Kidney Disease in Cats & Solutions

Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in older cats, and can be caused by a number of factors. The term "kidney disease" is a rather vague term that encompasses any interruption of the kidney's normal function. Because kidney disease cannot be detected until 70 percent of kidney function is lost, kidney disease is usually synonymous with kidney failure.

  1. Types

    • There are two types of kidney disease: acute and chronic. Acute kidney disease happens suddenly, with very obvious symptoms, while chronic kidney disease tends to creep up slowly as the cat ages. Acute kidney disease occurs when the kidneys abruptly shut down, and is generally fatal unless immediate medical attention is sought. Cats with chronic kidney disease can appear to be in good health for years, as many symptoms can be confused with typical signs of aging.

    Causes

    • Acute kidney disease is caused by a disruption to the renal system through urinary tract blockage, severe infection, toxicity or trauma. Chronic kidney disease is caused by a combination of factors including the age and breed of the cat, its genetic history and the sort of lifestyle it leads. Cats who have chronic urinary problems, live outdoors or eat a poor diet are more susceptible to kidney disease.

    Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms of kidney disease are increased thirst and urination, and these are usually the earliest signs that something is wrong. Soon after, the cat will begin to lose its appetite, become constipated, may begin vomiting and may appear depressed and lethargic. If treatment is not sought, muscle wasting and emaciation will follow, sometimes accompanied by a grinding sound in the jaw. Without treatment, the cat will eventually slip into a coma and die.

    Treatment

    • When it comes to acute kidney failure, there is not much that can be done. If symptoms are caught early enough, aggressive treatment may be able to restore normal kidney function, but most often, the disease is fatal. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease either, although with proper medical attention and vigilant treatment, the cat can live comfortably for a few more years. Treatment consists of lightening the load on the kidneys by increasing fluid intake with subcutaneous fluids, feeding it a gentler diet and administering medications that decrease blood pressure while increasing a positive blood flow that does not tax the kidneys. Kidney transplants are also available at some major veterinary centers.

    Prevention

    • Acute kidney disease is easily preventable by thoroughly treating all urinary-related illnesses the cat may have in its lifetime, and keeping toxic chemicals out of its reach. Since a major factor in chronic kidney disease is genetic, it is almost impossible to prevent it entirely. Still, it is possible to delay the onset of the disease by feeding the cat a high-quality diet, having blood work done at every annual checkup and thoroughly treating any illness the cat may have. Regular dental cleanings are thought to help as well, by reducing the amount of bacteria ingested, which would then be filtered through the kidneys.