Researchers at Kansas State University are seeking help from area dog owners with a study on how diet can help dogs with kidney failure.

Lisa Moore, a K-State veterinarian and assistant professor in veterinary clinical sciences, is seeking dogs with kidney failure to participate in the study, which examines the value of special nutrition for dogs with the condition.

Kidney failure in dogs is a common condition that can ultimately result in death. However, special diets have been shown to delay kidney decline. By studying these special dietary features, researchers hope to improve diets for dogs with kidney failure, Moore said.

The condition involves the gradual deterioration of the kidneys that leads to decreased kidney function. A dog's kidneys are designed to filter and remove waste from the bloodstream. When the kidneys are unable to do this, waste materials accumulate in the blood, causing the animal to feel sick, Moore said.

While the condition must be diagnosed by a veterinarian, signs of kidney failure that a dog owner might notice include decreased appetite, increased thirst, increased or decreased urination, listlessness and vomiting.

To be eligible for the study, dogs must have a medically confirmed diagnosis of kidney failure; they must be in stable condition; and they must have a negative heartworm test. It is preferable that the dog not have any other significant disease process.

The study is a noninvasive process that involves a series of routine blood and urine tests. It will last a minimum of two months, with continued follow-ups for up to two years. Throughout the study, participants will receive a supply of special food free of charge. All costs associated with the initial office call and follow-up appointments also will be covered, along with the cost of running lab tests to monitor the dog's condition.

All participating dog owners must comply with certain instructions, including feeding only the diet provided in the study; keeping a daily record for the first two months; and visiting the veterinarian as scheduled.

The study diets have features that have been shown to slow the progression of kidney failure. By allowing their dogs to participate in the study, dog owners will be helping researchers to evaluate the extent diet plays in slowing the progression of kidney disease and to further improve the diets for dogs with kidney failure, Moore said.

Moore is a board certified specialist in small animal internal medicine. She has four years of training and six years experience as a specialist.

The study is being done in cooperation with several other veterinary colleges.

For more information on how to enroll in the study, contact Moore at 785-532-5690 or at lmoore@vet.ksu.edu