The Reliable Guide To Canine And Feline Renal Disease

Kidney disease is a prevalent and serious condition affecting both dogs and cats. We'll explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease in dogs and cats, providing you with the knowledge needed to care for your furry friends.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease, also known as feline or canine renal disease (depending on the species affected), refers to the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys are the organs that filter out waste products from the blood. They also maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and production of red blood cells.

How is kidney disease classified?

Kidney disease can be classified into two main types:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This is a sudden and often reversible decline in kidney function, usually caused by toxins, infections, dehydration, or trauma. It can also be refered to as acute kidney failure or acute renal failure. This type of kidney failure can resolve quickly has the possibility of not affecting kidney's long-term. Healthy kidneys will be able to cope with AKI more readily than those with preexisting conditions.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This is a progressive and irreversible condition that develops over time, often due to aging, congenital issues, or long-term health problems. It is also called chronic renal failure or chronic kidney failure. This type of kidney disease is classified into four stages. Your vet can give you more information about the kidney failure staging system. Depending on what stage your pet is at (1-4, with one being early kidney disease and 4 being end-stage kidney failure) and what treatments and management are necessary. In contrast to acute renal failure, ckd is a condition that pets will have to live with long term.

 

What are the causes of kidney disease in my pet?

Several factors can contribute to the development of kidney disease in dogs and cats, including:

1. Age: Older pets are more susceptible to chronic kidney disease due to the natural aging process.

2. Genetics: Certain breeds are predisposed to kidney disease. For example, Persians and Himalayans in cats, and Dobermans and Bull Terriers in dogs, are more prone to the condition. Polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary condition mostly seen in cats, can predispose to chronic kidney disease. In this condition, small cysts pop up over time in the kidney, this reduces the effective waste-filtering area of the kidney leading to ckd.

3. Infections: Viral or bacterial infection can cause acute kidney disease. Kidney infections specifically, can also trigger kidney disease.

4. Toxins: Ingesting toxic substances such as antifreeze, certain medications (including human medications not suitable for pets), cleaning fluids or toxic plants like lilies (applies to cats) can lead to kidney failure and damage.

5. Dehydration: Severe or prolonged dehydration can impair kidney function.

6. Chronic Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can contribute to kidney disease. Cats with ckd (chronic kidney disease) and acute kidney failure may have previous episodes of kidney stones and urinary obstruction.

7. Congenital Defects: Some pets are born with kidney abnormalities that can lead to disease.

What other diseases can cause kidney disease?

Kidney problems can stem from other more complicated afflictions. Feline infectious peritonitis is a serious viral disease caused by a mutated feline coronavirus. It can lead to kidney disease through several mechanisms, including the formation of granulomas in a cat's kidneys, fluid retention, or the formation of pus-filled lesions on the cat's kidneys all leading to renal failure.

Certain cancers and bone marrow disorders can also cause kidney failure both directly or indirectly. Other kidney diseases like Polycystic kidney disease, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, and renal dysplasia can all lead to chronic kidney disease.

Why do you hear more about cats with CKD than dogs?

Older cats with CKD are more common than dogs and it has been hypothesized that this has to do with cats' low thirst drive and their diet requirements.

What signs of kidney disease should I watch for?

Recognizing the clinical signs of kidney disease process early can help in managing the condition and improving your pet's quality of life. Common signs early signs and later stage signs to watch for include:

Increased Thirst and Urination: One of the earliest clinical signs of kidney disease is an increase in water intake and urination. Increased water intake may cause dilute urine, or urine very light in color or transparent.

Weight Loss and Poor Appetite: Affected pets may lose weight and show a decreased interest in food.

Vomiting and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset is common in pets with failing kidneys. Affected cats and dogs can present profuse salivation, which is a sign of nausea.

Lethargy and Weakness: Pets may become more tired and less active.

Bad Breath: A buildup of toxins can cause a distinct, unpleasant odor in the mouth.

Oral Ulcers: Mouth ulcers or sores in the mouth can develop due to accumulation waste products in the blood.

Poor Coat Condition: The coat may become dull and unkempt. Many cats when feeling ill will stop grooming themselves and have a matted coat appearance.

Swollen Limbs or Abdomen: Fluid retention can cause swelling.

How is kidney disease diagnosed?

If you suspect your pet may have kidney disease, it is crucial to consult your veterinarian. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:

Physical Examination: The vet will check for signs such as dehydration, oral ulcers, and weight loss.

Blood Tests: These measure levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, which are indicators of kidney function. High serum creatinine happens when the body cannot filter out protein metabolism waste. Red blood cell count and white blood cell count can also be useful when evaluating kidney problems.

Urinalysis: Urine tests assess the concentration or urine specific gravity and presence of urine protein, blood, or other abnormalities. A urine culture may also be useful.

Imaging: Abdominal ultrasound or X-rays can help visualize the kidneys and detect structural abnormalities and can help assess kidney damage.

Blood Pressure Measurement: High blood pressure is common in pets with kidney problems and can exacerbate the condition.

How is kidney failure treated and managed?

While there is no cure for chronic kidney failure, various treatments and management strategies can help slow the progression and improve your pet's quality of life. Early diagnosis is fundamental to prolonging your pet's quality of life.

Dietary Management: Special diets formulated for kidney disease are lower in protein and phosphorus, helping reduce the workload on the kidneys. These diets also contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to support overall health. A carefully managed kidney diet is essential.

Medications: Depending on the underlying cause and symptoms, your vet may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure, control nausea and vomiting, and address other related issues. Enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are sometimes used to treat blood pressure but can also be prescribed to improve blood flow to the kidneys. Phosphorus binders are also commonly prescribed to aid when phosphorus excretion is impaired (a common occurrence in kidney failure). Products high in phosphorus, like Buddy Guard, cannot be administered to dogs and cats with ckd.

Fluid Therapy: Providing subcutaneous fluids at home can help keep your pet hydrated and support the kidneys. In emergent cases intravenous fluids, application of water soluble vitamins and hospitalization may be necessary. IV fluids help hydrate pets quickly and can dilute waste products accumulated in the blood.

Regular Monitoring: Frequent veterinary check-ups, blood tests, and urinalysis are essential to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust treatment as needed. Red blood cells must be monitored constantly through blood tests as anemia is a common complication in both dogs and cats with ckd. As kidney damage progresses, the kidney loses capacity to produce erithropoyetin (a hormone essential to red blood cell production). If anemia develops, the condition must be treated as well.

Managing Underlying Conditions: Addressing and managing concurrent conditions such as diabetes or heart disease is crucial for overall health. As chronic kidney failure may be caused or exacerbated by these conditions, it is important to make sure they are being properly managed.

Supplements: Certain supplements, such as potassium, vitamin B complex, phosphate binders, and omega fatty acid supplements (like Omega Love) can support renal function and overall health.

How do I help my pet with kidney disease?

The following are some management tips for your pet:

Maintain Hydration: Ensure your pet always has access to fresh water. Encourage drinking by providing multiple water sources and considering water fountains that some pets find more appealing.

Monitor Diet: Feed your pet a carefully managed diet. Your vet can recommend prescription kidney-friendly diet. Avoid giving them high-protein or high-phosphorus treats and foods.

Administer Medications: Follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully when giving medications and supplements. Cat's with ckd are especially tricky patients, as they are notoriously hard to medicate. Your vet can give your appropriate tips and treats to mix medications with.

Regular Vet Visits: Keep up with scheduled veterinary appointments to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.

Provide Comfort: Create a comfortable and stress-free environment for your pet. Ensure they have a warm and cozy place to rest. This is especially important in end stage kidney failure.

Observe Changes: Keep a close eye on any changes in your pet’s behavior, appetite, or symptoms, and report them to your vet promptly.

What should I keep in mind when dealing with a pet with kidney failure?

Chronic kidney failure in dogs and cats is a serious condition that requires careful management and dedication from pet owners. By understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help manage the disease and improve your pet’s quality of life. Life expectancy can vary greatly from one case to another, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and prevention. With end-stage kidney failure, you may need to evaluate kidney function with help from your vet constantly. This will provide the necessary information to make hard decisions when the time does come to help your furry friend cross the rainbow bridge.

While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, proactive care and appropriate treatment can make a significant difference, allowing your beloved companion to enjoy their remaining years with comfort and dignity. Preventative measures to diminish exposure to bacterial infections or viral infections will also be important. Any new clinical signs must be reported quickly to your treating veterinarian. Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving and developing so its always best to stay informed with your vet on new treatment options.