We just lost Dexter, our 18-year-old cat, to chronic renal failure.

While there isn’t a cure for this crippling disease, could you shed some light on it so other pet owners could see early, treatable symptoms for their pet before it gets too far advanced to do anything?

You must have done a great job to get Dexter to live 18 years!

Unfortunately, chronic renal (kidney) failure is one of the most common causes of death in older dogs and cats. It is so common, I believe all older pets (age 7 and older) should be screened at least twice a year for the problem, using blood and urine testing. While there are no conventional medications to help pets with this condition, if diagnosed early, there are holistic treatments that have proved beneficial.

Sadly, this condition in many pets is diagnosed too late, so that the serious and chronic damage to the kidneys can’t be reversed. We don’t know the exact cause of chronic kidney failure, but we know it is most commonly seen in older pets. Some doctors believe high vitamin D levels in some pet foods may contribute to the problem. I believe that many older pets live in a state of mild dehydration. This prevents adequate amounts of urine from being formed, which means there is less chance for toxins to be eliminated.

As pets age, it might be helpful to switch their diets to a homemade natural diet or canned holistic brand of food to ensure that the pet is taking in more water.

If semi-annual blood or urine testing reveals the possibility of mild kidney disease, dietary changes plus supplements (herbs, homeopathics, vitamins, fatty acids, etc.) can be started to decrease inflammation in the kidneys and to support the damaged tissues.

Once blood and urine tests confirm ongoing kidney degeneration, administering fluids under the skin at home is needed to keep toxin levels at a minimum. In some older pets with kidney failure, anemia occurs, and this requires treatment as well. Fortunately, if detected early, most of my patients do very well and can live many years with relatively simple lifestyle changes.

The most important thing pet owners can do is to have regular diagnostic testing done on their pets.