My senior dog has kidney failure. What supplements can help?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on July 9th, 2017

  I think given your information you have provided this sounds like appropriate supportive care at home. Iv fluids are always better but much more expensive and not curative in the case of kidney failure. Cerenia can also be used (anti nausea medication) in end stage renal failure to keep them from becoming so nauseated they can't eat or hold down food. Dialysis is available at teaching hospitals or a few specialty hospitals around the country. I hope this helps. My best to you both.

  

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• Answered By Menolly Cote, DVM, CVA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on June 27th, 2017

  There is a distinction between acute and chronic renal failure. Acute renal failure often occurs as the result of a toxin or infection while chronic renal failure is seen more in older pets that have had a slow decline in their kidneys over time. There are four stages of chronic kidney failure with multiple sub-stages. It may be helpful to use our consultation option as we will be able to ask questions and review bloodwork to give you more specific information. Management of acute vs chronic renal failure is different. In either case, a kidney specific prescription diet is probably the number one best thing that can be done to help with kidney disease in the long-term, though hospitalization with IV fluids is often vital in cases of acute kidney injury. Other potential treatments are aimed at the potential side effects of kidney disease including protein loss in the urine, high blood pressure and imbalances of certain nutrients such as Calcium, phosphorous and potassium. I encourage you to use our consultation option to discuss this more in depth.

  

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• Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 8th, 2018

  Unfortunately this is not a question one can answer without a hands-on exam and seeing the lab reports. Sometimes fluid therapy can significantly improve blood kidney values and then the disease can be slowed down with medications, a kidney diet and regular fluids to flush out toxins and hydrate the dog.
  So you really need to sit down with your veterinarian and discuss quality of life of your dog and set a limit until when she should have improved. I know this is difficult, especially as we do not want to lose a beloved companion. But we also do not want to drag it out if there is no hope. So I think it is reasonable to wait about a week on iv fluids, anti-nausea medication, phosphor-binding medicine and a kidney diet, if she eats. If the kidney values have not significantly improved by then it may be better to let her go. But as I said, your vet is at the source, he should be able to give you a realistic outlook.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful