Symptoms of chronic renal failure in dogs

1. Systemic: polydipsia, dehydration, weight loss, malnutrition, lethargy;
2. Cardiopulmonary system: systemic arterial hypertension, anemia, heart murmur, Cardiomegaly, arrhythmia, dyspnea, pericarditis, edema;
3. Urinary system: polyuria, nocturia, irregular kidney shape, impaired red blood cell production;
4. Gastrointestinal tract: appetite Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ulcers, halitosis, uremic stomatitis, constipation;
5. Eyes, skin and coat: skin itching, increased coat loss, pale mucous membranes, retinopathy, sudden Blindness, scleral and conjunctival congestion;
6. Neuromuscular: tremor, gait abnormality, muscle weakness, myoclonus, behavioral abnormalities, cranial nerve defects, epileptic seizures, coma.
Therefore, in daily life, once a dog is found to have the above abnormal symptoms and it is persistent, the dog owner should pay attention to it and send the dog to the hospital for examination and medical treatment in time.

What is chronic renal failure in dogs?

Canine chronic renal failure (CRF) is based on the occurrence of various chronic kidney diseases and slowly develops due to the gradual damage of the nephrons. Decreased renal function leading to irreversible renal failure. The disease mainly manifests as decreased renal function, retention of metabolic waste products (especially nitrogen-containing metabolites after protein decomposition), imbalance of water, electrolytes and acid-base balance, and various endocrine dysfunction related to the kidneys, so that maintenance cannot be maintained Clinical syndrome caused by the stability of the body's internal environment.

How to care for dogs with chronic renal failure

1. Daily feeding: switch to high biology High-potency protein prescription food

The key to treating dogs suffering from chronic renal failure is to reduce protein intake in food. However, this does not mean that protein food is no longer provided, because low protein intake can also cause adverse reactions and worsen the condition. , Dogs with chronic renal failure should consume at least 2 to 2.2g/kg of protein every day. Therefore, the best approach is to instead feed the maximum amount of high biological potency protein (that is, the amount that the animal's kidney function can tolerate), which is what we often call prescription food. Here Xiao Ming recommends prescription foods with low protein content but high potency, including Hills prescription k/d, Purina NF prescription foods, Iams prescription foods for early and late renal failure, and Weihao moderate and Low protein prescription food.

2. Suppress vomiting

Due to uremiaDue to factors such as stimulation of toxins, increased gastrin, or gastrointestinal pain secondary to uremic vasculitis, sick dogs will often experience vomiting and loss of appetite, and vomiting will lead to reduced caloric intake and dehydration. Therefore, in daily care, in order to slow down the adverse reactions of vomiting, drugs such as trimethbenzamide and metoclopramide can be used for treatment.

3. Suppress anemia

Sick dogs may also develop non-regenerative anemia, and it is recommended that anabolic steroids be used. Because they can promote red blood cell production and maintain positive nitrogen balance, these drugs can also stimulate the differentiation of red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow, increase the activity of renal erythropoietin, and accelerate protein anabolism if sufficient energy is taken in.

4. Use antibiotics with caution

Dogs suffering from chronic renal failure are extremely sensitive to the side effects of drugs, because many drugs and their metabolites are excreted through the kidneys, so accumulation in the kidneys of dogs with reduced renal function will further cause nephron function loss. Therefore, owners should be cautious in using antibiotics that are toxic to the kidneys, such as gentamicin, to dogs. Xiao Ming recommends that owners carefully read the drug instructions before using it, or consult with a doctor to confirm that it is OK before use.

5. Avoid stress stimulation

Sick dogs should try to avoid being overly excited or frequently stimulated, because stress will promote the release of endogenous corticosteroids, leading to the catabolism of endogenous proteins.