Chronic Kidney Disease

                     ----------------------

                       (uremic syndrome)



                      General Information



Normal kidneys filter the blood, removing wastes and excreting

them in the urine.  Kidneys damaged by infection or inflammation

lose some of this filtering ability, and waste products

accumulate in the bloodstream.  Continued re-circulation of this

material results in illness.  About three-fourths of kidney

tissue must be damaged before signs of illness appear.  For this

reason, kidney disease is often considered chronic (present a

long time) even though the affected pet may not have shown signs

of disease for very long.



Signs of chronic kidney disease include vomiting, diarrhea,

increased thirst, increased urination, decreased appetite,

depression and bad breath.  Continued illness results in

collapse, seizures, coma and death.



Though chronic kidney disease is not curable, it is often

controllable.  Many pets can live reasonably normal lives when

properly managed in a cooperative effort between owner and

veterinarian.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  In many cases, initial treatment involves flushing the

    animal's blood with intravenous fluids until kidney function

    improves.  Usually this is done in the hospital.  When the

    values of the kidney function tests are more normal,

    treatment can continue at home.



2.  Give all medication as directed.  Call the doctor if you

    cannot give the medication.



3.  Diet:  A controlled diet is critical to successful treatment

    of chronic kidney disease.  Feed your pet as follows:





4.  Water:  Make sure your pet has free access to clean drinking

    water at all times.  Call the doctor if your pet does not

    seem to be drinking adequately.



5.  Activity:  Follow the instructions checked.



    ____Allow normal activity.



    ____Restrict activity as follows:





        Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet is reluctant to eat or seems depressed.



    * Your pet vomits or has diarrhea.



    * Your pet faints or acts dazed or confused.



    * There is a change in your pet's water intake and/or

    urination.



    ____A urine sample is requested.