The kidneys are a pair of organs that are responsible for a number of vital roles in the body. These include removing waste products from the blood, producing essential hormones, and regulating blood pressure. Kidney disease is a broad term used to describe any disorder that damages the kidneys and impairs their function. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Causes of Kidney Disease
There are numerous causes of kidney disease in pets. These include infection, trauma, kidney stones, toxicity, parasites, cancer, and congenital conditions. Improper nutrition and obesity are considered to be risk factors for kidney disease, and older pets are more susceptible to the condition.
Kidney disease can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney disease is sudden in onset. Common causes include trauma, poisoning, and infection. By comparison, chronic kidney disease is progressive in onset and is usually caused by hereditary factors or underlying illness.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Symptoms of kidney disease can vary widely since the kidneys are responsible for a number of roles in the body. Please visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of the condition.
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Polyuria (increased thirst)
- Polydipsia (increased urination)
- Blood in the urine
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Pale gums
- Depression
Diagnosis of Kidney Disease
Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a complete physical examination to check for clinical signs of kidney disease.
Routine diagnostic tests may include a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. These tests will be used to check for abnormalities and assess your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian may also recommend further diagnostic testing such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or a kidney biopsy.
Treatment of Kidney Disease
Treatment of kidney disease will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, a period of hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize your pet and provide supportive care. Pets with serious underlying illnesses will also require specialized treatment.
Potential treatments for kidney disease include dietary changes to support kidney function, fluid therapy for rehydration, antibiotics to fight infection, and medications to reduce nausea and vomiting. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment options based on your pet’s specific needs. Please follow all treatment advice closely and administer prescribed medications as instructed.
Prevention of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease in pets can be difficult to prevent since there are multiple potential causes of the condition. We recommend feeding a healthy, balanced diet and providing regular exercise to support your pet’s health. It’s also important to prevent access to toxic substances and avoid overmedicating your pet. Finally, please remember to schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your pet’s overall health.
