SCREENING TESTS
Kidney disease is one of the most common medical problems of pets. Because the kidneys remove waste from the bloodstream and regulate body fluids, kidney failure is considered very serious. In fact, kidney disease is a leading killer of cats and dogs 2. Chronic kidney disease is a gradual, progressive disease in which visible symptoms usually do not appear until much of the kidney is damaged.Yearly screening of all dogs and cats 7 years and older with a screening test provides early detection for kidney disease. Clinical symptoms for kidney disease do not appear until more than two-thirds of the function has been lost. The earlier the detection of kidney disease, the better the prognosis for the patient. Chronic kidney disease is irreversible and progresses over a period of years, but starting treatment early can improve and extend the life of the patient.
Early detection is probably the single most important factor in the management of renal disease in both the human population and the pet population. The National Kidney Foundation recently published new guidelines that state at risk people need to have an annual kidney screening. Many veterinarians recommend the same priority be given to at risk pets. Until clinical symptoms appear, pet owners are often unaware their pet is suffering from kidney disease. By screening annually, there is a better chance of detecting kidney disease early, allowing treatment and nutritional support to start early as well.
Once kidney disease is detected, veterinarians can recommend treatment and nutrition that can extend and improve the lives of pets with kidney disease. A recent university study showed that feeding dogs with chronic renal failure Prescription Diet® k/d® helped to extend their lives more than twice as long, and with fewer uremic crises, when compared to dogs feed a typical grocery food. 1
Hill's is currently sponsoring "The Gift of Life" National Kidney Disease Awareness Campaign. This campaign is all about getting older pets screened for kidney disease.
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