Kidney Disease in Cats

KIDNEY DISEASE IN THE CAT

The kidneys serve a number of vital functions. They filter waste products from the blood, they control the fluid and electrolyte balance of the body, and they produce a hormone (erythropoetin) that stimulates the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys are diseased, any of these functions may be disrupted. Kidney disease is one of the most common health problems of the older cat.

SYMPTOMS: The first symptom of kidney disease is often an increase in water drinking and urination. At this stage many cats feel and act normal. As the kidneys fail and waste products build up in the blood stream the cat loses weight, eats poorly, develops vomiting or diarrhea, and becomes dehydrated. In chronic cases the cat becomes weak from anemia or loss of potassium in the body.

DIAGNOSIS: Urine and blood tests are required to diagnose kidney disease and determine a possible cause. Although deterioration from age is the most common factor in kidney disease, infections, tumors, and previous blockages of the bladder can all cause kidney damage as well.

TREATMENT: If a cause can be determined (such as infection), then the cause must be treated. In many cases there is no treatable cause, and treatment is aimed at minimizing the production of waste products and replacing lost nutrients and fluids.

FLUIDS containing vital electrolytes are given intravenously (during a short hospital stay) or under the skin (for at-home treatment) to correct dehydration and “flush” the wastes from the blood.

POTASSIUM is often lost by the damaged kidneys, and low potassium causes further decrease in kidney function. Potassium supplements can be very valuable if the potassium level is low.

CONTROL OF KIDNEY INFECTION is important, since even mild additional damage can worsen kidney disease.

SPECIAL DIETS can help reduce the waste products in the blood. Since most of these wastes come from unused protein in the diet, specific kidney diets low in protein and phosphorus can decrease the work that the kidneys have to do. Your veterinarian has special "prescription diets" that are designed to help cats with kidney failure live longer.

MEDICATION FOR ANEMIA will help the cat feel better if the red blood count drops too low.

PHOSPHATE BINDERS, such as Amphogel (an over-the-counter antacid) can be given to lower toxic phosphates in the blood if the blood tests show an elevation. There are newer medications that are more effective and safer in reducing phosphorus levels.

SODIUM BICARBONATE is sometimes used to neutralize the excess acidity that develops in the body during kidney failure. A very small amount of baking soda in the drinking water will help balance the acids in the body.

WITH PROPER TREATMENT, most cats can live comfortably with kidney disease for some time. Careful attention to the details of diet and medication are needed, along with regular blood tests to monitor and adjust the treatments.