Cat Health: Feline Kidney Disease

Feline kidney disease is a common ailment of older cats. As cats age, their renal function decreases and renal failure can develop. With symptoms similar to other feline illnesses, it is important to conduct some tests to determine if feline kidney disease is the culprit and begin treatment. The first signs of feline kidney disease are often an increase in drinking and urinating. This is a result of the cat's inability to concentrate the urine. As renal function continues to decrease, a cat can have decreased appetite, oral lacerations and foul breath odor can develop, depression can set in and the feline might begin vomiting. If the condition is advanced enough, the cat can become severely depressed and even fall into a coma.

To confirm if the cat is suffering from feline kidney disease, a veterinarian must run a series of blood and urine tests. The BUN, creatinine and phosphorous blood tests are performed to identify the illness. BUN, or blood urea nitrogen, is a chemical produced by the liver from ammonia, which is then excreted by the kidneys. A cat in renal failure will have elevated levels of BUN in the kidneys. Creatinine is a muscle by-product that is also excreted by kidneys. Though not harmful in high quantities, it is an indicator that the high levels of BUN are being caused by renal failure. Elevated levels of phosphorous can cause mineralization in different parts of the body.

Urine tests are performed to identify infection, loss of protein, and the ability to concentrate the urine. Additionally, x-rays, ultrasounds and palpation can be performed to identify renal failure. Once a veterinarian has confirmed that the cat is suffering from feline kidney disease, the treatment can begin. The first part of treatment seeks to decrease and maintain at low levels the toxins normally excreted by the kidneys, such as the BUN. This is achieved by administering intravenous or subcutaneous fluids. Additionally treatment seeks to limit the phosphorous in the blood. To control the phosphorous, veterinarians can use medications that keep the phosphorous in the intestines and prevent it from being absorbed by the kidneys. Treatment also includes the use of medication that prevents stomach ulcers developing as a result of the toxins.

Finally, dietary modifications can also be used by limiting the intake of proteins that can cause BUN, but this might be insignificant when renal failure is advanced enough that treatment has begun.