What Are Common Causes Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
Any disease that impacts the kidneys may cause the kidneys to fail, such as:
Congenital Disease: This category is comprised of hereditary conditions and underlying illnesses – everything from cysts to agenesis .
Dental Disease: Advanced dental disease can result from the buildup of bacteria on teeth and gums. The bacteria accumulates here, then enters the bloodstream to attack multiple organs, causing irreversible damage to kidneys, along with the liver and heart.
Bacterial Infections: Drinking or swimming in contaminated water is a hazard, as the system becomes susceptible to bacterial infections including leptospirosis. This can result in inflamed kidneys and renal cells being killed.
Toxicosis: If the kidneys are poisoned, this can cause cells within the kidneys to become damaged. This can happen if your dog consumes drugs or poisons .
Geriatric Degeneration: Cells within the kidneys may break down and die as your dog ages, which can lead to kidney disease.
What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor
You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
- What type of food intolerance do I have?
- What foods or ingredients should I avoid?
- Am I at risk for other problems?
- Should I look out for signs of complications?
A note from Cleveland Clinic
A food intolerance can cause stomach upset and other digestive problems after you consume certain foods or drinks. Having a food intolerance isnt the same as having a food allergy. Food allergies cause an immune system response that can be life-threatening. Most people with food intolerances can have small amounts of those foods without distressing symptoms. A food diary and elimination diet can help determine if you have a food intolerance.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/11/2021.
References
Nutritional Advice From Doctors And Hospitals
Very commonly, kidney failure is associated with heart disease and diabestes. The standard heart healthy diet recommendations are geared to high levels of whole grain intake. Subsequently, many of these patients are instructed to eat a diet high in whole grains and low in proteins. This combination is deadly for those with gluten induced kidney damage. If you are not sure whether gluten is playing a role in your disease, get genetically tested for gluten sensitivity.
If you have kidney disease, including renal stones, make sure your doctor checks your 25 OH D levels . Additionally, make sure that he measures for other nutritional deficiencies as well. Malabsorption is a common cause of secondary diseases for those with intolerance or sensitivity to gluten.
All the best,
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Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most people, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day is a healthy target.
Food Allergies And Sensitivities
Food allergies, such as allergies to nuts or shellfish, are caused by a problem with your immune system. Food sensitivities or intolerances, such as reactions to wheat or milk, are caused by a problem with your digestive system. Food allergies can be life-threatening. A sensitivity or intolerance to a food can be uncomfortable, but it is rarely life-threatening. Also, even if you are sensitive to a food, you may still be able to enjoy it in small amounts.
- Office of Nutrition Research, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health
- Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, U.S. Department of Agriculture
- Food and Drug Administration
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Dairy And Our Kidneys
When it comes to dairy products in our everyday food intake, most people would say that they have milk or other dairy products daily, if not more! Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurts, pudding and ice cream are some of the favorite dairy products of young and old alike. Dairy products are naturally abundant in protein, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. All of these nutrients are important for our bodys many functions.
Healthy kidneys help remove waste products and extra fluid from the blood and help balance the levels of salt and minerals in the body. As kidney function declines, protein waste products, fluid, salt and minerals can rise to unsafe levels in the body and this may mean that dairy products must be limited.
A closer look at these key nutrients in dairy foods will help those with decreased kidney function understand the importance of limiting dairy foods.
Treating Food Allergy Or Intolerance
The easiest way to treat a food allergy or intolerance is to eliminate the offending food/s from the diet. Sometimes, the body can tolerate the food if it is avoided for a time, then reintroduced in small doses, particularly for food intolerances. Before you eliminate or reintroduce foods, seek advice from a specialist doctor and dietitian.
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What Increases Your Risk
You have a greater chance of developing food allergies if you:
- Have a family history of allergy. If both of your parents have allergies, you are more likely to have allergies.
- Have another allergic condition such as atopic dermatitis or asthma.
- Are young. Infants and children have more food allergies than adults.
You have a greater risk for a life-threatening allergic reaction from food allergy if you:
- Under-utilize or delay the use of epinephrine.
- Have an underlying cardiac disease.
- Have had a previous anaphylactic reaction.
If you or your child has a severe food allergy, always carry epinephrine and know how to use it. You should also wear a medical alert bracelet at all times. Being prepared to immediately deal with a severe allergic reaction reduces the risk of death.
How Is A Food Intolerance Managed Or Treated
You may need to change your diet to limit or eliminate problem foods. Many people with food intolerances find that consuming small amounts of food causes few symptoms if any. When symptoms occur, over-the-counter medicines like antacids or antidiarrheals can help.
People who are lactose intolerant can consume lactose-free milk and dairy products. You can also buy lactase enzymes at drugstores. You can take lactase pills before consuming dairy products or add lactase drops directly to milk to break down the lactose.
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What Foods Most Often Cause A Food Allergy
A few foods cause most allergies. The protein in a food that causes an allergy is called a food allergen. The most common food allergies according to Health Canada are:
If you are allergic to one food, you may also be allergic to other foods like it. So if you are allergic to shrimp, you may also be allergic to lobster or crab.
What Are Signs Of Kidney Failure In Dogs
Watch for these common symptoms of kidney failure:
- Breath that smells like chemicals
- Significant decrease in appetite
- Increase or decrease in water intake
- Increase or decrease in urine volume
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Drunken behavior or uncoordinated movement such as stumbling
- Intestinal seizures
A few factors can indicate whether kidney problems or other issues such as diabetes mellitus are causing the symptoms, such as: the type of kidney failure your dog may be experiencing, the extent of loss of function in the kidneys, progression of the condition and its underlying causes.
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When Should You Call Your Doctor
Give an epinephrine shot if:
- You think you are having a severe allergic reaction.
- You have symptoms in more than one body area, such as mild nausea and an itchy mouth.
After giving an epinephrine shot, call 911, even if you feel better.
911 if you have:
- Rapid swelling of the throat or tongue.
- Trouble breathing, are wheezing, or have a deep cough, a pale face, or blue lips or earlobes.
- Signs of shock, including:
- Light-headedness or a feeling that you are about to pass out.
- Restlessness, confusion, or a sense of impending doom.
- Moist, cool skin, or heavy sweating.
- Weakness, thirst, nausea, or vomiting.
If you see someone having a severe allergic reaction and the person becomes unconscious, 911 or other emergency services immediately.
If your food allergy symptoms are getting worse, call your doctor. It’s important to know which foods are to blame so that you can avoid them.
If your food allergy symptoms don’t get worse or aren’t too severe or bothersome, you can try removing suspect foods from your diet to see if symptoms disappear.
Effect Of Diet On Gut Microbiota
Many studies have demonstrated that the composition of the gut microbiota is modulated by dietary habits. However, there are limited data on the effects of gluten-free or dairy-free diets on intestinal microbiome. A gluten-free diet is currently the only treatment for celiac disease, and it has been shown that the bacterial composition of the gut is altered in treated and untreated adults with celiac disease . However, a gluten-free diet may not completely restore the natural balance of the microbiome in those patients with gluten sensitivity. In a study by De Palma et al., gluten-free diet in healthy adults led to modifications of both the composition and immune properties of gut microbiota. Adults on gluten-free diet had a decreased number of healthy gut bacteria and increased number of potentially unhealthy bacteria . However, a gluten-free diet also led to a significant reduction of bacteria-induced cytokine production as a result of the reduction of total bacterial load .
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Eat The Right Amount Of Calories
Calories are like fuel and give your body energy. Calories come from the protein, fat and carbs in your diet. How many calories you need depends on your age, gender, body size and activity level.
You may need to adjust how many calories you eat to stay at a healthy weight. Some people will need to limit the calories they eat. Others may need to have more calories. Your doctor or dietitian can help you figure out how many calories you should have each day.
Food Sensitivity And Nephrotic Syndrome
The first study to investigate the link between nephrotic syndrome and cows milk sensitivity was conducted by Sandberg et al. in 1977 . Sensitivity to cows milk was investigated in six children ages 1013 y old with frequently relapsing, steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome. During the study period, prednisone was discontinued and the subjects were placed on a liquid elemental diet. Remission occurred quickly within 10 d in three of the six patients. Protein excretion decreased to less than 500mg/24h. The reintroduction of cows milk resulted in significant proteinuria and edema. Four of the six subjects were able to maintain remission on a milk proteinfree diet while the other two subjects experienced relapses. When prednisone 20mg was added and the diet was restricted further to exclude cereal grains, relapses were controlled.
Table 1 Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and food sensitivity: summary of case reports
In 1992, Sieniawska et al. evaluated the effects of a milk-protein free diet in 17 patients, ages 115 y with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Of the 17 subjects, 6 responded to the milk proteinfree diet with remission of nephrotic syndrome. In all six subjects, proteinuria resolved within 38 d of starting the diet. Full remission was achieved within 23wk. Clinical signs of allergy such as eczema and bronchitis were observed in four of the six children who responded to the diet.
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Pretzels Chips And Crackers
Ready-to-eat snack foods like pretzels, chips, and crackers tend to be lacking in nutrients and relatively high in salt.
Also, its easy to eat more than the recommended portion size of these foods, often leading to even greater salt intake than intended.
Whats more, if chips are made from potatoes, theyll contain a significant amount of potassium as well.
SUMMARY
Pretzels, chips, and crackers are easily consumed in large portions and tend to contain high amounts of salt. Additionally, chips made from potatoes provide a considerable amount of potassium.
Food Intolerance Definition: What Is It
If you want to know if you have a food intolerance, its important to first learn what it is exactly. The following food intolerance definition is a good starting point.
A food intolerance is caused by the lack of an enzyme that our bodies need to digest certain foods. A healthy system can accommodate the food we eat, break it down, process it and eliminate the waste. However, a person with a food sensitivity lacks a specific enzyme or chemical to process specific foods or elements normally. This results in various symptoms and is known as intolerance. Some food intolerance symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
The real issue is that a food intolerance can have serious effects over time. The continued intake of sensitive food or elements can cause local inflammation. Consequently, this inflammation can spread to other cells and tissues. This can cause chronic conditions such as psoriasis, IBS, painful migraines, ADHD, sinusitis, heart problems, diabetes, and arthritis.
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Foods To Avoid With Kidney Disease And Diabetes
Your kidneys are organs that play several important roles in your health. They help filter your blood, remove waste products, produce hormones, keep your bones strong, regulate fluid balance, and regulate your blood pressure.
Unfortunately, your kidneys can get damaged and become less efficient over time. This is commonly called kidney disease, and it affects around 10% of adults globally (
2 ).
Prolonged high blood sugar levels may damage your blood vessels, including those in your kidneys. As a result, about 1 in 3 adults with diabetes also have kidney disease .
Dietary guidelines for kidney disease and diabetes vary based on the stage of kidney disease. The goal is to prevent the buildup of various chemicals, nutrients, and waste products in the blood to preserve kidney function.
People with kidney disease and diabetes should monitor their intake of sugar and the minerals sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Generally, people with kidney disease should consume no more than 2,300 mg each of sodium. They should also monitor their potassium and phosphorus intakes according to their doctors advice 30726-5/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 3).
The National Kidney Foundations most recent Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines dont set specific limits on potassium or phosphorus 30726-5/fulltext” rel=”nofollow”> 3).
Can Gluten Cause Kidney Disease Sum It All Up
We cant overlook the overwhelming evidence linking the effects gluten has on genetically susceptible individuals and kidney disease. Thus, its imperative to keep tabs on your kidney if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Similarly, if youre diagnosed with kidney disease, talk with your doctor about eliminating gluten from your diet. It might be an important and critical step in your recovery.
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What Causes Henoch
Doctors dont know for sure what causes HSP. But its thought to be triggered by infections . Other possible causes include medicines and food allergies. Some people might have a genetic risk for the condition. Researchers continue to look for the exact cause of HSP.
HSP happens when the immune system doesn’t work as it should. A protein called immunoglobulin A that normally works to fight infections gets deposited in the blood vessels. This leads to the vasculitis.
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is the most common vasculitis in children. It can happen at any age, but is most common in kids 2 to 6 years old. Usually, boys are affected about twice as often as girls. It happens more often in the fall and winter months.
Why Is A Kidney
A kidney-friendly eating plan helps you manage your kidney disease and slow down damage to your kidneys. It does this by preventing certain minerals from building up in your body, which is important because your kidneys do not work as well to remove waste products from your body.
A kidney-friendly eating plan also helps prevent other serious health problems and controls high blood pressure and diabetes, which can prevent kidney disease from getting worse.
It also ensures that you get the right balance of nutrients to help you:
- Have energy to do your daily tasks
- Prevent infection
- Stay at a healthy weight
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Common Causes Of Renal Failure In Cats
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is one of the most common causes of severe illnesses in cats, especially in older cats. There are two categories of renal failure in cats: acute renal failure and chronic renal failure. Signs of acute renal failure usually manifest over a week or months time, while chronic renal failure is present for a longer period. The risk for cat kidney failure is higher in certain breeds like Persians or Angoras, but the disease is typically acquired.
Potential causes of kidney failure in cats include:
- High blood pressure
- Obstructions such as kidney stones
- Ingestion of toxic substances, such as antifreeze, pesticides, medications and cleaning chemicals
- Advanced dental disease
- Some long-haired breeds have a genetic predisposition to the disease
- Age older than seven years
- A food high in phosphorus or increased levels of protein can increase the diseases progression
- Outdoor cats have a higher risk for acute problems due to their potential increased exposure to toxins
Starting A Food Trial
Starting your dog on a food trial means your pet will eat a prescription diet and absolutely nothing else for a couple of months to see if symptoms resolve.
If they do, some veterinarians will suggest going back to the dogs old diet to see if symptoms return to ensure that the dog is truly allergic to one or more ingredients in their regular diet.
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