Page 11 - Palm City Spotlight - April '25

Palm City Spotlight, Page 11

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
of chronic kidney insufficiency is to prevent, postpone, be vague and may mimic other diseases. The most
or resolve uremia, to ensure the pet experiences the best common symptoms usually noted are increased thirst
possible quality of life. Azotemia associated with chronic and increased urination with other symptoms including
kidney insufficiency may not be reversible. decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and poor hair
Chronic kidney insufficiency is one of the most The kidneys perform several important functions: coat. These symptoms may be slowly progressive, and,
common diseases affecting older pets, especially cats. 1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and creatinine. if mild, may go unnoticed by a pet owner. Lab work may
Many causes exist for chronic kidney insufficiency, with 2.) Regulating electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, reveal abnormalities before obvious clinical signs are
age-related kidney deterioration being one of the more phosphorus, and calcium. evident, which may allow 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.

See answer in this paper.