Clinical Insights and IRIS Staging of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs

Abstract

The present study investigated the occurrence and clinical features of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in dogs presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Jabalpur. Out of the total screened dogs, 764 were suspected for renal disorders, of which 81 dogs (10.60%) were confirmed to be suffering from CKD based on renal biochemical markers and nephrosonographic findings. The affected dogs were staged according to the International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) classification system using serum creatinine concentration. Among these, 9 (11.11%) dogs were categorized in Stage I, 15 (18.52%) in Stage II, 22 (27.16%) in Stage III, and 35 (43.21%) in Stage IV, indicating that the majority of cases were presented in the advanced stage of the disease. Clinically, anorexia (100%), vomiting (82.72%) and weight loss (60.49%) were the most common abnormalities observed, followed by poor oral health (45.68%), altered posture of urination (35.80%), polyuria (18.52%), polydipsia (18.52%) and dribbling of urine (14.81%). The study concluded that chronic kidney disease remains a significant health concern in canine patients, with a higher proportion of dogs being diagnosed at the late stages of renal insufficiency. Early diagnosis and staging based on biochemical and imaging assessments are crucial for effective management and improved prognosis of affected animals.