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Kidney Disease

The typical presentation is that of an older cat, who has progressively started eating less or is more finicky, is losing weight, and appears to be drinking and urinating more than what was usual. Some cats don't have any signs at all, until their bodies crash and they get extremely sick. Dogs can also be quite affected by kidney disease.

The process at work is the slow deterioration of the kidneys. The kidneys clear out the poisons (nitrogenous waste) that the cells of the body make as they metabolize the nutrients we ingest in our diet. A cat, as an obligate carnivore, needs more protein, and so produces more waste. These waste products if not removed from the body, will make an animal nauseous, vomit, anorexic, or all of the above.

Your veterinarian can diagnose this disease with help of blood tests and a urinalysis. Luckily, we are all born with about 75% more functional units in our kidneys than we actually need. This means the kidneys can be deteriorating for some time before signs start to appear. Regular geriatric screenings of kidney function will allow your veterinarian to keep track of a progressing kidney condition, and try to slow the process down. This is the most important part, because the functional units of the kidneys do not regenerate: once they are gone, they are lost forever (melodramatic?).

Thanks to diet changes, and the help of some medications, the progress of the disease can be slowed down significantly. However , once past the critical point an IV catheter may be necessary to administer fluids to help the kidneys flush out the waste. At this point, the prognosis for long term recovery depends on how well the kidneys respond to the fluids. After removal of the IV catheter, owners often are taught how to give fluids under the skin, in order to continue the aid with flushing the kidneys need. Your veterinarian can also do this for you if you wish.

Kidney disease often occurs along with hyperthyroidism. The hyperthyroid condition promotes a greater blood flow to the kidneys, which helps them function more optimally despite their deterioration. Owners will often find that treating the thyroid condition results in a decline of the kidneys. Treatment at this point becomes a balancing act, aided by blood tests to monitor the progression of both diseases.

Yet another problem that often happens to kidney patients, is that a normal kidney make hormones that help regulate blood pressure. Without properly functioning kidneys, the hormones are no longer made in the proper amount, and so the blood pressure starts to rise. If it gets high enough, it can cause the retinas to detach, thereby causing blindness. Your veterinarian can monitor your cat's blood pressure and prescribe anti-tensive drugs to help prevent the blindness.

With close monitoring, through physical exams, bloodwork, diet changes, and medication, your cat can live longer, and happier, despite an irreversible condition. Let your veterinarian help you help your pet!!!