How is chronic renal failure in dogs treated?
Most cases of CRF are irreversible & treatment is based on managing the condition With proper treatment, your dog may still have many months or years of life ahead. Reducing the level of toxins in the dog is important. Fresh drinking water, available 24/7 is extremely important as these dogs need to compensate for large urine outputs. Treatment may include: • Fluids: Administration of fluids subcutaneously to treat dehydration & electrolyte imbalances. • Prescription diet: Such a prescription diet contains a lower percentage of protein and less phosphorus than normal dog food. Dogs need protein every day for growth, building muscles and repairing tissue. After the body uses the protein in the foods, a waste product called urea is made. Dogs with kidney failure are not able to get rid of this urea normally. Damaged kidneys may not be able to remove phosphorus from the blood. This causes the level of phosphorus in the blood to become too high. A high blood phosphorus level may cause the
