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Renal anemia

Renal anemia is a form of anemia that occurs in dogs with chronic renal insufficiency. The kidneys are responsible for producing a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. When kidney function declines, erythropoietin production also decreases and there is a shortage of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. In this article, you will learn how to recognize and treat renal anaemia in your dog.

Symptoms of renal anemia

The symptoms of renal anemia are similar to other forms of anemia. Your dog may show the following signs:

  • Pale mucous membranes
  • Weakness and tiredness
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss
  • Increased heart rate and shortness of breath
  • Reduced performance and zest for life

The symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the anemia. Some dogs show only mild changes, while others are severely affected. To determine the degree of anemia, a blood count must be carried out by a vet. In particular, the hematocrit value is measured, which indicates the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume. The normal hematocrit in a dog is between 44-57%. Anemia is present when the value falls below 37%.

Causes of renal anemia

The most common cause of renal anemia is chronic renal insufficiency, which often occurs in older dogs. The kidney cells gradually lose their function and can no longer filter the blood sufficiently. The result is an accumulation of waste products in the blood, which can lead to symptoms of intoxication. In addition, the production of erythropoietin decreases, which leads to reduced blood formation.

However, there are also other possible causes of renal anemia,such as:

  • Infections or inflammation of the kidneys
  • Tumors or cysts in the kidneys
  • Autoimmune diseases that attack the kidneys
  • Poisoning or medication that damages the kidneys
  • Hereditary or congenital kidney diseases

To determine the exact cause of the anemia, the vet will need to perform a blood count, a urinalysis and, if necessary, an ultrasound scan or a kidney biopsy.

Treatment of renal anemia

The treatment of renal anemia depends on the underlying cause. If possible, this should be treated or eliminated in order to improve kidney function. This may mean, for example, that your dog is given anti-inflammatory or antibiotic medication or that a tumor is surgically removed.

In addition, your dog may receive erythropoietin therapy to stimulate the production of red blood cells. The hormone is administered either as an injection under the skin or as a tablet. The dosage must be adjusted individually and checked regularly to avoid overdoses or side effects.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to give your dog a blood transfusion to raise the haematocrit level quickly. This is particularly useful if your dog is showing severe symptoms or if the erythropoietin therapy is not working sufficiently.

In addition to medical treatment, it is also important to provide your dog with a kidney-friendly diet. This means giving him a special diet food that has a reduced protein, phosphorus and sodium content. These nutrients can put additional strain on the kidneys and worsen the anemia. You should also make sure that your dog always has enough fresh water available to flush the kidneys and maintain fluid balance.

Prevention of renal anemia

Renal anemia cannot always be prevented,as it is often a result of age-related or genetic kidney disease.However, you can take some measuresto reduce the risk or detect anemia at an early stage:

  • Have your dog checked regularly by the vet, especially if he is older or belongs to a breed that is prone to kidney disease.
  • Watch for possible symptoms of anemia or kidney failure in your dog and consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect it.
  • Avoid giving your dog medication that can damage the kidneys, such as painkillers or dewormers. Always ask your vet for advice before giving your dog anything.
  • Protect your dog from infections or parasites that can attack the kidneys. Keep him away from dirty water or other potential sources of infection and ensure regular vaccination and parasite prophylaxis.
  • Offer your dog a balanced and high-quality diet that does not overburden his kidneys. Avoid giving him too much protein or salty snacks.

Renal anemia is a serious condition that occurs in dogs with chronic renal insufficiency. It leads to a lack of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. Symptoms include paleness, weakness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. Treatment consists of the administration of erythropoietin, a blood transfusion or treatment of the underlying cause. To prevent renal anemia, you should have your dog examined regularly by a vet and offer him a diet that is gentle on the kidneys.

The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.

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