Kidney disease is a common illness in cats. Often referred to as chronic renal failure, the kidneys fail and are not able to remove waste products from the cat's body. Toxins build up in the cat's blood and cause illness.
A second type of kidney disease, referred to as acute kidney failure, may be caused by the pet ingesting a toxin, and this can occur in younger pets. If a cat has acute kidney failure, this can sometimes lead to chronic renal failure.
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Predisposed
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Older cats are more likely to suffer from renal failure, with the average age at which the condition occurs being nine years. Abyssinians and Persians may be predisposed to chronic renal failure.
Cause
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The cause of kidney failure may be toxins, poor blood flow, lack of oxygen, an inflammatory disease, infection, cancer or an abnormality in the cat's immune system.
Symptoms
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A cat with acute or chronic renal failure will drink and urinate more. The cat will spend more time in the litter box and may urinate outside the box. Instead of increased urination, pet guardians may notice their cats not urinating as often.
Other symptoms may include lethargy, vomiting, halitosis, poor appetite, weakness, lack of coordination, blood in the urine, diarrhea, hunched posture, reluctance to move, unkempt coat and weight loss.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian will conduct a physical examination. Pale gums, mouth ulcers, dehydration, swelling in the limbs, enlarged abdomen, high blood pressure and enlarged, painful or small kidneys will lead to a suspicion of renal failure.
If your veterinarian suspects renal failure, the doctor will follow a physical examination with several diagnostic tests and tools. These will include blood tests, a biochemistry analysis, complete blood count, urinalysis and the possibility of X-rays.
Treatment
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Your pet may be hospitalized for fluid therapy if she has become dehydrated. The veterinarian will also give her medications to control vomiting, will treat her for anemia if it has developed and may prescribe other medications. The doctor may recommend a prescription diet. Encourage your cat to drink plenty of water and consider adding a pet drinking fountain. Cats seem to prefer running water and may drink more if running water is made available to them.
Dialysis may be a possibility for cats that don't respond to other treatments and kidney transplants are being done at a few veterinary hospitals.
Prognosis
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Chronic renal failure cannot be cured. However, if it is caught early, the disease's progression can be slowed. With treatment, your cat may live several months or even years with a relatively good quality of life. Chronic renal failure is often a disease that can be managed.
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