Since Chronic Kidney Disease Is Basically Just A Wearing Out Process How Is It Treated
The treatment of chronic kidney disease depends on the results of blood tests, and specific treatments are aimed at resolving specific abnormalities. 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.
Treatment usually occurs in two phases, first flushing the kidneys and removing the accumulated toxins from the blood, and then providing treatments to manage the disease and delay its progression.
Heart Disease Diabetes And High Blood Pressure
Diabetes and high blood pressure the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease. If you have these conditions for a long period of time and do not treat them in the right way, this can affect your heart and lead to heart disease.
- Diabetes: When you have diabetes, too much sugar stays in your blood. This can damage both the blood vessels in the kidneys and in the heart.
- High blood pressure: Damaged kidneys may release too much of an enzyme called renin, which helps to control blood pressure. This increases your risk for heart attack, congestive heart failure and stroke.
Talk to your doctor about being tested for diabetes and high blood pressure, and work with them to create and follow a treatment plan.
Types And Causes Of Stomach Problems
There are numerous different stomach problems and each can be triggered by different cause. The treatment is determined based on the underlying cause. Therefore its important to diagnose the cause clearly.
The intensity, how it feels like, whether it comes with another symptom, or how long the symptom lasts may help doctors make the diagnosis. Unfortunately, sometime the cause is not known.
Abdominal cramps with diarrhea
One of possible answers is gastroenteritis . The abdominal cramps usually come suddenly, and followed with diarrhea. But the problem is usually harmless or even may improve on its own after a few days.
Gastroenteritis is an;infection in the bowel or stomach. Many times, it is caused by getting a close contact with an individual whos infected. It may also occur due to food poisoning or consuming contaminated food.
Another possible cause is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. This is particularly true if the problem becomes chronic or when you have repeated bouts of abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Abdominal cramps with bloating
Most of the time, trapped wind is to blame for abdominal cramps with bloating. It is common and easy to deal with but sometime it can be embarrassing, too. It usually improves with over-the-counter such as mebeverine or buscopan.
Recurring, long-term stomach pain
Sometime urinary tract infection such as kidney infection is to blame for this symptom. But it also can be linked to long-term conditions such as:
Sudden severe stomach pain
Recommended Reading: Can You Live With Kidney Failure
Pyelonephritis Kidney Infection Signs And Symptoms
Written byEmily LunardoPublished onAugust 9, 2016
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys, which are part of the urinary system that also includes the urethra, ureters, bladder, and prostate for men. The kidneys primary role is filtering the bodys waste products, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining a normal concentration of electrolytes in the body.
When an infection occurs in the kidneys, it is known as an upper urinary tract infection, or pyelonephritis. Here we will outline the signs and symptoms related to a kidney infection.
Testing For Increased Thirst And Urination
These clinical signs are non-specific and can be caused by many different diseases or conditions. Usually increased production of dilute urine results in a compensatory increase in water consumption, but occasionally the condition is one of increased water intake resulting in the production of large volumes of dilute urine.
Recommended Reading: Can Kidney Disease Cause Gas
Other Symptoms Of Renal Failure
Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of severe kidney failure. They usually appear when the blood urea concentration gets quite high, but some changes in appetite, particularly an aversion to meat, can occur much earlier.
What Do Your Cats Kidneys Do
When blood flows through your cats kidneys, they filter out waste products generated from the breakdown of food, old cells, toxins, metabolic byproducts, and many drugs. They also trap good substances, like protein, back in the body. Your cats kidneys have many essential functions including:
- Remove waste material from the bloodstream
- Help regulate blood pressure
- Regulate levels of certain essential minerals such as potassium and sodium
- Produce a variety of hormones
- Regulate the amount of water in the blood and produce urine
- Stimulate red blood cell formation
- Help regulate calcium and vitamin D levels
Recommended Reading: Is Mulberry Good For Kidneys
Symptoms Of Kidney Stones
So many people in the world are struggling with the problem of kidney stones. Uniquely, there is only half of them who feel the symptoms.
Of course, even without symptoms, this disease causes further problems including infection and blockage of the urine stream.
Some symptoms of kidney stones often experienced by people are as follows. They are on-off extreme pain in the bladder area or urinary colic, pain in areas like the waist, thighs, and genital areas, nausea and vomit, and bloody urine.
Besides, in a worse condition, you may also experience fever, frequent urination, and pain feeling when urinating.
Those are common symptoms of kidney stones anyway and based on the list, there is no diarrhea or constipation. So, it can be concluded that kidney stones dont cause constipation and diarrhea may also bloating, causes gases, stomach pain.
Even further problems that lead from kidney stones dont include those two health problems. So, this is the answer for can kidney stones cause constipation and diarrhea?
How Can I Prevent Ckd
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, working with your doctor to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control is the best way to prevent kidney disease.
Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease, or help keep them under control. Follow these tips to lower your risk for kidney disease and the problems that cause it:
- Follow a low-salt, low-fat diet
- Exercise at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
- Have regular check-ups with your doctor
- Do not smoke or use tobacco
- Limit alcohol
Also Check: What Happens When You Pass A Kidney Stone
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Prevented
Chronic kidney disease cannot be prevented in most situations. The patient may be able to protect their kidneys from damage, or slow the progression of the disease by controlling their underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure.
- Kidney disease is usually advanced by the time symptoms appear. If a patient is at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease, they should see their doctor as recommended for screening tests.
- If a patient has a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, they should follow the treatment recommendations of their health care practitioner. The patient should see their health care practitioner regularly for monitoring. Aggressive treatment of these diseases is essential.
- The patient should avoid exposure to drugs especially NSAIDs , chemicals, and other toxic substances as much as possible.
My Dog Is In Kidney Failure What Should I Expect
The kidneys are an amazing organ. Made up of millions of tiny units, they will remain functional until up to 2/3 of the tissue is destroyed. This is why a person can donate a kidney without harm to their own body. If your dog has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure it means this damage has occurred over a long period of time. We will do all that we can to detect kidney failure early. This allows more options and it will certainly give us a better chance to keep your dog healthy as long as possible. The following information will help you to understand what happens in this disease, how we diagnose it and most importantly, how it is treated.
You May Like: What Arthritis Meds Are Safe For Kidneys
Fatigue And Muscle Cramps Can Be A Symptom Of Kidney Failure
One of the differences between kidney failure and other diseases is that renal failure does not point to the site of the problem. In fact, very few people complain of kidney pain.
And although some persons with early renal problems get up to urinate during the night more frequently, there are many other causes that relate to this symptom. So, how can you tell if you have kidneys disease?
Supplements For Cats With Kidney Disease
Along with a new, healthier diet, your vet may recommend supplements.
Phosphorus binders are one common supplement for cats suffering renal failure.
Vitamin D supplements are another favorite.
Its important to avoid any home remedies or herbal supplements.
Your sweet kitty is depending on you to make good decisions regarding her care now that she is suffering from kidney disease.
Some herbal supplements will do much more harm than good. Its just not worth the risk.
Be sure to follow your vets dietary and supplement advice carefully.
Read Also: How To Tell If Kidney Infection Is Getting Worse
What Color Is Urine When Your Kidneys Are Failing
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
What Are The Specific Types Of Feline Kidney Disease
There are many types of kidney disease in cats. Some are congenital and some are developmental.
Your veterinarian will be able to tell you which type your cat has.
While I cant get into every specific type of renal disease, here are some types you may encounter.
- Renal agenesis is the failure of kidney formation: sometimes kidneys dont form at all.
- Renal dysplasia: means abnormal kidney development.
- If one or both kidneys are displaced, your cat may be diagnosed with renal ectopia.
- And then there is polycystic kidney disease which comes with the formation of cysts throughout the kidney tissue.
Kidneys are complex.
That means there are a lot of things that could go wrong.
Structural issues, blood vessel problems, responses to outside influences, all the way down to the cells that make up the kidneystheres so much to know about these small but important organs.
While listing all of the exact diseases and congenital problems are beyond the scope of this article, I found a comprehensive list right here.
This informative video can also help shed some light on kidney failure in cats:
Read Also: Is Matcha Bad For Your Kidneys
What Is The Treatment For Acute Kidney Failure
Your treatment will depend on the cause of your acute kidney failure. The goal is to restore normal kidney function. Preventing fluids and wastes from building up in your body while your kidneys recover is important. In the majority of cases, a kidney specialist called a nephrologist makes an evaluation.
What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Kidney Failure Can It Be Prevented
The outlook for kidney failure depends upon the underlying condition that caused it. Kidney function may return to normal, especially if it is due to an acute obstruction and that obstruction is relieved. Other causes of decreased kidney function leading to kidney failure are due to underlying disease and occur slowly over time.
Prevention is the best chance to maintain kidney function, and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes over a lifetime can decrease the potential for progressive kidney damage. Chronic kidney failure may be managed to help monitor electrolyte and waste product levels in the bloodstream. Major abnormalities can be life-threatening, and treatment options may be limited to dialysis or transplant.
Don’t Miss: How Can You Find Out If You Have Kidney Stones
What Is A Kidney Problem
The kidneys form part of the urinary system, one of the bodyâs major filtration systems. Most people have two kidneys, situated in the upper abdominal area towards the muscles of the back and the edge of the ribs. The kidneys form part of the urinary system along with the two ureters, the bladder and urethra. Kidney problems affect the kidneys, but because the system works together, the effects of a kidney problem are sometimes felt throughout the system.
The kidneys themselves clean the blood by filtering it in the nephrons, which are made up of a renal tubule and a renal corpuscle. The corpuscle is made up of a glomerulus enclosed by the Bowmanâs capsule. To filter the blood, it is passed through the glomeruli at higher pressure than the bodyâs usual blood pressure. Filtered waste products collect inside the Bowmanâs capsule, while filtered, clean blood is passed back out of the glomeruli into the circulatory system. The tubule collects the waste products from the Bowmanâs capsule while also working on further exchanging certain substances and also reabsorbing water and certain minerals so they donât go to waste. The final resulting liquid is then passed into the ureters as urine. Urine collects in the bladder, which stores it until it is released by the urethra.
What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Failure
You may notice one or more of the following symptoms if your kidneys are beginning to fail:
- Itching
- Swelling in your feet and ankles
- Too much urine or not enough urine
- Trouble catching your breath
- Trouble sleeping
If your kidneys stop working suddenly , you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Rash
- Vomiting
Having one or more of any of the symptoms above may be a sign of serious kidney problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor right away.
You May Like: How Do Kidney Stones Cause Pain
What Purpose Do Kidneys Serve For Dogs
In fact, a dog’s kidneys have essentially the same function as ours: detoxify the blood by filtering the waste produced by the body, maintain the balance of water and electrolytes, produce hormones, regulate blood pressure and vitamin D, and help create red blood cells.
The kidneys are therefore extremely important organs and a dog suffering from kidney failure would be faced with many health problems: its entire body would be affected.
Stage 3 Kidney Disease Life Expectancy
When diagnosed and managed early, stage 3 CKD has a longer life expectancy than more advanced stages of kidney disease. Estimates can vary based on age and lifestyle.
One such estimate says that the average life expectancy is 24 years in men who are 40, and 28 in women of the same age group.
Aside from overall life expectancy, its important to consider your risk of disease progression. One 10-year study of stage 3 CKD patients found that about half progressed to more advanced stages of kidney disease.
Its also possible to experience complications from CKD, such as cardiovascular disease, which can affect your overall life expectancy.
Don’t Miss: How Much Money Is A Kidney Worth
What Tests And Procedures Diagnose Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms in its early stages. Only lab tests can detect any developing problems. Anyone at increased risk for chronic kidney disease should be routinely tested for development of this disease.
- Urine, blood, and imaging tests are used to detect kidney disease, as well as to follow its progress.
- All of these tests have limitations. They are often used together to develop a picture of the nature and extent of the kidney disease.
- In general, this testing can be performed on an outpatient basis.
Urine tests
Urinalysis: Analysis of the urine affords enormous insight into the function of the kidneys. The first step in urinalysis is doing a dipstick test. The dipstick has reagents that check the urine for the presence of various normal and abnormal constituents including protein. Then, the urine is examined under a microscope to look for red and white blood cells, and the presence of casts and crystals .
Only minimal quantities of albumin are present in urine normally. A positive result on a dipstick test for protein is abnormal. More sensitive than a dipstick test for protein is a laboratory estimation of the urine albumin and creatinine in the urine. The ratio of albumin and creatinine in the urine provides a good estimate of albumin excretion per day.
Blood tests
Other tests