The Galway Independent together with the Galway SPCA has launched an educational programme in an effort to reduce cruelty to animals. Each week we will put together questions from the public on animal welfare. These questions will cover all animals.

Over the next few weeks, we will look at the kidneys, covering everything from kidney failure, cancer and lupus.

Kidney failure is caused by an abrupt decline in the kidney function. This leads to changes in the chemistry of the body, including alterations in fluid and mineral balance. The kidneys' job is to filter the blood. They remove waste products, flushing them out in the urine. They also control the volume and composition of body fluids and produce hormones that help the production of red blood cells. They also regulate calcium balance.

The symptoms to look for are: disorientation, lack of coordination, decrease in peeing, straining to pee, loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, weakness and drinking a lot of water. Pee colour may also change.

Chronic renal failure has a lot of the symptoms of acute renal failure with depression, bad breath, anorexia as well.

When dealing with the kidneys, you need to get to the vet as quickly as possible otherwise it may be too late.

Cancer in the kidneys is usually in the form of tumours. It is mostly seen in middle aged and elderly dogs. Again, things to look out for are weight loss, depression, lethargy, blood in the urine, abdominal distension and anaemia to name but a few. Get you dog to the vet immediately where he will go through a complete examination, including blood work, X-rays, biopsy and ultrasound. Prognosis varies on the tumour type.

The good news is there is treatment there, which can include the removal of the tumour or kidney, medication and so on. Just to remember, getting your pet to the vet in time is vital.

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