Kidney Failure in Cats – Chronic Renal Disease
The kidney is responsible for filtering toxins from the bloodstream, which are eventually excreted through urine. Renal failure in cats is found most often in cats over the age of 6. Other possible causes include heredity (certain breeds are more prone to this disease) and existing diseases of the kidneys or circulatory system. There are IV stages to kidney failure in cats.
Stage I
The kidneys are starting to become damaged, but there are no symptoms of the disease.
Stage II
The kidneys are becoming more damaged making. This is causes a build up of waste material in the blood stream. Although symptoms usually won’t appear in most cats, there may be a slight increase in thirst and urination.
Stage III
The kidneys have further damage and waste products continue to intoxicate the blood stream. Excessive thirst and urination are present.
Stage IV
The kidneys have been damaged and are working at less than 25%. Toxins in the bloodstream are causing noticeable symptoms.
Symptoms:
- Excessive Thirst
- Excessive Urination
- Poor Appetite / Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Mouth Sores / Tooth Loss
- Dehydration
- Depression
- Vomiting
Diagnosis:
Your veterinarian will give your cat a full physical examination with blood work to identify an increased level of protein in the blood. The use of x-rays and/or ultrasonographs may also be requested with diagnosis.
Treatment:
Since generally there aren’t any signs of kidney failure in cats until Stages III and IV, it is sometimes difficult to diagnose early. This makes treatment a little more difficult since veterinarian can rarely repair any damage already caused to the kidneys. The good news is that cats with as little as 5-10% kidney function can live long lives with proper treatment.
Treatment may include a prescription diet to help alleviate excessive toxin buildup, fluid injections which helps remove waste products. There are other more complicated options that include inserting feeding tubes, going on dialysis, and receiving a kidney transplant.
Regardless of the treatment chosen it is important to continue regular checkups. It is suggested that checks up are scheduled every 1-3 months.
Kidney Failure in Cats - Prevention:
It is said that keeping your cat on a high protein, exclusively wet food diet will help prevent kidney disease in cats.
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