Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs inUKVeterinary Practices: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Survival

Abstract

Background: The prevalence for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs varies widely (0.05-3.74%). Identified risk factors include advancing age, specific breeds, small body size, and periodontal disease.Hypothesis/Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors associated with CKD diagnosis and survival in dogs. Purebred dogs were hypothesized to have higher CKD risk and poorer survival characteristics than crossbred dogs.Animals: A merged clinical database of 107,214 dogs attending 89 UK veterinary practices over a 2-year period (January 2010-December 2011).Methods: A longitudinal study design estimated the apparent prevalence (AP) whereas the true prevalence (TP) was estimated using Bayesian analysis. A nested case-control study design evaluated risk factors. Survival analysis used the Kaplan-Meier survival curve method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression modeling.Results: The CKD AP was 0.21% (95% CI: 0.19-0.24%) and TP was 0.37% (95% posterior credibility interval 0.02-1.44%). Significant risk factors included increasing age, being insured, and certain breeds (Cocker Spaniel, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). Cardiac disease was a significant comorbid disorder. Significant clinical signs included halitosis, weight loss, polyuria/polydipsia, urinary incontinence, vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea. The median survival time from diagnosis was 226 days (95% CI 112-326 days). International Renal Interest Society stage and blood urea nitrogen concentration at diagnosis were significantly associated with hazard of death due to CKD.Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Chronic kidney disease compromises dog welfare. Increased awareness of CKD risk factors and association of blood biochemistry results with survival time should facilitate diagnosis and optimize case management to improve animal survival and welfare.

Epidemiology of hyperadrenocorticism among 210,824 dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014

“…Despite several molecular studies that investigated its aetiopathogenesis, the exact cause of hyperadrenocorticism in most dogs remains unknown (Hanson et al, 2010, Kool et al, 2013, Teshima et al, 2009, van Rijn et al, 2010, van Wijk et al, 2014. Access to clinical health data on the large population of dogs in VetCompass offers the intriguing prospect of aetiological and epidemiological research across a range of disorders such as hyperadrenocorticism and of linking these with primary-care diagnosis and health management (Mattin et al, 2014, Kearsley-Fleet et al, 2012, Taylor-Brown et al, 2015, Mattin et al, 2015, O'Neill et al, 2013.…”

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs Attending Primary‐care Veterinary Practices in England

“…Analysis of this large data resource would allow DMVD prevalence to be estimated and major risk factors for the disease to be identified, as has been demonstrated for other disorders in companion animals 19, 20, 21…”

Nutritional support in the intensive care unit

“…Animals with critical illness due to acute kidney injury or advanced chronic kidney disease can present with uraemia, which can result in anorexia, oral ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss (Elliott and Barber 1998, O'Neill and others 2013). If the animal does not eat voluntarily, placement of an enteral feeding tube should be considered.…”