Diagnosis
A veterinarian will first identify and correct any active renal disease that may exacerbate or mask chronic renal failure. A diagnosis of chronic renal failure requires a physical exam and various laboratory tests. A physical exam of a dog with this disease commonly will reveal dehydration, small and irregular kidneys, cachexia or severe weight loss, pale mucous membranes or gingiva, oral ulcers, and uremic breath odor. Laboratory tests initially may include a CBC, or complete blood count, blood chemistry analysis, and urinalysis. Other tests that may be recommended in order to diagnose completely the cause of the disease include a urine culture, x-rays, ultrasound, blood pressure measurement, and biopsy. Some of these tests may require referral to a specialist of veterinary internal medicine.