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CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE - WHAT TO LOOK FOR

First broadcast on www.provet.co.uk  


This information is provided by Provet for educational purposes only.

You should seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ill as only he or she can correctly advise on the diagnosis and recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your pet.

Kidney disease is very common in cats, dogs and other species. Owners should be aware of the signs to look out for in their pet if it is known to have kidney failure.

Every year many owners visit a veterinary practice and are told that their pet has a form of kidney disease - most often chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure. In some cases no long term treatment will be given except for modification of the pets diet. In other cases long term medication may be needed. Unfortunately, kidney disease is a progressive condition and owners should look for signs that indicate that the disease may be getting worse. 

Here are some guidelines for owners with pets that have renal failure :

  • Always give the full dose of any medication that is provided by your vet
  • Do not give your pet treats or supplements in addition to a special diet - unless advised to do so by your vet
  • Keep a record of your pets water intake so that you will notice any increase or decrease in thirst
  • Try to observe your pet when it goes to the toilet so that you can confirm that it is passing urine regularly, and what the urine looks like

Look out for these signs and contact your vet if your pet :

  • starts drinking more water
  • stops drinking
  • starts passing more urine
  • passes urine more frequently than usual
  • suddenly stops passing urine
  • passes red or pink coloured urine
  • stops eating
  • starts vomiting
  • develops a foul smelling breath
  • develops ulcers on it's tongue or in its mouth
  • starts twitching or fitting
  • becomes so weak that it cannot get up or walk properly
  • starts holding its head down with a flexed neck
  • seems to go blind - kidney failure is associated with high blood pressure which can damage the eyes leading to blindness.
  • becomes obviously depressed and unwell, or 
  • develops any other signs of illness.

Last updated : September 2013