Medication for a Cat with Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is a leading cause of death among older cats. Chronic renal failure is a progressive and irreversible deterioration of the kidneys, while acute renal failure is a sudden shutdown of the kidneys, often as the result of urinary obstruction, infection and toxin ingestion. Left untreated, both forms of kidney failure can quickly become fatal. However, immediate and continuous medical attention can extend a cat's life

  1. Prognosis

    • As in humans, there is no cure for kidney failure short of a transplant. However, the condition can be managed for some time. Managing feline renal failure is a matter of controlling the amount of wastes processed by the kidneys so that the kidneys don't become overworked and waste doesn't accumulate in the body as a result, notes the Feline Chronic Renal Failure Information Center. The combination of a special diet, hydration therapy and medication can help to accomplish this.

    Toxin-Reduction Drugs

    • Several drugs are available to help reduce the levels of toxins in a cat's body as the result of kidney failure. For instance, Azodyl can populate the bowels with beneficial micoorganizms that help break down toxins in the intestines. Additionally, a drug known as Kremezin appears to lower levels of a dietary toxic protein in the blood.

    Secondary Condition Management

    • Cats suffering from kidney failure commonly experience anemia, calcium imbalances, excessively high phosphorus levels, potassium depletion, hypertension, stomach irritation and infections. A wide variety of medications can be used to manage these concurrent conditions as a way to improve a cat's quality of life and extend the life span.

    Fluid Therapy

    • Intravenous fluids can be used to counteract life-threatening dehydration as the result of kidney failure. This helps lower the levels of toxins in the body so that a long-term strategy can be implemented. Subcutaneous fluids are administered through a needle inserted just under a cat's skin on a regular basis to manage kidney failure that is not immediately life-threatening. Sub-Q fluids prevent inadequate hydration, which results in reduced blood flow to the kidneys. The amount of fluid injected depends on the cat's weight and the condition's severity. Injections can be given once a week or as often as daily. Sub-Q fluids can extend the life of a cat with kidney failure, but they can also be dangerous for cats with heart conditions.

    Diet

    • Cats with kidney failure might be placed on low-protein, low-salt and low-phosphorus diets designed to reduce the amount of wastes their kidneys must filter out. The low salt and phosphorus levels are thought to help control electrolyte balances that commonly occur in cats with kidney failure. If a cat refuses to eat, his veterinarian might prescribe an appetite stimulant.