Early Feline Kidney Disease Treatment

Veterinarians treat cats of all ages, breeds and sex for kidney disease. Feline kidney disease, usually called chronic renal failure (CRF), is especially common in older cats. In reality, feline kidney disease comes in many types and stages, including early feline kidney disease. However, only one factor is consistent--beginning treatment immediately is vital to an affected cat's chances of survival.

  1. Significance

    • Kidneys are important to a cat's overall health because these organs, just as in humans, filter waste and toxins from the body. When the kidneys malfunction, a buildup of toxic waste matter begins spreading throughout the cat's body and the animal can experience both an electrolyte imbalance and a reduction in red blood cells, according to the Long Beach Animal Hospital in California. If left untreated, the cat can eventually lapse into a coma and die. When a veterinarian diagnoses a cat with early feline kidney disease, it means the disease is in its earliest stages, strengthening the cat's prognosis for a normal lifespan.

    Symptoms

    • Feline kidney disease has many symptoms, including significant weight loss despite eating, increased thirst and urination, lack of appetite, weakness, lethargy, bad breath, dehydration and constipation.

    Treatment Plans

    • Only a veterinarian can diagnose a cat with kidney disease, determine the severity of the disease and outline a treatment plan. According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, the veterinarian will perform a urinalysis, X-rays and blood work, discuss symptoms with the cat's owner to determine whether renal failure affects the cat and determine how severe the condition is. Most cats will begin treatment immediately, only to have it adjusted over time as their owners and veterinarians observe what works best and what doesn't. In short, treatment works best when specific to each cat.

    Types of Treatment

    • If caught early enough, owners simply changing and monitoring a cat's diet can manage most types of kidney disease. Cats experiencing a kidney disorder need diets lower in proteins and phosphorous, according to website Vetinfo. Veterinarians will often recommend more canned food because it contains higher levels of fluid than dry food. Veterinarians may also recommend vitamin supplements, depending on the cat's condition. Often, veterinarians will encourage owners to feed their affected cats smaller meals multiple times a day. Oral medications can also be helpful in managing the condition.

    Management

    • In more advanced stages of kidney disease, cats can require frequent IV fluids and antibiotics, or worse, dialysis to stay alive. That's why it's important for owners to pay close attention to changes in a cat's body and personality when diagnosed with early feline kidney disease. According to the Feline CRF Information Center, cats diagnosed with kidney disease can live months or years once a veterinarian starts treatment. The prognosis is always dependent on how well the cat responds to treatment, the owner's dedication to administering the proper diet or other treatment, and other potential health conditions that might occur.