Read our detailed blog on Kidney Disease
What do the Kidneys do?
The kidneys are the natural filters of blood in the body. They filter waste and balance internal fluids along with producing important hormones for red blood cell production and blood pressure regulation. Some of this filtrate is reabsorbed back into the body and the rest goes to the bladder as urine.
Is Kidney Failure in Cats Common?
Kidney failure is defined as end stage renal disease. Ideally, your cat will be first diagnosed with kidney disease using yearly diagnostics to follow kidney function over time. This is the point when there is compromise to the kidneys and they have not completely lost all function yet. Other cats are diagnosed when they are already in kidney failure. Kidney disease in cats is more commonly diagnosed compared to dogs. Cats diagnosed with kidney disease can do well with management of this disease but the prognosis can be guarded. There is no cure for kidney disease, there is only management of symptoms and treatments to help slow down progression toward kidney failure.
Signs of Kidney Disease in Cats:
Signs of kidney disease in cats include increased drinking and urination, weight loss, loss of appetite, lethargy, bad breath, and ulcers in the mouth. Cats can be sneaky in hiding the initial signs of kidney disease so having regular preventive health exams, blood work, and urinalysis is pivotal to early detection. When diagnostics are completed, your cat can be staged for the severity of this disease process via the guidelines outlined by the International Renal Interest Society or IRIS. These guidelines aid you and your veterinarian in tailoring your cat's treatments and life expectancy.
Prognosis of Kidney Disease in Cats:
Determining specific life expectancy for an individual patient diagnosed with kidney disease is complicated. There is not a mold to managing kidney disease. Factors such as initial IRIS staging as well as pet compliance with treatment and food changes influence disease progression and eventual quality of life considerations.
Kidney Disease Treatments & Interventions
Due to the frequent occurrence, the options for cat kidney disease treatment and intervention are plentiful. Often the cat is the biggest factor in deciding what you will pursue. Whether initiating treatment early with a food change or in advanced disease supplementing with subcutaneous fluids, open conversation with our veterinarians is the key to creating a customized treatment plan for your cat.
Review Our Original Kidney Disease Blog
There are so many details regarding kidney disease in our pets, we felt compelled to create a reference guide for our clients and the community. Please feel free to share this information with anyone you know that is caring for a pet with kidney disease.
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