Pets will lose about 75% of their renal function before azotemia is noted on the labwork. This is why staging is important to determine how far underlying renal disease has progressed, so that supportive measures and appropriate intervention can take place.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic renal disease is kidney disease that has been going on for months or years (longer term). This is different than acute renal failure which occurs suddenly and more severe (such as with antifreeze or lily toxicity). There are many possible causes of chronic kidney disease including:
- Chronic bacterial infection
- A defect of the kidneys at birth
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Autoimmune disease (such as lupus, glomerulonephritis, or amyloidosis)
- Infectious diseases (such as Lyme or Ehrlichia)
The kidneys contain thousands of nephrons (the functional unit of the kidney). The kidneys help to filter blood waste (from toxins, foods, cells, etc.), conserve water and electrolytes, and regulate calcium and Vitamin D levels. They also produce erythropoietin which helps the body to make new red blood cells.
Read More