Chronic Kidney Disease

Antifreeze causes acute, usually fatal kidney failure

— electrolyte imbalance cause

Both a cause and consequence of dehydration

Kidney damage can result from ureteral swelling post-surgery

Glomerulonephritis can progress to CKD if undetected

CKD causes hypertension, which in turn damages the heart.

Kidney failure causes and is caused by hypercalcemia

Damaged kidney blood pressure sensors cause high blood pressure; hypertension in turn accelerates kidney damage. 61-93% of CKD patients also have hypertension.

Treating hyperthyroidism can unmask hidden CKD because hyperthyroidism artificially increases kidney blood flow. Both are common in senior cats.

CKD disrupts calcium-phosphorus homeostasis

NSAIDs can cause acute kidney failure

Renal lymphoma produces CKD-like symptoms (poor appetite, excessive thirst, weight loss) and can directly damage kidney tissue.

Abnormal proteins damage kidneys

Dental bacteria can damage kidneys

Antifreeze, lilies, and grapes/raisins cause kidney damage

Kidney infection that can mimic or worsen CKD but has potential for reversal.

Vitamin D-based poisons cause kidney failure

Renal anemia is a major CKD complication

Lymphoma in the kidneys mimics CKD symptoms (poor appetite, excessive thirst, weight loss) but kidneys are enlarged rather than shrunken.

Kidney dysfunction is the primary underlying cause of this secondary endocrine condition.

Can cause acute kidney obstruction and spike creatinine.

Obstruction can cause acute kidney damage

Failing kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin.

CKD-related hypertension can damage the retina.

Uremia causes foul breath

Impaired glomerular filtration in kidney disease is the direct physiological cause of phosphorus accumulation.

Excessive water consumption is an early CKD warning sign, also seen in hyperthyroidism.

Reduced appetite from uremia is a key symptom in Stages III-IV.

CKD-related hypertension can lead to stroke.

Uremia-related nausea and vomiting in advanced stages.

Common symptom in advanced CKD, shared with hyperthyroidism and lymphoma.

Used in advanced CKD (subcutaneous or IV fluids).

Dialysis is an option when conventional CKD management fails

Transplant is an option for advanced CKD

Improves survival in dogs with renal disease

Must screen kidney function before treatment; I-131 can unmask latent CKD

Cornerstone of CKD management starting at Stage II, also referenced in the nutrition article.

CKD is one of the key conditions managed through veterinary prescription diets.

Used to control CKD-related hypertension.

Used in Stage III management.

Erythropoietin deficiency is a direct consequence of kidney failure.

Treating hyperthyroidism may unmask hidden CKD

Often used in CKD patients for blood pressure and renal protection.

Part of IRIS sub-staging; CKD is the most common cause of hypertension.

Creatinine, SDMA, and BUN are the primary CKD markers.

Primary staging marker.

Early detection marker; part of IRIS staging.

Evaluates kidney structure, detects stones, and monitors changes.

Urine specific gravity and protein screening are essential.

Part of IRIS sub-staging protocol.

Kidney damage disrupts blood pressure regulation.

Phosphorus rises as kidney function declines.

Electrolyte imbalance is a direct consequence of failing kidneys.

Failing kidneys cannot maintain hydration; central to disease management.

Diet management is foundational to CKD treatment.

pH imbalance is a consequence of failing kidneys.

Rises as kidney function declines; managed with diet and medication.

Drops in CKD, especially in cats; supplementation often needed.

Failing kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin.

— most common senior cat condition

Lily ingestion causes acute fatal kidney failure in cats