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CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN DOGS AND CATS
At Evervet, we understand that pets are part of the family, and their well-being is of utmost importance to you.
Chronic kidney disease (or CKD) is a very common condition that is diagnosed in older pets. As opposed to acute kidney disease, CKD is not reversible and generally gets worse with time. The kidney functions to remove waste products from the blood. With reduced function, certain substances build up in the bloodstream which makes your pet feel unwell. The kidneys also help control pH levels, blood pressure regulation, help with red cell production, control blood electrolytes, calcium and phosphorus levels.
Clinical Signs Of CKD
Symptoms of kidney disease in cats and kidney disease in dogs can include the following:
Increased thirst and urination
Weight loss
Lethargy
Reduced appetite
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Dehydration
Bad breath and mouth ulcers
Diagnosing CKD
There are 4 stages of CKD based on the degree of kidney dysfunction. To determine what stage your pet is in, blood and urine tests, blood pressure monitoring and imaging can be performed. Staging your pet’s kidney disease is important to determine what is the best treatment recommendations for kidney disease in dogs and kidney disease in cats, and helps with prognostication.
Blood tests: We assess your pet’s SDMA, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, electrolytes
Urine tests: We will look for signs of infection, assess your pet’s urine concentration, and look for evidence of protein loss and abnormal cells or crystals
Blood pressure: Pets with CKD can develop hypertension (high blood pressure)
Urinary tract imaging: If we are concerned that there may be a structural cause of your pet’s CKD, we can perform x-rays or ultrasound scans to look for signs of renal cysts, stones or cancerous changes
Management options for CKD
There is no treatment to reverse CKD, however, there are many things we can do to slow down the progression of renal failure. The treatment will differ between patients depending on their CKD stage but typically include:
Diet changes
Fluid therapy
Blood pressure monitoring and treatment
Medications to reduce nausea and improve appetite
Medications to reduce protein loss in urine
Medications to manage calcium and phosphorus derangements
Medications to improve blood pH
Regular checkups with your vet and repeat tests will help track your pet’s progress.
Detecting Kidney Disease Early
A consultation with a veterinarian is the best starting point. A physical exam will be performed and further tests can usually be done on the same day. Early diagnosis is best to ensure early management strategies are implemented to slow down kidney disease progression. In pets older than 7 years of age, yearly physical exams and routine blood and urine tests are good screening tools to help pick up kidney disease in dogs and kidney disease in cats early.
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