KIDNEY DISEASE (Uremic Syndrome)

General Information

Normal kidneys filter the blood, removing wastes and excreting them in the urine.  Kidneys damaged by infection or inflammation lose some of this filtering ability and waste products accumulate in the bloodstream.  Continued re-circulation of this material results in illness.  About three-fourths of kidney tissue must be damaged before signs of illness appear.  For this reason, kidney disease is often considered chronic (present a long time) even though the affected pet may not have shown signs of disease for very long.

Signs of chronic kidney disease include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite, weight loss, depression and bad breath.  Continued illness results in collapse, seizures, coma and death.

Though chronic kidney disease is not curable, it is often controllable.  Many pets can live reasonably normal lives when properly managed in a cooperative effort between owner and veterinarian.

Important Points in Treatment

1. In many cases, initial treatment involves flushing the animal’s blood with intravenous fluids until kidney function improves.  Usually this is done in the hospital.  When the values of the kidney function tests are more normal, treatment can continue at home. Fluids can be given subcutaneously (under the skin) by owners.

2. Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you cannot give the medication.

3. Diet:  A controlled diet is critical to successful treatment of chronic kidney disease.  Feed your pet as follows: _______________________________________________

4. Water:  Make sure your pet has free access to clean drinking water at all times.  Call the doctor if your pet does not seem to be drinking adequately.

   Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.

   ______  Allow normal activity.

   ______  Restrict activity as follows: _________________________________

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• Your pet is reluctant to eat or seems depressed.

• Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.

• Your pet faints or acts dazed or confused.

• Your pet loses weight.

• There is a change in your pet’s water intake and/or urination.

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.