PROGNOSIS. Prognosis is associated with severity of disease. Studies have shown shorter median survival times in dogs with higher IRIS stages. Median survival time for IRIS Stage 1 dogs was over 400 days, Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days, Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4 ranged from 14 to 80 days.
Stages of Renal Failure in Dogs
It's best if some treatments are started when the pet is at a specific stage of chronic kidney disease. Median survival time for dogs in Stage 1 is more than 400 days, while Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days and Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days.
Unfortunately, CKD is usually a progressive disease. However, progression is relatively slow, and pets with CKD often survive for many months to years with a good quality of life. It is important to recognize that in pets with advanced CKD, treatment will not reverse or stop the disease but will slow it down.
In some cases, the kidneys are damaged beyond repair before diagnosis and medical treatment is ineffective. However, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many dogs will live a normal lifestyle for many months or years.
Is Dog Kidney Failure Painful? Kidney failure usually comes with a lot of pain. Most times we can see the signs; from the tremors to the vomiting and the loss of appetite. It is important that you prioritize your dogs' comfort.
Management tips for dogs with CKD
A warm, comfortable place to sleep. Easy access to food and water. A palatable kidney prescription diet. Fluids administered under the skin, if directed by your veterinarian.
Prognosis is associated with severity of disease. Studies have shown shorter median survival times in dogs with higher IRIS stages. Median survival time for IRIS Stage 1 dogs was over 400 days, Stage 2 ranged from 200 to 400 days, Stage 3 ranged from 110 to 200 days, and Stage 4 ranged from 14 to 80 days.
Chronic kidney failure in dogs cannot be cured or reversed, so early detection is vital. There are treatments available for dogs with kidney disease or long-term kidney failure. Your veterinarian will run tests to determine exactly what your dog is facing and the best treatment options.
Kidney disease progresses at different rates for different people, and it can take between two and five years to pass between different stages. Kidney disease stages are measured by using a blood test to check the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Without treatment, acute kidney failure is fatal. Chronic kidney failure is treated primarily through changes in diet, fluid therapy, and various medications on an outpatient basis. Chronic kidney failure is terminal, but not immediately fatal. For dogs chronic kidney failure tends to progress over months to years.
For dogs with renal health issues, feed them a diet of high-quality protein with low phosphorus and sodium, and added omega-3 fatty acids, such as a mix of good quality meat, veggies like bell peppers, and either a supplement of omega-3's or fish, flax, sardines, or anchovies.
Common Causes of Kidney Disease in Dogs
One is acute, or sudden, which usually occurs after a pet ingests a toxin like antifreeze or certain prescription medications. Other causes of acute renal failure include severe urinary tract infections and decreased blood and oxygen flow to the kidneys.
Stage 3 kidney disease means that the kidney's function has been cut by half, and most patients experience ancillary problems like high blood pressure or bone difficulties. A survey of 13 studies on stage 3 kidney disease found that the all-cause mortality rate varied from 6% in 3 years to 51% in ten years.
Despite all the advances in the treatment of acute kidney failure, it remains a serious and often fatal disease. About 60% of dogs and cats with this disease either die or are humanely euthanized because of failure to respond to supportive care.
Should your dog experience kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, his potassium levels may be low, leading to muscle weakness and tremors. Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison's disease occurs due to a decrease in the secretion of corticosteroid from the dog's adrenal gland.
Since your kidneys are still functioning well, you can potentially live with stage 1 kidney disease for many years. Factors that determine this include your age, sex, underlying health issues, and lifestyle. Early detection and intervention can help you live longer and better.
Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, kidney failure is fatal. You may survive a few days or weeks without treatment. If you're on dialysis, the average life expectancy is five to 10 years. Some people can live up to 30 years on dialysis.
While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.
Although most dog are unable to fully recover from chronic kidney failure, this condition can often be successfully managed, allowing pets to enjoy a good quality of life for a number of months or years.
In addition to feeding a lower protein diet, you also need to avoid giving high protein treats such as meat, jerky treats, cheese, rawhides, pig ears, etc. High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium.
Your Vet will use the International Renal Interest Society's staging system to diagnose your dog. The stages of chronic kidney disease are primarily based on the dog's serum creatinine concentrations and urine-specific gravity.
The end stages of kidney disease occur when the kidneys no longer work, and the body is not responding to treatment. Your dog may become very lethargic, or sleepy, and have a hard time rising. They likely have lost a great deal of weight and their appetite is usually diminished.
Bad breath - Breath that smells like an outhouse can be seen in the advanced stages of renal failure in dogs. This is a result of the toxins that build up in the blood.