The 4 main roles of the kidney

21 May 2024

Properly functioning kidneys are essential to the overall health of our four-legged companions. These little bean-shaped organs perform 4 very important functions to maintain internal balance.

Waste treatment and disposal

The best-known role of the kidneys is undoubtedly that of purifying the blood to eliminate waste and toxins through urine. Every day, litres of blood pass through the kidneys. The nephrons retain the larger elements, and the primary urine thus obtained travels into the tubule. This is where it concentrates and where useful elements – such as glucose and certain minerals – are recovered.

In our four-legged companions – as in ourselves – this purification process is crucial for maintaining internal balance and preventing the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. Any dysfunction in this process can lead to serious health problems, including kidney failure.

Regulation of blood pressure

As well as purifying the blood, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. They do this by adjusting the amount of fluid and salt in the body. When blood pressure is too high, the kidneys eliminate more fluid and salt, which reduces blood volume and lowers blood pressure. Conversely, when blood pressure is too low, the kidneys reduce fluid and salt excretion to increase blood volume and therefore blood pressure.

This ability of the kidneys to regulate blood pressure is essential for maintaining a stable balance in the body. Healthy kidneys are therefore essential for optimal cardiovascular function.

Production of essential hormones

In addition to these functions, the body produces certain essential hormones. One of these hormones is erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. To maintain proper oxygen transport in the body, adequate production of EPO is necessary. If the body lacks this, anaemia results.

Another hormone produced by the kidneys is renin, which plays a key role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the amount of sodium and water in the body. By regulating these factors, renin helps to maintain normal blood pressure and an appropriate water balance.

Electrolyte balance

Finally, the kidneys play a crucial role in the balance of electrolytes in the body: sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium, in particular. These electrolytes are essential for many biological functions, in particular nerve transmission, muscle contraction and maintaining water balance.

The kidneys are therefore central organs in maintaining homeostasis and play a vital role in the dog’s overall health. Ensuring that they are working properly is of key importance, and this can be achieved by monitoring your dog’s behaviour and lifestyle, and by regular visits to your vet.

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The importance of diet for skin and coat quality in dogs and cats

The skin is the body's largest organ, representing between 12% and 24% of the animal's weight, and its surface area in a dog weighing around thirty kilograms is close to one square meter. It's hardly surprising, then, that the quality and quantity of the dog's diet can have an impact on this organ, and in the event of a deficiency can lead to problems that go far beyond a simple visual appearance.

Key nutrients for healthy skin and coat

Among the macro-nutrients, proteins play a crucial role. They provide amino acids, including sulphur amino acids, which are essential for the structure of the skin and coat. These are the main components of collagen, which gives the skin its suppleness and resistance, and of keratin, which plays a part in the effectiveness of the skin barrier. Lipids are also important; they make up the bulk of cell membranes and, in the skin, contribute significantly to the effectiveness of the cutaneous barrier. Among lipids, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin, modulate inflammatory mechanisms and promote a shiny, soft coat. Vitamins and minerals are also involved. Vitamin A is necessary for cell renewal, as is vitamin D, which also plays a part in the skin's natural defences. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, while B vitamins and biotin are essential co-factors in the synthesis of various skin elements such as ceramides, keratin and collagen. Among the minerals, zinc is involved in synthesis, protection against free radicals and immune defence mechanisms.

Disorders linked to inadequate nutrition

Inadequate or poor-quality food can lead to skin problems in our pets. A deficiency in essential fatty acids leads to dry, flaky skin, a dull coat and brittle hair. When it's the vitamins and minerals that are in short supply, synthesis is affected, the skin barrier can be less effective and the breeding ground for infections and inflammations that can lead to itching. On the other hand, these nutritional benefits can be used to compensate for individual sensitivities and improve the quality of the skin and coat in the event of dermatological disorders or diseases.

Conclusion

The quality of a dog's skin and the beauty of its coat are directly influenced by the quality of its diet. However, some dogs and cats have increased needs, and it is therefore necessary to provide them with greater quantities of useful nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of certain dermatological disorders, to help compensate for imbalances and accompany the medical treatments prescribed by your vet.