Polycystic kidney disease in dogs is a genetic disease that can eventually cause kidney failure. This condition progresses slowly and the damage it causes cannot be reversed. While this disease is not common in dogs, some breeds are more prone to it than others. Let's learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of polycystic kidney disease in dogs.
Symptoms of Canine Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease is rare in dogs. Australian bull terriers, however, are considered prone to it. Dogs are usually born with this disease, which causes small cysts to grow in the tissue of the kidney. The kidney may grow enormously in size, but its ability to function will decrease with time as the growing cysts gradually replace the normal kidney tissue.
Eventually, polycystic kidney disease can cause kidney failure. The symptoms are the same as they are in dogs experiencing kidney failure for other reasons. They include:
- Excessive thirst and excessive urination
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Lowered appetite or anorexia
- Weight loss
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Bad breath
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination
Kidney failure can be deadly, so make sure your dog receives prompt veterinary care as soon as his symptoms appear. Prompt veterinary care can extend your dog's life and improve his quality of life. There is, however, no cure for polycystic kidney disease and no way to stop the progression of this inherited disease.
Diagnosing Polycystic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Your vet will need a thorough physical exam and a complete medical history to diagnose polycystic kidney disease in your dog. Urinalysis, as well as X-rays, ultrasounds and biopsies of kidney tissue, can help your vet evaluate the extent of the damage to your dog's kidneys. Blood counts and biochemical profiles can help your vet determine how well your dog's kidneys are currently functioning.
Treating Polycystic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Vets have not yet developed a treatment plan specifically for polycystic kidney disease. Your vet will recommend a generalized kidney failure treatment plan. A diet that is low in protein and phosphorus usually forms the core of such a plan.
Your vet may prescribe medications, including calcitriol, erythropoietin, and phosphorus binders. Other medications your vet might prescribe include famotidine and cimetidine for vomiting. Your vet may prescribe steroid drugs or, if your dog is suffering from anemia, epogen. fluids administered beneath the skin can help mitigate the dehydration that many dogs with kidney failure experience.
Vets cannot slow the progression of polycystic kidney disease in dogs, nor can they reverse the damage it does to the kidneys. Once diagnosed, your dog will need to eat a specialized diet and receive medication and other care for the rest of his life. Feed your dog according to your vet's instructions and administer all medications as directed. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of clean, fresh water; if he continues to suffer form dehydration, your vet can show you how to administer fluids by injecting them under the skin.
Polycystic kidney disease is genetic, and dogs with polycystic kidney disease should not be bred.