Do Heart Disease and Kidney Disease in Pets Affect Each Other?
Are dogs and cats with heart disease also
more likely to develop kidney disease?
When pets suffer from both conditions at the same time, does it leave pet
parents feeling overwhelmed and at a loss?
Put your worries aside and let the
professional guide you. Dr. Chun-Ta Chen explains the cause-and-effect
relationship between the heart and the kidneys, and how to care for pets
suffering from both conditions, so pet parents can feel more confident and less
stressed when caring for their sick fur babies.
Do the heart and kidneys
really affect each other’s health?
Whether in humans or animals, the heart and
kidneys have a long-standing, interconnected relationship. This is known as cardiorenal
syndrome or renocardiac syndrome. Here’s how they influence each
other:
❤️ Cardiorenal
Syndrome:
When the heart develops cardiomyopathy or
valvular disease, its pumping ability decreases. This reduces blood flow (perfusion)
to the kidneys, leading to diminished toxin filtration, elevated kidney values,
ischemia, and hypoxia. Over time, kidney cells may undergo irreversible
necrosis and fibrosis, forcing the remaining healthy kidney cells to work
harder and increasing the overall burden on the kidneys.
❤️ Renocardiac
Syndrome:
This condition is mainly caused by kidney
aging combined with factors such as heart disease or hypertension. Poor kidney
perfusion stimulates the kidneys and activates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone
system (RAAS), resulting in increased heart rate, fluid retention,
vasoconstriction, and elevated blood pressure. Over time, this places
additional strain on the heart and leads to progressive deterioration.
How do veterinarians
treat pets with both kidney and heart disease?
Veterinarians will first evaluate which
condition—heart or kidney disease—is more severe, then choose the most
appropriate treatment plan for the pet.
To manage cardiorenal and renocardiac
syndromes, doctors aim to improve cardiac output, enhance renal perfusion, and
avoid excessive use of diuretics. This helps prevent potassium loss caused by
overuse of diuretics and reduces the burden on the kidneys ☺️
For kidney management, urine tests are
performed. If proteinuria is detected, treatment will be initiated, as
improving proteinuria can extend the survival time of pets with kidney disease.
Blood pressure control is also crucial for maintaining proper kidney perfusion.
In addition, controlling blood phosphate
levels is essential. Chronic kidney disease often leads to hyperphosphatemia,
which can cause mucosal damage and calcium–phosphorus imbalance.
How should pet parents
manage home care for pets with both heart and kidney disease?
Using cats as an example: after a diagnosis
of cardiomyopathy, veterinarians will prescribe medications or provide
recommendations based on the stage of the disease.
In addition to prescribed medications, daily
supplementation with heart-supportive nutrients is recommended, such as Fucobalan®
(low-molecular-weight fucoidan + highly stable fucoxanthin), fish oil, Coenzyme
Q10, taurine, and more.
For cats with kidney disease, aside from
prescription renal diets, potassium supplementation may be needed to prevent
hypokalemia. Phosphate levels should also be controlled. Supplements that
promote circulation—such as lanthanum carbonate, fish oil, or kidney-specific
amino acids—are also recommended. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and
proteinuria is essential, and dietary protein intake should be carefully
limited.
Gentle Reminder:
Whether your pet has heart disease, kidney
disease, or both, always consult a veterinarian first. A thorough evaluation of
each organ’s severity is essential to create the most appropriate treatment and
health management plan for your beloved pet.
Reference: https://www.hiq-pets.com/article/97
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