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Canine Kidney Disease Treatment Options

Dogs > Ageing Issues > Canine Kidney Disease Treatment Options

also see Kidney Failure Dogs

also see Dogs Kidney Disease

also see Canine Kidney

Before you can treat canine kidney disease, you will need to find out what caused it. When the problem is extreme, your dog will have urgent signs that come on suddenly. After you get a complete evaluation of your dog's medical history and some testing done, a vet can help you target the cause of the disease. Then a course of treatment can be explored. Here are several healthcare options to get your dog help:

Fluid Therapy for Dog's with Kidney Disease

During the early stages of the disease, you many get your dog fluid therapy treatments. Keep in mind that rehydrating your dog takes several hours, and can vary from dog to dog. Here are some additional pointers about fluid therapy treatments for your dog:

A vet can administer IV fluids to your dog for an extended period of time, such as 10 hours.
Your dog will be monitored to make sure he is urinating properly and in healthy amounts.
Medication may be given along with the IV fluids to help your dog urinate.

Special Nutrition for Canine Kidney Problems

You can help manage your dog's illness better by feeding him a special diet. Since his kidneys will not heal or create new tissue, the remaining tissue is under more stress to function. Over time, chemicals and nutrients can become lost as toxins buildup in your dog's system. The dog's diet can be a main factor causing chronic renal failure.

Review the following tips on how to feed your pet adequately during such an illness:

Feed a superior quality, low-protein diet. This form of diet is easier on the kidneys when the disease is in its later stages. Some low-protein diets can cause a dog to vomit, but this depends on his specific condition.
A low-phosphorus diet reduces the mineral deposits present when a dog experiences kidney failure.
Watch your dog's sodium intake. Feeding your dog a low-sodium diet is best, but not so low that it dehydrates him. On the other hand, elevated sodium levels can cause high blood pressure.
Avoid serving a dry food diet that's low in water. A dog's hydration is extremely important when he has kidney disease. Try and balance his diet with both moist and dry foods.

Vitamins and supplements you can give your dog include:

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements or fish oils
Water soluble vitamins, such as B and C
Vitamins A and D, moderately
A phosphate binder, like calcium carbonate
A kidney glandular supplement

Additional Treatment for Dogs with Kidney Disease

A vet will give your dog antibiotics if he has an infection. However, antibiotics are given sparingly to dogs with severe kidney failure. Antibiotics can build up in a dog's system when his kidney function is hampered. Here are some other ways your dog may be treated for his kidney disease:

Subcutaneous fluids can be administered to correct any acid imbalances in dogs with kidney problems.
Vomiting may be induced to eliminate specific toxins from a dog's body.
In some instances, dogs may be given anti-ulcer medications during treatment.
When normal therapy is ineffective, kidney dialysis is the next course of treatment. It is also helpful when your dog has poisonous toxins in his body or has suffered trauma to his urinary tract.
In rare cases, kidney transplants are performed, and are only available at specific animal hospitals or clinics.

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