KIDNEY DISEASE: PREVENTION IS THE BEST WAY!
Kidney disease: prevention is the best way!
The kidneys work by filtering impurities from the blood and maintaining the body's water and mineral in balance. Changes in its function characterize kidney disease and, when symptoms of kidney failure appear, the disease is usually already quite advanced.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one in three cats and one in eight dogs, according to current researches. Although age is not chosen, most of the time, it occurs starting from 6 years old.
Like many diseases that affect dogs and cats, early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can allow greater long-term disease control and na increase in the life expectancy of these animals. This diagnosis can be obtained through blood and imaging tests performed by a veterinarian.
It´s a disease that requires extra attention from the owners, as it is a silent disease and the symptoms usually manifest in an advanced stage, when 75% of the renal function is already compromised. Therefore, periodic check ups with the veterinarian are essential for early identification, not only of kidney disease, but many other conditions.
The main symptom in animals is increased thirst. There may also be decreased appetite, weight loss, vomiting, apathy, among others.
Currently, there are medications and nutraceuticals indicated to be taken in the long term, which help to control the symptoms of kidney disease, combined with a specific diet with controlled protein levels.
A series of functional ingredients present in specific supplements for CKD maximize the effects of drugs and specific diets, improving the animal´s quality of life and controlling the evolution of the disease.
We'll end this text the same way we started: prevention is the best way when it comes to kidney disease. Consult the veterinarian whenever possible and be sure to take periodic exams as often as indicated by him/her.
Source : Simone Amitay - Médica Veterinária
By : Dr. Simone Amitay - Veterinarian
