Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - December '20

Page 4, Hobe Sound

Shoot For The Moon from page 1
Tip Of The Tail
enjoyed one of the first nonvirtual fundraising events since
the onset of the pandemic.
U.S. Representative Brian Mast, Martin County
Commissioner Ed Ciampi, State Representative Toby Oberdorf, Chronic Kidney Clinical signs of chronic kidney insufficiency can
State Representative-elect John Snyder, Stuart Commissioner Insufficiency be vague and may mimic other diseases. The most
Troy McDonald, Capt. John Budenseik of Martin County common symptoms usually noted are increased thirst
Sheriff’s Department and past Mark Garwood SHARE and increased urination. Other symptoms may include
Foundation Phoenix Scholarship recipients were in attendance. decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and poor hair
The outdoor venue, following CDC guidelines and coat. These symptoms may be slowly progressive, and,
cooperation of all attendees ensured a safe but enjoyable if mild, may go unnoticed by a pet owner. Lab work
experience for all. may reveal abnormalities before obvious clinical signs
Trophies were awarded for team competition and are evident, which may allow treatment to be initiated
individual scores. Winning teams were from Cleveland sooner and provide the best quality of life for the pet.
Clinic/Martin Health, HBKS Wealth Management and Several treatment options can be utilized to help
Wilmington Trust, in that order. pets with chronic kidney insufficiency maintain a
Highest overall score for men went to Andy Duffy and good quality of life. Special prescription diets are
for women, to Carolyn Smith. one of the best main long-term treatments to help
Activities included continental breakfast sponsored maintain appropriate protein levels and certain
by Mingace Custom Audio and barbecue lunch provided electrolyte levels. These diets are available through
by Martin County Sheriff’s Department “Grill Team” and veterinarians. Another treatment option is fluid
sponsored by Sheltair Aviation Services. Chronic kidney insufficiency is one of the most therapy, either subcutaneous fluids or intravenous
The highlight of the event was the awarding of seven common diseases affecting older pets, especially cats. fluids. Subcutaneous fluids, which are placed under
2021 Phoenix Scholarships. Recipients of the $5,000 Many causes exist for chronic kidney insufficiency, a pet’s skin, can be used at home or in the clinic to
grants (which must be used for educational purposes) were with age-related kidney deterioration being one of the help maintain hydration; subcutaneous fluids can be
Katherine Hovey, Lorraine DeAmicis, Amber Scott, Niki more common causes. Chronic kidney insufficiency utilized long-term to help with quality of life. Some
Tartal, Dominique Bartko, Russell Wetjen and Karen Reese. indicates that a condition called azotemia has been pets will benefit from subcutaneous fluids up to several
For more about the Mark Garwood SHARE Foundation, present for months or years. When azotemia is present, times a week, while others may need fluids less often.
visit www.markgarwoodsharefoundation.org. toxins have accumulated in the bloodstream, and lab Intravenous fluids are usually reserved for pets who
work will indicate abnormalities. Approximately 70 need more aggressive fluid therapy. Some pets with
percent of kidney function must be lost before lab work chronic kidney insufficiency may have blood pressure
abnormalities are noted. Azotemia does not necessarily issues, and these pets may benefit from blood pressure
mean a pet is experiencing a reduced quality of life. medications. Depending on the chronicity and severity
The term uremia means that the patient is azotemic and of kidney insufficiency, pets can experience anemia. If
also demonstrating clinical signs of kidney disease, this occurs, medication may be needed to help correct
which may be reducing their quality of life. The goal the anemia.
in treatment of chronic kidney insufficiency is to Chronic kidney insufficiency is a common disease
prevent, postpone, or resolve uremia, to ensure the pet in older animals; however, pets can live with a good
experiences the best possible quality of life. Azotemia quality of life for many years after diagnosis with
associated with chronic kidney insufficiency may not proper management. Annual lab work may reveal
be reversible. indications of chronic kidney insufficiency well before
The kidneys perform several important a pet shows clinical signs. Please check with your
Devin Carlson, general manager of Audi Stuart, John functions: veterinarian to see if your pet is due for his or her lab
Garwood and Erica Garwood of Mark Garwood SHARE 1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and work.
Foundation and Alan Franciosci, general manager of Infiniti creatinine; Established in 1981, Palm City Animal
Stuart. Photo by Melissa Fuller 2.) Regulating electrolytes, including sodium, Medical Center is dedicated to providing the
potassium, phosphorus, and calcium; best possible care for your pets. With focuses on
3.) Producing erythropoietin, which helps stimulate compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy
the bone marrow to produce red blood cells; and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive
4.) Producing renin, which helps control blood diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
pressure; Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
5.) Producing and concentrating urine. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and
When kidney function begins to decline, waste their owners. For more information, call (772)
products accumulate in the blood, electrolyte imbalances 283-0920, visit www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.
occur, anemia can develop, blood pressure problems com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
may occur, and urine concentration decreases. PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Laura Leighton – Photo by Melissa Fuller

Martin County Commissioner Ed Ciampi, State
Representative-elect John Snyder and Stuart Commissioner
Troy McDonald. Photo by Liz McKinley

U.S. Representative Brian Mast (right) with John and Erica
Garwood, Mark Garwood SHARE Foundation. Photo by
Liz McKinley