MORPHOLOGICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHANGES CAUSED BY CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE IN SMALL DOMESTIC ANIMALS

This article explores the morphological and functional alterations observed in cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study analyzed clinical and biochemical blood and urine parameters, along with ultrasound imaging of the kidneys in cats at various stages of CKD. As a result, key indicators of disease progression were identified, including elevated creatinine and urea levels, increased renal echogenicity, and structural kidney modifications. Among the 1550 animals examined at the clinic, 203 (13.1%) were diagnosed with CKD. In advanced cases, urea concentrations reached 59.28 mmol/L, while creatinine levels rose to 612.53 µmol/L—far exceeding normal values and reflecting significant renal dysfunction. Morphological assessment revealed a reduction in the left kidney’s dimensions to 34.5 × 19.0 × 21.1 mm, indicative of decreased renal volume. The cortical layer thickness of the left kidney decreased to 2.7 mm, pointing to chronic inflammation and tissue atrophy. The right kidney exhibited less pronounced changes, measuring 33.9 × 20.1 × 18.9 mm, with a cortical thickness of 3.4 mm, which remained within the normal range. These changes are accompanied by impaired filtration function of the kidneys and require timely diagnosis and treatment.