purina kidney diet canine

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Dogs

Renal & Urinary Disorders

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Dogs

Chronic kidney diseaseaffects an estimated 0.5% to 1.5% of dogs. While CKD is usually a disease of older dogs, it can also be inherited, like polycystic kidney disease in Cairn terriers, or result from infections and adverse drug reactions.¹

Once diagnosed with CKD, dogs can be "staged" and treated or monitored according to guidelines developed by the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS). Staging is based initially on repeated values from fasting blood creatinine or symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) results in clinically stable patients. However, biomarkers such as fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and cystatin C (CysC) are also under study to improve early stage diagnosis.^2-4 Earlier diagnosis could lead to earlier intervention.

Although CKD is progressive, nutritional modifications can have a positive impact on the health and lifespan of dogs with this disease. The goals of dietary management are to: maintain adequate nutrition;mitigate clinical consequences of CKD, including signs of uremia; address changes in homeostasis that result from inadequate kidney function; slow disease progression; and improve quality of life.¹