Dog kidney infection

A dog kidney infection is a serious condition that can hinder a canine`s quality of life if left untreated. The kidneys are one of the most important organs in a dog as the function of the set of organs is to eliminate waste and toxins from the body.

Video: How to Tell if a Dog Has a Kidney Infection

Causes of Kidney Infections in Dogs

There are many reasons as to why a dog may develop an infection in the kidneys. The most common cause behind an infection is due to bacteria or fungus in the dog`s urinary tract that a dog is sometimes not able to combat alone.

Kidney or bladder stones, which are very painful for a dog, can also cause kidney infections. The stones form when there is a buildup of minerals, like calcium, in the dog`s system. The stones can then be infested with microbes.

Other causes of kidney infections include injury to the urinary tract, a deformed urinary tract, cancer, a dog holding in urine for too long, the use of antibiotics, and kidney failure.

Symptoms of Kidney Infections in a Dog

When the kidneys first become infected, a dog may strain to pass urine. A dog may indicate he needs to go outside to relieve himself, but then is not able to do so. A dog may be more thirsty than usual and may need to relieve himself more often as well. A pet owner may also notice a bad smell coming from the urine and may even see blood in it. A dog with a kidney infection will also have pain in the area the kidneys are located. Fevers, a lack of energy and vomiting may also be present when there is an infection.

Diagnosing Dog Kidney Infections

A veterinarian will conduct a physical exam of a dog he suspects may have an infection of the kidneys along with several tests. A couple of the most common blood tests done is a blood test called creatinine and BUN. The creatinine test is the most specific test for kidney damage. When a dog`s level of creatinine is elevated there is a greater chance there is a problem with his kidneys. The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is used in addition to the creatinine test to help diagnose kidney infections.

A dog`s phosphorus, calcium, sodium and potassium levels will all be checked with a blood sample. Elevated levels of phosphorus and calcium can indicate a problem with the kidneys. Lower levels of sodium and potassium can also lead a doctor to make a diagnosis involving a dog`s kidneys. Other substances that will be measured with a blood sample include protein and albumin. A dog`s red and white blood cells will also be counted along with his platelets.

A veterinarian will also collect a urine sample to search for extra deposits of protein. A urine culture will also be done to see if there are any bacteria in the urine.

A dog with a kidney infection may receive antibiotics to treat the cause of it. In severe cases, a dog will need dialysis or even a kidney transplant. Proper hydration will be a must to help treat this condition. The sooner the infection is caught, the better the prognosis will be.

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