Feline Kidney Infection Treatment

As with many health problems, cats tend to mask kidney infections, so owners may not notice anything wrong. However, the kidneys play an important role in a cat's health, as they help create red blood cells and remove toxins from existing blood cells. Feline kidney diseases, such as an infection, are most common in older cats but can occur in cats of all ages.

  1. Causes and Symptoms

    • A kidney infection is often attributed to bacteria or viruses within the kidney. The accumulation of bacteria can eventually lead to urinary tract infection, kidney stones, and renal disease. According to the veterinarian-run Pet Education website, symptoms of a kidney infection may include decreased appetite, increased water consumption, weight loss, decreased urination, bloody urine, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea Many cats do not exhibit symptoms until the infection becomes severe.

    Medical Treatments

    • The most common form of feline kidney infection treatment is a prescription antibiotic from a veterinarian. Fluids may also be administered to a cat through an IV. This helps rehydrate the cat and helps to flush toxins and bacteria out of the kidney. A veterinarian may allow a cat owner to administer the IV on her own at home.

    Dietary Adjustments

    • Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of kidney disease in cats. A veterinarian will likely recommend a specific diet to help combat fluid losses and reduce the chances of a cat vomiting his food up. According to the Cat Health Guide website, the most common dietary change in cats with a kidney problem is lowering the quantity of protein. Smaller amounts of protein allow the kidneys to function properly, according to Pet Education, and feeding your cat smaller meals as opposed to two large ones can also help reduce vomiting incidents.

    Alternative Therapies

    • The Cat Health Guide outlines three types of herbs that can be used to help promote and treat feline kidney problems. These include burdock, cleavers and dandelion. Burdock helps regulate a cat's blood sugar. Cleavers help purify blood within the kidney and prevents urinary tract infections as well as kidney stones. Dandelion also helps regulate blood sugar and maintain kidney fluid balance. These herbs are available in liquid form and can be mixed into a cat's food with a dropper.

    Considerations

    • A kidney transplant is a likely scenario for a cat who does not respond to other forms of treatment. However, according to Pet Education, kidney transplants are not common, as few animal hospitals perform them. Kidney transplants are also costly. According to the Cat Health Guide, feline kidney transplants may cost up to $12,500 (as of June 2010). Surgery is a last resort for a serious kidney infection. However, if caught early, feline kidney problems such as infection are easily treatable.