Pet Kidney Failure Care in Columbus, MS

Some Cats Are at Greater Risk of Chronic Kidney Failure Than Others

Cats with a history of bladder infections or kidney stones have an elevated risk of developing kidney failure as senior cats. Some cat breeds might be more likely to develop the condition than others. If your cat has a history of urinary tract infections or kidney stones or has genetics that include a history of kidney failure, be sure to bring her in for regular veterinary check-ups when she becomes a senior cat.

The Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys produce an unusually high volume of watery urine. The cat urinates so much and so often that dehydration and constipation set in. The cat will become lethargic, and its appetite will be poor. In extreme cases, the eyes may seem to sink into their sockets.

In the later stages of kidney disease, the kidneys produce a small volume of highly concentrated, smelly urine. Your cat may have breath that smells like ammonia, bloody diarrhea, or seizures. It can be essential to start treatment with your veterinarian before the cat reaches these stages.

Feline Kidney Failure Is Progressive but Treatable

There is a great deal that a veterinarian on our team can do to help your cat live longer and have a good quality of life even after a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. A vet on our team can advise you on how to keep your cat hydrated and nourished without excessive strain on the kidneys and prescribe medications that relieve the systemic imbalances caused by the disease. A veterinarian on our team can also advise you on procedures that may extend your cat's life by several years.

The Symptoms of Kidney Failure in Dogs

Kidney failure is one of the leading causes of death in pets, but there are things you can do to help prolong your dog's life. This will, however, require early diagnosis, which means you will need to recognize the symptoms associated with kidney failure. The most common early signs of kidney failure include:

• Excessive Thirst
• A High Volume of Urine
  

Advanced Symptoms

If your dog is experiencing either of those symptoms, it is recommended that you make an appointment with its veterinarian as soon as possible. As kidney failure progresses, your dog may experience the following symptoms:

Once these symptoms begin to appear, the survival rate decreases. The average survival rate for stage 4 kidney disease is 14 to 80 days.

What Causes Kidney Failure in Dogs?

Several things can cause kidney failure in dogs. Anything that will reduce the blood flowing through your dog's kidney can result in kidney failure. Kidney disease, however, is the leading cause of kidney failure. Other potential causes include dehydration due to severe diarrhea or vomiting, ingesting toxic substances, and heatstroke.

Treatment Options for Kidney Failure in Dogs

The treatment options vary depending on the type of kidney failure your dog is experiencing, as well as what is causing the issue. Acute kidney failure is, unfortunately, fatal, and treatment options are merely easing the symptoms. Chronic kidney failure can be treated, but there is no cure for it. Treatment options for chronic kidney failure include diet changes, medication, and fluid therapy.