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Chronic Kidney Disease

What is Kidney Disease?
Dogs have two kidneys, each made up of many thousands of tiny functional units called 'nephrons', that filter the blood, remove waste substances and maintain the correct concentrations of fluid and minerals within the body. Proportions of these functional units do disappear with age and are not replaced. Kidney disease includes any disorder, which causes the destruction of further nephrons. Accelerated damage to the kidneys can be caused by a whole range of factors, including injury, infection and cancer, but a healthy animal has a considerable reserve of kidney function and signs of serious illness appear only when three quarters of the nephrons have been lost (renal failure). Kidney disease is common in dogs and with early diagnosis and treatment much can be done to help limit its progression.

What is the cause of kidney disease?
There are many factors, which can influence the likelihood of a dog or cat developing renal failure, including:

Age the chance of renal failure developing increases with age and it doubles between 10 and 15 years of age. Breed renal failure is recognised more frequently in Cocker spaniels, Lhasa apsos, and Samoyeds and Doberman pinschers. Environmental some common chemicals such as phenolic disinfectants, anti-freeze, lead paints, and also some drugs are toxic to the kidneys. Dietary careful control of the intake of phosphorus and protein in the food can slow the progression of kidney disease in dogs that have reduced kidney function.

What are the signs of kidney disease?
Increases in thirst and urine production. Important, the signs of kidney failure vary but an increase in thirst is almost always the first warning sign, and should not be ignored. If your dog seems to be drinking more, consult your vet immediately. Decreased appetite,Weight loss,Halitosis (bad breath),Vomiting and less frequently diarrhoea,Sore mouth,apathy and weakness

How is kidney disease diagnosed?
As well as a through physical examination, your veterinary surgeon will usually carry out urine and blood tests if kidney disease is suspected. Sometimes more advanced procedures, such as x-rays studies, Ultrasonography, biopsy or exploratory surgery are required. In many cases of long standing (Chronic) kidney disease the precise cause of the damage to the kidneys cannot be identified.

What are the stages of kidney disease?
Normal kidney function although nephrons may be lost the animals can adapt and does not show any signs of illness Percentage of functional nephrons remaining 100%

Kidney insufficiency (Early warning sign) the animal is unable to concentrate the urine normally and thirst is increased Percentage of functional nephrons remaining 33%

Kidney failure toxic waste substances accumulate because the kidneys cannot eliminate them efficiently, causing signs of illness Percentage of functional nephrons remaining 25%

Advanced kidney failure marked signs of illness appear leading eventually to collapse and death.Percentage of functional nephrons remaining 10%

How is kidney disease managed and controlled?
Although an animal suffering from kidney disease may need treatment with drugs and possibly fluid therapy to stabilise its condition, a permanent change to a specially formulated food is the most important long-term measure for controlling the condition. Your veterinary surgeon is the best person to find the right product to suit your dog’s condition Our thanks and acknowledgement to Hill’s* Pet Nutrition Ltd, manufacturers of Hill’s* Prescription Diet* g/d*,k/d* and u/d* for their help and support with this article.

Visit our online pharmacy www.vetscriptions.co.uk where you can buy all your medication & supplements with huge savings.

reprinted with kind permission from Andrew Prentis BVSc MRCVS
Hyde Park Veterinary Centre
www.hydeparkvet.co.uk

The above information is simply informational. It's intent is not to replace the advice of a veterinarian nor to assist you in making a diagnosis of your pet. Please consult with your own veterinarian for confirmation of any diagnosis. Your pets life may depend on it.