Nephrology

Nephrology is a branch of veterinary medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease.

The main functions of the kidneys are to remove the products of metabolism, maintain electrolyte balance including adequate sodium and potassium levels, produce erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow) or renin (a hormone that regulates blood pressure and sodium reabsorption), and metabolize vitamin D.

Diagnosis of kidney disease in veterinary practice is most often started relatively late, when the patient already shows clinical symptoms. The principle “prevention is better than treatment” should be the gold standard, however, its application is often limited.

So what tests do we need to make the diagnosis: chronic kidney disease or acute kidney injury?

• complete morphological and biochemical examination of blood (including examination of the level of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, optionally SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine), total protein, albumin, globulin, and electrolytes: sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium)
• general urine examination with protein/creatinine ratio (optional bacteriological examination of urine, collected by catheterization or cystocentesis)
• blood pressure measurement by Doppler or by the oscillometric method
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity with special emphasis on the urinary system (with Doppler)
• radiological examination
• cystoscopic examination

How to prepare yourself and your pet for a nephrology consultation?

• 10-12 hours of fasting as well as a full bladder
• providing full medical records (previous and current treatment, medications taken)

It is important to remember that only proper communication with the veterinarian allows you to control the treatment, and thus ensuring that your pet is comfortable.