Healthy kidneys allow cats to process toxins in their bodies and eliminate them efficiently. Kidneys are the body’s natural filtration system, removing waste such as creatinine and urea that are by-products of food that the animal ingests. Unfortunately, kidneys – like mechanical filtration systems – also get bogged down and become susceptible to diseases. Find out more about kidney disease in cats, its causes, symptoms and treatments.
What causes feline kidney disease?
Kidney diseases in cats are either congenital or acquired. Congenital diseases are those that the animal has from birth, although it may not always be an inherited trait. Acquired diseases, however, are those that may come as a result of an infection, an injury or just normal wear-and-tear due to age, diet and/or lifestyle.
Problems with the kidneys usually occur in older cats and have a tendency to be progressive. The degeneration is often gradual, with the cat losing the function of either or both kidneys. Pets with other diseases and conditions or those who are very young will experience a more rapid degeneration.
Common signs and symptoms
Very often, pet owners do not notice anything unusual until their cat has already lost at least 60% of its renal mass. The signs are usually subtle – pets begin drinking more and urinating more. Unfortunately, even with more fluid intake, the cat’s body simply fails to filter the toxins that may be present.
Some of the most common signs of kidney disease in cats include increased thirst followed by increased urination and vomiting. Note, however, that these symptoms are also found in other diseases and conditions, including hyperthyroidism and diabetes. To ensure proper diagnosis and treatment, the veterinarian often takes samples of urine and blood to test for phosphorus, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen content.
Treatment
Once the cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, the pet owner must understand the kind of responsibility he or she will have over the animal. The disease is irreversible and thus, can only be managed. As a first step, the veterinarian usually recommends a change in its diet. The pet may also be treated with frequent fluid therapy to ensure efficient elimination of toxins from the body. For severe cases, fluids may be administered through IV. For long-term care, frequent subcutaneous injections may be given, either at the vet’s office or at home. The goal is to keep the level of waste in the cat’s body at a manageable level, so its system could process it on its own.
To keep the kidneys from working too hard, most vets will recommend a diet that has a reduced amount of protein. Studies have shown that sick cats who were introduced gradually to a low-protein diet benefited from the reduced amount of waste their body had to process. Vets may also recommend the reduction of phosphates or phosphorus in the pet’s food.
In some cases, the veterinarian may prescribe drugs that will help in keeping the cat healthy and improve its quality of life. An example is an ACE or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme inhibitor, which belongs to a class of drugs that reduce levels of protein in urine. ACE inhibitors are often given to cats who suffer from kidney failure. It is often combined with other therapies and home care.
