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This handout is designed to help you understand the
nature of kidney failure and the steps we must take to help treat your
pet successfully. The kidneys are very active organs
with a large number of responsibilities. The table
below lists some of the major roles the kidney plays in the body and
what happens when the kidney goes into a state of failure (meaning it
can no longer do its job properly):
Normal Kidney Function
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Effect on body during kidney failure
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Removal of waste
products that contain nitrogen,
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Build up of
nitrogenous waste that causes lack of appetite, vomiting,
diarrhea, malaise, and lethargy |
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Regulation of
the fluid balance in the body, |
Chronic
dehydration: Heavy thirst and urination even though the pet is
dehydrated |
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Produce hormones
that control the production of red blood cells
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Lack of
production of red blood cells leads to anemia which makes pet
weak, listless, and depressed. |
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Regulation of
the concentration of the various minerals in the blood (sodium,
potassium, phosphorous, and chloride, and calcium)
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Build up of
minerals beyond their normal levels which can affect the
muscles, heart and nervous system |
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Regulation of
blood pressure |
Development of
high blood pressure which can lead to strokes and heart failure
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Activation of
Vitamin D3 to aid in absorption of calcium and phosphorous
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Calcium drawn
from the bones, leads to weakening bones. High phosphorous
levels in the blood affect muscles and nervous system.
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There are many things
that can lead to kidney failure ranging from infections to cancer. The
best way to find out what is wrong with the kidneys through the use of
ultrasound and ultrasound guided biopsies. A biopsy is the only way of
telling exactly what is wrong with the kidneys. This helps us develop a
treatment plan and allows us to give you a realistic prognosis regarding
your pet’s future.
Regardless of the source of injury, the
kidneys are not very forgiving organs. Once they are damaged, they have
very limited ability to repair themselves. As a result, our treatment
plan is designed to minimize the effects that the failing kidneys have
on the body and to provide your pet with a good quality of life.
Kidney failure is a difficult disease to treat, however, we have
helped many pets enjoy a good quality of life with the therapies
outlined above. Hopefully, your pet will respond well to this treatment
as well. If you have any questions about any aspect
of this handout, please do not hesitate to call us.
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