A Pet Owner’s Guide to Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can pose a significant challenge for both pet owners and veterinarians. This condition, characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, affects millions of pets worldwide. CKD often goes unnoticed in its early stages, as symptoms may be subtle and easily attributed to other causes. However, early detection is crucial for effectively managing the disease and preserving your pet’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are available tests that can help identify kidney disease sooner than conventional methods, giving your pet the best chance for a long and high-quality life.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

There are various factors that can contribute to chronic kidney disease in pets. While aging is the most common cause, as organ function naturally declines with age, other factors include genetics, renal hypertension, underlying concurrent illnesses, infections, protein intake, toxin exposure, urinary tract issues, and cancer. Additionally, acute kidney disease can sometimes progress into chronic kidney disease.

Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

Signs of early-stage kidney disease can be subtle and easily missed until the disease has progressed significantly. Therefore, early detection through testing is crucial for diagnosing CKD and implementing management strategies promptly.

While you may not notice signs of kidney disease in your pet until later stages, watch out for the following clues, which could indicate a problem:

• Depression
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive thirst and urination

Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

In most cases, CKD is diagnosed through routine wellness screening tests rather than because the pet appears visibly ill. Since CKD can take time to manifest clinically, abnormalities in blood work are often the first indicators of the disease. Pets that do not undergo regular screening tests are more likely to develop clinical signs before CKD is diagnosed, leading to a poorer prognosis.

Standard wellness screening tests for kidney disease typically include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood chemistry profile
• Urinalysis

Detecting diseases like chronic kidney disease in their earliest stages is vital for maintaining your pet’s health. Schedule a wellness appointment with Village Veterinary Hospital to ensure your furry friend receives the care they need for a long and healthy life.