Cats With Liver and Kidney Failure

In cats, kidney failure and liver failure are two separate disease that can occur at the same time. Kidney failure may also be referred to as renal failure, while liver failure can also be referred to as hepatic failure. Causes of coinciding kidney and liver failure include prolonged use of certain medications, age and toxins, or diseases--such as cancer--that may be affecting the cat.

  1. Kidney Function

    • The kidney is part of the urinary system, which also includes the cat's ureters, urethra and the bladder. Dr. Bari Spielman of Pet Place.com notes that the kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter out waste from the body. This waste is then mixed with water, thus producing urine. From the kidneys, the urine is transported via the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until it is full and the cat urinates. When the kidneys fail, waste is not removed from the body, and it begins to build up, causing illness.

    Liver Function

    • According to Race Foster, DVM of Pet Education.com, the liver is less physically defined in comparison to the kidney and is often described as a large red-brown mass. The liver completes more than 1,000 different tasks, including storing nutrients, aiding in digesting food and removing waste from the body. The liver is also vital for proper metabolism of the feline body and for producing proteins. Proteins are the main element of skin, cellular walls, connective tissue, blood vessels, tendons and muscle. When the liver fails, the rest of the body will suffer.

    Symptoms

    • Several of the symptoms that occur with kidney failure or liver failure are non-specific. This means that the symptoms are not indicative of one single disease. For kidney failure or liver failure, this can include vomiting and diarrhea, both of which can indicate hundreds of different potential diseases or illnesses.

      According to an article on Pet MD, some specific symptoms of feline liver failure may include issues with the nervous system, jaundice, and hematochezia, meaning there is blood present in the stool. Dr. Debra Primovic of Pet Place.com notes that cats with renal failure also may display symptoms that include excessive water intake, increased urination, bad breath (halitosis), weakness, loss of coordination when walking, lethargy, weight loss and lack of appetite.

    Diagnosis

    • The owner should inform the veterinarian of any symptoms or behaviors that are unusual. This can help the veterinarian to determine what is affecting the cat's health. Cats who are suffering from kidney or liver failure may undergo several tests to rule out specific causes such as infection or toxicity. These tests can include a chemistry panel, various blood tests and a urinalysis. An article by Dr. Debra Primovic adds that in some cases an ultrasound or X-rays may be taken to look for potential tumors or other abnormalities.

    Treatment

    • According to articles by both Pet Education.com and Pet Place.com, cats who are suffering from either disease will likely be hospitalized and undergo supportive care such as fluid therapy, electrolytes, supplemented feeding, and medications to control symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. For liver failure, the cat may require colloid replacements, vitamin supplements and oxygen supplementation. Cats with kidney failure will require a change of diet to a reduced-phosphorus diet and access to fresh, clean water.