DISEASE FOCUS: Renal/Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats

It is indeed very sad when our pets fall ill. They need our constant attention and patience. Owners must make sure they have been medicated and fed at the correct time. Even though it can be quite hectic, pet owners take it in their stride to help their pets recuperate.

In humans, kidney failure is a common disease and more and more people are suffering from this dreaded ailment. With dialysis and modern medicine some people are luckier than some others who aren't that fortunate. This is why it is important we practise a healthy lifestyle and go for regular medical check-ups.

In those days, animals that were too sick were put to sleep but nowadays, with new innovation in the field of pet nutrition, we are able to manage this ailment and further prolong the life of a patient for longer period of time. Of course, as a pet lover you would like to enjoy your pet for as long as possible. If you are facing such a problem, now therapeutic diets are available to sustain animals for as long as possible. Most probably there's no awareness of these special diets. However, through the use of therapeutic diets we can lengthen and enrich the special relationships created between you and your beloved pet.

In a recent survey in the U.S. more than 20 percent of dogs over the age of five showed signs of kidney disease, and kidney failure is among the most common causes of death in older dogs and cats. Dietary change is the key to managing pets with kidney disease.

The kidney's function is to remove waste materials from the blood and help regulate body fluids. When the kidneys fail to perform these functions, your pet shows signs of kidney disease. Chronic (long-term) kidney disease is progressive and irreversible, where two-thirds to three-fourths of the tissue is damaged before changes are evident in routine blood work.

Signs of kidney disorders

Unfortunately, the signs of kidney disease do not appear until more than two-thirds of the kidney function has been lost. Once this occurs, waste materials begin to accumulate in the bloodstream and it will show on your pet. Kidney disease is either acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Acute kidney disease is a rapid decline in kidney function which is often the result of a sudden change in the body such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased thirst
• Poor hair coat
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss, lack of appetite and poor hair coat.
• Frequent urination or no urination at all and sometimes obstructed urine flow.

These signs may appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. They may also be produced by other diseases. Chronic kidney disease can result from the causes such as the breed and hereditary of the animal, its nutritional and incomplete immune system

What are the causes?

Kidney disease may have many different causes, including inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and nutritional factors. Frequently, the cause cannot be determined, but with careful examination and testing, the severity of the disease can be evaluated and the best method of management can be prescribed.

How pet owners can help avoid renal disease in their pets?

• Renal disease is a significant cause of non-accidental death in dogs and cats. Research in dogs and cats with advanced renal disease has shown that decreasing the level of dietary phosphorus slows progression and reduces the severity of renal disease, thereby lengthening the pet's life.

• Limiting excess phosphorus throughout an animal's adult stages when diagnosis is difficult.

• Avoiding excess dietary protein, sodium and chloride throughout adult hood may also slow progression of renal disease.

• Choose a pet food that is balanced and avoids nutrient excesses

Once chronic kidney failure develops, it cannot be reversed, but there are measures that can be taken to slow the progression of the disease and help the pet live longer. Acute kidney disease, however, can be stopped, and many pets recover completely once the underlying problem is corrected.

Treatment of kidney disease is tailored to the individual patient but usually includes hospitalization, medication and nutrition specifically designed, that is Hill's Prescription Diet k/d .for pets suffering from kidney problems.

Once your pet returns home, it will require special attention and care. It is important to follow these steps and any other instructions from your veterinarian. You should avoid all stress to your pet and provide lots of fresh, clean water for him to drink. Give your pet the recommended medication and restrict exercise if necessary. Do remember to return for follow-up appointments with your vet, and report any abnormalities to your veterinarian. Next, follow the special diet plan advised by your veterinarian strictly.

Once kidney disease is diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend the best line of action between care, medicine and clinical nutrition.

Also for your information, the Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur is organising a Spay/Neuter Campaign. Please call the SPCA at 04-42535179 or 42528382 to find out more.