Retrospective Study of Renal Failure in Dogs and Cats Admitted to University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno during 1999-2001

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the occurrence of acute renal failure (ARF), chronic renal failure (CRF) and transitional forms, i.e. of ARF developing from chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), in dogs and cats in the Czech Republic. In addition, mortality and prognosis data were also processed within the framework of the study. The study contained only the patients admitted to the University clinic. Total number of admitted patients at the clinic during the period of the study was 1 099 (935 dogs and 164 cats), the diagnosis of renal failure was determined in 139 (12.7%) of these patients. The essential condition to include a patient in the study was the confirmation of intrarenal azotaemia. An analysis of monitored parameters was done in each patient in order to differentiate ARF from CRF. However, many owners of the animals with acute symptoms of RF decided for euthanasia after a consultation at the outpatient clinic and therefore the total prevalence of RF in the population of dogs and cats would be higher. Due to differences in the values of some monitored indices (prevalence of different types of RF; age of onset) it was necessary to evaluate dogs and cats separately. Total mortality due to RF was 76.6% in dogs and 57.1% in cats. In 45 patients (32.4%) RF was caused by or connected with another disease. In 39 patients (28.1%; 38 dogs and one cat) only acute symptoms were detected. Chronic changes were demonstrated in 100 patients (71.9%; 73 dogs and 27 cats). Most patients were presented rather late in the stage of decompensated CRI caused by various accompanying conditions (infection, renal ischaemia, diseases of other organs, etc.). The results of the work show that despite considerable achievements in small animal medicine in the Czech Republic during the recent years the success rate of treatment in patients with RF remains relatively low. Pursuit of preventive measures and complex screening in our patients (chiefly geriatric) represent the best way to manage RF. The study shows the correct approach to distinguish and treat renal failure in dogs and cats, and especially to establish the form of RF and subsequent prognosis. Azotaemia is only one of approximately 25 indices that should be assessed when examining a patient suffering from RF. It is essential for the correct diagnosis and prognosis.