Canine Renal Failure Trivia Quiz

Answer: True

There are two types of renal failure. The first one is chronic and the second one is acute. Chronic renal failure is irreversible, with the kidneys dying over the course of a few months to a few years. Dogs that are born with chronic renal failure rarely live past five years old. Acute renal failure is sometimes reversible, but this is not a guarantee.

The only way it can be reversed is if you catch the signs of this disease before it's too late.

Answer: Nephrons

The funnel-shaped tubes in the kidneys are called nephrons. Nephrons are responsible for filtering and reabsorbing the fluids that balance the body. Unfortunately, they can be easily damaged. Some of the things that can damage the nephrons are poisons, cancer, auto immune diseases and a genetic predisposition.

In a healthy kidney, these nephrons filter poisons in the body. When a dog is born with chronic renal failure the nephrons have to work harder, even though most of them are dying, but the good thing about nephrons is that they are always replacing themselves.

However, eventually the chronic renal failure gets to be too much for the nephrons and they can't keep reproducing. Eventually the dog begins to emit the signs of this disease, but by then it's too late for the veterinarian and owner to do anything about it.

When a dog has acute renal failure, the nephrons don't have time to replace themselves because the attack is so sudden. If acute renal failure is caught in time, not all of the nephrons will die.

The kidneys can function properly with 25 percent of the nephrons functioning. If the nephrons drop below 25 percent, kidney failure becomes irreversible.

Answer: Urea and Creatinine

When kidneys fail, they can't clear the blood of toxins. Because of the inability to clear the toxins, urea and creatinine are abnormally high in the failing kidneys. Urea is a nitrogen-containing by-product of protein metabolism, and creatinine is a chemical by-product of muscle exertion. Failing kidneys produce diluted urine or urine that is high in protein.

Healthy kidneys always produce urine that is yellowish and protein free.

Answer: False

Even ingesting a teaspoon of ethylene glycol-based antifreeze can cause the kidneys to shut down. When this happens, the dog goes into acute renal failure. The antifreeze forms crystals in the nephrons, therefore killing them so fast that the nephrons can't recover.

Answer: Blood and urine tests

At least once a year a blood test and a urine test should be done. The blood test isn't just for the kidneys, it's for all the organs of the body. The urine test will show if the kidneys are working properly, and if they have an unusually high level of protein.

Answer: All of these

When a dog loses weight suddenly or has pale gums, labored breathing, or pale eye lids, this is usually a sign of renal failure, either acute or chronic. Many dogs with chronic renal failure are anemic, which causes paleness of the mucous membranes. If you notice that your dog has lost a large amount of weight in a short period of time, you should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Answer: Yes

A tendency to bleed or bruise easily is a sign of chronic renal failure. If you notice that your dog tends to bleed easily, take him or her to the veterinarian to determine if it is indeed renal failure. Some of the illnesses or diseases have the same signs as renal failure.

Answer: Severe diarrhea

Severe diarrhea is not a sign of renal failure. When a dog who loves to eat suddenly loses its appetite you should take the dog to the vet. Also, if your dog frequently vomits or shows weakness and exercise intolerance, you should take your dog to the vet. These are signs of chronic renal failure.

Answer: True

A special diet can help a dog who has chronic renal failure live longer, although this is not a guarantee. The dog's quality of life should always be first and foremost in your mind.

Answer: Stiff-legged gait and arched back

A stiff-legged gait and arched back is a sign of painful kidneys in acute renal failure patients. Other signs of acute renal failure include: dehydration and little or no urine production. Signs for chronic renal failure include: bad breath, excessive shedding, excessive dandruff, increased thirst, increased urination, loss of appetite, and frequent vomiting. All information was received from Dr. Martin McGuire, VMD, and the Canine Kidney Disease website. Junior says "thank you" for taking this quiz.