Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common disease in companion animals. It may affect each part of the kidney, including glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, or blood vessels. Typically, the disease is characterized by structural changes and decreased kidney function, resulting in accumulation of ure­mic toxins and disruption of homeostasis. The disease is irreversible and tends to be progressive in nature, even if the underlying inciting cause is no longer present. Its clinical manifestation depends on the nature of the damage and its severity.