Uremia

Uremic illness is largely is the result of the accumulation of organic waste products that are normally cleared by the kidneys. Urea is a major by-product of metabolism of amino acids. The term uremia technically means elevated concentration of urea in the blood, but commonly refers to the collection of clinical signs that are associated with kidney failure. Clinical signs of uremia in dogs include loss of appetite (anorexia), vomiting, mucosal ulcers, and weight loss. Some dogs also may develop chronic diarrhea, staggering and disorientation.¹ Oral bleeding is sometimes seen in uremic dogs which is believed to be caused by bacterial toxins released during degradation of urea.²

In 2 outbreaks of pet food-associated renal failure (2004 and 2007) all animals died or were euthanized because of severe uremia.³

References

1. Linda P. Case. The dog: its behavior, nutrition, and health
2. Michael Schaer. Clinical Medicine of the Dog and Cat
3. Brown CA, Jeong KS, Poppenga RH, Puschner B, Miller DM, Ellis AE, Kang KI, Sum S, Cistola AM, Brown SA. Outbreaks of renal failure associated with melamine and cyanuric acid in dogs and cats in 2004 and 2007.