KIDNEY DISEASE

 A disease that frequently occurs in geriatric cats is kidney disease.  The most common form is called chronic renal failure.  This is a progressive disease that is a result of a cat’s kidneys becoming less and less effective.  The disease typically starts once a cat is over the age of 8 years, but younger cats can sometimes become affected. The primary function of a normal kidney is to filter the waste products out of the cat’s system and into the urine. These waste products are produced on a daily basis just through a cat’s normal activity.  The cause of chronic renal failure is unknown, but we do know that the result is the kidneys become less able to filter natural toxins out of the bloodstream. 

 Symptoms of kidney disease can include drinking lots of water, urinating frequently, lack of appetite, failure to groom, nausea, vomiting, and occasional diarrhea.  Diagnosis of kidney disease is often made by a blood test.  There are two blood values known as BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine which are often very important in the diagnosis, but other blood tests also help in making a diagnosis.  Chronic renal failure can be further confirmed by a urinalysis to determine the concentration level of the urine.

 Different cats survive different amounts of time with kidney disease.   This can vary from 1 month to 3 - 4 years.  Early diagnosis of the disease can often help slow its progression and help provide good quality of life for whatever time is left.  There are many steps that can be taken to help slow the disease.  One of the foundations of treatment is providing the pet with a low protein diet.  Excess protein in diets can overwork the kidneys and cause further damage.  There are a few prescription diets available that a veterinarian can recommend for treatment of kidney disease.  Also, drinking water helps flush the kidneys and helps keep them working.  Encouraging water intake by providing fresh clean water at all times and occasionally letting a faucet run so that the cat may drink from it is often helpful. 

 As kidney disease progresses, the cat may have a diminished appetite due to toxins building up in the bloodstream and leading to nausea.  They may also become lethargic because anemia (lack of red blood cells leading to decreased supply of oxygen in circulation) can develop as the kidneys fail.  There are methods to treat these problems as they arise.  Frequent contact with your veterinarian is recommended as symptoms develop.  Regular checkups every 2 to 3 months are helpful to assure the symptoms are controlled as much as possible.  Even though kidney disease is progressive and there is no specific cure, a good relationship between an owner, the veterinarian, and the pet can provide the cat with the best opportunity for a good quality of life and keep the disease under control as long as possible.