Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

—Benjamin Franklin

You’re likely familiar with this popular saying, and you may have said it yourself when trying to convince your kids to go to sleep and wake up at a decent hour. Our Milford Animal Hospital team has tweaked this to apply to pets: Early to catch and early to treat makes your pet’s kidney disease retreat. Although kidney disease is incurable, early detection is hugely beneficial in preserving your pet’s kidney function and helping maintain a good quality of life for a long time to come.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of those silent conditions that creeps up slowly, then seems to progress rapidly once your pet exhibits signs. Learn about the importance of CKD’s early detection and how it can benefit your pet.

Understanding chronic kidney disease in pets

Kidney disease is typically categorized as acute or chronic, and acute kidney injuries can lead to chronic dysfunction. CKD is a progressive, irreversible condition that can be triggered by genetics, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, certain medications, cancer, or simply old age. While CKD more commonly occurs in cats, particularly senior ones, the condition also affects dogs.

When the kidneys cease to function properly, a cascade of events occur within your pet’s body because of all the important functions the kidneys typically perform. As kidney function gradually declines, fluid and electrolyte imbalances develop, metabolic waste products and toxins accumulate, and anemia sets in. 

Early chronic kidney disease signs in pets

Spotting CKD in the early stages is challenging, as pets often do not exhibit signs until about 75% of kidney function has already been lost. Because early disease signs are extremely subtle, regular CKD screening tests are essential.

Your pet may exhibit unusual behavior at home that can indicate decreasing kidney function. A pet’s CKD signs include:

  • Increased thirst and urination — As the kidneys fail to concentrate urine properly, they produce excessive urine, increasing your pet’s thirst.
  • Decreased appetite — Because the kidneys can no longer flush out metabolic wastes and toxins as effectively, these poisons build up within your pet’s body, making them feel nauseated and causing anorexia.
  • Weight loss — Poor appetite leads to weight loss, which is often lost muscle mass.
  • Poor coat condition — An unkempt, dull coat means your pet feels unwell, indicating that their hair coat is not receiving the necessary nutrients to remain shiny and lustrous.
  • Lethargy — Pets who feel ill from CKD experience decreased energy, often becoming disinterested in their favorite activities.
  • Nausea and vomiting — Accumulated metabolic wastes that are unable to be filtered by the kidneys make your pet feel nauseated and can cause vomiting.
  • Diarrhea — Gastrointestinal (GI) distress in the form of diarrhea is common in pets with CKD.

Importance of early detection of chronic kidney disease in pets

Although kidney disease is a progressive condition, when our Milford Animal Hospital team detects the condition in its earliest stages, we can prolong your pet’s life by implementing effective management therapies as soon as possible. While standard screening tests can detect kidney disease, blood work changes typically do not appear until about 75% of the kidneys’ function is lost. In addition, kidney enzyme elevations detected through standard blood chemistry panels can indicate a multitude of health problems and are not specific to kidney disease.

Fortunately, a newer test focuses specifically on kidney function. A symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) test evaluates this kidney function biomarker’s level, which can indicate kidney dysfunction much earlier than standard chemistry panels. With the ability to detect kidney disease with as little as 40% of lost kidney function, an SDMA test is an essential tool for early CKD detection in high-risk pets.

How to support your pet’s kidney health

No matter your pet’s CKD stage, you can take several measures at home to help support their kidney health, in addition to the treatments your Milford Animal Hospital veterinarian recommends. To promote your pet’s renal function, follow these tips:

  • Encouraging hydration — Proper hydration is key to helping the kidneys function. Encourage your pet to boost their water intake by switching to canned food, providing a drinking fountain, and placing fresh bowls of water in all the rooms in which your pet hangs out. Our team may also teach you how to administer subcutaneous fluids at home to help your pet’s kidneys flush out waste products.
  • Feeding an optimized diet — Balancing your pet’s protein intake with their CKD stage helps to preserve body mass as much as possible while reducing the kidneys’ workload.
  • Eliminating toxin exposure — Many toxins with which your pet can come in contact can cause kidney damage, so keep your four-legged friend away from lilies, antifreeze, grapes, raisins, and other poisons.

Stay on top of your pet’s kidney function by ensuring they have their early CKD detection diagnostic screening tests. Schedule your pet’s preventive care appointment with our Milford Animal Hospital team.