If you are a pet parent, taking care of your pets is a huge responsibility. As such, you should always know when something is amiss with your animal companion. Kidney failure is a common condition for aging pets and those suffering from dehydration. To learn more about pet kidney failure, schedule an appointment with Day Creek Animal Hospital, serving Rancho Cucamonga, CA and the surrounding areas.
What Is the Function of Kidneys?
To understand kidney failure, you need to know the role of kidneys. Kidneys are a pair of organs that form part of the urogenital system. Kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins, wastes, and excess water from the blood. Kidneys also balance body water, maintain red blood cells, and process protein waste.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
The worst bit about kidney disease is that you will only notice symptoms when your pet’s kidneys are functioning below 33% of their full capacity. However, if you keep a keen on your pet, it’s possible to spot increased drinking and urination in your pet. As a result of frequent urination, your pet compensates for fluid loss by taking more water.
In the advanced stage of kidney disease, many pets become lethargic and lose their appetites. Vomiting and significant weight loss is also common. You may also notice decreased urine production or none at all!
Causes of Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure is caused by toxins or infections. Chronic renal failure that worsens progressively over weeks, months, or years is commonly associated with old age, as kidneys deteriorate.
Prolonged bouts of dehydration can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and kidney failure. Dehydration decreases blood flow to the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Dehydration can also cause heatstroke and other health complications.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Rancho Cucamonga, CA Veterinarian Today!
Would you like to learn more about kidney failure in pets? Schedule an appointment with our veterinary team at Day Creek Animal Hospital for more information.