What the heck is Chronic Renal Failure?

Not to long ago I read this from a friend on social media. "Mr. W was diagnosed with chronic renal failure, and was admitted to the hospital this morning for IV fluid therapy. We're devastated, but praying this stabilizes him so we can get him on a good renal diet. Does anyone have any experience with CRF? The prognosis doesn't seem great, but we hope to maintain a good quality of life for him for as long as possible."

I started thinking I do not even know what this is or even the symptoms to be aware of if a dog displayed the condition.
Which is why I decide to take a look at this medical condition and at least learn what are the symptoms are. Better known as Kidney Disease, Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) is a very serious disease. 

Remember all of the warnings we put out every winter about exposure to chemicals such as antifreeze? It turns out that Antifreeze poisoning is one of the most common forms of poisoning in small animals, and this is because it is so commonly found in households. I wondered how could an animal get hold of antifreeze in the first place. I have heard of dogs drinking antifreeze left out in pans when the radiator is drained and new fluid being put it. But that just did not explain the whole story since most people do not change their own car fluids.

Then I came across the rest of the answer.

"Antifreeze poisoning typically happens when antifreeze drips from a car’s radiator, where it is licked off the ground and ingested by a pet.  Your dog may also come into contact with antifreeze that has been added to a toilet bowl. This occurs in homes where the residents will use antifreeze during the cold months to "winterize" their pipes. Even if you do not take this action in your own home, it is something to be aware of when visiting other homes, or when vacationing at a winter residence."¹

 It is the toxin ethylene glycol that makes antifreeze lethal. Because of this, dogs will consume great quantities of ethylene glycol before being repulsed by its aftertaste. By then, it is too late. It does not take a significant amount of ethylene glycol to cause fatal damage to the system; less than three ounces (or 88 ml) of antifreeze is sufficient to poison a medium-sized dog. Antifreeze poisoning affects the brain, liver, and kidneys.¹
Kidney disease (also referred to in medical terminology as renal disease), is a common finding in cats and dogs. especially those who are reaching their senior years.

In acute disease, such as a toxicity, the signs occur suddenly and can be very severe.

In kidney disease, the onset may be very slow and the signs fairly nonspecific, i.e., the animal is "just not doing well."

What are the other causes of Renal Disease/ Kidney Disease?

 How can I tell if my dog has Kidney Disease?

Your veterinarian will also be looking for:

Your vet will be looking for information that would have caused a sudden kidney injury

Kidney failure or obstruction to urine output may be due to any of the following: Kidney inflammation, Kidney or urethral stones, Presence of foreign bodies in the ureter(s), Damaged kidney tissue that causes back-flow of urine, the list goes on.

The only warning we as dog parents, might notice is that our dog might appear normal, but be in a depressed state. You might notice loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, fever, abnormally fast or slow pulse. change in the urine output. Not much for us to go on is there.

Diagnosis

A complete blood profile will be conducted by your veterinarian, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Dogs with acute uremia may have high packed cell volume and an increased white blood cell count. The levels of certain protein enzymes and chemicals such as creatinine, phosphate, glucose, glucose, and potassium will also be high.
Urine may be collected by inserting a catheter or by fine needle aspiration into the dog; the results of which may show high levels of protein, glucose, and the presence of blood cells. In order to view and examine the urinary system clearly, contrast dyes may be injected into the bladder so that the interior of the bladder, the ureters, and the kidney are illuminated on X-ray and ultrasonography imaging.

Two terms we need to be aware of

Chronic renal failure, commonly referred to as kidney disease, occurs when there is long-standing, irreversible kidney damage that impairs the kidney’s ability to filter and remove waste products from the blood. It is a progressive condition that can continue for months or even years without detection. It occurs gradually over months or years and can cause severe damage that prevents the kidneys from functioning properly. Chronic renal failure is one of the most common forms of kidney failure and one of the major causes of illness and death in older dogs.
Acute renal failure affects dogs of all ages but is more prevalent in younger dogs. Causes include kidney disease, kidney trauma, congenital disorders, cancer, infections, leptospirosis, lyme disease, and poisoning causes by the ingestion of toxins that attack the kidneys such as antifreeze. Low blood pressure, low blood volume, heart failure.

Additional warnings and support.

 To help prevent renal failure, keep your dog away from poisons including antifreeze (ethylene glycol), aspirin, grapes, and raisins.
Feeding your dog a high-quality, well-balanced diet will also help keep your dog's kidneys functioning properly and help avoid health issues, including renal failure.

 For those who prefer to make their own dogs food here is a recipe you might find helpful.