What it is
Healthy kidneys are made of countless tiny filters that clean the blood and fine-tune how much water the body keeps. In renal dysplasia, many of these units never form properly, so fewer working filters have to do all the work. The kidneys can also lose the ability to concentrate urine, so the dog passes a lot of dilute urine and has to drink more to keep up.
The disorder is present from birth and can be inherited. When much of the kidney is affected, signs appear while the dog is still young; when less is affected, a dog may show nothing for a long time.
Daily life may revolve around water and toilet breaks: a full bowl always within reach and more chances to go outside, including at night. A young dog with weak kidneys may have less energy for play and a smaller appetite, so its growth and weight are worth watching.
Signs you may notice
- Drinks a lot
- Urinates a lot
- Grows poorly
- Poor appetite
- Loses weight or vomits
- Unpleasant-smelling breath
You may notice a young dog drinking and urinating a lot, growing poorly, eating little, losing weight or vomiting. Some dogs become listless, their coat looks poor and their breath may smell unpleasant.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if a young dog drinks and urinates a lot, grows poorly or loses its appetite. A dog that keeps vomiting, stops eating or becomes very weak should be seen the same day.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.