Chronic Renal Failure: Kidney Failure
Affected Animals: Dogs and Cats. In dogs,
chronic renal failure may affect dogs of any breed, sex, and age. Hereditary chronic renal failure is known to occur in the following breeds: basenji, beagle, bull terrier, Cairn terrier, chow, cocker spaniel, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, Lhasa apso, miniature schnauzer, Norwegian elkhound, rottweiler, samoyed, Chinese shar pei, Shih tzu, soft-coated wheaten terrier, and standard poodle.
Information and Overview:
Usually seen in older dogs over 7 years old. Signs of Renal disease include increased drinking, increased urination, weakness, blood in the urine Chronic renal failure usually is caused by the normal aging process, due to the declining function of the kidneys with time. The most common signs of chronic renal failure, increased water intake and frequent urination, are caused by the urine being diluted and the kidneys not able to save water. The animal must drink more water to keep hydrated. Toxins will eventually build up in the bloodstream, causing noticeable changes. Chronic renal failure is progressive and irreversible, prognosis for dogs with this disease is poor. Treatment rarely improves the kidney function, and therapy is aimed at alleviating symptoms, and making the pet comfortable. Dogs with this disease may live for a period ranging from months to years.
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