Canine Health Threat: Acute Renal Kidney Failure

There is a term called ARF in dogs that stands for acute renal failure. ARF comes on fast, and is sometimes fatal. It is identified by the sudden halt (or dramatic decrease) in kidney function, renal plasma circulation, and a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, referred to as GFR. ARF also encompasses the health problems that are a direct result of the cessation of kidney function. ARF is the result of either some toxin or ischemia, which is an inadequate supply of blood. The causes are often related to another disease or a surgical complication. It causes a sudden spike in blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and phosphate. It also can cause metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia.

ARF can be reversed, but it must be caught in the earliest stages possible and treated by a knowledgeable veterinarian. If the diagnosis and treatment are too late, the damage done to the renal system is permanent, and can be fatal.

Here are the symptoms to watch for:

• Lack of appetite


• Vomiting and diarrhea


• Depression and listlessness


• Foul breath


• Mouth ulcers and discolored gums

The causes of ARF are sometimes hard to pinpoint, and include:

• Blood loss


• Blocked urethra


• Inadequate blood to kidneys


• Poisons

The most common inadvertent pet poisonings are caused by antifreeze. It is almost entirely comprised of Ethylene glycol, a chemical that can destroy a dog's kidneys. The reason it is such a dangerous product for pets is that it is often spilled on the ground under a car, and tastes sweet to animals. Antifreeze poisons a dog by cycling through the liver and changing blood pH, and by causing the formation of calcium crystals in the tubes of the renal system. Sadly, most dogs don't make it to the vet in time to save the kidneys, because the symptoms are so sudden it is often too late by the time there are noticeable signs of trouble. Without witnessing the ingestion of antifreeze by a dog, there is likely little chance of saving him.

The only way to treat ARF is to stop the damage to the kidneys from going any further. The organs are cleaned out by copious amounts of IV liquids, including potassium and electrolytes. Diuresis is the term for this kind of treatment; it not only clears the toxins out of the kidneys, it also stimulates the cells of the organ to resume their normal task of removing waste materials from the body. The kidney might have enough remaining cells to resume processing waste and removing it from the body. Supportive measures are also taken when the dog undergoes dieresis, such as medication to ease diarrhea and throwing up, and getting nutrients back into the dog's system.

There are several outcomes that can result from the treatment. If caught early, the kidney's may begin to work normally again and last up to several years. They could also fail completely, or only work as long as the treatment is being administered. It is vital that measures are taken to get the kidneys working as quickly as it can be done. The longer the kidneys remain non-functioning, the more damage is done to the cells.

Dogs being treated for ARF may be given a strict diet to follow, one with minimal amounts of phosphorus and protein, and is non-acidic. There is also a medication that may be administered that controls the amount of calcium in the blood and levels out the functioning of the parathyroid gland. A phosphate binding medication may also be prescribed. This will help remove excess phosphorus that has begun to build up in the bloodstream (as a result of not being processed and excreted by the kidneys). There should be twice as much calcium in the blood as phosphorus, and if there is not enough, then the parathyroid gland begins to leach the extra needed calcium from bone.

Treatment for ARF can be ongoing for weeks, and includes subcutaneous administration of fluids to boost the kidneys each time they begin to fail again. This can occur each day or each week, according to how badly the kidneys were damaged.

Unfortunately, while dialysis and organ transplants are now more readily available for dogs, the cost is often too high for the dog's owner to afford. However, with proper treatment, there are plenty of dog's who have suffered kidney failure and still lived a long time in good health. It is very important to make sure your dog gets regular checkups, and to take him to a vet at the first signs of any problems. There are tests that can indicate renal failure in its early stages, before it becomes a life-threatening problem. Catching it early can mean a longer, happier life for your beloved pet.