Kidney Support for Cats
Supportive care for cats with kidney disease is often a time-consuming process that must be performed at the veterinary clinic and at home. Understanding the disease and how the kidneys function may help cat owners learn why this type of care is necessary for the life of the animal.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
A cat's kidney functions as the animal's primary waste filtration system; the kidneys remove small molecules, electrolytes, drugs and other materials from the blood and out of the body in urine. The glomerular capillary membrane serves as the first filter as the disposable substances continue through the tubules and nephron loop of the kidney on their way into the urinary bladder and out of the body. These structures in the kidney stimulate red blood cell production, and resorb water and other necessary materials into the cat's body. They also form the urine that will contain the waste products. Any dysfunction of the glomerulus or nephron will cause kidney disease.
Symptoms
-
Cats with kidney disease will show signs of increase thirst (polydipsia) and begin to urinate more often (polyuria). They may start urinating in inappropriate places or just outside the litter box. Some cats may become anemic and dehydrated; they may begin vomiting and become unable or unwilling to eat food. They can become constipated or have diarrhea, and some will develop high blood pressure. In the latter stages of kidney disease, an excess of nitrogen in the blood will cause a cat to become azotemic, with a sour, metallic smell to their breath. Because of toxicities, some cats may experience weakness in their limbs and sudden blindness.
-
Supportive Care
-
Once a cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, supportive care is needed for life. A veterinarian will commonly prescribe medication to increase heart function and lower blood pressure. They may also recommend drugs or supplements to decrease any gastric upset and correct any chemical imbalances in the cat's body Phosphorus binder, electrolytes, vitamin B and calcium are all supplements that can be added to the cat's diet if these substances are shown to be at low levels or missing on the animal's blood screen. Some veterinarians will use diuretics to increase liquid output from the kidneys and may recommend a bland diet low in sodium and protein. To correct dehydration, most diseased cats will be placed on regular fluid therapy to be performed at home.
Considerations
-
Cats will not commonly show disease symptoms until 60 percent to 75 percent of the kidney is dysfunctional. Even with early diagnosis and optimal care, kidney function rarely returns to normal levels; but cats can live a good life for a number of years with consistent treatment. Veterinarians usually request regular examinations with blood work to determine the progress of the disease. Care givers will also need to learn the technique for giving subcutaneous fluids at home; the veterinarian or a vet nurse can show them how to perform this procedure.
Warning
-
Feline kidney disease is usually progressive and irreversible. Veterinary treatment is normally palliative--designed to lessen the symptoms of the disease and improve kidney function. This type of supportive care is commonly ongoing for the lifetime of the cat and cost can be prohibitive. Pet owners may need to consult with their veterinarian about choosing euthanasia as an option; having all the necessary information can ease any guilt over having to make this difficult decision.
-
