In both humans and animals, healthy kidneys clean blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. Kidneys also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your animal's body, blood pressure may rise, and you animal's body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. When this happens, your animal will need immediate treatment to replace the work of its failed kidneys.
When kidneys are damaged, either through disease or toxins, they must be infused with fluids to try to flush out impurities. In severe cases, hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure.
Focus: Protein Losing Nephropathy
Protein-Losing Nephropathy, or PLN, is a disease affecting certain dogs in which the filtering mechanism of the dog's kidneys is defective and the dog loses protein through urine. Because protein is such an essential nutrient to the body, its loss is a very serious problem. Certain breeds, such as the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, the Bernese Mountain Dog, the Labrador Retriever, and the Golden Retriever. Affected dogs often have adverse reactions to food, including vomiting, diarrhea, or intense itching.
Dr. JD Foster and his team are conducting a clinical trial on PLN, in which silymarin, a supplement derived from the milk thistle plant, is used in combination with established standard medications.
Learn more about this trial and how to enroll...