How to treat kidney and liver failure in dogs

Also referred to as renal failure, kidney failure can be caused by a number of diseases that may affect the kidneys and related organs. Healthy kidneys regulate hydration, maintain a normal electrolyte balance, release hormones needed to produce red blood cells, and remove toxins.

When the kidneys are no longer able to function efficiently, kidney failure occurs. In dogs, there are two broad categories of this condition:

Chronic Renal Failure

Chronic renal failure occurs when the kidneys lose function gradually (over a period of weeks, months, or years). It’s most commonly caused by degeneration related to old age. While all kidneys have a lifespan, some dogs’ may deteriorate faster than others.

Acute Renal Failure

Kidney function may suddenly decrease within hours or days. This is known as acute renal failure and is usually associated with consuming toxins or contracting infections.

One thing that differentiates chronic renal failure from acute renal failure is the fact that acute kidney failure can likely be reversed if treated early and aggressively, but chronic kidney failure can only be managed.

What are common causes of kidney failure in dogs?

Any disease that impacts the kidneys may cause the kidneys to fail, such as:

Congenital Disease: This category is comprised of hereditary conditions and underlying illnesses - everything from cysts to agenesis (being born missing one or both kidneys).

Dental Disease: Advanced dental disease can result from the buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums. The bacteria accumulates here, then enters the bloodstream to attack multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to kidneys, along with the liver and heart.

Bacterial Infections: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water is a hazard, as the system becomes susceptible to bacterial infections including leptospirosis. This can result in inflamed kidneys and renal cells being killed.

Toxicosis: If the kidneys are poisoned, this can cause cells within the kidneys to become damaged. This can happen if your dog consumes drugs or poisons (including substances or foods that are toxic to them).

Geriatric Degeneration: Cells within the kidneys may break down and die as your dog ages, which can lead to kidney disease.

What are signs of kidney failure in dogs?

Watch for these common symptoms of kidney failure:

• Lethargy
• Significant weight loss
• Pale gums
• Breath that smells like chemicals
• Significant decrease in appetite
• Vomiting
• Increase or decrease in water intake
• Increase or decrease in urine volume
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Drunken behavior or uncoordinated movement such as stumbling
• Blood in urine
• Intestinal seizures

A few factors can indicate whether kidney problems or other issues such as diabetes mellitus are causing the symptoms, such as: the type of kidney failure your dog may be experiencing, the extent of loss of function in the kidneys, progression of the condition and its underlying causes.

How is kidney failure in dogs treated?

Similar to many other conditions, how your dog’s kidney failure is treated will be determined by the condition and underlying cause of her kidney issues. Acute kidney failure can make dogs very ill. They may require treatment in intensive care in a hospital.

Milder cases may be treatable with antibiotics, fluids and medications on an outpatient basis. Although costly, dialysis can also be effective.

Vets generally plan to tackle chronic kidney failure by focusing on slowing down the disease’s progression and considering ways to improve the patient’s quality of life. Fluid imbalances, nausea, fluctuations in blood pressure and other symptoms will require treatment, typically with changes to diet and medication.

It’s possible for pets to enjoy a good quality of life for years (some indications state up to four years) after being diagnosed with kidney failure. Your veterinarian may also recommend therapeutic diet, nutritional supplements or specific nutrients to manage the condition.

How can I prevent my dog from suffering kidney failure?

Since acute kidney failure is commonly caused by consuming tainted foods, foods they shouldn’t ingest (including grapes), or interactions with toxins, in many instances dog owners can prevent this type.

Look at your house through your dog’s eyes and remove potential toxins such as antifreeze made from ethylene glycol (which is toxic to dogs) and store medications or other dangerous-for-dogs foods or substances out of reach of their curious nose.

Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure is most often age-related and predetermined by genetics. However, bringing your dog in for regular physical exams and annual wellness checkups will increase the opportunity to detect these problems early. After that, your vet may be able to develop a treatment plan.

With your veterinarian’s assistance, your dog’s kidney failure can be diagnosed and potentially treated to give her an opportunity to live a long, contented life. If you think your dog may be experiencing chronic or acute kidney failure, it’s time for an appointment.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets.

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 2

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 3

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 4

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 5

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 6

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 7

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 8

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

Page 9

Acute liver failure is a very serious condition. It can occur suddenly, or as the end-stage of a chronic liver disease. The liver cleans and detoxifies the blood; it stores reserves of many nutrients and produces hormones that regulate digestion, metabolism and blood coagulation. Failure in the liver can cause multiple systemic problems, including fluid in the abdomen (ascites), digestive ulcers, lack of blood coagulation, susceptibility to infection, and hepatic encephalopathy, a liver-related brain disease. Many different conditions can lead to acute liver failure in dogs. Poisoning and infection are some of the most common issues that will trigger a sudden illness. Many endocrine imbalances affect the liver, and cancer or chronic inflammation can slowly destroy tissue. Some liver diseases are the result of a congenital abnormality that is present at birth. 

Depending on the cause, liver failure can occur at any time in a dog’s life. Some cases are reversible once the issue causing the problem is resolved. The liver is capable of regenerating itself and building new, healthy cells, but too much dead tissue causes scarring and cirrhosis. Many symptoms can be treated supportively with medications that support liver function. Diet change can also put less stress on the liver. If the condition cannot be treated, acute liver failure will lead to death.

In dogs, severe liver failure can cause dysfunction in many different systems and may even affect important organs like the brain. Veterinarians call this condition acute liver failure. It needs immediate treatment. Long-term recovery will depend on the cause.

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Skeeter

Pit

11 Years

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0 found helpful

My dog has been trying to recover from liver disease. For about 3 mouths Has been eating okay with out getting sick .At this time loosing muscle bad ! Sleep a lot of time .Old leg injury unable to use now. My old buddy skin and bones .

July 26, 2017

Skeeter 's Owner

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There are many different types of liver disease depending on the primary problem (poisoning, infection, tumours etc…); loss of weight and lethargy are common symptoms of liver disease. In order to understand Skeeter’s health, blood counts and blood biochemistry are required to determine the level of liver (as well as kidney) function and the amount of blood cells in circulation; the biochemistry results may also indicate a primary cause which may assist in treatment or management of symptoms. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM

July 26, 2017

Hi I know you're a few states away but homopathic/Holistic approach isn't available in my area we've prayed earnestly for wisdom on helping our DJ,if everyone was like our girl humans could learn how to get along. If anything you could throw out to us,looking for advise and experiences like "did you check this out or run this test,or did you look this topic up". She's presently on amoxicillin, coconut oil, liverite liver aid, tablespoon of organic Apple cider,honey,probiotic,cranberry soft chew,grain-free food. Here is our story I've never had a question with this group so I'll just throw this question out and maybe somebody that's either a vet or veterinary assistant or in holistic medicine for canines could maybe comment on this our 11 year old golden retriever started having seizures back in January at the time the vet said that she's convinced she has a UTI put her on antibiotics Within less than 24 hours the antibiotics kicked in the seizures completely dissipated get her off the antibiotics antibiotic cycle through roughly two weeks in the body two weeks later she's having seizures again give her antibiotics 12-15 hours into the antibiotic no seizures no seizure for weeks go to long term antibiotic for like over two almost 3 weeks actually closer to a month that whole entire month 0 seizures another 2 weeks no seizures, antibiotics is cycled out, seizures we continue to go through this and we can't figure out what's going on now the Vets convinced that the antibiotics have nothing to do with her having seizures or not having seizures but since January she has had zero seizures while on antibiotics and only has had seizures when she has been off them,she now wants to stop the antibiotics immediately and put her on 97.2 milligrams of phenobarbital twice a day even an 80-pound dog we're talking Zombie City I'm not happy with this I think we need to delve into this thing and find out why she is having the seizures we're not rich but there are things that I'm sure we can do, if anything it's cost-effective or cheaper and definitely is safer to put her on a long term antibiotic which the vet will not hear of,then I start to think hundred bucks a pop every month or so to get evaluated with blood work to make sure the phenobarbital isn't killing the dog and whatever the vet may get from the pharmaceutical company for writing a script it's a money thing I'm thinking, I'm hoping not, they seem like wonderful people. there's something here that we're missing if somebody has had a dog like this please share. The only things that I can tell you about Dora or DJ as we call her deej she's a rescue dog we've owned her since she was not quite a year maybe 6 months old,she has had bad ear infections for the first few years of her life until we went grain-free about eight years ago she had terrible problems with ear infections so the ears are damaged I'm sure that just from the infection she had,vet has said the ears look clear every time we go in and the only other side marker on deej is she is a poop eater oh granted we stand out and watch her actually almost on top of her when she goes potty now and we have watched her diligently through the years but she will eat anything, so I don't know, anybody have any idea what this could be anybody had an experience where their dog went through this kind of seizure thing? Maybe it's the wrong antibiotic maybe we're not using the right antibiotic I know I'm frustrated right now with the vet and with my poor girl being sick! Thanks for your time. One last thing she only has seizures when she's sleeping or just waking up, never standing or just outside walking and then flip into seizure it's never how it happens always sound asleep either coming out of it or not quite out of the sleep and boom that's when she has the seizure.

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