Page 4 - Autumn 2011

Basic HTML Version

Autumn
feature...
Kidney disease
in pets!
Small Talk
is published by:
XLVet UK Ltd, Carlisle House, Townhead Road, Dalston, Carlisle CA5 7JF
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practice
news...
www.cainvets.co.uk
Cain Veterinary Centre
Llansantffraid, Powys SY22 6UA
Telephone:
(01691) 828205
SURGERY TIMES
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
Monday - Friday:
9.00am - 10.00am
4.00pm - 6.00pm
FIREWORKS STRESS
AND YOUR PET
Firework season is a very stressful
time of year for many pets and
owners and just under half of the
UK dog population, and many
cats, react to sudden loud noises.
If ignored, the problem tends to
get worse over time and can
expand to include fear of other
loud noises, such as thunder, and
eventually everyday noises such
as doors slamming.
Pets show varied stress reactions to
firework noise, they can withdraw into
themselves and hide, soil in the house,
and sometimes become destructive or
even harm themselves whilst trying to
escape from the noise.
To successfully manage firework-related
stress, it is important to consider the
short-term problem, when fireworks will be
heard, and also find a long-term solution.
Our Veterinary Nurses are offering a
FREE
NURSE CONSULTATION
to help you and
your pet to cope over fireworks season. They
will discuss treatment options, how to make
a den and effective sound desensitisation to
manage noise phobias long term once the
fireworks season has passed.
Please ring 01691 828205 to book
your FREE appointment.
Acute or sudden onset kidney disease may
be triggered by many things including exposure
to toxins such as antifreeze or grapes. Kidneys
may be damaged by severe infections,
dehydration and certain medications, such
as anti-inflammatories and certain antibiotics.
Acute kidney disease may be reversible if
treated early and aggressively but it can result
in death, or permanent kidney damage.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive
and irreversible disease. Approximately 10% of
cats older than 10 years, and 30% of cats over
15 years will suffer from it, and although less
common in dogs it can occur in any breed
often in animals over 7 years old.
The causes of CKD:
The commonest causes are as a result ageing.
Other causes include:
l
Hereditary or congenital conditions such
as polycystic kidneys in Persian cats
l
High blood calcium (often secondary to
a cancer)
l
Kidney infection
The signs of CKD include:
l
Increased thirst
l
Increased urination and urine looks lighter
as it is more dilute
l
Loss of appetite
l
Lethargy
l
Vomiting
l
Pale gums
l
Bad breath and mouth ulcers
l
Muscle weakness
Diagnosis of CKD
can only be made with
blood and urine tests. We look at the level
of two waste products in the blood (which
are high in kidney disease) and the urine
concentration (which is low, or dilute, in
kidney disease).
Other changes that can occur with CKD
include:
l
High phosphate levels in the blood
l
Anaemia (low red blood cell count)
l
High blood pressure
Treating CKD may include the following
measures:
l
If an underlying cause is identified this must
be treated. For example antibiotics for a
kidney infection.
l
Fluids may be given into the vein or under
the skin. This may be done initially to
improve a poorly animal then on-going to
maintain that situation.
l
Diet is very important in managing this
disease. Commercial kidney diets are
available and they are designed to offer
restricted protein to reduce the waste
products from protein breakdown, and
restricted phosphorus.
l
Phosphate binders are added to the diet
to further bind phosphates.
l
Vomiting can be controlled with specific
medicines.
l
High blood pressure is controlled
when required.
The kidneys are responsible for the elimination of the body's waste products in urine
and maintaining fluid balance in the body. Certain hormones are also produced by the
kidneys. If kidney function is damaged waste products are not eliminated as effectively.
Diseased kidneys are less able to concentrate urine and so the body loses large volumes
of dilute urine, making the patient susceptible to dehydration.
CKD requires regular health checks
including an examination, blood and
urine tests. These are critical to monitor
progression of the disease and spot
new developing symptoms as early as
possible. The prognosis for CKD is very
variable and while some pets will
survive only a very short time from
diagnosis some will have happy lives
for months and even years with
good management.
by
Wendy Scourfield, BVetMed, MRCVS
Allen & Partners