DT
PT
Subscribe To Print Edition About The Tribune Code Of Ethics Download App Advertise with us Classifieds
search-icon-img
search-icon-img
Advertisement

Pet dogs facing renal failure, daily 6-8 cases reported with kidney issues

Around 200 dialysis sessions held in 2023-24 at vet varsity OPD
  • fb
  • twitter
  • whatsapp
  • whatsapp
featured-img featured-img
A dog undergoes dialysis at College of Veterinary Science, GADVASU.
Advertisement

Laid-back lifestyle, consuming junk, spicy and sugary food are leading to renal failure in pet dogs. Detection of diabetes and kidney diseases are on the rise among pets who are pampered by their masters with tasty and junk food, which are not meant for them.

Figures from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) present a shocking picture about the health of the pet dogs. Figures reveal that the medicine OPD of GADVASU on an average receives daily six-eight dogs which are diagnosed with renal failure. Of these, two-three dogs are potential candidates for dialysis support.

GADVASU’s dialysis support had an annual case load of approximately 200 dialysis sessions in 2023-24. Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, English cocker spaniel and pomeranians are the dog breeds most commonly affected by kidney disease.

Advertisement

There are only two institutions in the country that offer dialysis facility for dogs, which are Madras Veterinary College in Chennai and GADVASU’s College of Veterinary Science in Ludhiana. Dialysis referrals from neighbouring states and UTs such as Rajasthan, J&K, Delhi, HP, Haryana, UP and Uttarakhand are frequently directed to the GADVASU unit.

The V-C of GADVASU, JPS Gill, said dogs were getting diseases that their masters have.

Advertisement

“Dogs should be made to run free and their meals should be home-made without salt and spices but sadly people these days are giving them the kind of food that they themselves are eating and as a result, the pets are also developing lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, which is leading to renal failure,” he said.

Dr Gill said he came across a case where a family was feeding sweets to its dog and ultimately it developed diabetes. “People need to make changes in diet to improve their pet’s quality of life and potentially limit the progression of diseases, leading to a longer lifespan,” Dr Gill said.

As per Dr Randhir Singh, assistant professor at the Department of Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, renal failure occurs when the kidneys cease to perform their functions effectively. “Kidney problems can be worrisome for pet parents. Depending on the severity of the condition, there may be measures you and your veterinarian can take to prolong your pet’s life,” he said.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
tlbr_img1 Home tlbr_img2 Opinion tlbr_img3 Classifieds tlbr_img4 Videos tlbr_img5 E-Paper