Renal Kidney Failure in Cats
Renal kidney failure in cats may be chronic, a gradual condition of damage to the kidneys. It is most common in older cats, but can occur at any age during the cat's life. Acute renal failure is a sudden decrease in the cat's kidney function that is a serious and frequently fatal condition.
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Causes
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Chronic renal failure may be caused by poly cystic kidney disease, where the fluid-filled cysts develop in the place of normal tissue of the kidneys. Other causes can include kidney tumors, bacterial infections, birth defects, persistent inflammation or damage caused by toxins. Acute renal failure may result from toxin injury, diminished oxygen and blood flow to the kidneys, obstruction of the kidneys, infections or a ruptured bladder that prevents the cat from eliminating urine.
Symptoms
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Symptoms for chronic and acute renal failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, weakness and changes in water consumption and urination (increase or decrease). In chronic renal failure, other symptoms can include weight loss, dehydration, foul-smelling breath, mouth ulcerations, poor coat and depression. Additional symptoms of acute renal failure include disorientation, strained urination and in-coordination.
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Diagnosis
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Diagnosis is usually made by physical examination, blood and urine tests and, in some cases, X-rays or ultrasound. Sometimes a kidney biopsy may be taken. Your veterinarian may ask questions regarding recent surgeries or anesthesia, previous illnesses, exposure to anti-freeze and exposure to medications that are toxic to the kidneys such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and some types of antibiotics.
Treatment
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In chronic renal failure, sometimes the cause of the illness is identified and treated. However, in the majority of cases, the cause is unknown. Treatment sometimes begins with intravenous fluids to remedy dehydration. While the damage is irreversible and may continue to progress, management includes routine assessments and diets that are low in protein and phosphates. In the case of acute renal failure, which is life-threatening, treatments may include administration of intravenous fluids, induced vomiting (in the case of ingestion of a toxin), medications to increase urine, management of anemia, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis and the medication 4-methylpyrazole or ethanol. Prognosis for acute renal failure is poor if your cat does not respond to initial treatments.
Considerations
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Chronic renal failure is a common condition in older cats and ultimately results in death. If your cat is seven years or older, you may wanted to have him tested routinely for chronic renal failure at his annual veterinary examination. When it is diagnosed early, and he is treated with the proper diet and provided with sufficient hydration, the eventual decline in his health may be delayed. His diet may also be supplemented with potassium and fiber to help slow the progress.
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References
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