Kidney Infection in Dogs

The kidneys are responsible for safely holding the toxic liquids and converting them into urine too. The kidney consists of filters which are known as Nephrons, that help the kidneys in urine preparation. These filters in the kidney are very large in number, due to which your dog can urinate comfortably for a few days time, even if the kidney is severely infected. The biggest drawback of having these large number of filters is that the infection in the kidney tends to go undetected for a number of days and by the time it gets detected, it has worsened. One must also note that the liquids that are usually discharged through urine are capable enough to poison a mammal, if they stay in the human body for a long period of time.

Causes of Kidney Infection in Dogs

An infection in most cases is caused due to the presence of harmful bacteria or fungus or such microbes in the urinary tract. These types of infections usually occur as the immune system of the dog and is not able to battle out the presence of microbes. In many cases these infections are cured very quick, even before the symptoms are noticed. The reason for this automatic cure is the canine's ability to produce powerful antibodies and white blood cells that successfully cleanse the urinary tract of such infections.

Sometimes, the reason behind the infection might be more severe, where quick medical intervention by a veterinarian is necessary. Bladder stones and kidney stones, which can be a painful ordeal for your pet, is a prominent cause of kidney infection. The stone which is a deposition of minerals within the kidney or the bladder, can become a home to many microbes. Such a type of infection is extremely painful and rushing your canine friend to the hospital is an advisable solution. Kidney failure, malformation or injury to the urinary tract of the dog are also sometimes the cause behind kidney problems. In such a situation proper diagnosis and quick treatment is a must, as a deteriorating condition often affects the immune system, which can prove fatal. Some other causes of infection include, cancer in the urinary tract, holding back of urine and intake of antibiotics. Sometimes previous surgeries related to the urinary tract also tend to be a cause of the infection of kidneys in dogs.

Symptoms

Diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy are the symptoms, when the infection in kidneys become severe. If you notice any of these symptoms, then it's time that you rush your dog to the emergency room. In the early stages of infection, you would notice that your dog is under strain while urinating. You would also notice that your dog is urinating in unusual places. In several cases you would also notice him squatting and not urinating. Else you may also notice your dog wanting to go to the bathroom often but not urinating, which is a prominent symptom of kidney infection. Symptoms that are noticed as a result of irregular urination, are seen in the primary stages of infection. In later stages you may also notice, foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine.

It's better that you take your dog to the vet before the infection spreads into the entire urinary tract. Your pet is probably in pain, hence it's necessary to haste.