What Are the Treatments for Polycystic Kidney Disease in Cats?
Polycystic kidney disease is a condition, most common in Persian breeds, in which cysts form on the kidneys of a cat, causing weight loss, depression, vomiting, excessive urination and thirst. Though there is no medication available to treat polycystic kidney disease in cats, there are things you can do to help if your cat has the disease.
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Aim of Treatment
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Because there is no cure for the disease and the cysts cannot be removed from the kidneys, as reported by Cat World, treatment involves dealing with the effects of the disease.
Treatments
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Treatments for polycystic kidney disease include a prescription diet, intravenous administration of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by excessive urination and phosphorus binders to remove toxins that build up due to kidney dysfunction.
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Effects of Treatment
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The prescription food given to cats with polycystic kidney disease provides less protein and phosphorus than other foods. As your cat's body digests this special food, fewer minerals are released into the bloodstream, making it easier for the cat's kidneys to filter out waste from the blood.
Risks
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Polycystic kidney disease has the potential to cause high blood pressure or anemia, a shortage of red blood cells. If these conditions develop, your cat will need prescription medications to treat them.
Considerations
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Your cat will likely require frequent visits to the veterinarian for the rest of its life; the veterinarian will monitor blood pressure and check levels of blood cells and toxins in the body.
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