Acute Renal Failure in Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment
Your dog’s kidneys are vital as organs, that constantly work to eliminate waste products. Their body relies on adequate kidney function to maintain hydration, electrolyte balance, and many other factors that contribute to a delicate internal balance.
Key Takeaways
- Acute renal failure (ARF) in dogs occurs when the kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter toxins, often due to toxins, infections, or poor blood flow.
- Symptoms include increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and decreased or no urine production—immediate veterinary care is crucial.
- Treatment options range from IV fluids and dialysis to antibiotics and nutritional support, but recovery chances decrease with delayed treatment.
- ARF treatment can be costly, but pet insurance for dogs can help cover expenses—using Pawlicy Advisor can help you find a plan that fits your budget.
Looking to save on vet bills? See if pet insurance is right for you.
Instant results. No spam. 1M+ pet parents served.
Unfortunately, your dog’s kidneys can fail, disrupting that delicate balance. So, what can you do to help them?
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
- What is acute renal failure in dogs?
- What causes acute renal failure in dogs?
- How can I tell if my dog is experiencing acute renal failure?
- What are treatment options for acute renal failure in dogs?
- What are the costs of treating acute renal failure in dogs?
- Can I prevent acute renal failure in my dog?
- FAQ
What is acute renal failure in dogs?
Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs when the kidney is suddenly unable to adequately filter toxins and waste from the blood, resulting in a rapid decline in kidney function.
In contrast, chronic kidney disease progresses over time, leading to a permanent loss of kidney function. In contrast, acute kidney failure happens suddenly, it does not necessarily result in permanent kidney damage. Prompt treatment can sometimes restore kidney function.
What causes acute renal failure in dogs?
There are many causes of ARF, including:
- Toxicity - Toxins, including antifreeze products (e.g., radiator fluid and ethylene glycol), rodenticides, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, grapes, and raisins, can damage the kidneys.
- Disease - Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is a bacterial infection pets can contract by drinking from contaminated water sources, such as puddles, ponds, lakes, and public drinking bowls. The bacteria that causes leptospirosis is shed in the urine of wild animals.
- Poor blood flow - Dehydration, heatstroke, and conditions like shock or congestive heart failure can restrict blood flow to the kidneys.
- Pre-existing conditions - If your dog has an issue that stresses their kidneys, including kidney stones, urine blockage, or chronic kidney disease, they can develop acute kidney failure.
How can I tell if my dog is experiencing acute renal failure?
Signs of acute renal failure in dogs include:
- Increased thirst
- Lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased or no urine production
In severe cases, dogs may develop stomach or intestinal ulcers, which can result in:
- Black or tarry stools
- Vomiting of digested blood, which resembles coffee grounds.
If you suspect acute renal failure, seek immediate veterinary care. This condition progresses rapidly and can quickly become life-threatening.
What are treatment options for acute renal failure in dogs?
Your vet will perform blood and urine tests, imaging, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, and in some cases, a biopsy to diagnose acute kidney failure and the underlying cause. However, determining the cause isn't always straightforward.
Fast, intensive treatment is necessary, and may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: IV fluids restore hydration, correct electrolyte imbalances resulting from the accumulated toxins, and flush out toxins from your pet’s bloodstream.
- Nutritional support: A feeding tube or IV nutrition may be necessary
- Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): This is a 24 to 48-hour treatment using advanced equipment to mimic normal kidney function, removing toxins and excess fluids.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Fluid is flushed into the belly cavity and toxins diffuse from the bloodstream into the fluid. This treatment requires constant monitoring and can cause complications.
- Hemodialysis: The dog's blood is filtered through a machine to remove waste; however, only a few veterinary hospitals offer this costly treatment.
- Antibiotics: The vet may also prescribe antibiotics if infection is present.
Early detection of ARF can increase your dog's chances for recovery, but the likelihood of reversal decreases the longer treatment is delayed. Unfortunately, around 60% of affected dogs either die or require euthanasia due to the severity of their condition.
If standard treatments aren't successful, your vet may recommend putting your dog on dialysis. While approximately half of dogs on dialysis recover, the outcome depends on the underlying cause and your dog's condition. Sadly, even with successful treatment, some dogs develop chronic kidney disease and require life-long care.
What are the costs of treating acute renal failure in dogs?
The cost of diagnosis and treatment depends on the underlying issue that caused ARF and how well your dog responds to care.
Diagnostic tests typically cost between $200 and $750, and hospitalization and intensive care costs between $750-$3,000. If your dog needs dialysis, the first three treatments typically range from $3,000 to $4,500, with each additional treatment costing approximately $600 to $700.
Treating acute renal failure is costly but investing in pet insurance before your pet gets sick can help save thousands of dollars
Through pet insurance, you can be reimbursed for portions of vet visit costs, exams, diagnostics, surgery, treatments, and any medications you need.
The right insurance plan will protect your pup from anything else unexpected that comes up after recovery.
Can I prevent acute renal failure in my dog?
Not all cases of renal failure are preventable, but you can take steps to reduce your dog’s risk. Steps to take include:
- Keep your pup away from antifreeze, store all products out of reach, and promptly clean up any spills.
- Store medications out of your pet’s reach.
- Store grapes and raisins in sealed containers and remind your family members not to share food with your pet.
- When outdoors, don’t let your dog drink from lakes, ponds, puddles, or public water bowls.
- Take steps to deter wildlife from entering your yard to prevent urine contamination.
- Ensure your dog receives annual leptospirosis vaccine boosters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my dog live with acute renal failure?
Your dog can live for months or even years after being diagnosed with acute renal failure, depending on how early they were diagnosed and treated, and their response to treatment.
What are the four phases of acute renal failure?
ARF progresses through four different stages:
Stage 1: Initiation — This phase occurs immediately after a direct insult to the kidneys, such as toxin exposure or lack of blood flow, leading to acute kidney injury.
Stage 2: Extension — Cellular injury and inflammation continues, causing death of cells within the kidneys.
Stage 3: Maintenance — During this phase, kidney function is impaired, leading to an accumulation of waste products in the blood (i.e., azotemia). The maintenance phase can last for days to weeks. Dogs may show signs of kidney failure during this phase, but some dogs show no obvious signs of disease.
Stage IV: Recovery — The kidney tissue begins to repair itself, and azotemia subsides.
When should a dog with kidney failure be euthanized?
ARF is not necessarily a death sentence. Many cases of ARF improve with treatment. However, ARF can be life-threatening, and can progress to chronic renal failure.
For dogs who do not respond to treatment, euthanasia can be a compassionate choice. Your and your veterinarian can assess your dog's overall quality of life and decide if euthanasia is the right decision.
Is renal failure painful for dogs?
Yes, renal failure can be painful for dogs. Your vet can help you manage your pup's pain and keep them s comfortable as possible.
Get expert guidance to find the best pet insurance for your best friend.
Do you want to find the best pet insurance?
Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Ready?
Analyze My PetAbout Pawlicy Advisor
The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. By comparing personalized coverage and pricing differences we can save you a ton of money, up to 83% in some instances!
Instantly Compare Pet Insurance Plans
Guides
Determine If Pet Insurance Is Worth It
Comparison Charts
Find Your State
Dog Insurance
DVM
Ricky Walther, DVM, is a small animal general practitioner in the greater Sacramento, California area. Realizing the positive financial and medical impact that pet insurance can provide for pet parents and the profession, he lends support and advice to companies like Pawlicy Advisor "The Pet Insurance Marketplace") that simplify the process of connecting with veterinary financing resources.
