|
One of the most frustrating diseases in cats has to be chronic renal failure (CRF). Renal
failure in older cats is, statistically, very high on the list of disease processes that
affect aging cats, in particular. Unfortunately by the time the process is identified, it is
oftentimes too late.
- Causes of kidney disease: there are many causes that can affect the cat's kidneys from
congenital polycystic disease, infections, toxins, immune-mediated, dysplasia, neoplasia or
cancer, and systemic hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Clinical signs: In many instances, CRF is a silent process striking any cat at any age.
Owners may only notice, in the beginning, that their cat is drinking more water, or that the
litter box seems to have more urine clumps than before. Gradually, cats become thinner and
their appetite is reduced. Many parents of these cats relate to us that their cat is more
finicky concerning foods. As the disease progresses, cats will become dehydrated in spite
of their increased water intake. They will start vomiting as the kidney function diminishes.
Anemia is an important secondary finding in the later stages due to bone marrow suppression.
- Treatments: Identifying the disease in the early stages is very helpful. By diagnosing the
earliest stage of the disease, we can use medications, fluid therapy (diuresis), and dietary
changes. Benazepril and its cousin, Enalapril are extremely useful. Although these drugs are
heart medications, they have been shown to selectively increase blood flow, without
hypertension, to the kidneys and lower blood pressures. Subcutaneous fluid therapy has been
shown to vastly improve quality of life and survival rates. Most cats can not drink sufficient
water to keep up with the demands of the body's metabolism. And as the patient progresses and
starts losing muscle mass, those toxins need to be flushed from the cat's body. Daily
administration of warmed fluids is recommended. We oftentimes instruct the owners of these
cats to administer the fluids in their home, on their schedule. If a cat is an uncooperative
patient, a port for the administration of fluids can be surgically implanted, thus allowing
the owners to administer the fluids. In terms of diet, the goal is to reduce the quantity of
proteins in the pet's diet, but improving the quality of that protein. The kidneys, during
renal failure, become leaky. Large bulky protein molecules further damage the kidneys. By
reducing the amount in the diet, the kidneys are partially saved from those harmful proteins.
Damaged kidneys lose certain electrolytes, as well. Supplementation of the diet with Potassium
is very important to maintain vital body functions.
PREVENTION
In many instances, prevention of kidney disease is not possible because of the many different
causes. But what we can do is identify changes in blood work, urine, and systemic blood
pressures so that we can be proactive towards this deadly process. Periodontal disease has
been identified as a potential source for introduction of pathogenic bacteria into the
bloodstream. Chronic dental disease also causes mouth pain and can ultimately reduce water
intake. Think about drinking cold water if you have a cavity or tooth sensitivity. Therefore
routine dental hygiene and cleanings are very important.
We recommend serum biochemical profiles, complete blood cell counts, and electrolytes on ALL
cats starting at 8-10 years of age and every year thereafter. We also prefer to monitor blood
pressures and thyroid functions as well.
Please visit the following linksfor up-to-date information concerning CRF in cats:
www.walthamusa.com/articles/wf83bro.pdf
www.felinecrf.com
www.cat-world.com.au/ChronicRenalfailureincats.htm
|
