Chronic Kidney Disease

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

The kidneys contain millions of microscopic structures which perform a host of complex tasks that keep your dog healthy. Their primary function is to conserve water, and filter out metabolic byproducts from the blood. They also have a role in controlling blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balances, supporting red blood cell production, and conserving protein in the body. Kidney function may decline for many reasons, including age, inflammation, infection, or cancer.    

What are common CKD signs in dogs?

Early signs include:

• Increased thirst and urination

Intermediate to advanced signs include:

• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy or weakness
• Loss of vision
• Bad breath or mouth ulcers

How is CKD managed in dogs?  

Once any underlying conditions are addressed, a treatment plan is based on the disease stage in your dog. The first step is a prescription diet that allows the kidneys to do their job more easily. At more advanced stages, supportive measures may include supplemental hydration with fluids, as well as medications to reduce nausea, stimulate appetite, reduce blood pressure, balance electrolytes, conserve protein, and stimulate red blood cell production. Dogs with CKD need regular diagnostic testing, to monitor their status and prognosis.

What is the prognosis for dogs with CKD?

Most CKD cases are irreversible and progressive. Prognosis depends on an individual dog’s treatment response, and the disease stage at the time of diagnosis. If CKD is caught early, many dogs can have a good quality of life for several years. Dogs at later stages require more intensive treatment, and have a shorter lifespan.

Management tips for dogs with CKD  

At-home needs include:

• A warm, comfortable place to sleep
• Easy access to food and water
• A palatable kidney prescription diet
• Fluids administered under the skin, if directed by your veterinarian
• Consistency with medications

For end-of-life care:

• Try to keep your dog safe and comfortable
• Ensure adequate nutrition and hydration
• Monitor for pain or discomfort
• Evaluate your dog’s quality of life with our scoring tool
• Track progression of your dog’s health with our calendar

In a crisis situation:

• Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog stops eating or urinating, cannot walk, vomits excessively, vocalizes in pain, or is having seizures or difficulty breathing.  

Before your dog’s condition becomes unmanageable, or they begin losing their quality of life, beginning end-of-life care discussions is vital. Learn more about pet hospice, in-home euthanasia, and our teleadvice service, or contact a Lap of Love veterinarian in your area, so you can feel fully prepared for this progressive disease.