Page 7 - Martin Downs Bulletin - April '25

Martin Downs, Page 7

tIp of the taIl

Kidney Disease common causes. Chronic kidney insufficiency indicates 3.) Producing erythropoietin, which helps stimulate the
that a condition called azotemia has been present for bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
months or years. When azotemia is present, toxins have 4.) Producing renin, which helps control blood pressure.
accumulated in the bloodstream, and lab work will indicate 5.) Producing and concentrating urine.
abnormalities. Approximately 70 percent of kidney When kidney function begins to decline, waste products
function must be lost before lab work abnormalities accumulate in the blood, electrolyte imbalances occur,
are noted. Azotemia does not necessarily mean a pet is anemia can develop, blood pressure problems may occur,
experiencing a reduced quality of life, but with uremia the and urine concentration decreases. Decreases in urine
patient is exhibiting clinical signs of kidney disease and concentration is an early sign of kidney insufficiency.
may be reducing their quality of life. The goal in treatment Clinical signs of chronic kidney insufficiency can be
of chronic kidney insufficiency is to prevent, postpone, vague and may mimic other diseases. The most common
or resolve uremia, to ensure the pet experiences the best symptoms usually noted are increased thirst and increased
possible quality of life. Azotemia associated with chronic urination with other symptoms including decreased appetite,
kidney insufficiency may not be reversible. vomiting, weight loss, and poor hair coat. These symptoms
Chronic kidney insufficiency is one of the most The kidneys perform several important functions: may be slowly progressive, and, if mild, may go unnoticed
common diseases affecting older pets, especially cats. 1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and creatinine. by a pet owner. Lab work may reveal abnormalities before
Many causes exist for chronic kidney insufficiency, with 2.) Regulating electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, obvious clinical signs are evident, which may allow
age-related kidney deterioration being one of the more phosphorus, and calcium. treatment to be initiated sooner and provide the best quality
of life for the pet.
Several treatment options can be utilized to help pets
with chronic kidney insufficiency maintain a good quality
of life. Special prescription diets are a primary means to
help maintain appropriate protein levels, certain electrolyte
levels, and a better longer quality of life. These diets are
available through veterinarians. Another treatment option is
fluid therapy, either subcutaneous fluids or intravenous fluids.
Subcutaneous fluids, which are placed under a pet’s skin, can
be used at home or in the clinic to help maintain hydration;
subcutaneous fluids can be utilized long-term to help with
quality of life. Some pets will benefit from subcutaneous
fluids up to several times a week, while others may need
fluids less often. Intravenous fluids are usually reserved for
pets who need more aggressive fluid therapy. Some pets
with chronic kidney insufficiency may have blood pressure
issues, and these pets may benefit from blood pressure
medications. Depending on the chronicity and severity of
kidney insufficiency, pets can experience anemia. If this
occurs, medication may be needed to help correct the anemia.
Chronic kidney insufficiency is a common disease
in older animals; however, pets can live with a good
quality of life for many years after diagnosis with proper
management. Annual lab work may reveal indications
of chronic kidney insufficiency well before a pet shows
clinical signs. Please check with your veterinarian to see
if your pet is due for his or her lab work.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Editorial copy appearing herewith is not necessarily the viewpoint of
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. Most editorial copy is created by the
homeowners and is edited by their appointed editor.

Publisher
Stephen Miller • Elizabeth Miller

Sales
Tom English, Margo Williams, Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick, Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban, Corey Bank
Anissa Stender

Production Manager Lee Nostrant

Production Department
Elaine Donholt • Ruth Nekoranec • Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout • Karen Kalisz • Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds

All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any
form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including photocopying
is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.
The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints
herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed
unsuitable for publication.

www.seabreezecommunications.com

See answer in this paper. (561) 746-3244