Chronic Kidney Failure In Dogs

The kidneys are involved in a range of functions. They are, however, primarily responsible for eliminating waste products from the bloodstream, maintaining normal levels of certain vital minerals such as potassium and salt, saving water, and creating urine.

Many people believe that "chronic kidney failure" or "chronic renal failure" means that the kidneys have ceased functioning and no longer produce urine. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Chronic kidney failure, or chronic renal disease, is defined as the kidneys' inability to filter waste products from the blood properly, not as the inability to produce urine. Ironically, while most dogs with renal impairment make a lot of urine, their toxic wastes are not effectively eliminated.

Because kidney tissue cannot regenerate after being destroyed, the kidneys have a substantial reserve capacity for performing various activities. Thus, clinical symptoms must show in at least two-thirds of the kidneys.

This typically indicates that damage has been occurring for months or even years (chronic) before the failure becomes apparent.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with advancing age in dogs and can be thought of as the kidney tissues 'wearing out. The age at which the disease manifests is typically related to the dog's size. Between the ages of ten and fourteen, most tiny dogs demonstrate early signs of renal illness. On the other hand, large dogs have a shorter lifespan and can suffer kidney failure as young as seven years old.

Veterinary Channel
Chronic Kidney Diseases In Dogs

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