10. Kidney disease

10. Kidney disease

369,00 €

This is the tenth module of Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy.
The full bundle of 60-hour program (12 modules) is available here: Vet Clinical Nutrition – 60-hour course

In this module, we focus on nutritional management of chronic and acute kidney disease in dogs and cats. Participants learn how to apply IRIS staging in clinical decision making, select appropriate renal diets and tailor nutritional interventions based on laboratory trends, patient condition and individual tolerance.

Key topics include:
• Differences between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI)
 • The IRIS staging and substaging system – when and how to use it in practice
• Core dietary management factors: water intake, phosphorus control, high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, energy density, potassium, sodium, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants
• Selecting renal diets: commercial therapeutic formulas vs balanced home prepared plans
 • Integrating medical and nutritional tools for symptom relief and slowing disease progression

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Set appropriate phosphorus, protein and sodium targets across different IRIS stages of CKD.
• Integrate phosphate binders, omega-3 fatty acids, appetite support strategies and other adjuncts when clinically indicated.
• Monitor and adjust dietary plans based on laboratory values, hydration status and BCS/MCS monitoring trends.

Schedule:

11 Jun 2026 – Pre‑recorded material (2 h)

18 Jun 2026 – Live: cases + Q&A (2 h)

25 Jun 2026 – Live: cases + Q&A (2 h)

Total ~6 h

(Live sessions take place at 7:30 p.m. CEST via Google Meet.)

Live meetings include case discussions and small-group workshops. The course also includes supporting literature, practical tools, knowledge-check quizzes, and access to a private Facebook community.
It is conducted in English.
This is a fully online program that you can complete from anywhere, at your own pace.

This module provides a comprehensive, evidence based overview of kidney disease in dogs and cats, with emphasis on how nutrition influences progression, quality of life and survival time. Participants learn to differentiate between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) and understand how each condition shapes nutritional needs and therapeutic priorities.

A central component of the module is the use of the IRIS staging system, including staging and substaging based on creatinine, SDMA, blood pressure and proteinuria. Participants explore how IRIS stages guide decisions on protein level, phosphorus restriction, sodium targets and the use of adjunctive therapies.

The module also covers key dietary factors for renal patients, including phosphorus control, high quality but moderate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, energy density, potassium and sodium management, vitamins, fibre and antioxidants that support gut kidney axis interactions. Strategies to increase water intake, ensure adequate caloric intake and support appetite are discussed in detail.

Participants learn how to select appropriate diets from both commercial renal therapeutic options and balanced home prepared plans, with practical guidance on when each approach is appropriate. The module integrates nutritional and medical tools, including phosphate binders, anti nausea support and appetite stimulation.

Practical instruction is provided on monitoring and adjusting the dietary plan based on laboratory results, hydration status, urine parameters, BCS and MCS trends.

By the end of this module, participants will feel confident designing individualized, stage appropriate nutrition plans for both chronic and acute kidney disease, with a structured approach to monitoring and adjustment.

Dr Cecilia Villaverde Haro, BVSc, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, Dipl. ECVCN
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®, EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition

She obtained her veterinary degree in 2000 and her PhD in animal nutrition in 2005 by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) She completed a residency in small animal clinical nutrition at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis, California and is board certified in veterinary nutrition by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Nutrition) and by the European College of Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN) since 2010. After working as the chief of service of the veterinary teaching hospital nutrition service in UAB for 6 years, she is now a consultant in clinical nutrition for Expert Pet Nutrition (www.expertpetnutrition.com) and Veterinary Information Network (VIN). She is a member of the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee and has written several articles and book chapters on the topic of companion animal nutrition.

  • I’m so glad I came across your website in the endless sea of online content, most of which isn’t really worth much. It’s such a pleasure to learn from lectures that are so professionally prepared, and at the same time delivered in a clear and genuinely friendly way.
    Anna Ożga
  • I didn’t expect such a great way of teaching – and above all, I appreciate that you are open to all types of feline diets. You don’t impose one “right” way, but instead show that every approach has its pros and cons. Your passion really comes through – it’s not just dry theory.
    Thank you for so many practical tips!
    Renata
  • During the course I learned many new things that truly surprised me. Reading posts from other nutritionists, I honestly think Karolina is the best in Poland at what she does. The course debunks myths that have been repeated for years and proves that there is always more to learn.
    Katarzyna Kuryłowicz

Yes. Each module can be purchased separately.
However, if you plan to complete the entire Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy (60 hours), purchasing the full package is more cost-effective and allows you to take the final exam.

The course is also open to veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, students, and pet food professionals who wish to expand their clinical nutrition knowledge.
It was, however, designed primarily for veterinarians and assumes a basic understanding of pathophysiology and diagnostic principles in small animal medicine.
Lectures include short refreshers on key topics but focus mainly on nutritional management of clinical patients.

Live meetings are held online via Google Meet in English, at 7:30 p.m. (CEST).
You will receive a meeting link by email before each session.
All live sessions are recorded, so you can watch them later if you can’t attend in real time.

Yes. Upon completing all lessons and quizzes, you will receive a personalized PDF certificate (in English), signed by the lecturer and featuring the Vet Clinical Nutrition Academy logo.

You will have 12 months of access to all videos and course resources from the date of purchase.

Yes. Invoices are issued automatically after purchase – for EU companies with an active VAT number (reverse charge mechanism).
For participants outside the EU, the net price (0% VAT) applies.

No, but participation is highly recommended, as live sessions include clinical case discussions, practical calculations, and Q&A with the instructor.
Recordings are available for those who cannot attend.

Yes. In addition to video lectures, the course includes hands-on exercises (small-group workshops), calculations, quizzes, and opportunities to analyze real clinical cases and pet foods submitted by participants.

Yes. You can purchase the course as a gift voucher.
Please contact: pytania@karolinaholda.com for more details.

  • Start date: June 11, 2026
  • Total duration: 6 hours
  • Certificate: Yes
  • Access period: 12 months

The VCNA course has been designed primarily for veterinarians who wish to deepen their expertise in the dietary management of canine and feline diseases.
It is also suitable for veterinary technicians, animal nutritionists, veterinary students, and pet food professionals interested in the clinical application of nutrition.

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