Kidnet failure in dogs

Pet Kidney Function: Dogs and Cats The kidneys serve many vital pet functions. They filter and remove toxic wastes from the body via the urine, regulate Calcium and Vitamin D levels, maintain fluid levels, and secrete the hormone responsible for red blood cell production. Anything that interferes with the kidneys’ ability to function properly can cause kidney disease, which is the second only to cancer as a leading cause of death in pets. In most cases, progressive age-related deterioration is responsible, with no apparent cause. Other causes of kidney disease include bacterial and viral infections, nutritional factors, immune system defects, toxins, and inherited breed disorders. “Acute” kidney disease occurs suddenly, is much less common than chronic kidney disease in pets, and with prompt treatment is generally reversible. Long-term “chronic” kidney disease referred to as chronic renal disease is the most common form in dogs and cats. It is usually the result of slow age-related deterioration of the kidneys. Signs of Pet Kidney Disease Initially dogs and cats drink and urinate excessively. The urine produced is dilute so dogs become dehydrated and drink a lot to try to replace the lost fluids. No matter how much they drink; they are unable to maintain normal hydration. Advanced signs of Kidney Disease include weight loss, vomiting, depression and loss of appetite. Signs are not apparent until 80 percent of kidney function is already lost. Routine diagnostics include blood and urine tests as well as abdominal x-rays. A kidney biopsy is generally necessary to confirm the exact cause. In most cases, a biopsy is not obtained and treatment is symptomatic. What Pet Owners and Vets Can do for Kidney Disease Fluid therapy is the single most important factor in the treatment of kidney disease. The kidneys normally function to maintain fluid levels by concentrating the urine. With kidney disease, excess fluids are lost into the urine so dehydration is a major problem. Good nutrition is also critical. The goal is to decrease the workload on the kidneys by decreasing the amount of waste the kidneys must eliminate. Excess dietary protein, phosphorus, calcium and salt create a lot of waste. Pet diets should therefore contain small amounts of high-quality proteins, low salt (use salt substitute), and minimal phosphorus. Home made diets are ideal and can be tailored specifically for each pet. The most important parameter with respect to dietary protein is quality rather than an absolute amount. For example human dialysis patients eat eggs. Why? … Each egg contains 7 grams of pure protein on which the kidneys do not work at all to utilize. Trying to determine protein levels, by reading pet labels can be quite misleading. For example, a chemical called Cyanuric Acid, used as a pool cleaner is approved as a pet food additive to artificially elevate protein levels. In fact, the reason thousands of pets died during the 2004 and 2007 MENU pet food recall was not just because of the Melamine. The Melamine was present in the contaminated Chinese Gluten. The problem occurred when it combined with the Cyanuric acid which was also present in the pet food. The Melamine and Cyanuric acid formed an insoluble precipitate in the kidney tubules of the dogs and cats that ate the pet food and this is what led to acute kidney failure and death for thousands of pets. The latest pet food reports available indicate that the melamine is no longer an issue but the cyanuric acid is still allowable and present in pet food. Anemia or a low number of red blood cells is usually present in pets with Kidney Disease. Supplementing your dog or cats diet with B-vitamins and iron stimulates red blood cell production, which helps to counteract anemia. Today kidney therapy may include Calcitriol, which is a natural form of vitamin D and is compounded specifically for each pet. Capsules are given by mouth once daily. Calcitriol helps prevent further kidney deterioration, regenerates the kidneys and helps restore normal function. It was given routinely to human dialysis patients. In pets, Calcitriol is only effective when the value of the blood calcium multiplied by the blood phosphorus level is less than 40. After over 15 years, of successful international clinical trials, Calcitriol is still considered experimental in pets. So far the results have been excellent for both dogs and cats. Kidney transplants are a treatment option in extreme cases, and are available at a few veterinary facilities in the US. The College of Veterinary Medicine, in Davis, California has a top notch Kidney Transplant and pet dialysis facility. Long-term management involves monitoring kidney functions with blood and urine tests every three to six months. At home hydration can be monitored by pinching the skin on the back of the dog’s neck. Hold it for five seconds, then release. If it takes over five seconds for the skin to return to normal, your pet is dehydrated and fluids are indicated. Pet owners may learn to give daily subcutaneous fluids, which are given under the skin at home. Sodium Chloride, rather than Lactated Ringers solution is preferred for fluid administration, because the Lactated Ringers solution contains both Phosphorus and Calcium neither of which are beneficial to dogs or cats in kidney failure. Most pets enjoy quality life for several years post diagnosis. I hope this information is helpful. Best Wishes, Dr Carol Osborne, DVM

Vitamins And Mineral for Small Dogs

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5698872_human-vitamins-dogs.html For that size I would do 100IU of Vitamin E and the smallest dosage you can find of Milk Thistle. I would look for something around 100mg. For a 30lb dog I did 250mg twice a day. So I would do half of that. A kind lady told me . Humans and dogs alike benefit from antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin E. Vitamin E helps maintain a healthy heart, which is important for many inbred, pedigree dogs. Vitamin E also helps with inflammation and cancer prevention in dogs. For a small dog, 200 IU is the daily dose, and up to 400 IU a day is good for a larger dog. general recommended dosage is 400 IU per day for small dogs and 800 IU per day for larger dogs. http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_vitamins.php

How to Fortify Dog Liver

http://www.ehow.com/how_4474421_naturally-fortify-dogs-liver.html Instructions 1 Tomatoes and potatoes can be bad for some dogs with other health issues, so ask your vet before giving your pet any new foods. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into her diet. Fruits and vegetables contain many antioxidants that are good for the liver. Raw fruits and vegetables are among the best preventive "medicines" you can give your dog. Work with your veterinarian to determine how best to incorporate them into your pet's diet. 2 Serve your dog a cup of "tea." You can make your pup a delicious chicken-broth brew containing dandelion, milk thistle and other beneficial herbs. Just warm up the broth and either steep the herbs in it, as if you were making tea for yourself, or use extracts. Again, it is very important to work with your vet to determine what types of herbs are best for your dog. 3 Add artichokes to his meals. Artichokes can help detoxify the liver and are a great supplement to your dog's diet. 4 Acupressure is a type of massage based on principles that do not involve needles. Consider massage or acupuncture. Many veterinarians and holistic vets believe that dogs can develop liver problems as a direct result of physical or emotional stress. They recommend massage or acupuncture to help sooth the dog and ease the stress on her system. If you decide on either of these options, either take your dog to a trained professional or get professional training yourself so you do not injure your dog. 5 Try aromatherapy. For dogs whose stress levels are too high but who do not like massage and/or acupuncture, aromatherapy may be a good compromise. Waft soothing scents like lavender or chamomile through a room where your dog is located. These will sooth your pet and can act as anti-inflammatory agents as well.

Food that detox liver

Consumption of milk thistle extract helps prevent liver problems. Toxic chemicals and medications can damage your liver over years. This herbal remedy has been used for thousands of years to repair such damage to the liver. If you consume milk thistle seeds directly, your body won't be able to digest them. The 'silymarin' present in these seeds is available in capsule form. Selenium rich foods like tuna, cod, halibut, turkey, shrimp, salmon, button mushrooms, Brazil nuts, mustard seeds. Foods rich in beta carotene for example, cilantro, kale, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, fresh thyme, cantaloupes, romaine lettuce and broccoli. Vitamin E rich foods like olive oil, spinach, Swiss chard, sunflower seeds, papaya, turnip greens, mustard greens, avocados (at least one or two avocados per week), pumpkin and almonds help prevent cell damage from free radicals and help the liver to cleanse itself. You can avoid liver or gallbladder problems by incorporating these foods in your regular diet. Garlic contains selenium and allicin which help activate liver enzymes. Ginger carries antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help maintain the health of the liver. Walnuts are high in amino acid 'arginine' which helps the liver to detoxify ammonia. Omega-3 fatty acids and glutathione from walnuts enhance the process of liver cleansing. Cashew nuts are high in copper, manganese and magnesium. The antioxidant properties of copper and manganese help eliminate free radicals. Leafy green vegetables packed with chlorophyll can neutralize heavy metals. They promote removal of environmental toxins like chemicals and pesticides from the liver. Food rich in riboflavin like calf liver, lean beef tenderloin, boiled eggs, low fat yogurt, cow's milk, cooked soybeans, almonds, boiled green peas, spinach, tempeh, shiitake and crimini mushrooms. Foods that are high in niacin like chicken, tuna, beef, turkey, salmon, asparagus, halibut, venison, calf's liver, and turkey. Fruits packed with Vitamin C like grapefruits, limes, oranges, strawberries, lemons, papayas and vitamin C rich vegetables like broccoli, bell pepper, parsley, cauliflower, kale, etc. help reduce and even reverse the effects of free radicals on cells. Glucosinolates from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage can trigger the body's detoxification systems. You may consume 2-3 tablespoons of broccoli sprouts a day. Brown rice is rich in selenium, fiber, manganese and magnesium. It prevents gallstones and promotes liver detoxification, easy digestion and stable blood glucose levels. You should consume whole grains or whole wheat products as they provide ample B complex vitamins and improve overall fat metabolization. They promote liver function and detoxification. Foods rich in flavonoids help enhance the function of vitamin C and protect body cells from oxygen damage. Onions, parsley, pears, apples, apricots, fresh berries, cabbage and tomatoes contain high amount of flavonoids. Legumes like black beans, kidney beans, navy beans, pinto beans are also good sources of flavonoids. Pectin from apples helps soften and flatten the stones in the gall bladder and liver. Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/liver-cleansing-foods.html

Vegetable that help Liver

Asparagus . Beet root Carrots Broccoli

more vegetables

http://www.askariel.com/Articles.asp?ID=285

Elevated Liver In Membrance

http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/vetmed/Medicine/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/325515 http://www.dog-obedience-training-online.com/cushings-disease-in-dogs.html