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Watch for Chronic
Renal Failure as Pet Matures
Joseph Hahn, Information Specialist
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
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What purpose do kidneys serve?
Your pet's kidneys clear the blood of toxins and conserve water at times when
an animal isn't drinking as much as it should. When the kidneys deteriorate
(chronic renal failure), it can lead to serious health problems for your pet.
"Chronic renal failure is a slow deterioration of the kidneys resulting
from a variety of inherited or acquired disorders," says Dr. Donald Krawiec,
a veterinarian specializing in urology and former chief of small animal medicine
at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital at Urbana.
"It occurs in middle-aged to older cats and dogs."
He explains that "the signs are so vague that they could mimic almost any
other condition." These signs include excessive drinking or urination, weight
loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, or general signs of not feeling well.
"There is still a lot we don't know about chronic renal failure," remarked
Dr. Krawiec. "Most of the toxins that are cleared from the blood by the kidney
tend to be products of protein metabolism. Therefore, we reduce the amount
of protein in the diet to help alleviate this problem. We also know that animals
in renal failure have a hard time regulating phosphorus and that plays a
role in the progression of the disease. Finally, we know that in humans hypertension
(high blood pressure) plays a role in the disease so in animals we tend to
reduce salt in the diet as well."
The main treatment for renal failure is dietary. Protein, phosphorous and
salt are reduced in the diet to help slow the progression of the disease.
Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate diet, most of which are commercially
produced and readily available. The diet is also supplemented with water soluble
vitamins. If necessary, the animal is treated for anemia if the condition
is present.
Renal failure is usually first diagnosed with a blood test and urine sample
and later with the help of radiography. Monitoring for mild renal failure
is not rigorous. At first, animals will need to be seen monthly until the
rate of the renal failure is determined. Once this is determined, most animals
require only once- or twice-a-year visits.
"The progression of this disease is highly variable," explains Dr. Krawiec.
"Renal failure will progress rapidly in some animals and slowly in others.
Cats will tend to progress more slowly than dogs."
"As with people, the cause with chronic renal failure in dogs and cats is
currently unknown," he says. "It is important to be observant with your dog
and communicate any unusual changes or behaviors with your veterinarian. The
changes may be subtle but it helps if it can be identified before the animal
is overtly ill."
If you would like further information on chronic renal failure, contact
your local veterinarian.
reprinted with kind permission from Mandy Barth
Program Manager, Office of Public Engagement, University of Illinois at
Urbana-Champaign College of Veterinary Medicine
2001 S. Lincoln Ave., MC 002, 3228 VMBSB, Urbana, IL 61802
P 217 244 1561, F 217 333 4628
www.cvm.uiuc.edu/petcolumns/
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.