Do you know? How Does Kidney Disease Affect Your Pet in Houston, Texas?
When your pet becomes old, it becomes prone to many diseases such as chronic kidney disease. Statistics show that many pets in Houston, Texas, face kidney-related issues, especially when they reach a particular age. But it is not uncommon to find younger pets suffering from this ailment either.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition that occurs when the kidneys are incapable of completely eliminating waste products from the blood. This leads to the build-up of toxins in the bloodstream.
This condition may be hereditary or caused by diseases, diabetes, obstruction of the urinary tract, certain prescription medicines, and lymphoma. The kidney has several functions, including regulating blood sugar, blood pH, blood pressure, and many other bodily functions. This is why this disease’s effects – also known as renal disease – can severely affect most of your pet’s systems.
Kidney disease cannot be cured or even reversed in most cases. The main emphasis that vets usually focus on is slowing down the disease’s progression. And one of the highly effective ways to do this is early detection, as kidney disease can threaten life.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
As mentioned in the previous section, early detection of kidney disease in dogs goes a long way in helping the situation. Here are some signs of kidney failure in dogs:
- Increased thirst
- depression
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you also notice that your pet drinks more water than usual, urinates more frequently – possibly with blood in the urine – and has decreased appetite, which culminates in severe weight loss, your dog may have chronic kidney disease or CKD.
Kidney disease in cats showcases similar symptoms with dogs. Some cat breeds – such as Persian and Abyssinian – are more genetically predisposed to kidney disease than others.
In dogs, signs of kidney disease are more noticeable in dog breeds like the English Cocker Spaniel, Cairn Terrier, Samoyed, Bull Terrier, and German Shepherd.
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
How severe your pet’s condition is will determine how aggressive the kidney disease treatment will be. A few dietary changes will be made. Kidney diets usually contain less protein. And even the little protein your pet consumes must be of the highest quality. Meats and eggs contain high-quality protein, thereby making them excellent choices to be added to your pet’s diet.
This is because protein contributes significantly to repairing tissues and cells in your pet’s body. This is the time to avoid all meals containing grains and cereals to ensure your pet’s kidneys are less taxed or stressed. This helps the kidneys to perform much more efficiently.
Minimize the amount of phosphorus in your pet’s diet as well as magnesium, B vitamins, salt, and potassium. There are several differences in the dietary changes of dogs and cats. Therefore, if you reside in Houston, make sure you check with a veterinarian at an affordable pet clinic, Houston.
Stem cells can also be used to restore some of your pet’s kidney functions that have been lost. IV injections or injections directly into the kidney, as well as medication, are part of the treatment regimen your pet may have to undergo.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a condition that affects both dogs and cats. When your pet starts showcasing any of the symptoms outlined here, take your pet to the nearest affordable pet clinic in Houston. The earlier you do this, the better it will be for your pet.
Your pet may need to be observed on an ongoing basis for possible adjustments to their medication or diet.