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Kidney Disease

Kidney disease in cats and dogs: find it early, manage it well.

Kidney disease means the kidneys can no longer filter waste and balance fluids the way they should. It can develop slowly, as chronic kidney disease often does in older cats, or strike suddenly as acute kidney failure in dogs and cats. We see pets with kidney concerns same day and build long-term care plans that help them feel their best.

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Call Us Right Away If

When kidney signs need urgent care.

Chronic kidney disease usually changes slowly, but some signs point to a sudden decline or acute kidney injury. Call us right away if your pet:

  • ✓Stops eating, or is a cat that has gone more than a day without food
  • ✓Vomits repeatedly or seems nauseous and drools
  • ✓Is very weak, wobbly, or collapses
  • ✓Is producing very little urine, or none at all
  • ✓May have eaten lilies, grapes or raisins, antifreeze, or medications
  • ✓Suddenly seems unable to see, which can be linked to high blood pressure

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and even pollen or vase water can cause kidney failure. Antifreeze is dangerous to both dogs and cats, and grapes and raisins are a well-known danger for dogs. If exposure is possible, do not wait for symptoms. A cat straining with no urine may be blocked, which is its own emergency. See our emergency and urgent care page, and if these signs appear after 7:30 PM, go to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital rather than waiting for us to open.

Understanding It

Acute vs. chronic kidney disease.

The difference matters, because acute kidney injury can sometimes be reversed with fast treatment, while chronic kidney disease is managed over the long term.

Acute kidney injury comes on over hours to days. Common causes include toxins, infections such as leptospirosis in dogs, urinary blockages, severe dehydration, and certain medications, including human pain relievers.

Chronic kidney disease develops gradually and is one of the most common conditions in senior cats. It also affects older dogs. Early signs are easy to miss:

  • ✓Drinking more water and urinating more
  • ✓Weight loss and a dull coat
  • ✓A picky or smaller appetite
  • ✓Occasional vomiting
  • ✓Bad breath with an ammonia smell
  • ✓Less energy or more sleep, see our guide to lethargy in pets

Because pets hide these changes so well, routine bloodwork at senior care visits is one of the best ways to catch kidney disease before it causes serious illness.

At Your Visit

Testing and treatment at your visit.

Diagnosis starts with an exam and lab work. Many results come back in under an hour.

  • ✓Bloodwork, including kidney values such as creatinine and SDMA, a marker that can flag declining function earlier than some standard tests
  • ✓Urinalysis to check urine concentration, protein, and infection
  • ✓Blood pressure measurement
  • ✓Abdominal ultrasound to look at kidney size and structure, stones, or blockage, read by a board-certified veterinary radiologist
  • ✓X-rays when stones or other problems are suspected

Pets with acute kidney injury, or a chronic case that has suddenly worsened, often need IV fluids and close monitoring through pet hospitalization. For chronic kidney disease, care usually centers on a kidney-support diet, fluid support, medication for nausea, appetite, or blood pressure as needed, and regular rechecks. We stage the disease and adjust the plan as needed.

Many pets with chronic kidney disease live comfortably for a long time with good monitoring. Pet parents come to us from across the Valley, Santa Clarita, Palmdale, Lancaster, and Ventura for ongoing care, and families near Lancaster can plan recheck visits around the drive.

Common Questions

Pet kidney disease FAQ.

What are the first signs of kidney disease in cats?
The earliest signs are often increased thirst and urination, followed by weight loss, a smaller appetite, and occasional vomiting. Many cats show no obvious signs until the disease has progressed, which is why regular bloodwork matters for middle-aged and senior cats. Call us if you notice any of these changes.
What causes kidney failure in dogs?
Sudden kidney failure in dogs is often caused by toxins such as antifreeze, grapes or raisins, or certain medications, as well as infections like leptospirosis. Chronic kidney failure develops slowly with age or from ongoing disease. Both need prompt veterinary testing.
What is an SDMA test?
SDMA is a blood marker of kidney function. It can rise earlier than some traditional kidney values, which helps us spot declining kidney function sooner. We interpret it alongside other bloodwork and a urinalysis.
Can kidney disease in pets be cured?
Acute kidney injury can sometimes improve or resolve with fast, intensive treatment. Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, but it can often be managed for months to years with diet, fluid support, medication, and regular monitoring.
How often does a pet with kidney disease need rechecks?
It depends on the stage and how stable your pet is. Early, stable cases may need rechecks every few months, while pets whose disease is changing need them more often. Our team will set a schedule that fits your pet.

Concerned about your pet's kidneys?

Book a visit for bloodwork and a care plan, or call us today if your pet is not eating or seems unwell.

Book a visit(818) 922-2209