Canine chronic kidney disease: updates on pathogenesis and the value of early detection Canine chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a heterogeneous progressive, irreversible disorder characterised by structural or functional renal abnormalities that persist for ≥3 months. Renal fibrosis is a key factor contributing to the final common pathway of CKD progression. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a cytokine that has been identified as a major initiator and perpetuator of renal fibrosis in both human and canine renal disease. Progressive replacement of functional nephrons with fibrous tissue, mediated by TGF-β, ultimately results in end-stage kidney disease. Current CKD treatments do not directly target TGF-β-mediated renal fibrosis, and thus this may represent a promising future therapeutic target to slow CKD progression in dogs. Early diagnosis of CKD is essential to maximise the chance of interventions preserving functioning nephrons. Barriers to early CKD diagnosis include the potentially clinically silent nature of early CKD and limitations in the ability of current biomarkers to identify early decline in glomerular filtration rate. Measures like serial trending of serum creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine within the laboratory reference interval, and diagnostic health screening, can enable practitioners to diagnose CKD as early as possible.
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite of the Alveolata clade, or a protozoan. It can infect almost all warm-blooded species, but its definitive hosts are members of the cat family. It has a complex life cycle, with a sexual phase occurring in cats and an asexual phase occurring in non-cat species. A common route of infection of intermediate hosts is by ingestion of oocysts shed by cats in their faeces. Cats are often infected by eating infected intermediate hosts such as rodents. T. gondii is a zoonosis, and is one of the most common parasites in the developed world. In humans, infections are usually mild, but can have serious consequences in pregnant women and people with immunosuppression. It has also been linked to psychiatric disorders and behavioural changes. Three recent articles discuss this parasite.
With an increasingly wide range of pet foods available on the market, owners have more choice than ever when deciding what to feed their pet. Although conventional cooked kibble still forms a large part of many pet diets, there is increasing interest in alternative options such as raw and minimally processed diets, plant-based and insect-based diets. Furthermore, novel options such as laboratory-cultured meats have recently come onto the pet food market. Decisions regarding pet food choice are often complex and multifactorial, and concerns surrounding environmental sustainability and animal welfare are becoming increasingly important factors in food production and diet choice. However, there are gaps in the research surrounding many alternative diets for pets. Veterinary professionals should be aware of these alternative diet options and the changing needs and interests of pet owners regarding pet feeding. This article will discuss currently available alternative diets for dogs and cats in the UK, as well as those which have scope for development in the future.
Kidney disease is common in cats and dogs and has a variety of causes and treatments. Kidney biopsies help to differentiate the cause and severity in patients with kidney disease but are often delayed or not performed because of concerns for the risks involved. Kidney biopsies have been shown to be a safe, effective diagnostic test and should be performed more frequently. This article summarises the various biopsy methods available, the factors necessary to consider biopsy and the complications associated with the procedure.
