Acute Kidney Injury (Acute Renal Failure) in Dogs
- Occurrence: common
- Location of illness: Abdomen/pelvis
AcuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury in dogs is a sudden dysfunctionDysfunction refers to an impaired or abnormal function of an organ or system in the body. This can be due to diseases, disorders, or damage and can affect the quality of life. of the kidneys, where the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter and excrete waste products from the blood.
The most important facts at a glance
Acute kidney injury is a serious condition in dogs that is triggered by various pre-renal, renal, or post-renal causes. It requires rapid, intensive treatment to prevent irreversible kidney damage. The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is based on clinical, laboratory chemical, and imaging parameters. With appropriate therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions., kidney function can fully recover with early intervention.
Causes
The kidneys are vital organs that play a central role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balanceThe electrolyte balance refers to the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is essential for many physiological processes. Disturbances in the electrolyte balance can lead to serious health problems. in the body. They filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, which are then excreted as urine. In acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury, this ability is suddenly limited or fails completely, leading to a build-up of toxins in the body.
The causes of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury can be divided into pre-renal, renal, and post-renal categories. Pre-renal causes affect the blood supply to the kidneys and include conditions such as dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., shock, or heart failure, which can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Renal causes are direct damage to the kidneys themselves, which can be caused by infections, toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances, or inflammatory conditions. Post-renal causes occur when urine flow is blocked by obstructions such as stones or tumors.
A common cause of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury is the ingestionIngestion refers to the intake of substances through the mouth and their delivery to the digestive tract. In dogs and cats, the ingestion of toxic substances, foreign objects, or incompatible foods can lead to health problems. of toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances. These include certain medications, such as non-steroidalNon-steroidal refers to medications or substances that are not steroids and often have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antipyretic effects. They are used in dogs and cats to treat Pain and Inflammatory conditions. anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. (NSAIDsNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a class of medications used to relieve pain, reduce inflammatory conditions, and lower fever without using steroidal agents. They are a commonly used pain reliever in veterinary medicine.), or toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. plants, such as lilies. Consuming foods like grapes or raisins can also lead to acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney damage in dogs. InfectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. causes, such as a leptospirosis infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease., can also lead to acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney damage.
A further factor can be an underlying disease that makes the dog more susceptible to acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury. These include chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. kidney diseases, which gradually worsen kidney function over time and impair the kidneys’ ability to respond to acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. stresses.
Symptoms
The symptoms of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury can occur suddenly and are often severe. The most common signs include loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. These symptoms are the result of the accumulation of toxins in the body that can no longer be excreted due to inadequate kidney function.
Another typical symptom is increased or decreased urination. Some dogs show polyuriaPolyuria refers to a significantly increased urine output. It can be a symptom of various diseases, including diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders., i.e. increased urine output, while others suffer from oliguria or anuria, which means a greatly reduced or absent urine production. DehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. can also occur as the body loses fluid that is no longer effectively regulated.
In advanced cases of the disease, neurological symptoms such as tremors, convulsions, or disorientation may occur. These are caused by the toxicToxic means “poisonous” and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. effects of the waste products that accumulate in the blood. A persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. deterioration can lead to a comaA coma is a deep state of unconsciousness where an individual cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli. In dogs and cats, it can be caused by severe illnesses, poisoning, or neurological problems., which is a medical emergency.
Another important symptom is bad breath, which is caused by the increased concentration of urea in the blood. These toxins get into the saliva and lead to a characteristic, unpleasant ammoniaAmmonia is a nitrogenous waste product of protein metabolism in the body, mainly converted to urea in the liver and excreted via the kidneys. Elevated ammonia levels in the blood may indicate liver dysfunction. odor.
Diagnosis
The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury is based on a combination of clinical symptoms, blood tests, and urinalysis. Blood tests typically show elevated levels of blood ureaUrea, also known as carbamide, is a waste product of protein metabolism in the body. It's formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in urine. The urea level in the blood indicates kidney function. nitrogen (BUN) and creatinineCreatinine is a waste product that results from the breakdown of creatine, a chemical compound that provides energy in the muscles. The concentration of creatinine in the blood and urine is an important indicator of kidney function., which indicate inadequate kidney function.
In addition, a urinalysis can be performed to specifically examine the urine. A low urine specific gravity may indicate a reduced concentration ability of the kidneys. The presence of proteinProteins are large molecules made up of amino acids and play an essential role in almost all biological processes. They are necessary for building body tissue, the function of the immune system, and as enzymes for metabolic reactions., blood, or casts in the urine may also indicate kidney damage.
Imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. or X-rays can be used to identify structural abnormalities or blockages in the urinary tract. These methods help to rule out post-renal causes such as urinary stones or tumors.
In some cases, a kidney biopsyA biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small amount of tissue is removed from the body to be examined under a microscope for signs of disease. Biopsies can help diagnose cancer and other conditions. may be necessary to determine the type and extent of kidney damage more precisely. However, this more invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. method is usually only used if the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. remains unclear or if a specific treatment is being considered.
Therapy
The treatment of acute kidney injury in dogs aims to support kidney function and address the underlying cause. Immediate medical attention is crucial to save the dog’s life.
Fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. is one of the most important treatment measures. It helps to correct dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., improve blood flow to the kidneys, and promote the excretion of toxins. Fluid administration can be done intravenously for rapid effect.
Medications can also be used to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. DiureticsDiuretics are medications that increase urine production in the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water. They are often used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of edema. can be used to stimulate urine production, while medications to control nausea and vomiting can also be administered.
If the acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury is caused by an infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. such as leptospirosis, antibiotics are needed to fight the pathogens. In cases where toxins are the cause, specific treatment to neutralize or remove the toxinA toxin is a poison produced by living cells or organisms that can be harmful to the body upon contact or ingestion. Toxins can originate from bacteria, plants, animals, or fungi. may be necessary.
In severe cases, dialysisDialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this task adequately. may be required to temporarily take over kidney function and rid the body of accumulated waste products. However, this method is only offered in specialized clinics and is associated with high costs.
Prognosis and follow-up care
The prognosis for acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury depends on several factors, including the cause, the severity of the disease, and the speed with which treatment is initiated. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment significantly improve the chances of survival.
For pre-renal causes that are treated quickly, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. is often good, as kidney function can recover once blood flow is restored. Renal damage, especially that caused by toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances or severe infections, can leave permanent damage.
If acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury is not treated in time, it can lead to chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. kidney disease, which requires lifelong treatment. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal despite intensive treatment.
Prevention
The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of acute kidney injury in dogs includes several measures aimed at minimizing the risk factors. One of the most important measures is to avoid exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to known toxins, including certain medications, plants, and foods. Dog owners should be aware of potentially dangerous substances and store them safely.
Regular veterinary examinations can help to detect and treat underlying health problems early. A balanced diet and adequate fluid intake are also crucial to support kidney function and reduce the risk of dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse. and kidney strain.
In dogs that are at increased risk for kidney disease, special diets and supplements may be recommended to promote kidney health. Dog owners should also ensure that their pets lead a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, to avoid overweight and related health problems.
Another important preventive measure is vaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. against infections that can cause kidney damage, such as leptospirosis. In regions where these diseases are common, vaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. can significantly reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Outlook on current research
Acute kidney injury in dogs is an area of intense veterinary medical research, as this condition often occurs suddenly and requires rapid treatment. New findings focus on early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and better treatment strategies to increase the survival chances of affected animals. An important branch of research is investigating the possibilities of early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. through biomarkers. These substances in the blood or urine could provide signs of kidney damage before clinical symptoms appear, allowing for faster intervention.
Another promising area of research is regenerative medicine, particularly the use of stem cells to repair damaged kidney tissue. Studies in animals have shown that stem cells have the potential to promote the regeneration of kidney cells and reduce inflammatory conditions. However, this technology is still in the experimental phase and requires further investigation before it can be used in clinical practice.
The development of new drugs to support kidney function is also an active area of research. This involves investigating how certain drugs can slow or stop the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of kidney damage. Some of these drugs aim to improve blood flow to the kidneys, while others are designed to reduce the inflammatory response that often occurs with acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury.
Another important area of research is the improvement of dialysisDialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this task adequately. procedures for dogs. While dialysisDialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this task adequately. is an established emergency treatment in humans, it is less commonly used in dogs. Advances in technology could make dialysisDialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this task adequately. more accessible and effective for dogs, which could significantly improve survival rates in acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury.
In addition, research is being conducted to optimize nutritional strategies for dogs with kidney problems. Special diets that regulate the content of proteins, phosphates, and other minerals could help to relieve kidney function and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease. Future studies could help to determine the ideal diet for dogs with acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney problems more precisely.
Research into acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury in dogs is complemented by the development of new diagnostic devices. Portable ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. devices and advanced imaging technologies could help veterinarians detect kidney damage more quickly and accurately. This would make it possible to quickly adjust treatment plans and monitor the effectiveness of the therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions..
Finally, genetic research is an emerging field that investigates whether there are genetic predispositions for acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury in certain dog breeds. In the long term, this approach could help to develop breeding programs that reduce the risk of this disease.
Overall, current research shows promising approaches to improve the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury in dogs. The combination of new diagnostic technology, innovative treatment strategies, and preventive measures could significantly improve the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. for affected dogs in the future.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is acute kidney injury in dogs? AcuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury is a sudden deterioration of kidney function in dogs, which causes the kidneys to no longer effectively filter waste products from the blood. This can be caused by various factors such as poisoning, infections, or circulatory disorders.
- What symptoms occur with acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury? The most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., loss of appetite, lethargy, increased or decreased urination, dehydrationDehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to a number of problems, including headaches, Dizziness, and in extreme cases, renal failure or Cardiovascular collapse., and in severe cases, convulsions or coma.
- How is acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury diagnosed? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by blood and urine tests, which show elevated levels of creatinineCreatinine is a waste product that results from the breakdown of creatine, a chemical compound that provides energy in the muscles. The concentration of creatinine in the blood and urine is an important indicator of kidney function. and ureaUrea, also known as carbamide, is a waste product of protein metabolism in the body. It's formed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys in urine. The urea level in the blood indicates kidney function. in the blood. Imaging techniques such as ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. can also be used to assess the condition of the kidneys.
- What are the most common causes of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury in dogs? The most common causes include ingestionIngestion refers to the intake of substances through the mouth and their delivery to the digestive tract. In dogs and cats, the ingestion of toxic substances, foreign objects, or incompatible foods can lead to health problems. of toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances (such as antifreeze or certain medications), infections, nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), and traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries. affecting the kidneys.
- How is acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury treated? Treatment typically involves immediate removal of the cause, if known, as well as supportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. measures such as intravenous fluid administration, diureticsDiuretics are medications that increase urine production in the kidneys to rid the body of excess salt and water. They are often used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain types of edema., and medications to control symptoms. In severe cases, dialysisDialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the function of the kidneys by removing waste and excess water from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this task adequately. may be required.
- Can a dog recover from acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury? Yes, with timely and appropriate treatment, many dogs can recover from acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury. However, the prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. depends on the cause and severity of the disease.
- How can acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury be prevented in dogs? PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. includes avoiding toxicToxic means "poisonous" and refers to substances that can have harmful effects on the body, including damage to organs, cells, or disruption of metabolic processes. substances, regularly checking kidney function in older dogs, and providing a balanced diet. In addition, attention should be paid to symptoms and a veterinarian should be consulted immediately if kidney problems are suspected.
- Which dog breeds are more susceptible to acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury? Certain breeds such as the Doberman, Cocker Spaniel, and German Shepherd appear to be more susceptible to kidney diseases, but acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury can in principle affect any dog, regardless of breed or age.
- What role does nutrition play in the treatment of acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury? A specialized diet can help to relieve the kidneys by regulating the content of proteins, phosphates, and certain minerals. Proper nutrition can improve the dog’s well-being and slow the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.
- Is long-term follow-up necessary after acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. kidney injury? Yes, long-term follow-up is often necessary to monitor kidney function and avoid further kidney damage. Regular veterinary check-ups, blood and urine tests, and an adapted diet are often part of the follow-up plan.