North Vancouver Vet
Just like humans, your pet’s kidneys play a vital role in their body. They filter and remove waste through urine, help maintain proper hydration by balancing water and electrolytes, produce hormones for red blood cell creation, and assist in regulating blood pressure. Additionally, kidneys modify vitamin D for the body’s use.
Pets have two kidneys, positioned on either side of the abdomen. Unfortunately, kidney failure can occur when these organs are damaged beyond function. Kidney failure typically develops over time due to chronic kidney disease, but it can also happen suddenly due to toxins or trauma.
Kidney failure is a life-threatening condition. At Lonsdale Place Veterinary Clinic, we are here to assess your pet’s health and guide you through managing kidney issues. If you notice signs of kidney failure in your pet, it is important to have them seen by a veterinarian right away so we can evaluate their condition and develop a treatment plan.
North Vancouver Vet
Types of Kidney Failure
There are two primary types of kidney failure in pets, each with different causes, treatments, and outcomes.
Chronic Kidney Failure – This type involves the gradual loss of kidney function over weeks, months, or even years. It is typically caused by kidney degeneration associated with aging. While chronic kidney failure can’t always be fully reversed, it can often be managed to help your pet live comfortably for months or years.
Acute Kidney Failure – Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly, with a rapid decline in kidney function over hours or days. It is often caused by toxins or infections. If diagnosed and treated early, acute kidney failure can sometimes be reversed.
North Vancouver Vet
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure
If your pet is suffering from kidney failure, you may notice one or more of the following signs:
Weight loss
Nausea, diarrhea (which may contain blood), and/or vomiting (which may contain blood)
Pale gums
Loss of balance or stumbling
A chemical, unpleasant odor on their breath
Significant loss of appetite
Changes in water consumption (increased thirst or dehydration)
Changes in urine volume
Mouth ulcers
Blood in urine
Lethargy or depression
Seizures
Pets with acute kidney failure may also display an arched back or stiff-legged gait, which can be a sign of kidney pain.
North Vancouver Vet
Causes of Kidney Disease
Acute kidney failure can develop suddenly, often over days or weeks, and can affect pets of all ages. The most common causes include:
Poisons: Substances like antifreeze, toxic plants (such as lilies), pesticides, cleaning products, snake bites, and certain human medications (e.g., ibuprofen) can severely damage your pet’s kidneys. Even one dose of ibuprofen can cause kidney failure.
Trauma, such as fractures to the pelvis or ruptured bladder.
Shock: Caused by significant blood loss or rapid dehydration due to factors like overheating, excessive activity, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Kidney infections, such as leptospirosis (a bacterial infection).
Blockages: Obstructions that affect blood flow to the kidneys or urine flow from the kidneys, such as in male cats with urethral blockages.
Heart failure: Low blood pressure due to heart issues reduces blood flow to the kidneys.
North Vancouver Vet
If caught early, acute kidney failure can often be reversed.
Chronic kidney disease usually affects middle-aged and older pets and develops over months or years. Early symptoms can be subtle, making it difficult to detect. Common causes of chronic kidney disease include:
Kidney infections and blockages that, while not causing acute kidney failure, slowly impair kidney function over time.
Other health conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and cancer.
Dental disease is a major cause of chronic kidney failure in older dogs. Bacteria from the mouth enter the digestive system when they eat or drink, and over time, this can impact kidney function.
North Vancouver Vet
Treatment for Kidney Disease
While acute kidney failure can often be treated more easily, chronic kidney disease is harder to manage and can be irreversible if not caught early.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may involve addressing underlying issues such as poisoning, dehydration, or infection. Your pet’s treatment plan may include:
Medications to encourage urine production
Fluid therapy via an IV
Electrolyte supplementation to balance blood levels
Medications to reduce vomiting
Treatments for gastrointestinal issues
Dialysis
Dietary adjustments
Medications for anemia
Blood pressure management
Preventing Kidney Disease in Pets
Many cases of acute kidney failure can be prevented by keeping pets away from harmful substances like antifreeze, rat poisons, certain foods (e.g., grapes, raisins), and toxic plants. Regular vaccinations can also help prevent infections like leptospirosis, which can lead to kidney damage.
North Vancouver Vet
A balanced, species-appropriate diet provides the nutrients your pet needs to stay healthy, helping them maintain strong kidneys. Regular health checks at home and annual visits to your veterinarian can help detect early signs of disease. If your pet shows any symptoms of illness, including excessive thirst or unexplained weight loss, don’t wait to seek help.
North Vancouver Vet
Chronic kidney failure is often age-related and genetically predisposed, making it harder to prevent. However, responsible breeding practices can help reduce the occurrence of hereditary kidney diseases. Regular wellness exams, ideally every six months, can increase the chances of early detection, allowing for timely intervention before the disease progresses too far. North Vancouver Vet