The kidney is an essential organ for all animals. Kidneys filter
waste from the blood stream and move it to the urine, where it is
then removed from the body. Kidneys also regulate the volume of
body fluid and maintain pH balance and sodium and potassium levels
in the body.
In an animal with poor kidney function, the kidneys have lost their
ability to reabsorb water and concentrate urine. The result is an
increase in water intake in an attempt to keep the kidneys
functioning properly-that is, to remove toxins produced by the
body.
Eventually, the animal can no longer compensate, and toxins start
to build up in the blood.
As waste accumulates in the blood, complications develop. These can
include urinary tract infections, mouth and stomach ulcers, anemia,
and high blood pressure (which can lead to blindness).
Types of Kidney Failure
There are two kinds of kidney failure. In acute kidney failure, a
sudden, severe decline in kidney function causes alterations in
fluid and mineral balances. These abrupt changes produce a negative
effect on almost every body system. Because kidney function
declines so quickly, the physical signs of acute kidney failure are
more dramatic and easier to detect. This type of kidney failure
often occurs when a pet ingests a toxic substance, such as
antifreeze.
Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, occurs when the
kidneys become weaker as pets age. The kidneys can no
longer excrete waste products, produce hormones, or regulate
the chemical composition of body fluids, all of which are
crucial
to your pet's health. Chronic kidney failure will cause
kidney
function to decrease slowly over a long period of time, so
physical
signs will appear gradually.
Chronic kidney failure typically affects older pets. It is
extremely serious, irreversible, and sometimes fatal.
Treatment Options
The choice of treatment depends on how advanced the condition is at
the time of diagnosis. In earlier stages of disease, treatment can
take place at home. This often involves giving fluids to your pet
under her skin. In advanced cases, your pet will need to be
hospitalized for 2 to 3 days for a procedure called diuresis. In
this
procedure, fluids are delivered into your pet's veins to
stabilize the toxin level caused by waste buildup.
Special diets designed to limit the stress on the kidneys while
providing needed nutrients will likely be recommended by your
veterinarian. Medications may also be prescribed to help alleviate
signs of anemia and help to rid the body of some of the toxins in
the blood. In the most extreme situations, your pet may need
dialysis, a process in which a machine filters toxins from the
blood and then returns the blood to the animal's body, or even
a kidney transplant. Both are very expensive.
Plan Ahead
Regardless of the severity of your pet's condition or how you
choose to treat it, remember there are many other owners facing the
same decisions. One way to prepare yourself is to
talk with your veterinarian about the best ways to reduce the risk
before kidney failure occurs. Simple precautions such as a quality
diet, access to clean water, a low-stress lifestyle, and annual
exams (especially for older pets) will help catch problems early.
If kidney disease is caught early and managed successfully with a
proper diet, medication, and hydration therapy, pets can often live
with a good quality of life for years beyond the diagnosis.
SIGNS OF KIDNEY FAILURE
• Increased water intake
• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Vomiting
• Increased urination
• Lethargy
• Weakness
Pet Care
