Can a tick bite cause kidney failure in dogs?
A small percentage of dogs that get Lyme disease may get Lyme nephritis. This is a kidney disease thought (right now) to be caused by antibody/antigen immune complex formation that are deposited in the kidneys and lead to acute renal failure. These dogs have, unfortunately, a universally grave prognosis.
What does an elevated BUN level mean for a dog?
BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen and is the primary end product of protein metabolism. High levels indicate kidney failure or disease, dehydration, shock, high protein diet, certain toxin ingestions, poor circulation to the kidneys and urinary obstruction.
How do you treat high bun in dogs?
Nutritional supplements that reduce BUN (Azodyl) and phosphorus levels (Epakitin) in the blood. Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the kidneys. Medications to treat or prevent stomach ulcers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, sucralfate) Potassium supplements.
What does it mean when your dog has elevated BUN?
However, when combined with other tests of kidney function, an elevated BUN can alert the doctor to a potential problem with the kidneys. Creatinine is a much more sensitive test of kidney dysfunction. Even small elevations of this enzyme can indicate significant kidney problems.
How are bun and creatinine levels measured in dogs?
The BUN and creatinine levels are frequently part of a blood test known as a chemistry panel, so they are often evaluated during routine wellness checkups or pre-surgery screening in healthy pets. Often, the BUN and creatinine levels are evaluated along with other blood tests that screen for abnormalities involving the kidneys.
How often should you do a bun value test on your dog?
If they weren’t, it’s likely your dog’s BUN value of 40 is nothing to worry about. However, re-do the test every few months, especially if you have an older dog since kidney disease is more common in senior animals. Let’s take a look at some commonly performed tests and what they mean.
What should the bun level be for kidney failure?
Many patients presented in renal failure have BUN levels of 90 or higher! Similarly, Creatinine, a chemical normally present in the blood at levels less than 1.0 mg/dl, may rise to over 8 mg/dl. Treatment for Kidney Failure In human medicine, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the main methods of dealing with advanced kidney failure.
What does high bun and creatinine levels in dogs mean?
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images High levels of creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen) in dogs is usually a sign of poor health. Most commonly, these levels are associated with the kidneys and can indicate that your dog is experiencing kidney disease or even kidney failure.
If they weren’t, it’s likely your dog’s BUN value of 40 is nothing to worry about. However, re-do the test every few months, especially if you have an older dog since kidney disease is more common in senior animals. Let’s take a look at some commonly performed tests and what they mean.
Many patients presented in renal failure have BUN levels of 90 or higher! Similarly, Creatinine, a chemical normally present in the blood at levels less than 1.0 mg/dl, may rise to over 8 mg/dl. Treatment for Kidney Failure In human medicine, dialysis and kidney transplantation are the main methods of dealing with advanced kidney failure.
What should I Feed my Dog with high BUN levels?
Feed your dog a diet that is formulated for those with high creatinine and BUN levels. This is typically a high-quality, low-protein and low-phosphorus diet.