## Overview Chronic kidney disease is irreversible, progressive loss of renal function lasting more than three months. It is uncommon in horses. The most frequent presenting signs are weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. Many horses remain stable for months to years if creatinine stays moderately elevated. ## Causes Often undetermined by the time of diagnosis. Congenital malformations, previous acute kidney injury, and chronic interstitial nephritis are among the recognized causes. ## Diagnosis Persistent azotemia, inappropriate urine concentration, and compatible clinical signs. Ultrasound and biopsy can further characterize the kidneys. Staging systems analogous to small-animal International Renal Interest Society guidelines have been proposed. ## Treatment Supportive care: adequate calories, controlled protein and mineral intake, free access to water, and management of complications. No specific cure exists. ## Recovery and Prognosis The disease is progressive but often slow. Horses with creatinine remaining below approximately 4 to 5 mg/dL frequently maintain acceptable quality of life for extended periods. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of acute kidney insults and avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs when possible.
weight loss; increased thirst and urination; poor appetite; ventral edema in some cases; elevated creatinine and urea
## Overview Chronic kidney disease is irreversible, progressive loss of renal function lasting more than three months. It is uncommon in horses. The most frequent presenting signs are weight loss and polyuria/polydipsia. Many horses remain stable for months to years if creatinine stays moderately elevated. ## Causes Often undetermined by the time of diagnosis. Congenital malformations, previous acute kidney injury, and chronic interstitial nephritis are among the recognized causes. ## Diagnosis Persistent azotemia, inappropriate urine concentration, and compatible clinical signs. Ultrasound and biopsy can further characterize the kidneys. Staging systems analogous to small-animal International Renal Interest Society guidelines have been proposed. ## Treatment Supportive care: adequate calories, controlled protein and mineral intake, free access to water, and management of complications. No specific cure exists. ## Recovery and Prognosis The disease is progressive but often slow. Horses with creatinine remaining below approximately 4 to 5 mg/dL frequently maintain acceptable quality of life for extended periods. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of acute kidney insults and avoidance of nephrotoxic drugs when possible.
weight loss; increased thirst and urination; poor appetite; ventral edema in some cases; elevated creatinine and urea