Kidney Disease in Cats
- posted: Jun. 12, 2022
Kidney Disease in Cats
Kidney disease is one of the more common illnesses we see in cats, especially as they age. In fact, roughly 30% or one third of all cats over the age of ten or have kidney disease. Let’s look at some common causes and treatments for kidney disease.
First, what do the kidneys do? Kidneys filter toxins from blood and create urine to eliminate these toxins and they help to maintain fluid balance. The kidneys also produce a number of hormones including erythropoietin which acts on the bone marrow to increase production of red blood cells and renin which helps regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys stop working, toxins can build up in the body causing patients to feel sick patients may become dehydrated and drink and urinate more often or they may retain water. Kidney disease can also cause high blood pressure and anemia due to changes in hormones produced in the kidney.
Second, kidney disease may be acute, meaning something caused the kidneys to suddenly stop working normally. Causes of acute kidney disease include toxins such as antifreeze, some medications like NSAIDs (aspirin-type drugs) and lilies (lilies are not toxic to dogs, but are highly toxic to cats), urinary blockage, severe kidney infection or severe bodily harm causing shock/low blood pressure. Kidney disease can also be chronic meaning kidney function has been slowly deteriorating over a long period of time, usually as a result of aging, a previous insult to the kidneys or congenital problems with the kidney. In either case, cats can become ill with loss of appetite, vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, high blood pressure and anemia.
At least 75% of kidney function is lost before clinical signs become apparent. This is why routine blood screening--particularly in senior cats (8-10 years or older)--is so important as the earlier changes are detected, the better the chance of being able to treat or slow progression of kidney disease. Newer screening tests like measuring SDMA which is an amino acid normally filtered by the kidneys may detect kidney disease much earlier (estimated to detect kidney disease when only 25% of function is lost), but we can also monitor trends of increasing kidney enzymes like BUN and Creatinine over time with annual bloodwork.
If the underlying illness causing acute kidney failure can be corrected, the kidneys may recover, though some cases may be fatal. However, chronic kidney disease is irreversible. Cats with chronic kidney disease can be managed and live for a long time especially if caught early. Treatments are aimed at reducing the workload on the kidneys with diets low in protein and phosphorus, keeping cats hydrated and keeping them feeling good by managing symptoms such as nausea and treating secondary issues like high blood pressure or anemia. Kidney transplants have also been successful in treating kidney failure in cats, but this option is not for everyone and must be performed at a teaching hospital or specialty center. More information can be found here: https://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/ryan-veterinary-hospital/services/advanced-urinary-care/urinary-care-services/renal-transplantation
Kidney disease can cause severe illness in cats but early diagnosis and management are key to keeping patients with kidney disease living good quality lives. Patton Veterinary Hospital recommends annual bloodwork to screen cats for kidney changes as well as a host of other potential problems. Be sure to have your kitty checked regularly by your vet and at the first sign of any illness. Kidney disease can be managed in most cases if caught early.
This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.
Location
Patton Veterinary Hospital
425 E Broadway
Red Lion, PA 17356
