Renal Care in Pets
Kidneys are vital life-sustaining organs in our pets, performing many functions to keep the blood chemically balanced and clean. Major functions of kidneys include filtering the blood, keeping the water and electrolytes content of the body constant, and secretion of a number of essential hormones in the body.
Diagnostic approach
Investigation of a patient for the renal disease may be initiated by presenting clinical problems or after performing a blood test. Owners of patients having kidney disease will usually report their animal drinking (polydipsia) and/or urinating (polyuria) more than usual. The term polydipsia is defined as an intake of water that is more than 100 ml/kg/day for dogs. Reduction of appetite, vomiting or weight loss may also be seen in kidney diseases.
In order to investigate an underlying suspected kidney disease, performing a blood test is the first choice in the diagnostic approach. Parameters that are expected to be abnormal are Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), Creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen, and Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. Urine analysis is also performed because urine is the product of the kidneys and can give us a lot of information about the renal condition.
Etiology
Renal disease can be acute or chronic (present for a longer period). The causes of renal diseases are divided into 3 categories:
- Pre-renal affection: A decreased blood volume arriving at the kidneys
- Renal affection: Vascular, parenchymal or tubular renal damage
- Post renal affection: Ureteral or urethral obstruction by a stone or mass
Imaging of the kidneys may come as a secondary intention diagnostic techniques such as radiographs, ultrasonography, and other more complicated imagining techniques can be done in order to give more detailed information.
Treatment
The treatment goals for the patient with kidney disease are aimed at limiting further renal damage and enhancing cellular recovery. Strategies for improving renal oxygen delivery, reducing metabolic demand, and maintaining urine output used for preventing kidney disease are equally important in treatment. The most effective therapy for kidney disease is careful management of fluid and electrolytes balance, which involves thoughtful assessment of hydration, and a fluid treatment plan personalized for the specific patient. A renal supportive diet is mandatory in patients presenting renal failure. The diet is low in protein, metabolizes better phosphor and calcium, and contains a supply of unsaturated fatty acids which have an anti-inflammatory and hypotensive effect. And a secondary treatment plan can be applied to fight against the disease’s complications such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary tract infections, decreased red blood cell levels, and arterial hypertension.
All pets older than 5 years should perform a renal panel at least once every year, for early detection of any renal dysfunction because most of the lost kidney function cannot be restored or treated. The treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
Contact us for any symptoms of kidney problems, laboratory tests, and treatment plans for your pets in Dubai.
Written by Dr Marie Therese Alkassis, Veterinarian
