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Animal Health – General (Expert Forum)
medicines for kidney failure
Answered by
Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M. - General Practice
Canton Animal Hospital LLC
Canton - CT
This forum is for general pet health questions, such as questions about medications, parasites, vaccines, infectious diseases, breed specific and genetic problems.
medicines for kidney failure
by Dana56, Oct 28, 2009 05:33PM
My dog's kidney function has been impaired for at least a year. Her symptoms were worsening last week so the vet did bloodwork that showed worsening of her kidneys. Azodyl and 10 mg of enacard twice a day. Looking on the internet I saw nothing about enacard being used to treat kidney failure and that damage to the kidneys was a side effect. I called to confirm this prescription and they said it wasn't a mistake. Is there some reason why Enacard would be prescribed?
Type of Animal
:
dog
Age of Animal
:
15
Sex of Animal
:
Female
Breed of Animal
:
chow/sharpei mix
Last date your pet was examined by a vet?
:
October 25, 2009
City
:
Hazel Crest
State/Province
:
IL
Country
:
USA
Blood Test Results
:
anemia, kidney failure
Doctor's Answer
by Arnold L Goldman, D.V.M., Oct 29, 2009 08:36AM
, Oct 29, 2009 08:36AMTo: Dana56
Dear Dana56,
Kidney disease is the name for a spectrum of dysfunction of the kidney which requires a variety of therapeutic approaches to address the various biochemical, bodily function and quality of life issues that arise as the disease progresses.
Because one cannot recreate the lost kidney functional units that make up the kidney or reverse the ongoing process of loss of those units ("nephrons") we are left to do what is possible to oppose the negative effects of worsening kidney function.
Among the various biochemical and functional changes that occur are such things as anemia (kidney happens to produce the hormone that controls red blood cell production, with less anemia ensues. This may be worsened by "anemia of chronic disease" a phenomenon of several diseases), hypertension (kidney disease may cause or be caused by hypertension), calcium and phosphorous imbalance or elevations, concurrent kidney and or urinary tract infection (dilute urine, blood protein loss through kidneys and poorly functioning immune system may lead to), dehydration (many kidney patients are chronically dehydrated to some degree), poor appetite and low blood protein (also lost via kidneys and urine as stated above) and others.
In your dog's case enalapril ("Enacard") may be in use to either lower systemic blood pressure or perhaps as an effort to lower localized kidney blood pressure. At an appropriate dose it is perfectly reasonable to use enalapril to accomplish those goals. Sometimes the dose is reduced if kidney disease is considered pronounced. In any case regular monitoring of kidney function allows the drug dose to be reduced to the lowest effective level. . If thought to be contributing to disease progression, other drugs may be substituted, however, no drug is without the potential for adverse consequences. Hypertension, however, is always important to correct. No question it stresses the kidneys.
Azodyl is a nutraceutical made of bacteria. In my opinion the evidence for its effectiveness remains weak at this time. If interested in knowing more I would pursue a better understanding of that product on the holistic board.
There is much more that can be done for your dog as kidney disease progresses. One key to success is to "get ahead" of the disease by being aggressive addressing each metabolic and biochemical abnormality as soon as they occur. For example, anemia may be addressed with hormone supplementation and dehydration with fluid administration under the skin regularly at home. Consider discussing these options with your doctor.
I hope this information helps you.
Sincerely,
Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
Kidney disease is the name for a spectrum of dysfunction of the kidney which requires a variety of therapeutic approaches to address the various biochemical, bodily function and quality of life issues that arise as the disease progresses.
Because one cannot recreate the lost kidney functional units that make up the kidney or reverse the ongoing process of loss of those units ("nephrons") we are left to do what is possible to oppose the negative effects of worsening kidney function.
Among the various biochemical and functional changes that occur are such things as anemia (kidney happens to produce the hormone that controls red blood cell production, with less anemia ensues. This may be worsened by "anemia of chronic disease" a phenomenon of several diseases), hypertension (kidney disease may cause or be caused by hypertension), calcium and phosphorous imbalance or elevations, concurrent kidney and or urinary tract infection (dilute urine, blood protein loss through kidneys and poorly functioning immune system may lead to), dehydration (many kidney patients are chronically dehydrated to some degree), poor appetite and low blood protein (also lost via kidneys and urine as stated above) and others.
In your dog's case enalapril ("Enacard") may be in use to either lower systemic blood pressure or perhaps as an effort to lower localized kidney blood pressure. At an appropriate dose it is perfectly reasonable to use enalapril to accomplish those goals. Sometimes the dose is reduced if kidney disease is considered pronounced. In any case regular monitoring of kidney function allows the drug dose to be reduced to the lowest effective level. . If thought to be contributing to disease progression, other drugs may be substituted, however, no drug is without the potential for adverse consequences. Hypertension, however, is always important to correct. No question it stresses the kidneys.
Azodyl is a nutraceutical made of bacteria. In my opinion the evidence for its effectiveness remains weak at this time. If interested in knowing more I would pursue a better understanding of that product on the holistic board.
There is much more that can be done for your dog as kidney disease progresses. One key to success is to "get ahead" of the disease by being aggressive addressing each metabolic and biochemical abnormality as soon as they occur. For example, anemia may be addressed with hormone supplementation and dehydration with fluid administration under the skin regularly at home. Consider discussing these options with your doctor.
I hope this information helps you.
Sincerely,
Arnold L. Goldman DVM, MS
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