Uremia in dogs is a serious medical emergency that happens when waste products and toxins that are normally filtered by the kidneys build up in the bloodstream where they can spread throughout the body. This can occur when the kidneys suffer damage or when obstructions appear in the urinary tract.
When toxins in the blood aren’t properly filtered, they flow through the body via the bloodstream and can affect any of the body’s systems, including the urinary, digestive, respiratory, nervous, and immune systems among others. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for uremia in dogs.
Symptoms of uremia in dogs
The symptoms of uremia in dogs can vary, as the condition can affect any of the body’s essential systems and functions. In the early stages, dogs may appear to be in mostly normal health, but they may seem depressed or lethargic. Gradually, they may begin to feel worse and present visible symptoms.
If your dog suffers from kidney disease or damage, has a urinary tract blockage, or ingests toxic chemicals and you see the signs of uremia, then you must consult your veterinarian right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The condition can be fatal if left untreated.
If you see any of the following signs of uremia in your dog, then you should consult your vet immediately:
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stool
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Decreased or increased urination
- Listlessness
- Dry coat
- Brownish-colored or inflamed tongue
- Foul breath (smells of ammonia)
- Mouth ulcers
- Fever
- Abnormal pulse (rapid or slow)
- Enlarged kidneys that are firm and sensitive to palpitation
- Pneumonia
- Digestive tract bleeding
- Multiple organ failure
- Seizures
- Coma
Causes of uremia in dogs
There are several possible causes of uremia in dogs. Any medical condition that leads to poor kidney function or blocks the body from eliminating waste can increase the chances of uremia. If you see signs of kidney failure or urinary tract blockage in your dog, then it is important to also watch for the signs of uremia.
Here are several factors that can cause uremia in dogs:
- Ingestion of toxic substances or chemicals (antifreeze, mercury, painkillers, etc.)
- Kidney inflammation, disease, damage, or failure
- Kidney or urinary tract stones
- Foreign objects in the urinary tract
- Heat stroke
- Dehydration
- Heart failure
- Excessive bleeding
- Excessive meat consumption
Treatments for uremia in dogs
Treatment for uremia in dogs depends on the cause of the condition. If a dog ingests a toxic substance, then the vet will work to remove or neutralize it. They can do this with gastric lavage, which cleans the stomach, or by giving the affected dog activated charcoal. Sometimes a specific antidote can also be used depending on which substance has been ingested.
Vets may use other treatments for obstructions which can cause uremia. For example, urinary tract or kidney stones may be treated with medications that break down the stones or with a technique that breaks stones apart using sonic vibrations. Blockages may have to be removed surgically.
Fluid therapy and dietary changes may restore fluid balance in the body, reduce the workload of the kidneys, and reduce toxin buildup in the blood. Diuretics can help restore normal urination and remove waste from the body. Dialysis or surgery may be needed in cases where the kidneys have suffered severe damage.
However, even with treatment, the mortality rate for dogs who suffer from uremia is as high as 50 percent. If your dog suffers from uremia, then you must follow veterinary instructions and monitor your dog’s condition closely.