From Diagnosis to Lifelong Care: Advancing Feline Chronic Kidney Disease Management
1.0 CE Credit Hour / Veterinarians & Veterinary Technicians
Overview:
This talk will cover key aspects of improving the lives of cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including the pathogenesis and staging of CKD, dietary complications, and management of conditions such as azotemia, acidosis, hypokalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypertension, anemia, dehydration, and anorexia. It will also address the latest treatment breakthroughs, including new therapies for anemia and strategies for managing complications like intestinal dysbiosis. Attendees will gain comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and holistic management of CKD in feline patients.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the IRIS stages and associated clinical manifestations of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats,including common diagnostic markers such as creatinine, BUN, SDMA, urine P:C ratio and blood pressure.
- Identify common complications of CKD such as anemia, hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and disruption of the normal GI microbiome as well as their pathophysiological basis and effects.
- Implement diagnostic protocols for CKD in feline patients by interpreting laboratory data, including: IRIS staging; SDMA urine protein:creatinine ratio; and blood pressure measurements.
- Analyze the efficacy of interventions including diet, phosphorus control, treatment of anemia and GI microbiome interventions on the progression and quality of life in CKD-afflicted cats.
- Design individualized management plans for cats with CKD that integrate dietary modifications, pharmacological interventions, and
- Evaluate emerging treatments, such as HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors
Mark J Acierno MBA, DVM, DACVIM, ACVNU
Founder
Dr. Mark Acierno received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Mississippi State University, followed by an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Tufts University. With a passion for advancing veterinary nephrology, Dr. Acierno spent 12 years at Louisiana State University, where he developed one of the world's most advanced nephrology programs. Currently, he is a professor at Midwestern University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and serves as the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs. His clinical and research interests include hypertension, kidney disease, and renal replacement therapies. He is the author of 54 peer reviewed publications in the scientific literature and more than 20 book chapters.
In addition to his veterinary expertise, Dr. Acierno holds an MBA from Pace University in New York City and has a background in business and finance, which formed the basis of his interest in personal finance for veterinary professionals. He lives in Madison, WI, with his wife Alyssa and their diverse menagerie of furred, feathered, and scaled friends. Dr. Acierno splits his time between his home and Midwestern University. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys scuba diving, climbing, hiking, and exploring the Sonoran Desert. Dr. Acierno is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge and experience, making a significant impact on the field of veterinary medicine.
This course is RACE-approved for 1.0 continuing education credits hours in jurisdictions that accept RACE-approval.
This activity is sponsored by Virbac.
