Could Your Dog or Cat Be at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Just like people, animals are susceptible to illness and stress. And, just like people, there is a lot you can do to keep them healthy.
Julie noticed her dog, Zac, was drinking more water. Not just once, but several days in a row. She knew that excess thirst can be a sign of illness, so she took Zac to her veterinarian for tests. Blood and urine tests showed that Zac was in the early stages of acute kidney disease. But Zac was lucky. Because his problem was caught early, Julies veterinarian was able to treat the disease successfully and Zac made a complete recovery.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Briefly, kidneys filter and remove waste material from the blood stream. They also regulate the volume and composition of your pets body fluids.
There are two types of kidney disease:
Acute a sudden loss of kidney functioning which is sometimes reversible, and
Chronic a loss of kidney function that occurs gradually over time. Chronic kidney disease is often progressive, but, depending on the underlying cause and with careful management, animals often live comfortable lives for many...