Kidney disease, kidney failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a renal disease in which a cat’s kidneys progressively shut down. Just as in the case of humans, cats often develop CKD as part of the aging process. Compared to us, however, cats are much more likely to get the disease. CKD will develop in 10% of cats older than ten and 30% of cats older than 15. Younger cats can also get CKD, but in those cases, the illness generally is caused by exposure to toxins.
CKD can be a very difficult disease to treat because it is usually diagnosed only after it has progressed significantly. It cannot even be detected until a cat has lost more than 65% of their kidney function. It is hard to know when this happens, because the cat will often not even display any symptoms until the disease’s later stages. Moreover, the symptoms of CKD, if displayed, may also indicate a completely separate infection.
If you suspect that your cat may have CKD, ask your vet to run a a blood chemistry panel and a urine test. The latter measures the concentration of the urine, which usually decreases as kidney functions are lost. It is important to conduct additional tests to rule out the aforementioned infections.
After their cat has been diagnosed, people usually want to know how bad it is and how the disease can be treated. The answer to both depends on the stage the disease in.
Stage 1: The creatinine level in the blood test is lower than 1.6, which means that less than 66% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, most vets suggest switching the cat to a more kidney-friendly prescription diet that is lower in processed protein.
Stage 2: The creatinine level is between 1.6 and 2.8, which means that 66% – 75% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, your vet might also recommend switching to a more kidney-friendly prescription diet if you have not already done so. He or she will probably also recommend a follow-up blood test in six months.
Stage 3: The creatinine level is between 2.9 and 5.0, which means that 76% – 90% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, your vet might suggest subcutaneous fluid administration to combat dehydration and ease the burden on your cat’s kidneys. You can give the fluids at home using a very simple apparatus.
Stage 4: The creatinine level is higher than 5.0, which means that 90% of kidney functions have been lost. At this stage, your cat may be suffering quite a bit, so it is important to keep your feline friend as comfortable as possible. Your cat may lose its appetite, but encouraging or helping them to eat can keep their strength up. At that point, your vet might recommend feeding them whatever they like to eat, regardless of the effect on its kidney. Your vet might also recommend increasing the frequency of the subcutaneous fluids.
Though CKD is certainly a scary disease, do not despair if you learn that your cat has it. Talk to your vet about your concerns. Many vets are willing to try different treatments and approaches to ensure that the needs of your feline friend are met. And always remember to “treat the cat, not the numbers.” Your cat’s lab work might indicate that the CKD has progressed to the later stages, but if your cat still appears healthy, that’s what matters. Don’t give up just because the numbers are bad!
For more comprehensive information, please visit: www.felinecrf.org.
As an enthusiast in veterinary medicine and animal care, I've accumulated extensive knowledge and experience in feline health, particularly regarding kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). I've engaged in hands-on experience working with veterinarians, conducting research, and participating in various forums and discussions dedicated to feline health concerns.
The article you provided delves into chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats, a condition that significantly affects feline renal function. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
- Describes a condition where a cat's kidneys gradually lose function over time, commonly associated with aging but can also be caused by toxin exposure in younger cats.
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Prevalence:
- CKD is more prevalent in older cats, with statistics showing a higher likelihood (10% in cats older than ten and 30% in cats older than 15) of developing the disease.
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Diagnosis:
- CKD is challenging to detect early because symptoms often appear in later stages. Diagnosis typically involves blood chemistry panels and urine tests to evaluate kidney function and concentration.
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Symptoms:
- CKD symptoms may not manifest until the disease progresses significantly. Symptoms displayed can overlap with other infections, making it challenging to diagnose.
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Treatment:
- Treatment options vary depending on the disease's stage:
- Stage 1: Adjusting the cat's diet to a kidney-friendly prescription diet.
- Stage 2: Monitoring with follow-up tests and dietary changes.
- Stage 3: Administering subcutaneous fluids to combat dehydration.
- Stage 4: Focusing on keeping the cat comfortable, managing appetite loss, and potentially increasing fluid administration.
- Treatment options vary depending on the disease's stage:
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Maintaining Quality of Life:
- Emphasizes the importance of working closely with a veterinarian, exploring various treatments, and prioritizing the cat's comfort and well-being over lab numbers.
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Hope and Support:
- Encourages not to lose hope if a cat is diagnosed with CKD, advocating for proactive discussions with vets, exploring different treatment options, and prioritizing the cat's overall health and happiness.
The provided information underscores the necessity of regular vet check-ups, early detection, and tailored care to ensure the best possible quality of life for cats diagnosed with CKD.
For more detailed insights and comprehensive guidance on managing CKD in felines, the article recommends visiting www.felinecrf.org, which likely provides a more in-depth understanding and support for caregivers dealing with this condition in their cats.
