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.

In Part 2 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 how veterinarians interpret blood and urine tests to diagnose kidney disease, what IRIS staging means, and the importance of individualized treatment plans. 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.

Key Takeaways:

• Blood and urine tests together give the most accurate picture of kidney health.

• IRIS staging helps veterinarians guide treatment but doesn't define your pet's prognosis.

• Rechecks every 3–4 months (or more often if unstable) help maintain your pet's quality of life.

• Discuss lab results with your veterinarian—context matters more than red numbers.

• Each pet's journey is unique; don't rely on internet timelines or myths.

• Early detection saves lives. Routine screening can catch CKD before symptoms appear.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 2: Tests and Staging Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

• 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:

• The first reported human fatality from H5N5 avian influenza in Washington State, how this strain differs from the widely circulating H5N1 affecting poultry, wild birds, and cattle, and why mutations remain a growing public health concern.
• An update on New World Screwworm, including the launch of the new federal website and ongoing federal surveillance efforts near the southern U.S. border.
• Holiday food safety and pet safety tips, focusing on preventing food-borne illness, safe meat preparation, household hazards, and reducing holiday stress for pets.

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 1 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 the difference between Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and CKD, why many CKD cases have no single cause, the early warning signs and why these signs happen, the power of early screening to slow progression, and how staging CKD guides individualized care.

• CKD is irreversible but manageable—early detection matters.

• PU/PD (peeing/drinking more) is often the first clue; appetite changes are common.

• Pets can act normal with substantial kidney function loss—don't wait on labs.

• Wellness bloodwork + urinalysis help slow the disease early.

• Staging organizes care so your pet gets the right support at the right time.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: Mission RENAL Part 1: Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

• 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.

Dog ear infections are frustrating, smelly, and painful—and often keep coming back. This episode is part of the HEAR NOW series (Help, Educate, Assess, Regulate), created in partnership with Merck Animal Health. In this two-part series, expert guest Dr. Christine McKinney, Merck Animal Health Small Animal Dermatology Specialist, joins to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog ear infections to give pet owners the clear, evidence-based information they need.

In Part 2 of our HEAR NOW series, we explain what brown discharge really means, why infections may not go away, the risks of untreated infections, and why home remedies can do more harm than good. Learn safe, effective treatments to help your pet.

• Brown discharge can be normal wax, yeast, or bacteria—cytology is the only way to know.

• Infections that don't clear may need longer treatment, stronger antiinflammatory medications, or better control of the primary disease like allergies.

• Inflammation drives infection—managing allergies reduces recurrence.

• Untreated infections can spread to the middle or inner ear, causing permanent damage.

• Home remedies like vinegar may burn inflamed ears and risk hearing loss.

Resources & Links:

• Episode page with pictures and video: HEAR Now: FAQs about Ear Infections in Dogs Part 2

• Find a veterinary dermatologist near you: Specialist Search Here

• Veterinary Skin and Ear (Los Angeles): Schedule Your Consult

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

Mometamax Single™ (gentamicin, posaconazole, and mometasone furoate otic suspension) - IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Mometamax SingleTM is for otic use in dogs only. Do not use in cats. Mometamax Single should be administered by veterinary personnel. Do not use in dogs with known tympanic membrane perforation. The integrity of the tympanic membrane should be confirmed before administering the product. Reevaluate the dog if hearing loss or signs of vestibular dysfunction are observed during treatment. Do not use in dogs with known or suspected hypersensitivity to gentamicin, posaconazole, or mometasone furoate. Avoid contact with eyes. For complete instructions and safety information, refer to the product label.

Always talk with your veterinarian about whether this option is right for your pet.