The fluids can help mildly damaged kidney cells function again. Possible outcomes include full restoration, failure after treatment stops, or kidneys that don’t respond at all. While the outcome isn’t predictable, keep in mind that some dogs with severe kidney failure may respond well to treatment and live full lives.
Follow Up and Maintenance for Pets with Kidney Disease
Should treatment be successful, there are some steps owners can take daily to ensure their pet’s kidneys are functioning correctly daily. Some of these steps include:
- Dietary Changes: Specialty foods that improve kidney function are available and they are typically low-protein, low-phosphorus, and not acidified.
- Home Fluid Therapy: We can show you how to give your pet intravenous fluids at home to prevent dehydration and flush toxins from the kidneys.
- Protein Additions: While foods are low-protein, your dog will still need an angiotensin that helps keep the pressure in its kidneys low.
- Managing Parathyroid Gland and Calcium Levels: Our vets can prescribe medication that stimulates the parathyroid gland and increases blood calcium levels.
Contact us for an Appointment Today
At Not Just 4 Paws Animal Hospital in Canyon Lake, CA, we offer emergency care and routine pet care. If your pet is experiencing kidney failure, our vets can examine its condition and provide the necessary treatment. To learn more about our treatments or to schedule your appointment, contact us at ((951) 244-4199 today. When you need a veterinarian near me, we look forward to assisting you!
