What are the symptoms, tests and prevention methods for kidney disease in pet cats and dogs?

The kidneys are responsible for the important functions of filtering and removing waste products from the body. Kidney disease occurs when these important functions are not functioning well for a number of reasons. Symptoms, Detection and Prevention of Kidney Disease in Pets and Dogs Generally, kidney disease is divided into two categories:Acute Kidney Injury - kidney function declines dramaticallyChronic Kidney Disease - kidney function slowly declines over time.

There are many risk factors in life that can cause your pet to develop chronic kidney disease in the future. These factors include: kidney stones, infectious diseases (including canine Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis and leptospirosis), toxins, injuries, genetic abnormalities and tumors. If you suspect that your pet has kidney disease, your veterinarian will work with you to identify the underlying cause and to arrange the best treatment and care plan for your pet. Early chronic kidney disease often has no clinical signs, making it easy to overlook. Symptoms of kidney disease may not be obvious and there are usually few early signs. Notify your veterinarian as soon as possible if your pet is experiencing poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting, thirst and urination, diarrhea, or any change in lifestyle behavior. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, it is in the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, which is difficult to treat.

Regular exams and screenings are an important way to detect kidney disease early. Depending on your pet's symptoms, age and other factors, your doctor will work with you to evaluate your pet's kidney function on a regular basis. Routine tests include:hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, and imaging. If your cat or dog is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, don't panic. Luckily, you've found the condition, and your vet can help you get to the root of the problem and customize a treatment plan that's best for you and your pet. Some pets with chronic kidney disease continue to live happily for many years after diagnosis and have a great quality of life. After a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, long-term conditioning and monitoring can slow the progression of the disease so that dogs and cats can still maintain a good quality of life.

As your pet's age and physical condition change, they may require different diets, medications, or additional fluids. With this in mind, your vet will work with you to monitor your pet's condition and perform blood and urine tests to double-check your pet's kidney function. If your pet is in the early stages of chronic kidney disease, retesting may only be necessary 2 ~ 3 times per year; if the condition worsens, retesting should be scheduled. Since medications or commercially available health foods may be harmful to the kidneys, please consult your veterinarian before taking them. Being a careful owner and scheduling regular rechecks will help you detect important changes in your pet's behavior and physical condition, and help your pet live longer and enjoy a better life, so it's worth all your effort!