Early Kidney Disease in Cats

Acute Kidney Failure

• There are two types of feline kidney failure. Acute renal (kidney) failure is typically caused by the ingestion of toxins (mainly anti-freeze). It appears suddenly and is most likely fatal due to the complete loss of kidney function, according to cats.lovetoknow.com.

  A cat suffering from acute renal failure should be seen by a veterinarian immediately; if treated aggressively and early, the kidneys may regain normal function.

Chronic Renal Failure

• This is the most common form of kidney failure in cats, and typically affects older felines. Chronic renal failure is a slow decrease in the kidney function. Due to the slow progression of the disease, the symptoms may go unnoticed until 70 percent of kidney function is gone.

Symptoms

• There are many signs and symptoms that your cat may exhibit due to kidney failure. Some of the most common symptoms include vomiting, dehydration, increase in thirst, increased urination and a loss of appetite. Increased thirst and excessive urination are the most common early symptoms of kidney failure in a cat, according to felinecrf.com. Other symptoms may include nausea and/or gagging, drooling, weight loss, wasting of muscles, lethargy, poor hair coat, eating their litter, licking their lips and hunching over their water bowl.

Cause

• A veterinarian does not typically give a reason or cause for the kidney failure, however, there are many factors that may contribute to the loss of kidney function. According to felinecrf.com, some of these may include low potassium levels, too much acid in their diets, dental disease and high blood pressure. Cats who suffer from kidney failure may also suffer from other diseases, including diabetes, hyperthyroidism, dental disease and high blood pressure, stated by lbah.com.

Treatment

• Lbah.com states that a cat suffering from renal failure should have a good supply of clean, fresh water at all times and stress should be limited as much as possible for the cat. A diet should be fed that is high in quality proteins that contain a higher amount of amino acids that the body is not able to produce. Your veterinarian may be able to supply you with a specialized commercial cat food that is made specifically for kidney failure in cats. Fluid therapy may need to be given subcutaneously and your veterinarian can teach you how to administer the fluid therapy at home. This fluid therapy is the most successful treatment for chronic renal failure, according to felinecrf.com. Your cat may need to be placed on medications such as anti-ulcer medication, antibiotics, anti-vomiting and blood pressure medications.

Prognosis

• Although chronic renal failure is terminal, there are many treatments available that can help your cat to live a longer and more comfortable life. As the owner of the cat, it is up to you to decide when the cat has lost his quality of life and continued treatment has no real value.