Kidney Disease in Dogs & Cats

What is kidney disease?

The kidneys filter waste out of the blood and pass it out in the urine. They also keep the right balance of water and salts, and help the body make red blood cells. Kidney disease means the kidneys can no longer do this work as well as they should.

There are two main types. Acute kidney injury comes on suddenly, for example after a poison, a severe infection such as leptospirosis, or a blocked bladder. Lilies are very poisonous to cats, and grapes and raisins can harm a dog's kidneys. Chronic kidney disease develops slowly over months or years and is common in older cats and dogs. The kidneys can lose much of their working power before signs appear.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Drinking more and passing more urine
• Weight loss and poor appetite
• Vomiting or bad breath
• Low energy and a dull coat
• Pale gums
• Passing very little or no urine

Early kidney disease often shows no signs, so routine tests matter in older pets.

Which lab tests help

The Kidney Function Test (KFT) usually includes urea and creatinine, waste products that build up when the kidneys are weak. Both can also rise with dehydration, so your vet reads them with a urine test. Creatinine, Serum can read lower in thin pets with little muscle, which can hide kidney disease.

The SDMA (Symmetric Dimethylarginine) is another marker of how well the kidneys filter. It often rises earlier than creatinine and is less affected by muscle loss.

A Urine Routine shows how concentrated the urine is, and whether it contains protein, blood, sugar or signs of infection. The Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPC Ratio) measures how much protein is leaking into the urine. Microalbuminuria (Urine Albumin) can find very small amounts of albumin, a blood protein, and is read with the UPC ratio.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) can show anaemia, and Phosphorus and Electrolytes, Serum (Na, K & Cl) check minerals and salts that kidney disease can upset. If infection is possible, your vet may add a Urine Culture & Sensitivity. The Comprehensive Vital Panel combines kidney and liver tests with a blood count and sugar.

A registered veterinarian reads each result alongside your pet's signs, hydration and history, and may repeat tests over time to see how the kidneys are changing.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if your pet drinks or urinates more, loses weight or vomits. A pet that stops passing urine, collapses, or may have eaten lilies, grapes, raisins or another poison needs a vet the same day. Ask your vet how often an older pet should have kidney tests.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. If you live in another district, send samples by courier, by bus parcel or through your local vet, and call or WhatsApp +91 88175 01118 to plan it. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book. Reports come on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.