When to diagnose kidney failure in a cat?
Typically, cats will develop chronic renal failure after the age of 9. Kidney disease may be transmitted genetically, but may also be caused by aging, diet or different environmental factors. Diagnosing kidney failure is performed judging by a few clear symptoms and by running a few blood and urine tests. Kidney failure can be a fatal condition.
What are the different types of kidney disease in cats?
There are two categories of kidney disease in cats: Chronic and Acute. While the symptoms and signs of each are similar, knowing which category your cat’s kidney failure falls under can affect the treatment options available.
Is there a cure for kidney failure in cats?
There is no cure for chronic kidney failure in cats, but in some cases, the right treatment and care can help to maintain and prolong their quality of life. What is kidney disease in cats?
How can a veterinarian tell if you have kidney disease?
This may cause their gums to appear pale pink, or in severe cases, whitish in color, and may make them lethargic. To evaluate kidney function, veterinarians will most often turn to blood tests and urine analysis (urinalysis) to evaluate the concentrations of waste products and other components that healthy kidneys normally filter or regulate.
How long can cats live with kidney failure?
When it comes to acute kidney failure, a prompt reaction usually results in full recovery, but otherwise, a cat can die in the next 48 hours. Chronic kidney failure is usually manageable. Depending on the severity of disease, a cat can live from a few months to a couple of years after the diagnosis.
What are the stages of kidney disease in cats?
Staging of Kidney Disease in Cats. Cats’ kidney disease can be staged based on their blood creatinine levels. Levels between 1.6 and 2.8 mg/dL indicate Stage II, or mild failure. Levels between 2.8 and 5 mg/dL indicate Stage III or moderate failure, and levels over 5 mg/dL put the cat in Stage IV or severe failure.
What are the symptoms of a cat with kidney failure?
Symptoms. The most common symptoms of kidney failure in cats include increased thirst and urination. However, as the disease progresses, the cat will likely experience a loss of appetite, nausea, dehydration, weight loss, vomiting, lethargy and emaciation, among others.
How do you treat kidney failure in cats?
Treatment. Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic kidney failure in cats. A treatment strategy of a specialized diet, medication and diuresis will help control the symptoms and provide comfort. Acute kidney failure may be reversed if immediate and aggressive veterinarian treatment is available for the cat.
