Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) in Dogs: An Overview
Dog Breeds
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a progressive disease involving long-term insult to the kidneys which, over time, damages their ability to concentrate urine and remove nitrogenous waste products from the blood. The primary waste product that builds up with kidney failure is blood urea nitrogen, or “BUN.”
Read More >
Definition of Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a progressive disease involving long-term insult to the kidneys which, over time, damages their ability to concentrate urine and remove nitrogenous waste products from the blood. The primary waste product that builds up with kidney failure is blood urea nitrogen, or “BUN.” After many months or even years, the increase in circulating toxins ultimately causes signs of uremic poisoning. Unfortunately, the symptoms of chronic renal failure usually are not apparent until the dog’s kidneys are severely and irreversibly damaged. Chronic renal failure sometimes can be managed, but it cannot be cured.
Causes of Canine Chronic Renal Failure
Why dogs develop chronic renal failure is not known. It may be that with advancing age, the kidneys simply wear out. Genetics appear to be a factor as well, with a predisposition for familial inheritance reported in certain breeds. Other contributing factors include exposure to toxins, congenital kidney disorders, prior episodes of acute renal failure, chronic urinary tract obstruction or infection, nephrotoxic drugs (drugs toxic to the kidneys), polycystic kidney disease, lymphoma, diabetes mellitus and a number of other kidney-specific disorders.
Preventing Chronic Renal Failure
Most cases of chronic renal failure are not preventable. Dogs diagnosed with CRF and those with a family history of the disease should not be bred. Companion dogs – especially those over 7 years of age -- should receive an annual veterinary examination with blood and urine screening to monitor kidney function and the health of other vital organs. Early diagnosis of CRF and good supportive care can delay progression of the disease in some cases.
Special Notes
The prognosis for dogs with CRF is highly variable and difficult to predict; life expectancy can range from days to years after diagnosis. Once a dog is in chronic renal failure, a veterinarian is in the best position to discuss the course of disease and potential management options with the owner. Regardless of treatment protocols, chronic renal failure almost always worsens with time and ultimately is terminal.
Causes of Chronic Renal Failure in Dogs