Overview
A diagnosis of chronic renal failure (CRF) for any dog owner is frightening to say the least. This progressive and degenerative condition can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, and in many cases lifelong medications are the only treatment available. Chronic renal failure is not the same as acute renal failure, and unfortunately chronic renal failure can sometimes be difficult to manage. Various conditions can lead to chronic renal failure, and it can sometimes take years for symptoms to appear.
A condition which causes chronic renal failure will slowly, and continuously, damage the dog’s kidney, or kidneys, over time. Often there is an underlying medical condition, or inherited congenital condition, which causes the kidneys to become damaged. The extended, or chronic, condition of this disease is why the disease is so damaging. Symptoms may not appear for months or years, depending on the condition of the kidneys. When symptoms do begin to appear, extensive and non-repairable damage has often already occurred (60% to 75% of the kidney/s have been destroyed before CRF appears on a urine and blood test analysis).
Health Implication of Chronic Renal Failure
The kidney organs are responsible for eliminating toxins from the body, regulating the balance of minerals and electrolytes in the body’s fluids, and producing hormones which are important to the overall function of the body. The result of chronic kidney failure is a slow build up of toxicity which leads to gastrointestinal problems, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Extreme thirst/urination occurs as the body tries to wash out the toxins and balance fluids, and due to hormone imbalances conditions, such as thyroid conditions, can develop. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, which is important for generating new red blood cells, so anemia can also be an indicator that CRF is occurring.
Diagnosing CRF in Dogs
In most cases, by the time the dog is exhibiting CRF symptoms the kidneys have become severely affected. The most common diagnostic tools used to identify CRF, and assess the health of the kidneys, are blood tests, urinalysis, and ultrasound. Often times these tests will help detect renal insufficiency prior to renal failure developing.
If your pet has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, talk with your veterinarian about how much of the kidneys’ function is left, what you can do to help your dog live a longer and comfortable life, and what you may expect in the future. If you have younger pets, keep in mind that a yearly blood screening test for kidney function, beginning at age 7, can help to alert you to any kidney problems or other underlying conditions that your pet may be developing.