Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops gradually as a dog’s kidneys become less able to filter waste products from the blood. As kidney function declines, waste products can build up in the blood (a condition called azotemia).
CKD is more common in older dogs and can affect dogs of any sex or breed unless the cause is inherited.
Veterinarians commonly categorize CKD by stages using standardized guidelines, with stage 1 being the least severe and stage 4 being the most severe. Staging is based mainly on kidney-function measurements, as well as measurements of protein in the urine and blood pressure.
The term "kidney failure" is sometimes used to describe advanced CKD, when the kidneys have lost much of their ability to perform their normal functions. However, "kidney failure" can also refer to a sudden loss of kidney function, called acute kidney injury, which might be partly or completely reversible. If your vet uses the term "kidney failure," ask whether your dog's condition is acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing) and whether the changes might be reversible.
Common causes of CKD in dogs include poor blood flow, kidney infections, tumors, and other kidney disorders.
Most dogs don't show clear signs until later stages of CKD, when kidney function is greatly decreased. Early signs are usually drinking and urinating more than usual. Later signs include vomiting, tiredness, poor appetite, weight loss, dehydration, mouth sores, and diarrhea.
CKD is usually diagnosed by physical exam, blood and urine tests, blood pressure measurement, x-rays, and ultrasound. For monitoring, your veterinarian might recommend frequent checkups, especially at later CKD stages.
Treatment for CKD in dogs depends on the stage of disease and any complications. It can involve controlling blood pressure, treating infections, switching to a kidney-support diet, decreasing the amount of phosphorus in the diet, adding fish oil to the diet, and giving medications or supplements. Treatment focuses mainly on making the dog comfortable and controlling its symptoms.
Dialysis machines, which do the job of the kidneys by filtering the blood, can prolong life, but dialysis isn't feasible for most dogs.
Kidney transplants are rarely done in dogs and require immune-suppressing drugs to prevent the body from rejecting the new kidney, which can cause other problems.
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Also see professional content regarding chronic kidney disease in dogs.
