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If you believe you have an English Bulldog with kidney failure, you may be extremely stressed and worried about the health of the dog, and unsure of what lies ahead. The key is to have your vet to help find the severity of the disease, and the type of kidney failure that your bulldog is suffering from.
What do my bulldogs kidneys do?
A bulldogs kidneys have many functions. The main purpose of the kidneys is to remove waste products from the blood stream, regulate the levels of minerals such as potassium, sodium, conserve water and create urine.
If the kidneys become impaired, it will result in your dogs health spiraling and further health complications occurring.
What is kidney failure in English Bulldogs?
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, can be caused by a number of diseases that impact the health of your dogs kidneys.
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys have become so damaged that they can no longer perform their regular functions.
There is two different types of kidney failure:
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure is when kidney function suddenly decreases. This is generally caused by toxins with the kidney or an infection.
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure is when the kidney function gradually decreases over weeks, months or years, rather than is hours or days. It’s most commonly caused by degeneration associated with old age. All kidneys have a lifespan, but some dogs’ may deteriorate faster than others.
The big difference between the two different types of kidney failures are not only the time in which they occur, but that acute kidney failure can be treated if caught early enough, however Chronic renal failure can only be managed and not cured.
What are the causes of kidney failure in dogs?
There are several causes of kidney failure in dogs which we have listed below. Kidney failure is a common disease is dogs and does occur often in older dogs.
What are the causes of kidney failure in dogs?
Your dog ingesting toxins (Such as antifreeze, household cleaners, or bad food)
Heat Stroke
Severe Dehydration
Leptospirosis
Your dogs age
Decreased appetite
bad breath
What are the signs of kidney failure in English Bulldogs?
The common signs of kidney failure in English Bulldogs are vomiting, increased drinking and urinating, lethargy, weight loss and pale mucous membranes in your dogs mouth.
If you notice any of these signs and believe that your English Bulldog may have kidney failure, then you need to visit a veterinary professional as soon as physically possible. the sooner that kidney failure is spotted, the higher the chance that it can be treated.
Is kidney failure in English Bulldogs treatable?
The ability to treat kidney failure in English Bulldogs depends on the severity of the damage to the kidneys.
If your dog is suffering from Chronic Renal Failure then this is can't be treated. It can however be managed to help increase the quality of life for your dog and the length of their life. Dogs with Chronic Renal Failure who have the correct management treatment can end up living for a few years.
Acute kidney failure can be treated. Depending on the severity of the disease, some dogs can be treated with fluids, antibiotics and other medications. If the disease is more severe then your dog may need to be hospitalised to recover.
Preventing kidney failure in dogs
Chronic renal failure is generally caused by your dog aging - and there is unfortunately nothing that you can do to prevent this.
Acute kidney failure can however be prevented. Ensure that your dog is vaccinated against infectious diseases and also ensure that you keep anything toxic to your dog in a safe and secure place that your pet can't access.
How long can a Bulldog live with kidney failure?
The length that your bulldog can live with kidney failure completely depends on the level of severity of the disease. Bulldogs with severe kidney failure can die within 24 hours of the onset of the symptoms, in other more mild cases dogs can last weeks, months or even years.
Ensuring that the kidney failure is spotted as quickly as possible, and that your dog receives the necessary treatment is key to help prolong your dogs life as long as possible.
Conclusion
If you believe that you have an English Bulldog with kidney failure then the first thing that you should do is visit your vet as quickly as possible. The quicker that kidney failure can be diagnosed and treated, the better chances of successful treatment that your English Bulldog will have.