Acute Kidney Failure in Cats

Acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure, can strike cats of any age, but is more common in older cats. ARF is a serious kidney disease that has a quick onset. If a pet owner suspects that their cat may have ARF, they should immediately take it to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Identification

    • Acute kidney failure is a quick onset kidney disease that can be deadly if not quickly treated. One of the primary functions of the kidneys is to filter waste from the blood, and in ARF, the ability to process waste is interrupted, causing toxins to enter the blood. These toxins will lead to death if untreated.

    Causes

    • ARF is most commonly caused by a toxin, such as antifreeze, entering the body. Other causes include a lack of healthy blood supply, viruses or bacteria, disease (such as cancers), trauma, medications, or defective or diseased kidneys.

    Symptoms

    • The symptoms associated with ARF are very similar to those of chronic renal failure, but they have a much quicker onset. Symptoms will include dehydration, excessive drinking, excessive urination (sometimes out of the litter box), lack of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, and weakness or lethargy.

    Diagnosis

    • If your cat exhibits symptoms of ARF, visit a vet immediately. The sooner the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. When diagnosing ARF, a vet will conduct a physical exam, looking at the gums, checking for signs of dehydration and weight loss, as well as the eyes and responsiveness of the pupils. The vet likely will conduct blood tests, looking at the blood-urine-nitrogen levels, as well as the creatinine levels.

    Treatment

    • The first treatment a vet will likely attempt is hydrating the cat, which will help flush toxins from the blood and increase blood flow to the kidneys. Additionally, the vet will administer calories (usually avoiding proteins) to help aid the cat's immune system.

      If the cat stabilizes, the vet will likely prescribe medications to support eating, and may give the cat subcutaneous fluids. A prescription diet that is low in protein and other substances that can stress the kidneys also may be administered.