Sometimes, we need to perform a blood test to our dog.It may be because he is ill and we try to reach a diagnosis or as part of a complete review, which is recommended in dogs older than seven years.Within the parameters that are analyzed in a blood test is urea.
In this article by ExpertAnimal we will explain what high urea means in dogs , since it is usually the most frequent alteration of this parameter, although it may also appear low, as we will see.
Urea
The urea is a component of urine and is the residue generated by the metabolism of proteins that takes place in the human body, mainly in the liver .Yes, the urea present in the urine is the result of this metabolism and, also, of the breakdown of body cells.
The liver is passed to the kidneys and from these the elimination takes place in the form of urine.If there is any problem in these organs it will result in alterations in the urea level.In a diet with an excess of proteins we could also find the urea elevated.The accumulation of urea implies the presence of Toxic substances in the body, what is known as uremic syndrome or uremia .
Symptoms of high urea in dogs
An elevated urea can cause our dog to have the following symptoms:
- Increase in water intake which can lead to an increase in the amount of urine removed, that is, we will notice that the dog urinates more and more times a day.If we do not provide enough opportunities to do it in the right places, it will pee inside the house.
- Dehydration, despite drinking more.
- Vomits and diarrhea, in some cases with the presence of blood.
- Smell of ammonia in the breath, very characteristic, sometimes accompanied by wounds inside the mouth.
- Loss of appetite, resulting in weight loss.
- Bad condition of the mantle.
- There may be edema, that is, accumulation of fluid in different parts of the body.
If we observe any of these symptoms in our dog we must go to the vet and to what e are signs compatible with different alterations. blood, urine tests and, where appropriate, ultrasound, x-rays, etc.are those that will allow us to reach the diagnosis.
important to know that urea and creatinine high usually appear in dogs , that is, the existence of pathology is manifested with the increase of both parameters at the same time.The phosphorus also rises.These values indicate how this the functioning of the renal system.
Treatment of high urea in dogs
The tests performed by our veterinarian will allow us to know the cause of urea elevation , which is what we will have to try to get back to normal values, of If possible, a high urea accompanied by a creatinine also elevated and symptoms such as those described usually indicate that our dog has a kidney disease , which can manifest itself in an acute or sudden way or, on the contrary, to be presented gradually, in a chronic way.
The treatment of this pathology involves keeping the animal hydrated , offering a diet with quality proteins and in adequate quantity and treat symptoms such as vomiting.
Sometimes the dog can recover but there is a possibility that irreversible damage to the kidneys has occurred and our dog become a chronic kidney patient .These dogs, in addition to the tr indicated, they need a close veterinary follow-up .Chronic renal failure is not cured, so we must focus on keeping the dog with the best possible quality of life.
Low urea in dogs
Although it is more common for analyzes to reveal a high urea in dogs, it is also possible that this parameter is diminished, which may be indicative of liver failure .
In this case the parameters related to the functioning of the liver will also be altered and the dog will present symptoms such as weight loss, anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, polydipsia and polyuria, that is, an increase in water intake and in the urine elimination, abdominal distention due to fluid accumulation (ascites) or, very characteristic, jaundice , which is the yellowing of the mucous membranes due to bile accumulation that cannot be properly eliminated due to a diseased liver.
hemorrhages and edema may also occur and neurological symptoms occur as a result of poor elimination of toxic substances (hepatic encephalopathy).Requires veterinary treatment and adequate food.
This article is purely informative, at ExpertAnimal.com we have no power to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any kind of diagnosis.We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian at the If you have any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to High urea in dogs-Symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our section of Others health problems.
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