Your Pets can suffer from Kidney Disease

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease often affects both cats and dogs. The kidneys have an important function within the body that is to filter blood and remove waste. If these organs do not function properly, wastes build up in the body and makes your pet sick.

There are two forms of kidney disease, kidney disease, acute and chronic kidney disease. In acute renal disease, symptoms occur suddenly and are often a result of toxicity, infections and changes in the body that restrict blood supply to the kidneys. Acute kidney disease is sudden and severe.

Chronic kidney disease (CRD) occurs gradually over a longer period and may not be observable disease. If untreated, kidney failure can occur and lead to serious health complications for your pet.

Common symptoms and signs of kidney disease include:

* An increase in water consumption

* Increased urination

* Lack of urination

* Decrease in urination

Blood in the urine

* Vomiting

Diarrhea

* Loss of appetite

Weight loss

* Lethargy

* Stooped walking and working

* Poor skin condition and hair

What causes kidney disease?

The causes of kidney failure include:

* Fungal infections, viral and bacterial

* Parasites

* Aging

Swelling

* Trauma

* Autoimmune Diseases

* Cancer

* Congenital

* Amyloidosis (a disease caused by abnormal deposits of certain types of protein in the kidney)

* Inherited disorders

* Toxic reaction to certain medications

Diagnosis of kidney disease

The diagnosis of kidney disease based on symptoms, physical examination and careful review of medical records for your pet. Certain diagnostic tests such as blood tests, urinalysis, x-rays and ultrasound may be performed to determine the cause of kidney disease.

Help for kidney disease

Your veterinarian will prescribe various medications to reduce the workload on the kidneys. Certain changes such as poor dietary protein, sodium and phosphorus, including fresh water consumption, will be recommended.

In more severe cases, hospitalization may be required where intravenous fluids, medications and food aid will be administered. Kidney transplants and dialysis can also be performed in cats and dogs, but keep in mind that these treatments are extremely expensive.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies have also proved highly effective in improving kidney and urinary system to provide assistance in humans and animals. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are gentle enough for use of the body without any harsh side effect while also providing health and wellbeing.

Well known herbs such as Arctium lappa help (Burdock), Taraxacum officinalis (Dandelion) and Galium aperine (blades) helps the kidneys to act as a blood purifier and cleanser systemic maintain a healthy blood pressure and provide help the urinary system.