Page 7 - Martin Downs Bulletin - December '20

Martin Downs, Page 7

tip oF tHe tail

Chronic Kidney Insufficiency When kidney function begins to decline, waste products Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
accumulate in the blood, electrolyte imbalances occur, Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
anemia can develop, blood pressure problems may occur, for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
and urine concentration decreases. surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
Clinical signs of chronic kidney insufficiency can medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
be vague and may mimic other diseases. The most Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
common symptoms usually noted are increased thirst medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
and increased urination. Other symptoms may include owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
decreased appetite, vomiting, weight loss, and poor hair www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
coat. These symptoms may be slowly progressive, and, Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
if mild, may go unnoticed by a pet owner. Lab work may
reveal abnormalities before obvious clinical signs are
evident, which may allow treatment to be initiated sooner
Chronic kidney insufficiency is one of the most common and provide the best quality of life for the pet.
diseases affecting older pets, especially cats. Many causes Several treatment options can be utilized to help pets
exist for chronic kidney insufficiency, with age-related with chronic kidney insufficiency maintain a good quality
kidney deterioration being one of the more common causes. of life. Special prescription diets are one of the best main
Chronic kidney insufficiency indicates that a condition long-term treatments to help maintain appropriate protein
called azotemia has been present for months or years. levels and certain electrolyte levels. These diets are available
When azotemia is present, toxins have accumulated in the through veterinarians. Another treatment option is fluid
bloodstream, and lab work will indicate abnormalities. therapy, either subcutaneous fluids or intravenous fluids.
Approximately 70 percent of kidney function must be lost Subcutaneous fluids, which are placed under a pet’s skin, can
before lab work abnormalities are noted. Azotemia does not be used at home or in the clinic to help maintain hydration;
necessarily mean a pet is experiencing a reduced quality subcutaneous fluids can be utilized long-term to help with
of life. The term uremia means that the patient is azotemic quality of life. Some pets will benefit from subcutaneous
and also demonstrating clinical signs of kidney disease, fluids up to several times a week, while others may need
which may be reducing their quality of life. The goal in fluids less often. Intravenous fluids are usually reserved for
treatment of chronic kidney insufficiency is to prevent, pets who need more aggressive fluid therapy. Some pets
postpone, or resolve uremia, to ensure the pet experiences with chronic kidney insufficiency may have blood pressure
the best possible quality of life. Azotemia associated with issues, and these pets may benefit from blood pressure
chronic kidney insufficiency may not be reversible. medications. Depending on the chronicity and severity of
The kidneys perform several important functions: kidney insufficiency, pets can experience anemia. If this
1.) Filtering waste products, primarily urea and occurs, medication may be needed to help correct the anemia.
creatinine; Chronic kidney insufficiency is a common disease
2.) Regulating electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, in older animals; however, pets can live with a good
phosphorus, and calcium; quality of life for many years after diagnosis with proper
3.) Producing erythropoietin, which helps stimulate the management. Annual lab work may reveal indications
bone marrow to produce red blood cells; of chronic kidney insufficiency well before a pet shows
4.) Producing renin, which helps control blood pressure; clinical signs. Please check with your veterinarian to see
5.) Producing and concentrating urine. if your pet is due for his or her lab work.

Domestic Violence and the Holiday Season

By Dr. Teresa Albizu, see signs of abuse and provide much needed For these reasons and more, SafeSpace needs your
CEO of SafeSpace support. support more than ever.

To many people, the Anyone in a domestic violence situation should Your contribution will ensure our programs will
holiday season is the have a safety kit should it be necessary to exit a continue to be in place for victims of domestic
happiest time of year. dangerous situation quickly. violence in the tri-county area.

Most years, we look This kit should be hidden in a safe place, easily Your gift of $500 provides one week of safety
forward to spending accessible, and include things like emergency for a family in our emergency shelter. A $1,000
time with family phone numbers, clothing for adults and children, donation buys food for a family’s typical eight-
and friends, and feel cash, extra sets of car keys and house keys, and week stay.
enthusiastic about medication and/or prescriptions.
celebrations. Depending on a victim’s situation, they may
In addition, store copies of birth certificates, need our emergency shelter, our injunction for
However, even in normal years, the holidays can driver’s license and other important documents protection legal services, or our comprehensive
be a dark and scary time for victims of domestic in a safe place. outreach programs for both adults and children.
violence.
If you suspect that a loved one is in a domestic Too often, victims of domestic violence suffer
Unrealistic expectations combined with financial abuse situation, remember that violence is never in silence. That’s why we provide training for
pressures and increased alcohol consumption the victim’s fault. healthcare workers, educators and childcare
can raise stress levels, which often contribute to providers: typically, they are the first people to
incidents of intimate partner violence. Leaving or escaping can be difficult. When notice the telltale signs.
speaking to a friend or loved one whom you
Every day, four women in the U.S. die as a result suspect is a victim, never be accusatory or critical, Contributions make this important training
of domestic abuse and the stress and expectations and instead share your unconditional support and possible and also support a range of educational
of the holidays often make things worse. love, offering resources that may be helpful. programs for school-age children to encourage
non-violent living.
Add the additional impact of COVID-19 this year These could include local police phone numbers
and you’ve got a disaster waiting to happen. and SafeSpace’s hotline number: 772-288-2399. Donations to SafeSpace make a significant
difference in the lives of those whom we serve.
Domestic violence rose 15-20 percent on the Remember that anyone can become a victim of Please consider becoming a monthly donor and
Treasure Coast during each of the first three abuse or violence (physical, emotional, verbal, supporting our programs year-round.
months of the pandemic. financial, academic, social, etc.).
We hope we can count on your support. Together,
Being sequestered at home means those affected SafeSpace is committed to helping victims we are saving lives! Visit www.safespacefl.org
by intimate partner violence can’t avoid their become survivors and thrivers – at any time,
abusers. including during the holidays. We are here to help
24/7, every day of the year. Our work never stops,
They’re not interacting with people who would our work never ends.