Canine Dental treatment With Underlying Kidney Disease

by Judy
(Salisbury MD USA)

Reader Question: Concerns About Dog Kidney Disease and Dental Treatment

Shih Tzu, age 10, no history of having any dental treatment or oral care of teeth. Had super Chem, CBC, SDMA, and urinalysis complete workup for upcoming dental cleaning/extraction treatment. Bloodwork resulted in an elevated creatinine value of 2.2, BUN of 42, and SDMA of 39.4 ug/dl. Urinalysis: specific gravity value of 1.008,(was advised urine was very dilute) protein negative, no bacteria, no blood in urine. No Lyme, parasites, basically all other markers/bloodwork was good.

Have been advised by the vet dog has stage 2 kidney disease but have also been advised to go ahead and undergo anesthesia and have dental cleaning and treatment as teeth have extreme plaque and oral health could be causing kidney disease.

My fear is the dental treatment and anesthesia will instead have a negative effect on the progression of the kidney disease. Have already changed to a KD diet.

Can you please advise as to dental treatment? Thank you.

Thoughts from Our Editor

Your Shih Tzu’s severe dental disease is likely contributing to the elevated kidney values. The bacteria from the plaque and oral infection can enter the bloodstream, potentially worsening kidney function.

Extreme plaque and poor oral health are ongoing sources of infection and inflammation, which can continuously impact kidney health. Addressing these issues can remove the source of bacteria and reduce the strain on your dog’s kidneys.

Follow your veterinarian's advice to proceed with the dental cleaning and extractions. Ensure that the veterinary team is aware of the kidney condition so they can take appropriate precautions during anesthesia and recovery.

With stage 2 kidney disease, it’s essential to minimize risks associated with anesthesia. Ask your veterinarian to perform a thorough pre-anesthetic evaluation, including possibly repeating blood work and assessing hydration status, to ensure your dog is stable enough for the procedure.
Post-Procedure Care:

Proper post-procedure care is crucial to monitor and support kidney function after the dental treatment.

Plan for post-operative monitoring and follow-up blood work to check kidney function. It makes sense to maintain the KD diet and discuss any additional kidney support supplements or medications with your vet.

As you are probably aware, preventing future dental issues will help maintain overall health and support kidney function. After the dental treatment, establish a regular oral care routine, including brushing your dog’s teeth, providing dental chews, and scheduling regular dental check-ups with your vet.

I understand your concerns about the anesthesia and its potential impact on your dog's kidney disease. However, addressing severe dental issues can significantly improve your Shih Tzu’s overall health and potentially slow the progression of kidney disease. Working closely with your vet to ensure all precautions are taken will help minimize the risks and promote a smoother recovery.

I'm not a veterinarian, but wanted to pass along these thoughts so that you can have a productive conversation with your veterinarian.

Regards,

Jeff
Editor and Publisher
Dog Health Guide