Introduction
Normally by the time a pet owner has noticed symptoms of chronic renal failure in their dog, and a diagnosis has been made, a large amount of the dog’s kidneys have already been damaged. There is no cure for chronic renal failure in dogs, but there are supportive treatments that can extend the dog’s life and at the same time improve the quality of life.
Treatment Options
The most effective treatment for chronic renal failure is aggressive fluid therapy. As the dog’s kidneys are no longer functioning properly, it is vitally important that waste products accumulating in the body be flushed out. Fluid therapy is normally administered initially by I.V. and then through a sub-cutaneous route. Sub-cutaneous fluids are given under the skin, normally in the scruff of the dog’s back. How often the fluids are administered depends on how much damage has occurred to the dog’s kidneys. Fortunately most pet owners are able to perform sub-cutaneous fluid therapy at home with a little instruction from their veterinarian.
Additional supportive treatment addresses the symptoms that occur when a dog is suffering from chronic renal failure, and try to prevent further damage from occurring to the kidneys. A strict diet, or commercial dog food diet designed for dogs with renal failure, should be started right away. Enzyme inhibitors, such as Enalapril, are given in tablet form to help control high blood pressure and limit protein loss in the urine. Erythropoietin injections are given if the renal failure is causing anemia, and medications such as Tagament and Pepcid are administered if the renal failure is causing gastrointestinal problems. In some areas, dialysis is a treatment option for pet owners.
If your dog has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, the treatment options will depend on how severely your dog’s kidneys have been damaged. You will need to have an honest discussion with your veterinarian regarding how much damage has occurred, which treatment options are the best, and when to know if it is time to let your dog go peacefully.