Symptoms that may indicate kidney disease in dogs or cats include increased thirst, increased urine output, weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness and changes in the appearance or frequency of urination. In the early stages, however, some animals may not show any obvious signs.
The kidneys play a role in essential functions such as removing waste products, regulating water and electrolytes, and maintaining various internal balances. When their function declines, the changes may occur gradually and be mistaken for the effects of ageing or other conditions.
If your dog or cat is drinking more water, urinating more or has lost weight for no apparent reason, a veterinary check-up in Benissa It can help to assess whether there is a renal, urinary, endocrine or metabolic disorder.
Main symptoms of kidney disease in dogs and cats
The symptoms vary depending on the type of kidney problem and how far it has progressed. The most common include:
- Drink more water than usual.
- Urination in greater quantities or more frequently.
- Weight loss.
- Reduced appetite.
- Vomiting or nausea.
- Weakness or reduced activity.
- Dehydration.
- Bad breath.
- Hair or fur that looks rather shabby.
- Changes in the colour or appearance of urine.
- Urinating somewhere other than the usual place.
- High blood pressure in some patients.
These symptoms are not exclusive to kidney disease. Diabetes, hormonal disorders, liver problems, urinary tract infections and other conditions can also cause some of them.
Why does a dog or cat with kidney problems drink more water?
When the kidneys lose their ability to concentrate urine properly, the animal may excrete more water than usual. As a result, it becomes thirstier in an attempt to compensate for this loss.
This increase in thirst and urine output, known as polydipsia and polyuria, may be one of the first changes noticed by the family.
It is not advisable to restrict the animal’s water intake in an attempt to make it urinate less. If it is drinking more than usual, the best course of action is to investigate the cause.
Can you lose weight even if you carry on eating?
Yes. Some dogs and cats with kidney disease begin to lose weight and muscle mass gradually. In the early stages, they may retain some of their appetite, whilst in more advanced stages they often eat less.
Weight loss can also occur in digestive disorders, diabetes, hyperthyroidism in cats and other internal medicine conditions, so it is important not to attribute it solely to the kidneys.
An assessment of veterinary internal medicine It can help to distinguish between these causes and select the most useful tests.
Could vomiting be linked to the kidneys?
Yes. When kidney function declines significantly, certain waste products can build up in the body and lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and general malaise.
Vomiting can also lead to dehydration, which can worsen the overall condition of a patient with kidney disease.
If your dog or cat is vomiting repeatedly, has stopped eating or is unable to keep water down, you should take them to the vet for a check-up.
What changes in urine might indicate a kidney problem?
As well as passing more urine, other changes may occur that warrant a medical assessment:
- Persistently very pale urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- More frequent urination.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Urinating outside the litter tray or in a place other than the usual spot.
- Noticeable changes in smell or appearance.
These symptoms may also be caused by bladder or urinary tract disorders. A urinalysis in dogs and cats It provides information on urine concentration, protein, blood, glucose, crystals, cells and other parameters that are useful in guiding the diagnosis.
What symptoms might a cat with kidney disease show?
Kidney disease is particularly common in adult and senior cats. The initial signs may be subtle and include drinking slightly more, producing more urine, losing weight or showing less interest in food.
As the condition progresses, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, a deterioration in the condition of the coat and loss of muscle mass may occur.
In older cats, regular check-ups can help detect problems before the symptoms become very obvious.
What symptoms might a dog show?
In dogs, symptoms may also include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting and a reduced appetite. Some kidney diseases may develop slowly, whilst others appear more suddenly.
Sudden changes in urine output, severe weakness or a rapid deterioration in general health require more urgent assessment.
What tests are used to check whether the kidneys are working properly?
The assessment usually combines different tests, as no single test provides all the necessary information on its own.
Among the most commonly used are:
- Blood test.
- Urine analysis.
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Quantification of proteins in urine where indicated.
- Ultrasound scan of the kidneys and bladder.
- X-rays in certain cases.
- A urine culture should be carried out if an infection is suspected.
The veterinary blood tests They enable the assessment of parameters relating to kidney function, hydration and other organs, whilst a urine test helps to determine how well the kidneys are concentrating urine and whether there are any other abnormalities.
When might a renal ultrasound be necessary?
An ultrasound scan allows the size, shape and structure of the kidneys to be examined, as well as assessing the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract.
It may be recommended in cases of abnormalities in blood or urine, visible blood in the urine, suspected stones, recurrent infections or changes in kidney structure.
The veterinary abdominal ultrasound scan It provides additional information to complement laboratory tests and can help guide the diagnosis.
Can kidney disease be detected before symptoms appear?
In some cases, yes. Certain conditions can be detected through check-ups, blood tests, urine tests or changes in blood pressure before the animal shows any clear signs.
This is particularly important in older animals and in patients with conditions that may affect the kidneys.
For this reason, preventative check-ups become increasingly important as dogs and cats get older.
Is there a treatment for kidney disease?
Treatment depends on the cause and type of condition. Some conditions may be reversible or may improve if the problem is identified and treated in good time, whilst other chronic kidney diseases require long-term monitoring.
Management may include hydration, dietary changes, blood pressure control, treatment of infections or protein loss, and other measures tailored to each patient.
In patients with chronic kidney disease, a veterinary nutrition strategy It can form part of a plan to adjust protein, phosphorus, energy and other nutrients according to the clinical situation.
When is it an emergency?
Seek urgent veterinary care if your dog or cat:
- They stop urinating or produce only a very small amount.
- He is vomiting repeatedly and cannot keep any fluids down.
- He is very weak or collapses.
- Stop eating altogether.
- He is showing signs of severe dehydration.
- There is a lot of blood in his urine.
- It gets much worse within a few hours.
The absence of urine may be linked to a serious kidney problem or a blockage in the urinary tract and requires immediate veterinary assessment.
When to make an appointment in Benivet Benissa
Ask for a check-up if your dog or cat is drinking more water, urinating more, losing weight, eating less, vomiting frequently or showing persistent changes in their behaviour or urine.
At Benivet Benissa, we can combine physical examination, blood tests, urine tests and diagnostic imaging to assess kidney function and distinguish a kidney problem from other conditions with similar symptoms.
If you have noticed any possible symptoms of kidney disease in your dog or cat and you live in Benissa, Calpe or the Marina Alta, you can contact Benivet Benissa to book a veterinary check-up.
Benivet Benissa
Av. del País Valencià, 10, 03720 Benissa
Tel. +34 622 325 271
Email: info@benivetbenissa.com
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-18:30 - Sat 10:00-13:00
