Blood is filtered
in factories by nephrons (the workers).
in factories by nephrons (the workers).
Understanding Renal Health: A Guide to Kidney Care for Cats and Dogs
Understanding Renal Health: A Guide to Kidney Care for Cats and Dogs
CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Common and
irreversible
irreversible
ESTIMATED TO
SUFFER FROM
CKD
SUFFER FROM
CKD
FUNCTION LOST
when clinical signs
of CKD appear
when clinical signs
of CKD appear
Nutrition as a
cornerstone
cornerstone
Effect of renal diets
on longevity:
SURVIVAL TIME
x2.4
on longevity:
SURVIVAL TIME
x2.4
DOGS AND CATS
with CKD have a
DECREASED APPETITE
OR ANOREXIA
with CKD have a
DECREASED APPETITE
OR ANOREXIA
WHAT IS CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
Following examination by your veterinarian, diagnosis may show that your pet is suffering from chronic kidney disease even before there are any visible symptoms. This common disorder among older cats and dogs is related to kidney deterioration and may have a variety of causes, including hereditary malformation, kidney infection or inflammation, intoxication, and others.
Kidneys function like a factory that filters and recycles resources for the body, as illustrated below:
 |
HEALTHY KIDNEY AS AN EFFECTIVE RECYCLING TEAM
|
Nephrons sort those
substances:
to be recycled, returning
them to the bloodstream,
and those to be eliminated
as wastewater known as urine
substances:
to be recycled, returning
them to the bloodstream,
and those to be eliminated
as wastewater known as urine
 |
DYSFUNCTIONAL KIDNEY WITH IMPAIRED ACTION
|
Chronic renal dysfunction
is caused by a reduced number of nephrons, which results in the inability to filter and recycle useful substances into the bloodstream.
is caused by a reduced number of nephrons, which results in the inability to filter and recycle useful substances into the bloodstream.
More water and useful proteins are eliminated as kidney function declines. Unwanted waste accumulates
in the bloodstream.
in the bloodstream.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS ON THE BODY?
Hidden in its early stages, chronic kidney disease becomes more visible as it advances, at which point you may notice that your cat or dog drinks more than they used to, while urinating heavily and progressively losing their appetite.
Where do these symptoms come from?
Body water loss due to increased urine volume
Heavier and more frequent urination
Insufficient compensatory increase of drinking
DEHYDRATION
Increased levels of “waste” in blood (including urea)
and protein loss (found in urine)
and protein loss (found in urine)
Functional deterioration of
other organs (liver, stomach)
other organs (liver, stomach)
Nauseous state leading
to decreased appetite
to decreased appetite
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIT, WEIGHT LOSS, LETHARGY
WHAT ARE THE VISIBLE SIGNS OF CKD?
The resulting signs of CKD can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite and weight loss due to build-up of toxins in the body
- Excessive thirst, dehydration, increased frequency and amount of urination
- Loss of muscle mass due to inadequate food intake from lack of appetite
If symptoms of CKD worsen, contact your vet immediately.
HOW CAN CKD BE MANAGED?
Unfortunately, damage to the kidneys resulting in CKD is irreversible. A closer follow-up by your vet, together with the right management and nutrition, can help prolong and improve your cat’s quality of life.
Follow a specific renal diet
recommended by your veterinarian to support your pet’s kidney function.
Encourage drinking water
by making sure that your pet always has fresh and clean water available. Offering them moist food is also a good alternative.
Stimulate your pet’s appetite.
Offer your cat or dog a nutritional option with different taste, smell and texture to help ensure adequate food intake, particularly in cases of food aversion.
WHY IS MY VETERINARIAN
RECOMMENDING RENAL DIETS?
RECOMMENDING RENAL DIETS?
Your veterinarian understands that it is important for a Renal diet to address food aversion and palatability issues, so that your cat or dog actually gets the nutrition they need to support their kidney function and overall health.
KEY NUTRITIONAL FEATURES & BENEFITS
- Various aromatic profiles and textures
Helps stimulate appetite during loss of appetite or food aversion - Appropriate levels of highly digestible protein and restricted phosphorus
Reduces demand on the kidneys and slows down disease progression - Supplemental omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) and antioxidants
Helps decrease renal damage and slow down the decline in glomerular filtration rate - High energy
Helps compensate for reduced food consumption and thus prevent weight loss - Adjusted mineral content such as sodium and potassium
Helps regulate the mineral balance and reduce metabolic acidosis
YOU CAN ACT
1
DETECT EARLIER
Because there are no clear first signs of kidney disease, early check-up is the only way to diagnose and better manage with the most appropriate nutritional solution.
Because there are no clear first signs of kidney disease, early check-up is the only way to diagnose and better manage with the most appropriate nutritional solution.
2
ENSURE CATS AND DOGS EAT
With a nutritional program adapted to IRIS stages and allowing the management of periods of food aversion and loss of appetite.
With a nutritional program adapted to IRIS stages and allowing the management of periods of food aversion and loss of appetite.
CLOSE FOLLOW-UP BY YOUR VET, TOGETHER WITH THE RIGHT MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION
CAN HELP MAINTAIN YOUR PET'S QUALITY OF LIFE.
