Kidney Disease in Dogs and its Treatment in Ayurveda
Abstract
The kidneys are located retroperitoneally in dogs. The prime functions of kidneys are to remove the waste products from the body and regulate the levels of minerals like potassium and sodium. The kidneys work to release the hormones, regulate the hydration and balance the electrolytes. There are a variety of prevalent diseases associated with the kidneys in dogs. As the functioning of kidneys is deprived in the dogs we see a lot of changes in general behavior and clinical features, if noticed earlier we may be able to manage the status of the kidney with the Ayurvedic herbs.
Introduction
Dogs are an innate part of our families. It is the duty of pet parents to be responsible for our pets. Kidney diseases are very common among the pet masses. The fact which makes this problem more dangerous is the inability to recognize early and the fast progress of the problem. Some dog breeds like Cocker spaniels, German shepherds, and bull terriers are more prone to develop kidney diseases. Dogs may suffer from kidney diseases which can be acute or chronic. The prolonged reduced GFR Indicates the status of the Kidney is depriving. So here in this article we will discuss the Kidney disease of dogs and how herbal remedies are able to manage the status of chronic kidney diseases.
Causes
Any disease that affects the kidneys may lead to failure of kidneys. These conditions can include
1. Any kind of Dental disease
When bacteria build up on the teeth and gums, this can lead to advanced dental disease. Excessive intake of antibiotics or NSAIDS will also lead to kidney issues on long-term consumption
2. Toxicosis
Toxicosis is the term given for poisoning.It can happen when your dog consumes drugs or poisons (such as foods or substances that are toxic to them).
3. Geriatric Degeneration
It can occur in any dog. Cells can break down and die as the dog ages. The deprived status of Kidneys as dog ages leads to any kind of renal disease.
4. Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections can be caused by drinking contaminated water or swimming in contaminated water. Long-term association with bacteria can attack the renal system, which leads to kidney inflammation and death of renal cells
5. Congenital Disease
It is associated with any kidney issue which is there by birth. This category can include underlying illnesses and hereditary conditions – everything from agenesis (being born without one or both kidneys) to cysts
Signs and symptoms
- Significant weight loss
- Vomiting
- Pale gums
- Drunken behavior or uncoordinated movement such as stumbling
- Breath that smells like chemicals
- Significant decrease in appetite
- Increase or decrease in water consumption
- Increase or decrease in volume of urine
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Blood in urine
- Lethargy
- Intestinal seizures
Diagnosis
There are two basic tests for kidney function: a complete urinalysis and a blood chemistry analysis. The urinalysis is a test of urine to find out multiple disorders like UTI and CKD. Blood biochemistry is used to find out the blood urea and creatinine in the body. These tests are the basic tests to examine the status of the kidney. Other than these tests we can notice the activities of dogs related to the hydration status and status of Urination.
- A urine analysis is a basic test to check the status of the kidneys. This test can be done to evaluate kidney function. The low urine specific gravity is the early and basic indication for this test. Protein leak in the urine is also indicative of deprived kidney function.
- Blood biochemistry is done to check the levels of urea, blood creatinine and levels of blood urea nitrogen, and many more. Raised levels of urea and creatinine with other fluctuated parameters show that the functioning of the kidney is deprived. Also, this test leads to an analysis of a variety of internal organs. The other important parameters to analyze are albumin, globulin, potassium, and calcium in order to determine the failure extent and concerned treatment course in dogs.
- Excessive thirst or dehydration can be noted. The inefficient filtration process in kidney disease leads to increased flow toward the kidney in order to promote filtration. The more the filtration the more urine output will be. The prolonged dehydration in the dogs may signify that the kidneys are not working properly. Hence increased water consumption and excessive urination are the earliest clinical features of compensated renal issues. The other clinical features are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and poor breath. Ulcers are found in the mouths of some pets.
Ayurvedic Aspect
Pashu chikitsa in Ayurveda shows the extension of Ayurveda, the developmental work done by Acharayas by virtue of their intellect is always commendable. The origin of Pashu chikitsa and its development shows an association between humans and animals. Vrik roga in dogs is prevalent due to the vitiation of doshas. The aggravated Vata dosha and vitiated Kapha dosha lead to the deposition of toxins in the body. The aggravated Vata causes pain and Kapha leads to lethargy with the deprived status of the kidney and raised levels of toxins in the body. The care of an animal by humans and vice versa shows our rich culture and high moral values. Planet ayurveda is following the Principles of Ayurveda for the well-being of creatures, humans as well as our beloved pets.
Ayurveda is playing a significant role to make kidney status better. The herbs like Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), Bhumi Amalaki (Phyllanthus niruri), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera), Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), and Shigru (Moringa oleifera) are mentioned in the ayurvedic texts which help to make the status of kidneys better.
Following are the Herbal Remedies for the Betterment of Kidneys and Improved Renal Health in Dogs.
Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for The Management of Kidney Diseases in Dogs
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified hub for the manufacturing of best-quality herbal remedies. The prime motive and ambition of Planet Ayurveda are to promote Ayurveda in each and every household of the world. We care for the pets because of the love and the companionship. Below are the herbs for the management of Kidney diseases in dogs–
1. Mutrakrichantak Churna
Mutrakrichantak churna is a polyherbal formulation of Planet Ayurveda for a variety of Kidney diseases. The chief ingredients in the composition of Mutrakrichantak churna are Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris). The Mutrakrichantak churna of Planet Ayurveda is used worldwide for the management of a variety of kidney diseases. It acts as a diuretic and helps to drain out toxins. Due to the anti-inflammatory actions of Mutrakrichantak churna, it helps to promote good kidney health in dogs.
Dosage– 1 Teaspoonful twice daily
2. Rencure Formula
Rencure formula is a polyherbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda in capsule form. The chief ingredients of this formulation are Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Palash (Butea monosperma), Kasni (Cichorium intybus). The rencure formula helps to drain out the renal calculi. Rencure formula helps to prevent further damage to kidneys in CKD patients. It helps to reduce swelling and remove toxins from the body in dogs.
Dosage –2 Capsules twice daily
3. Punarnava Mandur
Punarnava Mandoor is a classical polyherbal formulation formulated by Planet Ayurveda. Punarnava Mandoor is loaded with Zingiber officinale (Shunti), Piper longum (Pippali), Boerhaavia diffusa (Punarnava), Piper nigrum (Maricha), Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Piper Chaba (Chavya) and many more. Punarnava mandur acts as a natural kidney cleanser and prevents edema due to kidney deprivation. Punarnava Mandoor is also evident to decrease the urea level, swelling and levels of creatinine and cholesterol as well.
Dosage– 2 tablets thrice daily.
4. Varunadi Vati
Varunadi vati of Planet Ayurveda is a polyherbal formulation having Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris) and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). Varunadi vati manages the conditions associated with excess lipid production. Also varun is known as a kidney healer. Varunadi vati also helps to balance the water in the body and helps to relieve recurrent infections in urinary tract as well. Varunadi vati drains out the toxins in the body thus helps to purify the blood.
Dosage – 2 tablets thrice daily.
5. Chandanadi Vati
The chief ingredients of Chandanadi vati are Safed Chandan (Pterocarpus santalinus), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Safed Ral (Shorea Robusta), Gandhabiroja (Pinus longifolia), Kattha (Acacia catechu), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Kapur (Camphor), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Gairik (ochre) and many more. Chandanadi vati due to its pitta pacifying properties help to lower the burning sensation of the body and helps to clean the urinary tract. It acts as an immunomodulator and also acts as an antioxidant.
Dosage–2 tabs twice daily.
Conclusion
Pets are prone to kidney diseases and it is difficult and has been so difficult to combat because it was often not detected until most of the damage was done and permanent. Certain factors like kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or other infections could make kidney disease more likely. As kidney transplants are not available readily for the dogs so regular analysis of symptoms and behavioral changes should be monitored by the patients. Water therapy and Encouraging the dog to drink more water can help with kidney health. As a dog ages, the likelihood of developing kidney disease increases