How to Cope with Chronic Renal Failure in Elderly Cats

Chronic Renal Failure is a progressive, irreversible deterioration of kidney function that may not become apparent until almost 70% of the kidney function is lost. Chronic Renal Failure can be a scary diagnosis for the cat owner. Whether you have past experience with this disease or this is your first pet and you've never heard of Chronic Renal Failure before, it is important to take a deep breath and remain calm. There is no cure for Chronic Renal Failure but being optimistic can help both you and your pet through this difficult time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Cause of Feline Chronic Renal Failure

1. Have your veterinarian check your older cat for Chronic Renal Failure. This is a serious and terminal disease that is often diagnosed in older cats. It is normally the result of several health related problems for the animal.
2. Clean your cat's teeth regularly to avoid developing Chronic Renal Failure. When a cat's teeth are not regularly cleaned, bacteria can build up in the cat's mouth and enter the blood supply via the cat's gums. The bacteria then migrate to the kidneys and cause damage.
3. Monitor your cat's blood pressure. High Blood Pressure is a cause of Chronic Renal Failure. The kidneys are very sensitive to changes in blood pressure.
4. Give potassium supplements if your cat's potassium level is low. Low potassium can cause Chronic Renal Failure and may be an early warning sign. Some veterinarians suggest giving potassium supplements when the potassium level is low, delaying the progress of Chronic Renal Failure.
5. Notice if your cat is having difficulty seeing. Cats with Chronic Renal Failure may suffer from a loss of vision or a detached retina. These symptoms are often a result of high blood pressure which can sometimes be treated if caught very early.

Prevention of Feline Chronic Renal Failure

6. Get your cat's blood checked every year. Simple yearly blood tests can tell your vet if your animal's kidneys are functioning properly. A Blood Urea Nitrate test can reveal if the kidneys are filtering properly or if they are already compromised.
7. Be proactive about your pets health. Regular dental cleanings can prevent the build up of bacteria in the cat's mouth that could lead to Chronic Renal Failure. If kidney disease is caught early a simple dental cleaning or change in diet can reverse it. Normally this treatment is affective with Acute Renal Disease but will not cure Chronic Renal Failure.
8. Ask your vet if he has the equipment necessary to check feline blood pressure. Not all veterinarians have this machine. If your vet cannot check blood pressure ask for a reference to another veterinarian who can perform this test.
9. Request a blood test to check potassium levels for your pet. This test may give your vet an early warning of Chronic Renal Failure.

Treatment of Feline Chronic Renal Failure

10. Feed cats with Chronic Renal Failure a low protein, low phosphorus diet.
11. Opt for aggressive treatment if you wish to prolong your pet's life. Weekly treatments of Sub-Q fluids are the only real treatment for Chronic Renal Failure. This treatment will not cure the pet but it can significantly extend their life.
12. Ask your veterinarian about a Kidney transplant. Kidney transplants are now available for cats, but are very expensive and not every cat is a candidate for the surgery. Kidney transplants are usually done at universities and only on the recommendation of a licensed veterinarian.
13. Realize that dialysis for cats is expensive and not available in many areas. However, your veterinarian should be able to explain feline dialysis and help locate facilities to perform the procedure if you choose this option.

Tips & Warnings

• Your vet may recommend euthanizing your pet when Chronic Renal Failure is diagnosed. If you prefer to consider treatment options, seek a second opinion.
• Chronic Renal Failure does not normally cause pain for your cat until the very final stages.
• Only a licensed veterinarian can diagnose Chronic Renal Failure in your cat. Always talk with your vet before choosing any course of medical treatment for your pet.