Kidneys function to efficiently filter out waste products from the blood in dogs, and the waste is then expelled from the body via the urine. With kidney disease in dogs, they lose kidney tissue, and it is not able to regenerate itself. For most dogs with the disease, this tissue loss will be occurring for years before they start to exhibit signs of having kidney problems. Kidney disease in dogs is seen more often in older dogs and in larger breeds rather than smaller breeds.

Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidneys serve the same purpose for cats, and it is also more common in older cats. This may also be called chronic kidney failure in cats and is often congenital. This means the cat has been born with a predisposition to develop kidney disease, but there can also be other causes for it. Amyloidosis, kidney dysfunction caused by protein buildup, and viral infections or tumors are possibilities too. A condition called glomerulonephritis, where there is inflammation damage to the kidney filtration membrane, can also be behind kidney disease in cats.

Kidney Disease Symptoms

The possible symptoms an owner may see with kidney disease are the same for either a dog or a cat. Kidney disease symptoms may include:

   
• Greatly increased thirst
   
• Increased urination
   
• Lethargy
   
• Vomiting
   
• Diarrhea
   
• Bad breath
 

Appetite loss is a less common sign of kidney disease in pets.

Kidney Disease Treatment

For managing kidney disease, a veterinarian may prescribe different medications based on what they feel is factoring into the disease most prominently. Examples include Benazepril or Enalapril as ACE-inhibitor drugs for hypertension or Erythropoietin for anemia. Phosphate-binder medications or OTC kidney health medication like AminAvast may also be helpful for preventing the disease or slowing its progression.

Other possible approaches to pet kidney disease treatment are acupuncture, herbal supplementation, or fluid therapy. Dog fluid therapy for kidney dysfunction involves electrolyte supplementation into the kidney via an injection at a veterinary clinic. It improves hydration and perfusion of the kidneys.