Chronic Renal Failure

Question: If someone has acute renal failure what factors would cause it to progress to chronic renal failure? My mom has had an ulcer on her leg for sometime. It got infected right before her vacation and 3 days later she came back home disoriented, with fever and acute renal failure (kidney failure). This was nearly a month ago. (Sept. 20th) What would cause her to progress to chronic renal failure and have to be on dialysis for the rest of her life????

Answer: Renal failure can occur for many different reasons. The chance of reversal depends on the cause. Acute renal failure can occur from decreased blood flow to the kidney, structural damage to the kidney or obstruction of urine flow from the kidney. These conditions can be caused by various things such as dehydration, congestive heart disease, infection and medications. Sometimes treating the underlying problem or removing the offending agent is enough to improve kidney function. However, sometimes the damage to the kidney is too severe to be reversed resulting in chronic renal failure.

Question: Is a cat with chronic renal failure in pain? My act is in stage 2 of chronic renal failure. My vet says that he feels no pain and this is not a painful condition until the very end when he will develop sores and ulcers. I read from other posters on these boards that a cat with his condition is in fact in pain. So what is your experience?

Answer: I seen a lot of cats with renal failure. It's always hard to judge if a cat's in pain, but I would say it's more misery than pain with renal failure. They are very ill, and probably feel sick and weak and generally lousy. I've also known a couple of people who have had kidney infections, and they say it is extremely painful - but that would depend on whether your cat's kidney's are failing from infection or not. Again I'd say, from the cats I've seen, it's more misery than pain. You know your own cat, you'll know when he's so unhappy that he no longer has any quality of life. Then you'll know when it's time to take the kindest option. Chalice

Question: My dog has chronic renal failure, can you help me? My Pomeranian was diagnosed with chronic renal failure and congestive heart failure about 3 months ago. She gets fluids twice daily and she is on epogen 3 times a week. She now has problems standing and does not seem to be improving. When is the right time to put her to sleep or is there anything out there I can use to give her more energy. I am trying not to be selfish for myself, however I do not know if she is suffering. She is eating, however rarely has a bowel movement. Someone please help!!

Answer: Hello, Lynn; I truly feel for you! I know what I went through, when my dog died way before his time, and your pain has to be worse, becuase you see the slow, and painful end... where mine was killed by an irresponsible sitter, letting him run into the street to get killed instantly... but I have to agree whole-heartedly with rescue member; if it's time to end her pain, then you'll have to do it. The very word chronic indicates that this will not get better, only worsen. Since our babies cannot speak to us, and tell us what they want, or how much pain they're in, then it's the best thing to do... only make certain that she is in a comfortable setting, and that you are by her side...however hurtful it may be... remember, it's for her, not you. I also agree with rescue member in that it's not a betrayal to get another dog, ASAP... pour your love and your hurt into this new puppy, and it can only be a tribute to her; a healing to you, and a service to another sweet, innocent soul: get another dog FAST! When my Milo died, my parents urged me to do the same... I was lucky enough to get one of his brothers from another litter... Bandido has been with me now for 3 1/2 years now, and I promised I'd protect him, and NOT let him stay with anyone else but me; even though I never accused/blamed, or scoled my neighbors, (it would have done no good, and they actually moved away because of the ordeal!), I made a promise to myself that this new dog would lead a charmed life... Bandido is a Jack Russell Terrier, and has flown with me 8 times (yes, right on the plane with me!), and is the sort of dog that everyone looks at and either says; "AWWWW" or "I wish I had a dog like that!"; he's one of the best trained (by me!) dogs I've had, a model! So, do yourself and a dog a big favor, and get a new pup, as soon as you can. I hope my experience & opinion has helped in some way! God Bless; Marcos

Question: What can be given to patient of chronic renal failure on hemodialysis when serum phosphorus too high serum PTH? To nephrologist what medication can be given to patient of chronic renal failure on hemodialysis when serum phosphorus too high as well as serum PTH

Answer: As well as the medications the others have suggested, the most important thing to give is vitamin D. Healthy kidneys convert inactive 25-hydroxyvitamin D into the active form - 1, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (aka calcitriol), with an enzyme called 1-alpha hydroxylase. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys aren't able to activate enough vitamin D. Vit D is crucial for stimulating absorption of calcium from the gut and stimulating retention of calcium in the kidneys. So too little active Vit D leads to calcium deficiency. Low calcium leads to release of PTH (parathyroid hormone) from the parathyroid glands. PTH releases calcium from the bones, to try and maintain the blood calcium level. It also releases lots of phosphate from the bones. In a healthy person, the high PTH would stimulate excretion of all the excess phosphate in the urine, but in someone with kidney failure, this doesn't happen, so it builds up. High phosphate stimulates more PTH release and it's a vicious circle. The first and most important treatment option is to give 1,25-vitamin D (calcitriol).

Question: What's the safest class of antihypertensive in near end stage chronic renal failure? Person with hypertension (eg. BP of 170/110 persistently elevated) and close to end stage chronic renal disease (say eGFR of <15). Waiting for dialysis. Meanwhile, what class (or combination of classes) of antihypertensive is/are safest to use? Thanks.

Answer: This would be better discussed with the person's physician. But suspect Beta Blocker would be safest.

Question: Are their any foods a dog can eat when suffering from Chronic Renal Failure? My pomeranian is suffering from Chronic Renal Failure. I have prescribed food, however, it is common for dogs suffering from this disease to become very picky. I have been using chicken broth and chunks of baked chicken to mix with her food. Does anyone know of any thing else I can feed her that is allowed in her condition/

Answer: The best thing a dog owner can do is buy 3 books one 1) on vet med 2) on training 3) on the breed you have This is your best help. You will get a lot of wrong answers here-but some are good

Question: what does the nephrons have to do with chronic renal failure? what part of the kidney is damaged in chronic renal failure?

Answer: The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney that removes waste and excess substances from the blood to be excreted in the urine or reabsorbed into the blood depending on the needs of the body. About one million nephrons are in the cortex (surface or outer layer) of each kidney, and each one consists of a renal corpuscle and a renal tubule which carry out the functions of the nephron. Nephrons also regulate blood volume and pressure, control levels of electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. Its functions are vital to life. The millions of nephrons in the kidneys allow them to sustain a certain amount of damage. The kidneys cannot however, replace damaged nephrons, so once damage occurs, it is irreversible. Because of their large reserve capacity the first signs and symptoms of kidney disease are not typically seen until at least half of the total nephrons are damaged. With the destruction of the nephrons your kidneys can't function properly, they lose their filtering ability causing dangerous levels of fluid and waste to accumulate. This condition is called renal failure and can lead to complications listed in the website below: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-failure/DS00682/DSECTION=7 Renal failure can be divided into two groups: *Acute (a rapid onset) renal failure is often the result of major damage to the kidneys, such as infection, decreased blood flow to the kidneys, drugs that can be harmful to the kidneys, toxins, or blockage of urine outflow from the kidneys, such as stones lodged in the ureters or urethra. *Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over time with few signs or symptoms in the early stages. Many people with chronic kidney failure don't realize they have a problem until their kidney function has decreased to less than 25 percent of normal. High blood pressure and diabetes are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure. For other causes of chronic renal failure check out this website: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-failure/DS00682/DSECTION=3

Question: Aniemia frequently found in persons with chronic renal failure can be best explained in what terms? Aniemia frequently found in persons with chronic renal failure can be best explained in what terms?

Answer: The anemia due to erythropoetin deficiency. Erythropoetin is a glycoprotein hormone secreted chiefly by the kidney. Erythopoetin acts on the bone marrow cells causing them to stimulate red cell production. This should help you: http://www.medstudents.com.br/nefro/nefro4.htm http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000471.htm http://www.nephrologychannel.com/crf/symptoms.shtml

Question: Doctor Diagnoses me with Chronic Renal Failure? I did have a heart test used dye doing the test and dye doing bone scan of my back will this cause Chronic Renal Kailure?

Answer: It can be toxic to the kidneys but doubt that it would have caused CRF. Are you diabetic? Do you take Metformin?

Question: My cat is in the end stages of chronic renal failure? I have been giving him SQ fluids and injections to boost his rbc, but they aren't working anymore. He is now extremely lethargic, weak, dehydrated and he recently stopped eating. I'm having a difficult time making the final decision. I can't tell if he is in pain. Does anyone have any experience with the end? Is it time to put him to sleep? I don't want him to suffer. Thank you everyone. I put him to rest just a little while ago. I think it was the right thing to do.

Answer: I don't have experience with renal failure, but my 16 year old cat developed a heart condition. We tried to treat it with meds but he was lethargic and stopped eating. We ended up force feeding him with special food for about a week but he was just miserable. It was so hard but we finally had to bring him in and let him rest. The vet said he wasn't in pain but he wasn't enjoying anything anymore. I'm so sorry you have to make this decision.

Question: At what age should an indoor cat be take a chronic renal failure test? If a cat has no symptoms of CRF (touch wood) at what age should an indoor cat be take a chronic renal failure test? what will be done and needed? how often should a test be administered?

Answer: That depends. Has the cat eaten a kibble diet its whole life? Do you have reason to suspect kidney damage? Is he/she drinking a lot more water than usual? Vomiting? Bad breath? If your cat has been on kibble its whole life I would say start looking for possible symptoms at 10 years old or earlier. Kibble does your cat's kidneys no favors and is widely thought to be the main cause of CRF in cats. If your cat has eaten all commercial canned food its whole life then you're probably good until 15 years old or better. Grains are inappropriate cat food and cause undue stress on all the organs, but at least canned food contains moisture that the kidneys need. If your cat has eaten a prey model or whole prey diet its whole life CRF really isn't a concern. Skip CRF testing unless you see symptoms.

Question: How long can a dog with chronic renal failure live? My 9-year old was diagnosed a couple months ago and has about 40% kidney function right now...he's on medications, diet, etc...how much longer can he possibly live?

Answer: Doing dialysis, IV's regularly, and proper meds & diet it could be years. But, even with those things, it could be weeks to months. No hard and fast facts when it comes to longevity of sick animals (including humans). My cat was given a matter of weeks to live with Cancer and went on for 6 months. One never knows.

Question: How can i sale my formulation of Chronic Renal failure drug? Its a naturopathic medicine,I have trialed out by giving to many patients through Doctors and checked Creatinine and Blood urea nitrogen levels were brought down the Medicine works in the mechanism that it makes the nephron to work in its exact rate mean GFR rate was brough up.what allopathist have termed Irreversibible. Is any one there to buy the Formulation if so what will be the offering

Answer: get it patent though it takes times.

Question: What is the difference between Acute Renal Failure and Chronic renal Failure ?

Answer: Acute and chronic are simply terms doctors use to describe the duration of an illness. Acute means happening over a short time (and often lasting only a short while), while chronic means long-standing. In the context of renal (kidney) failure, acute usually means days to a few weeks, while chronic means months to years. Chronic renal failure also tend to be irreversible and slowly progressive (meaning it gets worse with time), whereas acute renal failure often is reversible, although the recovery may or may not be 100%. Finally, if chronic renal failure worsens to the point where the kidneys are no longer able to sustain life, it is called "end-stage renal disease" (ESRD), and the person will need either dialysis or a kidney transplant to continue living. Feel free to ask if you have more questions about kidney disease/failure.

Question: Interested in talking to chronic renal failure people? I have kidney failure and am waiting for a transplant. Lately I find myself asking why me? why bother? and the like . I have been on dialysis for two years. My arm is totally scared. My skin is now like orange peels. Of course I have things to live for. I just feel defeated. Does anyone understand?

Answer: oh i dont think you should feel defeated, after all it takes a lot of courage just to go through as something as life changing as dialysis. just to avoid the needles and things like that have u tried peritoneal (dunno if thats correct) dialysis or having at least a permanent line put in for the dialysis? anyways dont lose hope and just try and find the positives in life even though as hard as it may sound.. good luck finding the donor.

Question: Dry cat food chronic renal failure link? I know that their are many different sources that say that a long term diet of only dry food kibble can cause renal failure in cats. I was wondering if there was an actual study that backed up these findings, because the websites that I've seen only think that there is a link between the two. Thanks

Answer: "Dry food is very dehydrating. Our feline friends descend from desert-dwelling wild cats who are well adapted to limited water resources. Their ultra-efficient kidneys are able to extract most of their moisture needs from their prey. However, the end result is that cats have a very low thirst drive, and will not drink water until they are 3-5% dehydrated (a level at which, clinically, a veterinarian would administer fluid therapy). Cats eating only dry food take in only half the moisture of a cat eating only canned food. This chronic dehydration may be a factor in kidney disease, and is known to be a major contributor to bladder disease (crystals, stones, FUS, FLUTD, cystitis). Caution: adding water or milk to dry food does not solve the problem; and the fact that there are always bacteria on the surface of dry food means that adding moisture can result in massive bacterial growth--and a very upset tummy." more at http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?ac…