Association between body condition and survival in dogs with acquired chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Background: Obesity in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with longer survival. The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between body condition score (BCS) and survival in dogs with CKD.

Hypothesis/objectives: Higher BCS is a predictor of prolonged survival in dogs with CKD.

Animals: One hundred dogs were diagnosed with CKD (International Renal Interest Society stages II, III or IV) between 2008 and 2009.

Methods: Retrospective case review. Data regarding initial body weight and BCS, clinicopathologic values and treatments were collected from medical records and compared with survival times.

Results: For dogs with BCS recorded (n = 72), 13 were underweight (BCS = 1-3; 18%), 49 were moderate (BCS = 4-6; 68%), and 10 were overweight (BCS = 7-9; 14%). For dogs with at least 2 body weights recorded (n = 77), 21 gained weight, 47 lost weight, and 9 had no change in weight. Dogs classified as underweight at the time of diagnosis (median survival = 25 days) had a significantly shorter survival time compared to that in both moderate (median survival = 190 days; P < .001) and overweight dogs (median survival = 365 days; P < .001). There was no significant difference in survival between moderate and overweight dogs (P = .95).

Conclusions and clinical importance: Higher BCS at the time of diagnosis was significantly associated with improved survival. Further research on the effects of body composition could enhance the management of dogs with CKD.