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Kidney disease (KD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs; however, epidemiological data remain limited. This study estimated the incidence of KD and characterized chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) through an observational study of dogs treated at a small animal hospital. A case-control study was subsequently conducted to identify factors associated with KD. Among 2,393 newly registered dogs in 2023, 91 cases of KD were identified, and an equal number of controls were randomly selected. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression models adjusted for age and body condition score (BCS). The overall annual cumulative incidence of KD was 3.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-4.6). The incidence of early-stage CKD was 2.5% (95% CI: 1.9-3.2), followed by advanced-stage CKD at 0.9% (95% CI: 0.5-1.3) and AKI at 0.3% (95% CI: 0.1-0.5). Age was a significant risk factor for KD, with dogs aged ≥10 years having higher odds of KD than younger dogs. Dogs with KD were also more likely to have a poor BCS, and this association was strongest in advanced-stage CKD. To our knowledge, this is the first reported epidemiological study from Latin America to estimate the incidence of KD in dogs. The observed association between KD, advanced age, and poor BCS is based on a detailed review of medical records and the use of appropriate paraclinical investigations, which are essential for early diagnosis and timely intervention to influence the course of the disease.
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