MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN A SAINT BERNARD WITH INTERMITTENT HEMODIALYSIS AND RENAL DIE

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as the presence of structural or functional abnormalities of one or both kidneys that had been present for an extended period.(Polzin, 2011). The disease is irreversible and usually progressive. Its only when 75% of the functional renal mass becomes non-functional, there is a rise in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) values. As per the International renal interest society guidelines, there are four stages of CKD, Stage 1 and 2 are occult. Stage 3 and 4 are advanced, clinical signs are apparent. In these advanced stages, severe electrolyte imbalances, azotemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperphosphatemia prevail. Supportive therapy with fluids, anti-emetics, gastric protectants usually fail to recover the animal. Extracorporeal renal replacement therapy egIntermittenthemodialysis (IHD) is a viable option for ameliorating the azotemia and other derangements, for stabilising the animal and further maintenance of life. Renal diet also plays a pivotal role in reducing the azotemia and clinical signs in these advanced stages. This paper describes the management of a chronic kidney disease in a young Saint Bernard dog with repeated sessions of IHD and renal diet.