Animal Care Clinic San Luis Obispo Veterinary Hospital
1. BUN and Creatinine
These are nitrogen-containing by-products of protein metabolism. The kidney usually filters them out of the bloodstream. When they are elevated they cause nausea and general malaise. These are the two blood elements we measure most often to assess kidney function and progression of kidney disease.
2. Phosphorous
The kidneys help maintain our calcium and phosphorous levels. With failure, phosphorous often becomes elevated. This can cause nausea and can make kidney failure progress more rapidly. We can also see other organs calcify and lose function. The kidneys work with the parathyroid gland to help maintain phosphorous levels.
3. Fluid Balance
The kidneys help us maintain proper hydration. When they fail, you will notice increased water consumption and urination. With advancing disease, dehydration is almost inevitable.
4. Blood Pressure
The kidneys help maintain blood pressure. When they fail, high blood pressure often ensues. This causes more rapid progression of kidney failure along with potential problems in the eye, heart and blood vessels.
5. Red Blood Cell count
The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that tells the bone marrow when it is time to make red blood cells. If this hormone is not produced, anemia will result.
6. Acid/Base Balance
Some animals and people in kidney failure will not be able to maintain blood pH. This causes upset stomach, changes in respiration, general malaise, and can decalcify bones.
7. Potassium
The kidneys help regulate potassium levels. If this becomes low, muscle weakness develops and heart problems can occur.
We will regularly measure several things depending on the type of problems we are seeing and the severity of the disease. Frequency of measurements will depend on severity also.
A kidney blood panel includes: BUN
Creatinine
PCV = red cell count
phosphorous
Calcium
electrolytes = for potassium
Blood Pressure
Urinalysis
Parathyroid hormone levels
Physical wellness – weight, appetite, activity, etc.
How do we treat kidney failure?
In addition to monitoring all of the above, the following treatments may be used:
Fluid therapy – intravenous in hospital or subcutaneous at home
Low protein/low phosphorous diets
Omega-3 fatty acids
Pepcid AC and similar products – help with nausea and gastritis
Erythropoietin injections
Calcitriol supplement to help keep phosphorous low
Phosphorous binding agents
Vasodilators (enalapril or similar) to improve blood flow to kidneys
Iron supplements
Potassium supplements
Antacids
Blood pressure medications such as Norvasc
It is important to keep patients teeth clean and maintain a good appetite.
