Kidney failure can be a chronic problem which is seen in both dogs and cats. While there is no “cure” (yet!), there is much that can be done to help patients with kidney failure live long and comfortable lives.
Kidney Failure Progression
We offer one of the most advanced kidney failure management programs available, and we continuously update and adjust our recommendations as new information becomes available. Our program offers:
- blood pressure management (one of the cornerstones of any renal failure program, since high blood pressure and kidney failure often go hand in hand, and unmanaged high blood pressure can contribute to kidney failure)
- Aluminum Hydroxide for managing high phosphorus levels
- Calcitriol to slow the rate of kidney decline and make the patient feel better (and live longer!). It can improve appetite and increase the patient’s feeling of wellbeing.
- prescription diets
- attention to urinary tract health (infections are common in kidney failure patients)
- other medications and supplements to help the patient feel better, live longer and slow the rate of kidney decline.
CASE STUDY: Cassie is very special canine patient who was given just months to live by another practice after kidney failure was diagnosed on her pre-op bloodwork before her spay at 6 months of age. The only treatment option offered by her original vet was a special prescription diet (and even then, the original vet suggested that this would be of little benefit to such an advanced case of kidney failure in such a young dog). Before giving up on their little dog, the family contacted us for a second opinion. We pride ourselves on providing our patients with the most advanced care available, and we were able to offer this family not just a special diet, but a cutting-edge renal care plan including various easy-to-give medications and supplements (like Calcitriol to slow the rate of kidney decline and make the patient feel better and live longer, and Aluminum Hydroxide to treat high phosphorus), regular urine cultures (kidney patients frequently develop urinary tract infections), blood pressure monitoring (blood pressure issues and kidney problems often go hand in hand), and regular blood tests to keep an eye on her kidney function. This adorable little dog is still happily living with her family FOUR YEARS LATER, and her latest bloodwork showed that her kidney function is very stable! At this point, we have no reason to think that Cassie’s stable condition will change any time soon. Careful attention to the most current thinking in veterinary medicine, combined with regular continuing education means we can help patients like Cassie live longer and better lives, even when it seems hopeless.