Understanding Cat & Dog Kidney Disease

​Kidneys play a vital role in your pet’s health, filtering out waste products, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones essential for various bodily functions. When kidney function declines, it can impact your pet’s quality of life by presenting symptoms, and affect your pet’s long-term health. 

To help dog and cat owners understand kidney disease, we’ll be exploring what it is, what causes it, the symptoms that are presented, how it can be diagnosed, and how it can be treated and managed.
Cat & Dog Kidney Disease
From the causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, here’s what you need to know about dog kidney disease and cat kidney disease.

Causes of Kidney Disease In Cats & Dogs

Kidney disease can occur in cats and dogs as the result of several factors, and the exact cause isn’t always clear. In older pets in particular, kidney function naturally declines, making kidney disease more prevalent as cats and dogs grow older. Genetics play a big factor as well, as certain breeds of cats and dogs are more predisposed to developing inherited kidney diseases, and for those that are at risk, precautionary measures should be taken. Diet is known to play a role, as the long-term consumption of a high-protein diet or inadequate water intake can stress the kidneys, and this should be considered, especially if your cat or dog is at risk of kidney disease.

Other more circumstantial factors such as your pet’s environment and health can also cause kidney disease. Accidental exposure to certain toxins, bacterial or viral infections, or blockages such as obstructions in the urinary tract can present issues.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Just like any disease, early detection is key, which is why you must remain vigilant and observe any changes in your pet’s health or behaviour. The symptoms of kidney disease in cats and kidney disease in dogs are often the same as other health conditions, but noticing any of them means issues can be treated earlier by your veterinarian. Increased thirst and urination are classic symptoms of damaged kidneys that struggle to process urine, and additionally, the inability to control urination, especially in previously house-trained pets, can be a telltale sign. A common symptom of other conditions is decreased appetite and weight loss, and vomiting and diarrhoea can occur due to a buildup of toxins and imbalances of electrolytes. In more advanced cases of kidney disease, cats and dogs can also experience fatigue and decreased energy levels.

Diagnosing Kidney Disease

If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, visiting your veterinarian is essential. Although the symptoms may not be due to kidney disease, visiting your vet is always best for peace of mind. They will begin by conducting a physical examination to assess your pet's overall health and hydration status, before moving on to blood tests to look for abnormalities in kidney function markers like creatinine and urea nitrogen. If these tests aren’t conclusive, further tests include urinalysis to assess urine concentration and the presence of protein, blood, or other abnormalities, as well as imaging tests to visualise the kidneys to rule out blockages or other structural issues.

Treatment Options for Kidney Disease

Depending on the diagnosis, some types of kidney disease in dogs and kidney disease in cats are untreatable. Treatment focuses on managing the disease and your pet's quality of life. This might include dietary management to ensure they receive the right nutrients without overworking the kidneys, medications to control the symptoms, and other types of therapy. 

If your cat or dog has kidney disease or is presenting symptoms of kidney disease, visiting your veterinarian is essential. The earlier cat kidney disease and dog kidney disease are caught, the better the likelihood of a positive outcome. At Ripponlea Veterinary Hospital, we understand your love for your pet and offer only the best standard of care and treatment to ensure they remain healthy for many years ahead.

Schedule an appointment with us now to ensure the best quality of life for your pet!