Dog kidney disease and renal failure are serious diseases that affect canines, mostly senior canines. Dialysis is a treatment option that may help dogs with kidney dysfunction. There are 2 types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Dog Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in dogs can be a deadly condition. The kidney problems may be linked to poisoning, old age or an unsuitable diet, however, the real causes of kidney disease are not known.
The kidneys have several functions, including the filtering of toxins from the blood; if the toxins are not filtered, the toxins can reach the vital organs and this can be fatal.
Kidney disease can develop into renal failure and chronic renal failure should be treated with dialysis. Dialysis has an over 75% success rate and the dog can survive.
Types of Dialysis
There are 2 types dialysis hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). The HD removes the toxins and water from the blood through an external filter. The blood will be filtered and reintroduced in the dog’s body.
The peritoneal dialysis employs a filtering membrane that is placed in the peritoneal area.
The dialysis membranes will filtrate the blood; the membrane employed contain a few pores and holes that will allow the blood to go through it but will stop the toxins and the larger cells such as the red blood cells and the larger proteins.
The dialysis is a lengthy process and may take up to 4 days.
The PD is considered less efficient than the HD, but the PD is applied for a longer period of time, so the peritoneal dialysis may have similar effects as the hemodialysis.
Dialysis and Kidney Disease
In dogs with kidney disease the peritoneal dialysis is more commonly used. PD takes a longer time, but it s considered safer in canines.
The PD uses a sterile solution (the dialysate) that has glucose and this liquid is introduced through a tube in the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneal membrane will be the filtering membrane. The dialysate is left in the dog’s body to absorb the toxins, salt, waste materials and excess liquid and then this will be removed through the tube. The process will be repeated several times per day and even overnight.
The dialysis may be performed at a vet clinic or at home, but you must monitor your pet and make sure that the tube stays put.
The effects of dialysis are beneficial in most dogs and there should be signs of improved kidney function.
Dialysis Side Effects
The dialysis may have side effects such as increased albumin levels, increased magnesium levels, pelvic limb edemas, dialysis fluid retention or drainage from the incision site of the catheter. Some dogs that have undergone dialysis may be more irritable and have behavior changes.
The complications may not occur in all dogs. The benefits of dialysis in dogs with kidney problems are essential and the side effects can be controlled.