Dog Dialysis (IMAGE) University of California - Davis Caption The bacterial disease leptospirosis, if not caught early, can cause kidney failure in dogs among other life-threatening symptoms. Credit UC Veterinary Medical Center - San Diego Usage Restrictions Please credit. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.