Read About Feline Kidney Disease

 - Facts

1. Problem Definition:

   Kidney disease causes failure of the kidneys in cats, and is often age related. Kidney failure is the most common cause of death in geriatric cats.

2. Symptoms:

   Symptoms of kidney disease are increased thirst, frequent urination, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakness, and vomiting. Most symptoms do not occur until 75% of kidney function is lost.

3. Duration of Problem:

   Chronic renal failure is an incurable disease, but can be managed for months or even years with proper veterinary care.

4. Exposure:

   Cats can be born with diseased kidneys, or the kidneys can be damaged due to infections, trauma, kidney stones, tumors and toxins (such as anti-freeze).

- Prevention & Treatment

1. The Treatment:

   One type of treatment for kidney disease is a change in diet, to one specifically formulated for cats with kidney disorders. Another treatment for more advanced kidney disease is fluid therapy, to help flush out waste products through the kidneys. A more extreme treatment is a kidney transplant, which is very expensive.

2. Prevention:

   There is no known way to prevent feline kidney disease, as it occurs as a consequence of aging.

3. Precautions:

   Urinary tract infections should be identified and treated, and older cats should not be fed diets labeled "For Urinary Health", which is harmful for cats with kidney failure.

4. Helpful Supplies:

   Some helpful supplies for cats with kidney failure are a potassium supplement, a phosphate binder, a drug to regulate the parathyroid gland and calcium levels, drugs to stimulate appetite, and drugs to control high blood pressure.

 - Concerns

1. Level of Seriousness:

   Feline kidney disease is very serious, as the cat will eventually die, but the sooner the disease is diagnosed, the easier it will be for the cat to live a comfortable life.

2. Lasting Consequences:

   Although the condition can be managed to give the cat a comfortable life for months or even years, it is not curable, and the cat will live with it for the rest of its life.

3. Genetics:

   A large study has found that renal failure was recognized more than twice as often in the Maine coon, Abyssinian, Siamese, Russian Blue, and Burmese breeds.

4. Lifestyle Accommodations:

   A cat with kidney disease will need to undergo a change in diet, medication, and subcutaneous intravenous fluid therapy.

5. Expense:

   Drug therapy and vet visits for a cat with kidney disease will probably be very expensive for the duration, and a feline kidney transplant is extremely expensive.