“Early signs of kidney disease are often subtle, which is why proper testing is essential for diagnosis.”
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Good kidney (renal) function is vital to our pets’ health and well-being. Kidneys are like filters – they take waste products out of the blood and excrete them into the urine.
They are also designed to conserve water and concentrate urine, so we don’t lose too much.
I’m sure you can imagine that if the kidneys aren’t working well, waste products build up in the blood, which can make your pet very sick.
Sometimes, kidney disease is caused by an infection (such as a virus or bacteria) or by your pet coming into contact with a poison. This is acute kidney disease
In other cases, the kidneys simply start to fail as part of the aging process or secondary to other chronic or hidden illnesses. This second scenario is what we call chronic renal disease and is particularly common in middle-aged to older cats.
Often, the initial signs of kidney disease are vague
Our mobile vets might get a phone call from an owner saying they are just a bit concerned because their cat or dog is not eating so well, seems to have lost a bit of weight and is drinking a little more water. Of course, there are many other diseases with the same symptoms, so our vets need to do a bit of detective work to get to the bottom of the problem.
When we examine your pet, we may find specific clues that point to kidney disease, such as swollen or shrunken kidneys and dehydration. But to make a certain diagnosis, we need to do blood and urine tests. It can also be useful to check your pet’s blood pressure, and in some cases, we might need to do X-rays or ultrasound scans to get a complete picture.
Treating kidney disease
If your pet is suffering from acute kidney disease due to an infection, for example, they’ll likely need to stay in the hospital for intensive fluid and drug treatment. They also might need supportive nutrition while their body recovers.
If your pet is diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, it’s important to realise that this is not a curable or reversible condition, but one we need to manage to slow down the progression. We’ll often recommend diets that are high in energy and have reduced protein and phosphorus to help your pet keep their weight up while reducing ongoing kidney damage. If your pet’s blood pressure is high, it’s very important for us to control that with medication. We might also offer treatment to control vomiting and other problems that can occur as well.
With treatment, pets with chronic renal disease can enjoy many months and often years of good quality of life.
“Chronic kidney disease cannot be reversed, but it can be managed to support quality of life.”
Key Takeaways
- Kidney function is essential for overall health
It filters waste and regulates water balance in the body. - Symptoms are often subtle at first
Changes in appetite, weight and drinking habits are common early signs. - Diagnosis requires testing
Blood and urine tests are needed to confirm kidney disease. - Chronic kidney disease can be managed
While not reversible, treatment can support quality of life over time.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of kidney disease in pets?
Early signs are often vague and may include reduced appetite, weight loss and increased drinking. These changes can be easy to overlook or mistaken for other conditions. Monitoring these subtle shifts is important for early detection.
What is the difference between acute and chronic kidney disease?
Acute kidney disease develops suddenly, often due to infection or toxins, and may require intensive treatment. Chronic kidney disease develops gradually, often as part of ageing or an underlying illness. Chronic cases are managed rather than cured.
How is kidney disease diagnosed in pets?
A confirmed diagnosis requires blood and urine testing. These tests help assess kidney function and detect blood waste buildup. Additional checks, such as blood pressure or imaging, may be used to get a clearer picture.
Why are symptoms of kidney disease often missed early?
The early signs are mild and non-specific, such as slight changes in eating or drinking habits. Many other conditions can present similarly, making diagnosis less obvious. This is why further testing is often needed.
Can chronic kidney disease in pets be treated?
Chronic kidney disease cannot be reversed, but it can be managed to slow progression. Treatment may include dietary changes, medication and managing associated symptoms. Many pets can maintain a good quality of life with appropriate care.
What treatments are used for kidney disease in pets?
Treatment depends on whether the condition is acute or chronic. Acute cases may require hospital care with fluids and medication. Chronic cases are usually managed with diet changes, blood pressure control and supportive care to reduce symptoms.