Ask the Expert
Kidney Failure is no death sentence to our kids
By Andrea Wells, DVM, DipACVIM, CARE Hospital Chief of Medicine
Kidney failure is a common disorder in pets. Signs can include increased urination and thirst, decreased appetite, lethargy and sometimes vomiting. Treatment may be simple to intensive and prognosis is variable.
There are several causes of kidney failure including infections, obstruction from urinary calculi, toxins, cancer or idiopathic which means “of unknown cause”. Infections can be detected by culturing a urine sample then treating with the appropriate antibiotic based upon the results. An infection called Leptospirosis is a serious yet treatable infection that is transmissible to people. Pets typically acquire it from water sources that are also available to the local wildlife. Pets can develop stones than occlude the normal flow of urine; these may be dissolvable with diet and medication or may need surgical removal. Pets can also develop cancer in the kidneys or bladder. There are treatment options that are well tolerated and quite successful, resulting in a good quality of life.
 There is also a category of kidney failure that causes a loss of protein through the kidneys. One type is termed GN. In GN, the immune system is overactive and attacks a region of the kidneys causing protein to leak through the kidneys. This is typically a rapidly progressive disease that leads to a poor qutality of life within about 2 months. However, sometimes veterinary medicine provides some very pleasant surprises. Meet “Kimo” a pure white, spunky American Eskimo dog. Kimo was initially diagnosed with protein in his urine two and a half years ago. Kimo had a poor prognosis, but Kimo also had attitude, will and a dedicated family. Kimo’s family made him a special diet every day, gave medications and stuck with him through some tougher times when his disease flared up. Although Kimo needed to be hospitalized a few times when his kidney values worsened, for years he recovered and went home to do everything a happy dog is suppose to do and feel great doing it. This is a perfect example of the strength and power of the human animal bond. Due to the dedication and love of Kimo’s family, miracles occurred.
 Kidney failure can be a very treatable disease. Initial diagnostics may include blood and urine tests, ultrasound or on occasion a minimally invasive biopsy. Treatment of kidney failure may involve initial hospitalization with intravenous fluids, antibiotics and supportive medications. Some pets may need follow-up monitoring, special diets and sometimes medicating at home. It is important to realize that pets can have a wonderful quality of life with kidney failure, many for several happy years. Kimo, the perfect little white dog did!
If your pet is diagnosed with kidney disease or has had recurrent kidney problems, consult your primary care veterinarian and ask if a referral to a specialist would prove helpful. Dr. Wells (and our other internist Dr. Shannon Carley) are available at C.A.R.E. full time and welcome consultations and/or referrals from your veterinarian in the service of your four legged companion. Referral appointments are made by calling (805) 899-CARE (2273). You may also log on to the C.A.R.E. web site for further information at www.carehospital.org.
Best of health!
|
I'm so excited that Halloween is this month! it's one of my favorite holidays because I love to dress up. Find out how you can celebrate Halloween with Dioji below. 
Kirby Wendel
Each month we would like to introduce one of our valuable team members to you so you can get to know the Dioji staff even better. 
Hugo has been going to Dioji since he was ten weeks old. From the very first day we were welcomed into the Dioji family with open arms. It’s reassuring to know that when Hugo is dropped off in the morning he will spend the day with people that truly care about his well-being! 
