Many things can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. Toxins are high on the list of potential causes.
What constitutes a toxin, though? The well-known substances that cause injury to the kidneys include
- antifreeze
- grapes and raisins
- over-the-counter pain relievers
Infections, such as leptospirosis are not far behind. This does not, however, constitute a complete list.
Diagnosing kidney failure is not the hard part. Figuring out what caused it and trying to fix it is the challenge.
Blitzen’s story
Blitzen was a four-years-old Shar-pei. He was a real charmer, loved by everyone, especially his dog parents. He was enjoying his life to the fullest–everything was fun and games.
First signs
That morning, Blitzen barely made it to his potty place. He needed to pee badly and he peed a lot. That was strange enough in itself. On top of that, instead of being eager to go for his regular walk, Blitzen turned back into the house.
His mom thought it was strange but because she had a busy day ahead of her, she secretly welcomed it.
Blitzen was always a picky eater so when he turned away from his breakfast, it didn’t raise any additional red flags. Every dog feels a bit under the weather sometimes, Blitzen’s mom figured there was to it.
As the day went on
It was around noon when Blitzen needed to go outside in a hurry. As it turned out, he now had diarrhea too. By now it was clear that Blitzen wasn’t feeling well.
Things only got worse from there.
Blitzen kept asking to go outside but all he did was wander around with his head and tail low. He couldn’t lay down comfortable so he kept walking as if he could escape the way he felt.
Veterinary ER
When Blitzen stop pacing around and just laid down in the shower, it was the last straw that brought him to an emergency veterinary clinic. Blitzen would never get anywhere near the shower.
At the hospital, they put Blitzen on IV fluids while working up a diagnosis.
His mom knew he wasn’t well but it never crossed her mind that whatever was wrong with Blitzen could be life-threatening.
Kidney failure diagnosis
Learning that Blitzen was in acute kidney failure was devastating. Could it be the so-called Shar-pei Fever? Blitzen’s mom cried all the back after the veterinarian told her to go home for the night. Blitzen was going to spend the night at an ICU.
The dreaded phone call
In the early hours of the next morning, Blitzen’s mom got the phone call no dog parent wants to receive.
While Blitzen was originally stable, through the night he made a turn for worse. His kidneys couldn’t handle whatever was insulting them any longer.
Nothing made sense. What caused all this? Blitzen was a healthy boy.
It wasn’t until his mom was putting away Blitzen’s things when she stumbled upon what was the likely answer.
What do you think could have caused Blitzen’s kidney failure? What would you do if it was your dog?
Find out what Blitzen’s mom realized here.
Related articles:
Kidney Failure in Dogs: What Happens In The Dog’s Body When The Kidneys Fail To Function Properly?
Further reading:
Acute Renal Failure and Its Causes