Your feline’s kidneys do numerous crucial things. They assist handle high blood pressure, make hormonal agents, stimulate the bone marrow to make more red cell, and eliminate waste from the blood.
What Is Kidney Failure in Cats?
Cats’ kidneys begin to stop working with age. Without treatment, kidney disease can result in a series of health problems. When it’s chronic, there’s no cure. But with early diagnosis and good care, you can help improve both the quality and length of your family pet’s life.
Older cats aren’t the only ones at risk. Kitties can be born with kidney illness. Trauma and infection are likewise causes.
Types of Kidney Disease
There are two types of kidney failure in felines. Each has different causes, treatments, and outlooks.
Severe renal failure develops suddenly, over a matter of days or weeks. It happens in cats of any ages and is normally the result of:
- Poisons, which are the most common reason for severe renal failure. Antifreeze, harmful plants like lilies, pesticides, cleaning fluids, and certain human medications are extremely harmful to your feline’s kidneys. Even a single tablet of ibuprofen can cause her kidneys closing down. Check around your house and garage for these compounds and make sure your feline can’t enter them.
- Injury, especially including a damaged pelvis or burst bladder
- Shock from losing a great deal of blood quickly or rapid dehydration; overheating in heat, a considerable rise in activity, vomiting, and diarrhea can all cause a big dip in fluids.
- Infection in the kidneys
- Clogs that change the flow of blood into the kidney and the circulation of urine out of it
- Heart failure with low high blood pressure, which decreases blood flow to the kidneys
If detected in time, severe kidney failure can frequently be reversed. But chronic kidney issues can be harder to treat. Found mainly in middle-aged and older cats, they develop over months and even years. If your feline is 7 years or older, pay special attention to her health.
While the exact causes of chronic kidney disease aren’t constantly clear, even to vets, they consist of:
- Kidney infections and blockages, which may not result in severe renal failure, but use down kidney function at a low level for months or years
- Other conditions, from innovative dental disease and hypertension to thyroid problems and cancer
11 Signs Your Cat’s Kidneys May Be Failing
- Regular urinating. While you may think this is a sign your feline’s kidneys are working well, it really implies she’s not able to hold water. Urinating outside her litter box is another signal.
- Consuming a lot of water. This means your feline is attempting to change the fluid she’s lost through urinating.
- Bacterial infections of the bladder and kidney. These establish more easily in the water down urine produced by failing kidneys.
- Weight reduction and reduced appetite.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody or cloudy urine.
- Mouth ulcers, especially on the gums and tongue.
- Bad breath with an ammonia-like smell.
- A brownish-colored tongue.
- A dry coat.
- Constipation.
- Weakness and indifference.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your veterinarian will do blood and urine tests. X-rays, an ultrasound (a picture of your feline’s insides), or biopsy (tissue sample) might also be needed to make a diagnosis. If kidney disease is found, treatments can vary from surgery to get rid of clogs to IV fluids to a special diet and medications. You might likewise be able to inject fluids under your feline’s skin at home. Speak with your vet about the best choices.
A kidney diet is low in both phosphorus and protein, and is enhanced with vitamin D and omega-3 fats. Remember that it’s essential to introduce your feline to new foods gradually. Your veterinarian can encourage you how to make this transition an easy one.
With a thoroughly handled diet; lots of fresh, tidy water; a serene environment; and regular check-ups, you can help your feline live her best life possible.
