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My dog's creatinine is 4.1. Is it kidney failure? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | unneutered | 7 years and 7 months old

I went for his blood work of kidney where his creatinine came 4.1 and normal ranges are 0.5 to 1.4 so it's high what does this 4.1 creatinine means ?? Does his kidneys getting fail ? Will he going to die soon because if kidney failure ? What it's cure ? Is it treatment of this available ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2019

I'm sorry that Ludo's creatinine is high. This could mean a couple of things. Creatinine can increase after a eating a meal that has a lot of meat in it. It can be a sign of kidney failure. It's important to have the other values of his blood work to make an accurate diagnosis, such as his BUN. If you have the other values, please post those so we can help you. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on March 15th, 2020
Unfortunately, I don;t know of any supplements that will actually lower the Creatinine. Your regular veterinarian may have better insight into the listed product. I don't recommend to start any supplements or products without the guidance of your veterinarian.

Usually, a high CREAT is related to kidney disease though a cancer in the kidneys could also cause it. Here is a link about kidney disease that discusses special diets that contain low protein, high omega fatty acids and high antioxidants. Fluid therapy is also important though if Ludo has low blood protein, this should not be started until his protein levels are normal and stable:
https://www.petcoach.co/article/kidney-disease-treatment-for-dogs-and-cats/

The ascites could be related to low protein levels in the blood, liver disease, cancer or intestinal disease. Kidney disease that is advanced can cause low blood protein.

Kidney disease and cancer are not infectious. I recommend to have Ludo examined frequently by the veterinarian to test his kidney values and his blood protein levels.

I hope this helps and best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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My dog has belly fluid and high creatinine. Is it serious? What's next?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. With an elevated kidney value (creatinine) and fluid in the abdomen, I would be worried about protein loss (albumin) through the kidneys, resulting in decreased oncotic pressure within the vessels of the body. This is called a protein-losing nephropathy (PLN). This can result in fluid leakage out of the vessels and into the abdomen. But, without knowing what the type of fluid is in the belly, it is difficult to know what the true cause is. The best option would be to have a sample of this fluid analyzed, and an ultrasound of his abdomen to be performed, and a urinalysis + urine protein:creatinine ratio performed. A creatinine of 4.1 is quite high, so Ludo likely has a component of acute kidney injury. He would benefit from further workup by a veterinarian to best understand his underlying disease process, and therefore what his prognosis is. I hope this is helpful - best of luck with Ludo!

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