Doença renal crônica em felinos domésticos: Revisão bibliográfica

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disease characterized by loss of functional quality and/or irreversible structural damage to the kidneys that commonly affects domestic felines, especially older ones, resulting in decreased kidney function over months to years. There are congenital and acquired causes that can trigger the disease, causing affected animals to frequently present clinical signs such as lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, polyuria, uremic ulcers and weight loss, generating a significant impact on the quality of life and longevity of these pets. To diagnose the disease, it is necessary to analyze the clinical signs presented by the animal together with the results of laboratory tests that evaluate kidney function, as well as the use of ultrasound, which is a crucial imaging test to evaluate kidney morphology and detect possible lesions. Since it is an irreversible disease, treatment becomes palliative, through means that slow the progression and aim to minimize the clinical impact of the disease on the patient. Staging the disease is essential for guiding treatment and patient prognosis. This classification takes into account serum creatinine levels and other markers of kidney damage, as well as the clinical signs presented by the animals. The objective of this review is to report on the involvement of felines by chronic kidney disease, including clinical and laboratory changes, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.