Renal Failure is a common problem for older pets

RENAL FAILURE OFTEN OCCURS in both older cats and dogs. In pets over eight years old, the early signs of renal (kidney) failure are increased water consumption and frequent urination.

Other symptoms include:

• weight loss
• decreased appetite
• weakness
• lethargy
• increased sleeping

As pets age, the kidney's filter units (gloneruli) begin to fail, and are gradually replaced by fibrous tissue (scarring). To keep the kidneys working, the brain's thirst center stimulates the animal to drink more water. Hopefully, the pet's owner will notice, and be alerted to a potential health problem. Since there are also other causes for increased thirst, it is important to test the animal's blood and urine to determine the nature of the problem.

Once diagnosed, renal failure can be treated according to its severity. If the disease is minor and in its early stages, changing the pet's diet, restricting protein and sodium, and starting mild fluid therapy can help. In severe cases with dehydration, pets require hospitalization and a high rate of intravenous fluids to diurese or "jump start" the kidneys. This treatment is continued until kidney value blood tests come down to a reasonable level (hopefully) and the animal is clinically improved.

Following hospitalization, the owner is shown how to give fluids beneath the skin daily to prevent the vicious cycle of dehydration and decline from beginning anew.

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Often these pets can be maintained for quite some time, but sadly, kidney failure is a progressive, terminal disease. It is one of the main killers of cats, and frustratingly, the laboratory values do not change until about two-thirds to three-quarters of the kidney function has been lost. We want to stress the importance of early testing and prompt care when you first notice the warning signs of increased thirst and urination.