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While there is no way to reverse kidney damage that has already occurred in pets with CKD, important steps must be taken to mitigate further damage and ensure your pet stays as healthy and comfortable. The earlier CKD is detected, the more effective treatment will be in extending your pets life and improving their quality of life. Hydration First and foremost, it is imperative that fresh water be available to pets with CKD at all times. With the loss of kidney function, pets will lose excessive amounts of water in the form of urine. Because of this, drinking more water...

The purpose of the kidneys is to clear waste products from the blood. Animal kidneys are made up of hundreds of thousands of nephrons, which are comprised of a small filter and long tubule. The filter (called the glomerulus) filters the blood, and allows water, waste products, and other select molecules through to the tubules. As this fluid moves through the tubules, the kidneys reclaim water and substances that the body needs, and allow the waste products and excess water to go out into the collecting ducts. The collecting ducts bring waste products, in the form of urine, to the...

CKD in Cats: Lucy Lucy is a 21 year-old cat. Although she is an old lady, with the average lifespan for an indoor domestic cat being 10 to 15 years, she showed no outward signs of serious disease, other than the standard signs of slowing from old age. Her pet parent stopped the regular annual blood and urine testing recommended by the veterinarian for a few years due to financial constraints, and was at the point of having to choose the costs of daily life over the ability to provide the best care for Lucy; An unfortunate but common reality...