Kidney Disease in Dogs

Chicken jerky strips from China may cause kidney failure in dogs

The FDA and the AVMA have been issuing warnings about chicken jerky treats from China being linked to kidney failure in dogs since 2007. The latest warning came in November, 2011. Dogs in Canada are also getting sick. The cause is still unknown.

Note that these products often appear to be made in the U.S., but if you search carefully, you'll find "Made in China" in tiny print somewhere on the bag.

In May 2009, researchers in Australia reported a possible link to Veggie Dents dental chews as well.

See Recalls for more information.

Overview
- Introduction
- Links to More Information
Tests used to Diagnose Kidney Disease
Diet for Dogs with Kidney Disease
- Overview of Dietary Goals for Dogs with Kidney Disease
- Is a Low Protein Diet Necessary or Desirable?
- Table of Nutritional Values of Selected Foods
- Sample Homemade Diet for early to moderate stage kidney disease
- Nattie's Story
- Prescription Renal Diets
- Non-Prescription Commercial Diets
- Supplements
Medical Treatment for Dogs with Kidney Disease
- Phosphate Binders
- Epakitin and Azodyl
- Sub-Q Fluids
- Calcitriol
- ACE Inhibitors and Hypertension
- Acidosis and Ulcers
- Anemia
Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, nor do I have any formal training in any medical field. The information presented here is not meant to replace your vet's advice or prescribed medications, but only to suggest additional options to explore, based on your dog's condition.

Introduction

My interest in kidney disease stems from being involved with a breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei, that is prone to genetic kidney disease (renal amyloidosis), and belonging to a family that also has genetic kidney problems (my grandfather, father, uncle and sister all have had Polycystic Kidney Disease).

I have compiled information here on diet, supplements, and medical treatments for dogs with some degree of kidney disease. One of my main goals is to provide alternatives to feeding your dog k/d, which I believe is inappropriate for dogs with early-stage kidney disease. It is also a problem if your dog does not want to eat it, as many dogs do not.

The first section is about the Tests Used to Diagnose Kidney Disease. This information will help you to understand your dog's diagnosis, and decide whether additional tests might be advisable. It is important to know the severity of your dog's problem to best understand how to treat it, and it can also be meaningful to find the cause of the problem, especially in younger dogs, who may be suffering from Acute Renal Failure (ARF) rather than Chronic Renal Failure (CRF).

Next is Diet for Dogs with Kidney Disease. This section will not provide specific diets, but will give you the information you need to create your own diet that is right for your dog.

Is Feeding a Low Protein Diet Necessary or Desirable? provides links to and excerpts from a number of different articles and studies that show that feeding a low protein diet will not prolong your dog's life or slow the progression of the disease.

A Table is provided that lists nutritional values for a number of different foods you may want to feed.

Sample Daily Diet provides specific diet diet guidelines, and Nattie's diet talks about the diet and treatment that I used with my own dog.

I have also included information on Prescription Renal Diets and Non-Prescription Commercial Diets that may be able to be used for at least part of the diet for dogs with early-stage kidney disease.

Information on Supplements for dogs with kidney disease is also provided.

Last is information on Medical Treatment, including the use of Sub-Q Fluids.

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Links to More Information

Diet Information

NAT Nutritional Analysis Tools and System Calculate the nutrient content of various foods in a meal
USDA Nutrient Database or Nutrition Facts Database Look up the nutrient content of individual foods
Raw Meaty Bones Analysis Lists the nutrient content of several different raw meaty bones
Nutrition Counter Lists the amount of sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Phosphorus in various foods
Phosphorus and Calcium Guidelines Lists the amount of calcium and phosphorus in various foods
Potassium and Sodium Guidelines Lists the amount of potassium and sodium in various foods
A Guide to Good Nutrition Links to information on various foods and nutrients (human oriented)
Dietary management of chronic renal failure General information on the role of protein, phosphorus, fat, sodium, potassium and calcium in the diet of dogs with chronic renal failure.

Web Sites with Current Information on Kidney Disease

International Renal Interest Society (IRIS)See IRIS Guidelines for clearly written information on staging of CKD and treatment recommendations.
Dogs with kidney problems Excellent article on kidney disease in dogs, written by a vet
Kidney Failure in the Dog and Cat Good overview of the different types of kidney failure and their causes
Chronic Renal Failure: What You Should Know Another good overview with information on test results and treatment options
Managing a Renal Crisis
Chronic Renal Failure and Diabetes
Plan of Action for Amyloidosis Although this article is geared toward Shar-Pei with amyloidosis, it has a lot of information about various medications and dosages used to treat dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Technical

Chronic Renal Disease and Failure (CRD, CRF) Very technical but lots of good information.
Class Notes from WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Highly technical but very good information.
The Canine Kidney from the Waltham Course on Clinical Nutrition.
Chronic Renal Failure Class notes, highly technical but informative.
Chronic Renal Failure Very complete overview of different tests and treatments for various problems relating to kidney disease.
Prolonging Life and Kidney Function Very thorough overview of treatment for various aspects of kidney disease from 2009 conference proceedings.
Phosphatemia: Management in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease, A Roundtable Discussion (2006) Detailed information regarding phosphorus restriction and the use of binders.
11 guidelines for conservatively treating chronic kidney disease Written for vets but fairly easy to understand.