by Darian Peters

Created on: December 03, 2009   Last Updated: December 04, 2009

Dogs can pick up a variety of kidney infections. They can result from a variety of causes including bacteria, tumours, and different types of toxins. Symptoms of the disease to look out for can include fever and vomiting as well as increased thirst and urination, for example. In milder cases of kidney disease it may be that antibiotics alone are enough to clear up the condition. But in more severe cases it may be that the dog will require hospital treatment to get better. Without treatment kidney failure and death can result.

One of the main underlying causes of kidney infection involves the invasion of the kidney by some bacterial species. But there is also the possibility that the problem is being caused by a tumour in the kidney tissue. There are also various toxic substances that can cause damage to the kidney. These can include drugs and household chemicals such as antifreeze.

The dog may be observed vomiting and running a fever. Kidney problems will also increase the thirst levels of the dog. The knock on effect of this increased consumption of fluids will be increased levels of urination. But the dog may also start to lose its appetite and this, together with the vomiting, will cause it to lose weight. In terms of the dog's mood it will tend to be lethargic and generally uncomfortable.

Diagnosis of kidney disease in dogs will take into account all of the symptoms present and the medical history of the dog. But the underlying cause of the problem will need to be ascertained. This could require urine or blood tests, for example. It is expected that this will show heightened levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and also heightened levels of protein in the urine. Initially it may be that some of the symptoms will need addressing quickly, such as providing the animal with more fluid or an appropriate source of nourishment. Indeed a diet that is low in protein and phosphorous may be prescribed for the dog.

But a key thing is to deal with the underlying cause of the problem. If a bacterial infection is present then antibiotics may be used to fight it. In the case of some toxic substance being then an antitoxin may be required. Meanwhile in cases where cysts or tumours are present it may be that surgery is needed. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are both possible treatments for cancer. A complete cure is unlikely though, with the aim being more to stabilise things.

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