Cardiorenal sydrome in dogs: the investigation for control measures

Abstract

The physiopathological relationship between the kidneys and the heart in the disease, known as cardiorenal syndrome (CRS), involves disorders of the heart and kidneys, since acute or chronic dysfunction in one organ can induce acute or chronic dysfunction of the other. In Veterinary Medicine, 5 subtypes of cardiorenal syndrome are described: acute cardiorenal, chronic cardiorenal, acute renocardial, chronic and secondary renocardial. Anemia is a common finding in dogs with cardiac and renal dysfunction, characterizing the so-called cardiorenal anemia syndrome. The mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of the cardiorenal syndrome involve not only hemodynamic changes and activation of neurohormonal systems, but also the activation of compensatory mechanisms of the organism itself, which end up contributing to worsening cardiac and renal function, leading to the development of CRS. The great challenge found in Veterinary Medicine is related to the early diagnosis of this syndrome and, mainly, to the correct therapeutic management, since that the therapy of the cardiopathy can deteriorate the renal function, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to understand how the pathophysiology of one disease can impact the function of the other organ. The present work aims to bring a complete approach to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of cardiorenal syndrome in dogs.