Problems with the kidneys can be extremely hard to deal with.
Dogs do not always show obvious signs of problem and many owners have no idea there is a problem until it is a severe issue.
kidney problems are not detectable with a general vet check up, in order for Kidney problems to be detected a Urine/Blood sample need to be taken and tested.
The test reads the levels of Bun/ Creatinine
BUN stands for: Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine is a product of muscle breakdown and both BUN and Creatinine are filtered through the kidneys and passed via urine.
this is why these are measured to determine the kidneys function.
When the kidneys begin to decline, the Bun and Creatinine levels begin to rise.
If your vet tells you your Bull Terrier's levels are too high- you know you have a problem that needs to be dealt with.
Kidney failure can very much be genetic and therefore you should ALWAYS make sure your breeder has tested BOTH sire and dam specifically for Kidney Disease .
Another condition Bull Terrier's suffer from is something called "PKD" or Poly Cystic Kidney Disease.
PKD is a condition which causes Cyst's to grow on the kidneys.
these cyst's over time cause the kidneys to shut down and fail.
These can ONLY be detected via an Ultra sound and a knowledgeable Vet/ tech to be able to read it.
This test can be expensive and, again CANNOT be found with a general health exam, so make sure when you are looking to buy a puppy to ask about the kidney testing the breeder has had done.
Some symptoms of Kidney failure in dogs are:
Vomiting-
Lethargy-
Diarrhea-
Constipation-
Depression-
Weight loss-
Increased water intake/ thirst-
Loss of appetite-
An increase or decrease of urination-
Dull dingy coat-
Blood in the urine-
If you notice ANY of these symptoms in your Bull Terrier
SEEK VETERINARY CARE!
Kidney problems can and often are fatal if not treated properly.
Dogs do not always show obvious signs of problem and many owners have no idea there is a problem until it is a severe issue.
kidney problems are not detectable with a general vet check up, in order for Kidney problems to be detected a Urine/Blood sample need to be taken and tested.
The test reads the levels of Bun/ Creatinine
BUN stands for: Blood Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine is a product of muscle breakdown and both BUN and Creatinine are filtered through the kidneys and passed via urine.
this is why these are measured to determine the kidneys function.
When the kidneys begin to decline, the Bun and Creatinine levels begin to rise.
If your vet tells you your Bull Terrier's levels are too high- you know you have a problem that needs to be dealt with.
Kidney failure can very much be genetic and therefore you should ALWAYS make sure your breeder has tested BOTH sire and dam specifically for Kidney Disease .
Another condition Bull Terrier's suffer from is something called "PKD" or Poly Cystic Kidney Disease.
PKD is a condition which causes Cyst's to grow on the kidneys.
these cyst's over time cause the kidneys to shut down and fail.
These can ONLY be detected via an Ultra sound and a knowledgeable Vet/ tech to be able to read it.
This test can be expensive and, again CANNOT be found with a general health exam, so make sure when you are looking to buy a puppy to ask about the kidney testing the breeder has had done.
Some symptoms of Kidney failure in dogs are:
Vomiting-
Lethargy-
Diarrhea-
Constipation-
Depression-
Weight loss-
Increased water intake/ thirst-
Loss of appetite-
An increase or decrease of urination-
Dull dingy coat-
Blood in the urine-
If you notice ANY of these symptoms in your Bull Terrier
SEEK VETERINARY CARE!
Kidney problems can and often are fatal if not treated properly.