Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs and Cats…..Is it Curable?

The short answer is no……..but the much longer answer is far more encouraging. Many cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Chronic Renal Disease (CRD) in dogs as well as in cats are misdiagnosed. The International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) http://www.iris-kidney.com publishes guidelines which may be applied to any kidney disease patient in order to confirm or rule out a specific diagnosis of Chronic Kidney or Renal Disease. In working with hundreds of cases of CKD over the last several years, often patients are labelled with Chronic Kidney Disease when, in fact, they have kidney disease of a different type. It is important to establish an accurate diagnosis as CKD is an ongoing, progressive and eventually fatal disease. Many other similarly appearing diseases of the kidneys are often managed differently and sometimes cured. A minimum basis for diagnosing CKD would include physical exam, blood work (including at a minimum; creatinine, BUN, electrolytes, and SDMA) urinalysis with microscopic evaluation, urine protein/creatinine ratio and urine culture when indicated. Tick borne disease screening should also be considered, particularly in canines who live in areas where diseases such as Lyme disease or Anaplasmosis is common. In addition, abdominal ultrasound, although not required for diagnosis, may also be helpful.

If the diagnosis of CKD is confirmed it should then be staged according to IRIS guidelines. There are many strategies available depending on stage as well as the general condition of the patient. Special diets, IV and/or subcutaneous fluids, Red Light or Photobiomodulation Therapy (previously known as Laser Therapy) and blood pressure medications are but a few of these therapies. Treatment of a Chronic Renal or Kidney Disease patient is a constantly evolving and reevaluating process. Even patients diagnosed with the most severe stage of CKD can live for many months or even years when appropriately treated.