Chronische nierziekte (CKD) wordt gedefinieerd als een afwijking van één of beide nieren die al meerdere maanden aanwezig is. CKD komt voor bij ongeveer 1 op de 10 honden [1].
Er zijn twee hoofdvormen van nierziekte bij honden: acuut en chronisch. Symptomen van acute nierziekte ontwikkelen zich meestal in een week of maand, terwijl chronische nierziekte inhoudt dat de schade aan de nieren al minstens drie maanden aanwezig is. Veelvoorkomende oorzaken van nierziekte en het verergeren daarvan zijn:
Symptomen van ernstige ziekte verschijnen pas als 75% van de nierfunctie al verloren is gegaan [1], dus hoe eerder nierziekte wordt vastgesteld, hoe meer tijd je hebt om het probleem aan te pakken of de achteruitgang te vertragen. CKD is progressief en niet omkeerbaar, maar je dierenarts kan helpen met langdurige zorg en laten zien waar je bij oudere honden op moet letten.
De signalen van beginnende nierziekte zijn niet zichtbaar. Bij de diagnose is CKD meestal al langer aanwezig, maar kan soms worden aangepakt met speciale, door de dierenarts goedgekeurde voeding voor nierziekte. Symptomen in een later stadium lijken hierop, maar zijn een stuk duidelijker voor baasjes.
If your dog has kidney problems, the right nutrition may be able to make a positive impact on their quality of life and potentially even lengthen their lifespan. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help reduce waste products that can be harmful to their kidneys.
New evidence supports a link between gut health and kidney health [2]. Nutrition that is formulated with ingredients shown to nourish the gut microbiome can help reduce waste products that can be harmful to their kidneys.
While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw diet for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.
If your dog has kidney problems, the right nutrition may be able to make a positive impact on their quality of life and potentially even lengthen their lifespan. Specially formulated nutrition for dogs with kidney disease can be beneficial by having less protein and phosphorous than other pet foods. Phosphorus restriction can lessen the severity of the symptoms and progression of kidney damage, while controlled, high-quality proteins can help reduce waste products that can be harmful to their kidneys.
New evidence supports a link between gut health and kidney health [2]. Nutrition that is formulated with ingredients shown to nourish the gut microbiome can help reduce waste products that can be harmful to their kidneys.
While it has gained some popularity online, yeast is relatively high in phosphorus, which could be a concern for dogs with CKD. Similarly, many websites now propose creating a raw diet for dogs with kidney disease but fail to mention the range of factors to consider, such as contamination risks, providing the right balance of nutrients, and the overall cost. When looking into nutritional options for dogs with kidney disease, it’s always best to get a specific recommendation from your veterinarian.
References: 1Lulich JP, Osborne CA, O’Brien TD, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet. 1992;14(2):127–153. Brown SA. Renal dysfunction in small animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual website.