The kidneys play a vital role in a dog’s overall health. Understanding how these organs work, knowing how to protect them, and learning how to spot potential issues early can make a big difference in your dog’s quality of life. So, let’s dive in!
Why kidney health is important for dogs
The kidneys serve as your dog’s natural filtration system, removing waste products from the blood while maintaining the body’s balance of important minerals like sodium and potassium. They also conserve water and are ultimately responsible for producing urine. When the kidneys don’t function properly, it can lead to a range of health issues, some of which can be life-threatening.
Types of kidney conditions
Dogs can experience several types of kidney-related issues, ranging from acute conditions to chronic diseases. Following is an overview of the most common kidney conditions.
Acute kidney injury (AKI)
Acute kidney injury occurs suddenly and is often caused by exposure to toxins, like antifreeze, rat poison, melamine, or toxic foods (such as grapes), infections including leptospirosis or Lyme disease, severe pancreatitis, or cancer. AKI comes on fast and escalates quickly. It’s considered a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease develops gradually over time and is more common in older dogs. It’s often due to age-related wear and tear, though inherited kidney issues or complications from other diseases can contribute to development of CKD. Once kidney tissue is destroyed it cannot be repaired and kidney function will continue to decrease as the damage worsens, but early diagnosis and management can slow the progression of the disease.
Kidney stones (urolithiasis)
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallize in the urinary tract. They can cause discomfort, blockages, and infections. Blockage of the urinary tract is more common in male dogs due to their anatomy, and can be life threatening. Some breeds, such as Dalmatians, Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Lhasa Apsos are genetically predisposed to developing certain kinds of stones. Some of the heritable urolithiasis conditions Wisdom Panel tests for include hyperuricosuria, Cystinuria type I-A, and type II-A, and hereditary calcium oxalate urolithiasis, type 1.
Congenital kidney disorders
Some dogs are born with kidney abnormalities due to genetic factors. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), protein-losing nephropathy, renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis, and cystic renal dysplasia are examples of genetic kidney disorders. Wisdom Panel DNA testing can screen for the genetic mutations that put dogs at risk of developing these diseases.
Signs and symptoms of kidney issues
Recognizing the early signs of kidney problems can help you act quickly and seek appropriate care. Signs to look for include:
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Lethargy or weakness
- Bad breath with an ammonia-like odor
If you notice any of these symptoms, or have reason to believe your dog ingested a toxin like antifreeze or raisins, consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Diagnosing kidney conditions in dogs
Early detection is key to managing kidney health. Routine veterinary check-ups, including blood tests and urinalysis, can help identify kidney issues before they become severe. Imaging tests like ultrasounds or X-rays (radiographs) may also be used to assess kidney health and function. Depending on the type of kidney condition suspected, additional diagnostics may be necessary.
Treatment options and supportive care for kidney conditions
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the kidney condition. Following are some of the common approaches your veterinarian may take.
Treatment for acute kidney injury
Acute kidney injury requires immediate intervention. Hospitalization is often necessary to provide intensive care, including intravenous (IV) fluids to restore hydration and flush toxins from the system. IV fluids help improve blood flow to the kidneys and support their recovery. Medications may be used to address the underlying cause, such as antibiotics for infections. In severe cases, dialysis or advanced treatments may be recommended to support kidney function while they recover.
Treatment for CKD
Chronic kidney disease can’t be cured but it can be managed if caught early. Depending on the severity, your veterinarian may recommend IV fluids to flush the kidneys and remove the build-up of toxins.
If your dog’s CKD is grade II or higher — meaning your pup’s kidney filtration rate has decreased to the point that waste products are building up in the bloodstream — dietary changes, such as a prescription kidney diet that is low in phosphorus and protein can help the kidneys maintain function. These diets reduce the workload on the kidneys by minimizing the byproducts they need to filter. Kidney-specific diets may also include higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and antioxidants to protect kidney cells.
Phosphate binders can also help remove phosphorus from the body when the kidneys are not able to efficiently do so on their own. Keeping phosphorus at normal levels helps reduce the appetite loss and low energy often experienced by dogs with CKD.
Medications can help control blood pressure, manage nausea, and address other related issues that may appear. Regular subcutaneous fluid therapy, which can be given at home, is sometimes prescribed to maintain hydration and support kidney function.
Because changes in kidney function can occur quickly in patients with CKD, routine check-ups are essential to monitor disease progression and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Treatment for kidney stones
The size, type, and location of kidney stones impacts the treatment plan. Small stones may pass with at-home medications or specialized diets that dissolve the stones. Larger stones or those that do not dissolve with therapeutic diets might require surgical removal. Or, a minimally invasive procedure called lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break the stones into smaller pieces, may be an option, though there are limitations on its use.
Increased hydration and dietary adjustments after the kidney stones are removed can help prevent recurrence. For example, your veterinarian may recommend reducing your dog’s intake of minerals like calcium oxalate or uric acid through specialized therapeutic diets, depending on the stone type. Medications to alter urine pH may also be recommended.
Treatment for congenital disorders
While congenital kidney disorders like polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or renal dysplasia cannot be cured, supportive care can improve a dog’s quality of life.
Carefully managed nutrition is important, as appropriate diets can help preserve kidney function and medications may be prescribed to manage disease-associated abnormalities. Regular veterinary visits to monitor the condition are essential to catch complications early and adapt the treatment plan.
Preventing kidney conditions
While not all kidney issues are preventable, you can take the following steps to support your dog’s kidney health.
- Ensure access to fresh, clean water at all times to prevent dehydration.
- Provide a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and health needs.
- Avoid exposure to toxins, such as antifreeze, certain human medications, and harmful foods.
- Schedule routine veterinary visits for early detection of potential issues.
How DNA testing can help
DNA testing can reveal whether your dog has a genetic risk of kidney conditions, such as PKD or protein-losing nephropathy. Armed with this knowledge, you and your veterinarian can take preventive steps to monitor and manage your dog’s kidney health. By understanding your dog’s genetic health, you can make informed decisions that may improve your dog’s quality of life and longevity.
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