Renal failure

Kidney failure in dogs and cats is a common condition that affects the urinary system, characterized by the kidneys' inability to adequately filter and eliminate toxic substances from the body. It can be acute or chronic, with important differences between the two.

Types of Kidney Failure

• Acute Renal Failure (ARF): occurs suddenly and can be reversible if treated appropriately. Common causes include shock, severe bleeding, hypotension, dehydration, use of nephrotoxins, among others. Symptoms include decreased urination, loss of appetite, depression, and blood in the urine. Treatment is based on normalizing fluid balance and clinical support.
• Chronic Renal Failure (CRF): is a progressive and irreversible kidney failure, usually occurring in older animals (average age 6.5 to 7 years in dogs and 7.4 years in cats). It can be congenital, familial or acquired, and leads to permanent structural damage to the kidneys. Symptoms appear slowly and include increased water intake and urination, dehydration, weight loss, bad breath, mouth ulcers, vomiting and rapid breathing.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Advanced age is an important factor in the development of the disease.
• Obesity and excess protein in the diet can overload the kidneys.
• Other diseases such as cancer, pancreatitis and periodontal disease can trigger kidney failure.
• Improper use of medications without veterinary guidance can cause kidney damage 5 .
• In cats, some breeds such as Persians may be predisposed to kidney malformations, such as polycystic kidneys.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through evaluation of clinical history and laboratory tests that measure kidney function, such as creatinine, urea and uric acid, in addition to imaging tests such as ultrasound and radiography when necessary.

Considerations

Although chronic kidney failure is irreversible, with symptomatic treatment and proper care, many animals can maintain a good quality of life for years. Acute kidney failure, on the other hand, requires rapid intervention to prevent progression and possible fatal complications. . In summary, kidney failure in dogs and cats is a serious condition that requires attention to clinical signs and veterinary monitoring for early diagnosis and appropriate management.