Chronic Kidney Disease In Cats
Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is a common disease in seniors cats aged 10 and up. It usually occurs gradually as cats start displaying signs of steady degeneration. Accidental intoxication can also result in acute renal failure in cats of any age, which needs to be treated promptly.
What Does Chronic Kidney Disease Do?
The body's equilibrium is mostly maintained by the kidneys. Their key duties include filtering pollutants from the blood, assisting with endocrine function, excreting water-soluble waste through the urine, and sustaining electrolyte balance. Chronic Kidney Disease impairs the kidneys' capacity to carry out their typical functions like:
- Waste removal
- Conservation of water
- Creation of erythropoietin
- Blood pressure management
As they lose the ability to purge toxins from the blood, the kidneys with chronic renal failure gradually quit functioning over the course of months or years, depending on how severe the case is. Total renal failure may result from this kind of kidney disease.
Instead of being a unique disease in and of itself, CKD is the last step of a number of different disease processes. The following illnesses or diseases can eventually result in Chronic Kidney Disease:
- A Variety Of Kidney Tumors
- Ureteral Stones Or Kidney Stones
- Bacterial Infections
- Kidney Abnormalities Developed At Birth
- Inflammation
- Damage To The Filtration Membrane Of The Kidney
- Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus
- Feline Leukemia Virus
The Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease In Cats
When cats are ill, they tend to disguise it by sleeping more or hiding more frequently. Uncovering their disguise may be easier if you are aware of the warning indicators to look for. Cats benefit from annual physical exams just like people do. For you and your cat, a physical exam can be essential in seeing emerging issues that can be resolved before they materialize completely.
Although not all of them, some of the symptoms your cat may exhibit could be easy to overlook, or even misdiagnosed. These are some of the common symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Oral Ulcers
- Weight Loss
- Dehydration
- Dull Hair Coat
- Reduced Appetite
- Increased Thirst And Urination
Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease aims to control symptoms and limit the disease's development. Alternative treatments may include intravenous fluids to treat dehydration, vitamin injections, medicine to cure nausea, supplements to address low potassium levels, and other treatments, depending on the symptoms and their phases.
Although there is no cure for Chronic Kidney Disease, there are always ways to manage the illness and improve your cat's quality of life. The Kanan Veterinary Hospital staff is always willing to talk to you and answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the health and wellness of your cat. Contact Kanan Veterinary Hospital at (818) 532-7434 in Oak Park, CA to learn more about our services.
