The following are some of the symptoms that may be seen in dogs with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF).
(Note that dogs with acute renal failure (ARF), which is sometimes reversible with early medical intervention and
support, may have a complete cessation of urination rather than an increased frequency)
Obviously, not all dogs with Chronic Renal Failure will exhibit all of these symptoms. They are listed in the order
in which they generally appear.
Increased water consumption (polydipsia)
Frequent urination (polyuria)
Dilute urine (little color or odor, because the kidneys are no longer capable of concentrating urine)
Depression
Diminished appetite (anorexia)
Discoloration of teeth
Chemical odor to the breath
Nausea and vomiting (seen particularly with a very high BUN (blood urea nitrogen))
Dogs who are nauseated often lick their noses repeatedly
Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance
Weight loss
Pale mucous membranes because of anemia
Oral (mouth) ulcers
Shivering (from diminished number of red blood cells that result from the anemia seen in renal failure)
Muscle wasting
Diarrhea
Full article: http://www.vetmedpub.com/vetmed/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=141738Diagnosing and Treating Chronic Ulcerative Paradental Stomatitis
Vet Med 99[12]:1008-1011 Dec'04 Dental Corner 3 Refs
Daniel T. Carmichael, DVM, DAVDC
The Center For Specialized Veterinary Care, 609-5 Cantiague Rock Road, Westbury, NY 11590
Chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis (CUPS) is a painful condition in dogs that is also known as ulcerative stomatitis, idiopathic stomatitis, and lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis. The hallmark lesion is a paradental, or so-called kissing, ulcer. Patients with CUPS are usually inappetent or anorectic, and the chief complaint from owners is usually fetid halitosis and drooling. CUPS can affect any dog, but Maltese are overrepresented, and a familial predilection has been shown. Cavalier King Charles spaniels also seem to be genetically predisposed. While dogs of any age can be affected, I have rarely seen CUPS in patients under 1 year old.
CUPS is a chronic condition that requires lifelong patient monitoring. Always stress to owners that this condition will most likely require a lifetime of therapy. If owners run out of their dogs' medication, clinical signs of CUPS commonly recur. A cure may be achieved, however, by extracting many or all of the teeth. Because of the potential side effects from the medications used to treat CUPS, periodic physical and oral examinations should be accompanied by appropriate hematologic tests. Routine dental prophylaxis (every four to six months) should be part of a complete oral hygiene program when the goal is to save teeth.
Sometimes, dogs with CUPS will have a concurrent lip fold dermatitis (intertrigo) adding to the oral discomfort as well as an overall foul odor. The connection between these two conditions is most likely that excessive drooling from the CUPS contributes or exacerbates the lip fold dermatitis. Another finding consistent with CUPS is mandibular lymphadenopathy.
[/quote]Eosinophilic diseases in two Cavalier King Charles spaniels.
J Small Anim Pract 43[12]:533-8 2002 Dec
German AJ, Holden DJ, Hall EJ, Day MJ
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Bristol BS40 5DU.
This report describes the clinical presentation of two Cavalier King Charles spaniels with different eosinophilic diseases. The first case presented with dyspnoea and a non-productive cough, and investigations demonstrated eosinophilic bronchopneumonopathy. The second dog was referred for the investigation of haemorrhagic vomiting and diarrhoea and was eventually diagnosed with eosinophilic enteritis. Both dogs had concurrent eosinophilic stomatitis, and both responded completely to immunosuppressive glucocorticoid therapy. This report is the first to describe the concurrence of eosinophilic stomatitis and systemic eosinophilic disease in Cavalier King Charles spaniels, and suggest that this breed may be predisposed to eosinophilic syndromes.
She has already a great tummy, and walks around in the house with a new strange air about her....=)