My dog has kidney infection and is vomiting. Is it life-threatening?

If she is still not eating then you should take her back to the vet for IV fluid therapy. And more diagnostics. Make sure they did bloodwork to check her kidneys. An abdominal X-Ray or ultrasound may help to diagnose the issue as well. If her kidney enzymes are elevated, that can make her nauseous and not want to eat. IV fluids will help to flush the kidneys. There are also special foods that can help with kidney issues like hills K/D food. If the kidney issue is for sure due to an infection, then hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon. Sometimes it’s good to give cephalexin with another antibiotic like Baytril if it is a severe infection.

It looks like he is suffering from some liver and kidney values elevations and he also is anemic. (Low red blood cells). Since I do not not his current condition and how long this has been going on, it is difficult for me to give you a survival time. If this has happened quickly and could be a toxin then with aggressive therapy (hospitalization and IV fluids), then these values could go back to normal and stay that way as long as there wasn't any permanent damage. If this has been chronic and his urine is very dilute then this could be permanent damage to the kidneys which is a much poorer prognosis long term. I would still recommend hospitalization and IV fluids if possible. I would talk to your vet about whether he needs fluids, antibiotics, appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medicine etc. I hope this helps and your sweet baby gets well really soon!

That sounds like a tough situation. Depending on the current physical exam, repeat or additional blood work and x-rays may be needed. If those tests come back normal again, then surgery may be needed to explore the intestines and take biopsies.

Hello. Your blood work should have indicated if there were any kidney problems, so if nothing was said, I would rule this out. If she did well on antibiotics, but then regressed, she may need to stay on antibiotics longer. Some dogs remain on antibiotics for 6-8 weeks. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Technically, we have to have a urine concentration to know for sure if the kidneys are affected. Those values (urea and creat) could have been caused by mild dehydration. If so, the kidneys are fine. If the urine is dilute and watery, then yes I am worried more about kidney damage. Talk to your vet about checking the concentration (USG) of the first urine of the morning. Best of luck to you and Max!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Creatinine level is very high, which is consistent with stage 4 renal failure. Kidney failure in dogs could be related to kidney tumor, but it is not the most common cause. More often renal failure results from kidney infection, kidney stones, intoxication, age-related gradual loss of renal function. The blood results shows not only renal failure but also infection with Babesia and Microfilaria. Babesia can produce renal damage in dogs and, if not treated yet, this should be addressed as soon as possible. Sindo should have kidneys and bladder ultrasound scan, urine analysis and blood pressure checked to fully assess function of the urinary tract. Please, get back to your vet to make sure Sindo has had the treatment for Babesia infection and to discuss further investigation and treatment. Intravenous fluids should be definitely continued daily.

Poor Bruno! I can see the brown material in his vomit and the very dark stool, which is likely digested blood. This happens because acids build up in the blood when they are not filtered by the kidneys, these acids are very caustic to the tissues of the stomach, and result in ulcers, which bleed. The prognosis depends on the cause of the kidney disease, as certain conditions can be treated and managed for some time, but unfortunately, the prognosis is typically poor to grave. Bruno likely needs fluids to prevent dehydration, and medication to protect the lining of his intestines. The kidneys are also responsible for making a hormone, erythropoeitin, which helps the bone marrow make new red blood cells. Along with the gastric bleeding, this is causing the drop in hemoglobin. The decision is not easy, but humane euthanasia may be an option to consider for Bruno, as kidney failure is known to be painful and very uncomfortable in humans. Unfortunately, treatments such as subcutaneous fluids and toxin binding agents such as Azodyl and Epakatin are palliative at best. I am happy to answer any additional questions you may have.