Types of Kidney Disease in Cats
Your cat may suffer from one of two types of kidney disease. It may be acute in
nature which means it takes place rapidly. This is the most common form of
kidney disease in cats. The kidneys suddenly fail to perform like they should
due to the various toxins found in the body. Many of those toxins will result in
your cat poisoning itself. You will need to do all you can to prevent your cat
from accessing plants or chemicals that can offer such toxins.
When a cat suffers from acute kidney disease they will exhibit an array of
symptoms. They include low blood pressure, less blood in the body than normal,
and as a result not enough blood finding its way to the kidneys. This also will
result in blockage so that it is harder for your cat to urinate normally.
Chronic kidney disease isn’t nearly as common but it does occur. The sad reality
though is that even with proper care it is hard to diagnose it early enough.
There is generally 30% or less of the kidney function remaining when it is found
by a veterinarian. There is no cure for chronic kidney disease either so your
veterinarian will discuss measures with you to keep your cat comfortable. This
is often going to be accomplished through the use of pain medications.
There are many symptoms of chronic kidney disease that you should be aware of.
When you are watching for them it can help to get early intervention by your
veterinarian for your cat. They include:
Abnormal Heartbeat
Anorexia
Bad Breath
Drinking more water
Gums that are pale in color
Lethargy
Ulcers that form in the mouth
Urinating more often
Vomiting
Weakness
Weight loss
There are quite a few different tests conducted in order to determine if your
cat has suffered from renal failure. Since the kidneys are vital to the
concentration of the urine, it is testing first. Blood work is also performed so
that the amount of Creatine in the body can be determined. This is a product
also made by the kidneys. There may be too much Azotemia found in the blood as
well which means that your cat’s kidneys aren’t performing their job like they
should be.
When your veterinarian is offering treatment for renal disease they are looking
for a way to ensure that the damage isn’t going to get worse that it is right
now. Your cat may have to spend some time in the veterinarian’s office if it is
severe enough. Your cat may need to obtain fluids through an IV to prevent
dehydration. This process will also help to speed up the removal of toxins from
the body. If your cat is diagnosed as being anemic, a blood transfusion may be
necessary as well. That is going to provide your cat with the higher number of
red blood cells that are needed.
Working with your veterinarian, a very strict diet plan will be designed for
your cat. You need to follow it to the T. Don’t be tempted to give your cat
anything that hasn’t been approved. Doing so is only going to make their health
problems worse. Your veterinarian may discuss the option of dialysis with you or
a kidney transplant if they are needed. These procedures cost a ton of money
though so you may not be able to afford it for your cat.
The amount of time your cat will be able to live when they are suffering from
renal failure will depend on many factors. The test results that are complete
will allow your veterinarian to give you a good idea of what you can expect. In
most cases though you will be asked to give your cat pain medications so that
they will be comfortable for the duration of their life.