In Part 4 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain treatments for hypertension, proteinuria, high phosphorus, and anemia; how IRIS staging affects prognosis; and how to maintain quality of life as CKD progresses. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

• How medications support kidney health in pets with CKD

• Why treating anemia, hypertension, and proteinuria slows disease progression

• How phosphate binders and FGF-23 testing help protect kidney function

• Understanding IRIS staging and what it means for prognosis

• What signs indicate CKD is moving into a more advanced stage

• Tips for maintaining comfort, appetite, and quality of life

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 4: Mediations for Pets with Chronic Kidney Disease

• Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

Varenzin-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.

In this One Health Heroes update, Dr. Mandy Sorensen, communication specialist with the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians, discusses:

• ​Avian influenza remains a global One Health threat, with over 800,000 poultry cases in the past 30 days and new spillover events from wild birds into dairy cattle, creating opportunities for viral adaptation.
• ​Companion animals are at risk through wildlife exposure, as seen in fatal avian influenza cases involving kittens in Europe and a dog in Canada after ingesting infected birds.
• ​A rabies-positive dog in Chicago highlights rabies' long incubation period, raising critical questions about timing of exposure versus vaccination and reinforcing why rabies surveillance and prevention remains essential.
• ​Moderna secured $54 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to put toward its experimental avian influenza mRNA vaccine for humans, and must reserve 20% of its production capacity for low and middle income countries.
• January is One Health Month, offering opportunities for veterinarians, pet owners, and the public to engage in education, advocacy, and collaboration to protect people, animals, and the environment.

Pet owners and veterinary professionals, sign up for our newsletter here: https://www.yourvetwantsyoutoknow.com/newsletter

Veterinarians are invited to join the American Association of Food Safety and Public Health Veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

In Part 3 of Mission RENAL, a series on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in pets, Dr. JD Foster, small animal internal medicine and nephrology expert joins to explain ways cat and dog owners can help support their pet with chronic kidney disease at home through nutrition, hydration, and monitoring. Sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco, this guide empowers pet owners with Real Education for Navigating Advanced Longevity in dogs and cats with chronic kidney disease.

• Prescription renal diets significantly improve survival and quality of life.

• Encourage hydration through food, fountains, and flavor additives.

• Subcutaneous fluids should be reserved for when other methods fail.

• Create a prioritized medication plan with your veterinarian.

• Regular rechecks every 3–4 months help catch issues early.

• Celebrate small wins — joy and connection matter as much as lab numbers.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 3: Home Care for Pet with Chronic Kidney Disease

• Find a veterinary internal medicine specialist near you: Specialist Search Here

Our vision is for Your Vet Wants You to Know to be a resource for veterinarians to improve client communication by introducing a discussion about a common topic during the vet visit, then directing the client to a reliable source of engaging, understandable, and accessible information.

By doing so, we strive for:
1) increased pet health literacy among pet owners,
2) improved partnership between clients and the veterinary team,
3) improved medical outcomes for pets, and
4) improved quality of life and efficiency for veterinarians.

Help support our mission through BUY ME A COFFEE: https://buymeacoffee.com/yourvet

Connect with Your Vet!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yourvetwantsyoutoknow
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourvetwantsyoutoknow

Mission RENAL is sponsored by Royal Canin and Elanco™ makers of VarenzinTM-CA1 (molidustat oral suspension).

Varenzin-CA1 is indicated for the control of nonregenerative anemia associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats.

Important Safety Information

Varenzin-CA1 is for oral use in cats only and prescribed only by licensed veterinarians. Keep this drug and used syringes out of reach of children. Wash hands immediately after use. In case of accidentally swallowing, call a doctor immediately. Women who are or may become pregnant should use the product with caution. Do not give to pregnant, nursing or breeding cats. Before using Varenzin-CA1, talk to your veterinarian if your cat is allergic to molidustat, has a history of seizures or thromboembolic disease predisposition. Use with caution in cats younger than 1 year of age. Common side effects include vomiting and high blood pressure. Red blood cell proportion should be monitored. Click here for complete safety information.