The
kidneys serve many vital functions.They filter and remove toxic wastes from the body via the urine,
regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, maintain fluid levels, and secrete
the hormone responsible for red blood cell production.Anything that interferes with the kidneys’ ability to function
properly can cause kidney disease, which is the second only to cancer
as a leading cause of death in dogs.In most cases, progressive age-related deterioration is responsible,
with no apparent cause.Other causes of kidney disease include bacterial and viral
infections, nutritional factors, immune system defects, toxins, and inherited
breed disorders.
“Acute”
kidney disease occurs suddenly, is rare in dogs, and with prompt treatment
is generally reversible.Long-term “chronic” kidney disease is also called chronic renal
disease and is the most common form in dogs.It is usually the result of slow age-related deterioration of the
kidneys.Chronic Kidney Disease
is not reversible but is treatable.
SIGNSInitially
dogs drink and urinate excessively.The urine produced is dilute so dogs become dehydrated and drink
a lot to try to replace the lost fluids.No matter how much they drink; they are unable to maintain normal
hydration.Advanced signs
of Kidney Disease include weight loss, vomiting, depression and loss of
appetite.Signs are not apparent
until 80 percent of kidney function is already lost.Routine diagnostics include blood and urine tests as well as abdominal
x-rays.A kidney biopsy is
generally necessary to confirm the exact cause.In most cases, a biopsy is not obtained and treatment is symptomatic.
WHAT YOU AND YOUR VET CAN DO
Fluid therapy is
the single most important factor in the treatment of kidney disease.The kidneys normally function to maintain fluid levels by concentrating
the urine.With kidney
disease, excess fluids are lost into the urine so dehydration is a major
problem.Good nutrition
is also critical.The goal
is to decrease the workload on the kidneys by decreasing the amount
of waste the kidneys must eliminate.Excess dietary protein, phosphorus, and salt create a lot of
waste, diets should therefore contain small amounts of high-quality
proteins, low salt (use salt substitute), and low phosphorus.Anemia or a low number of red blood cells is often also a problem
with Kidney Disease.Supplementing
the diet with B-vitamins and iron stimulates red blood cell production,
which helps counteract anemia.
Newer
therapies may include Calcitriol, which is a form of vitamin D and is
prepared specifically for each dog.Capsules are given by mouth once daily.Calcitriol helps prevent further kidney deterioration and is
given routinely to human dialysis patients.In pets, it is still considered experimental.So far the results have been very promising for both dogs and
cats.Kidney transplants
are a treatment option in extreme cases.
Long-term management
involves monitoring kidney functions with blood and urine tests every
three to six months.At
home hydration can be monitored by pinching the skin on the back of
the dog’s neck.Hold it
for five seconds, then release.If it takes over five seconds for the skin to return to normal,
the dog is dehydrated and fluids are indicated.In certain cases, owners may learn to give subcutaneous fluids
under the skin at home.Most
dogs enjoy a good quality of life for several years.
COMPLEMENTARY
TREATMENTS
HERBAL
REMEDIES
CHRONIC
KIDNEY DISEASE
Fish oil is a source
of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Rhubarb (Rheum Officinale)
B Vitamins or a multi-vitamin
mineral supplement and a glandular or dietary beef kidney.
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
one tablet per 30 pounds of body weight given once daily may help strengthen
kidney tissue.Crush and mix
with food.Fresh parsley is
a diuretic herb which promotes urination and may be useful in certain cases.
HOMEPATHIC
REMEDIESKali
chloricum is recommended
for long-term kidney disorders.Arsenicum
album 30c counteracts vomiting in acute Kidney Disease.Silicea 30c helps to slow down degeneration of kidney tissue
in long-term cases.
NATURAL KIDNEY HEALTH SUPPLEMENTSA
natural diet filled with quality protein sources and proper nutritional
supplementation with products such as PAAWS and VitaLife help your dogs
body to regenerate and support kidney function.
Copyright (c) 2005 Dr Carol Osborne D.V.M. ALL
RIGHTS RESERVEDPlease do not copy in any manner, print
or electronic, without permission from the author.
About
The Author:Dr. Carol Osborne is a
world-renowned veterinarian and author. A pioneer in the field of dog
supplements, anti-aging medicine and longevity research for pets, Dr.
Carol is the original creator of PAAWS
, Pet Anti-Aging Wellness System and her newest, most advanced formula is
the pet anti-aging wellness supplement, VitaLife. Dr. Osborne holds
both scientific product patents.For
more information visit http://www.drcarol.com/
or email DrCarol@DrCarol.com.
