Chronic renal failure follows a renal attack which persists for months or years.

It is characterized by a renal dysfunction which is irreversible. The kidneys will continue to deteriorate during the following months or years.

Renal failure occurs when 75% or more of the kidneys are destroyed and become dysfunctional. It is measured by the reduction in the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine (from which there occurs a lower then normal urine density and a tendency to drink and urinate more often), by a reduction in the ability to eliminate the urea from the blood (called a uraemia) and an increased concentration of creatinine in the blood. Moreover, in the long term, it brings about anemia, increasing phosphorus in the blood and a loss of potassium.

The cause of this condition is often ignored although it may be hereditary in some breeds: Abyssinians, Persians, Cocker spaniels, German shepherds, Bull terriers, Cairn terriers and Samoyeds. However, it can affect any animal unpredictably. In cases where the cause is not hereditary, the appearance of this disease is mainly due to age or an underlying chronic disease such as leptosprosis, infectious feline peritonitis, lymphoma, kidney infections and stones.

Symptoms of this disease vary and depend upon the severity of the condition; loss of appetite, weight loss, polyuria and polydipsia (urinating and drinking more often), more or less frequent vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Animals can become very dehydrated, anemic, constipated or have mouth ulcers along with excessive saliva.

There are many things to do once your animal has been diagnosed with renal failure; the treatments will depend on the progression of the disease. At the LaSalle Veterinarian Clinic, we do not offer euthanasia as a first option for animals that have not progressed too far along in the disease but prefer to help you in your endeavours to treat your pet.

The first changes will occur if your pet is stable, still has some appetite and is not having a uraemic attack. It will be necessary to change your pet’s diet to a renal formula which is reduced in proteins but offers higher quality proteins. This formula will have to be rich enough to maintain the animal’s weight, low in sodium, phosphorus and enriched with potassium. An angiotensine conversion enzyme inhibitor (Fortekor®™) will be added to help protect the kidneys and slow down the progression of the disease, as well as essential fatty oils supplements. Medication to lower phosphorous may also be introduced so that your animal’s appetite will remain at its maximum; a potassium supplement may also be prescribed, should this be deemed necessary.  

If our patient is having a uraemic attack, if he is dehydrated, vomiting or no longer eating while his blood count is abnormal, he will then have to be hospitalized for a few days of intravenous fluid therapy. This is how we can lower the urea in his blood and make him more comfortable. If we achieve our objective, if vomiting ceases, appetite returns and hydration is good, then we will send our patient home and begin (or continue) all the treatments mentioned above.

This condition can evolve quickly or slowly but cannot be predicted. We will use all our knowledge and expertise to maintain your animal’s well-being  as well and as long as possible. However, we will need your cooperation for follow-ups since such patients require long-term drugs and regular check-ups.

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