What To Expect When Your Dachshund Has Kidney Disease

Once dogs reach eight years of age, their kidneys are less likely to function as well as those of younger Dachshunds are. Diseased kidneys have sustained damage that inhibits their ability to strain and eliminate waste products. Kidney disease can be sudden (acute) or long-term (chronic).

Acute kidney disease is the result of a potent underlying cause, such as a significant drop in blood pressure, loss of fluids or blood, shock, ingestion of a toxic substance, heart failure, or infectious disease. In treating a dog with kidney disease, the goal is to first deal with the underlying cause. Usually, such treatment results in the restoration of urine production.

Chronic kidney disease is a much slower, degenerative process, with subtle signs that can often take years to surface. Common causes include infection, heart disease, diabetes, poisoning, or physical trauma. Because the kidneys contain plenty of reserve tissue normally capable of toxin disposal, about two thirds of the organ must be damaged before symptoms can be detected. However, it is essential that the disease be checked as early as possible.

A dog suffering from chronic kidney disease may finish her water bowl more quickly than usual and look to you for refills. She may urinate more frequently than normal, and may begin to accidentally urinate in inappropriate places because the kidneys are no longer capable of holding urine.

As the disease progresses, uremia will develop, characterized by lethargy, poor appetite, dull coat, darkening of the tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, and anemia. You may also think you are smelling ammonia on her breath. With chronic kidney disease, while he or she will not be able to restore the kidney itself, there are several steps your veterinarian will recommend to keep your Dachshund as healthy and functional as possible.

Strict attention to diet will help the kidney work as well as possible. You will have to reduce the amount of protein your Dachshund ingests. Nitrogen waste is the by-product of protein metabolism. This waste leaves the kidneys as urea. If the kidneys are faulty, urea will back up and enter the bloodstream. However, your dog needs protein for cell production, so you must work with the veterinarian to create a diet (perhaps a specially packaged food program acquired through veterinary hospitals) that will be beneficial to your Dachshund.

This diet will include proteins that are easy to digest, and may be supplemented by foods like cooked eggs and cottage cheese. Carbohydrates will also be suggested. Useful supplements include pasta, potatoes, whole wheat bread, and oatmeal.