Kidney disease in the horse

Summary

# Kidney Disease in the Horse: An Editorial Summary Chronic kidney disease represents a significant yet often underdiagnosed condition in equine practice, with implications spanning from geriatric populations to younger horses with acute renal injury. Natasha's comprehensive review synthesises current understanding of pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approaches to renal dysfunction, drawing on evidence-based medicine and specialist expertise in equine internal medicine. The overview emphasises the importance of early detection through appropriate biomarkers—particularly creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA)—and the variable clinical manifestations that can delay diagnosis, ranging from polyuria and polydipsia to subtle weight loss and poor performance. Management strategies centre on supportive care, dietary modification (including careful consideration of protein and phosphorus intake), and treatment of underlying causes where identifiable, though prognosis remains guarded once significant functional loss has occurred. For practitioners, heightened clinical suspicion in at-risk populations and proactive monitoring via serial renal parameters can substantially improve outcomes and inform realistic discussions with owners about long-term management expectations.

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Key Findings

• •This is an overview article on kidney disease in horses by an equine internal medicine specialist
• •Content focuses on equine nephrology and renal pathology

Conditions Studied