The Basics of Feline Kidney Disease

Feline kidney disease covers three distinct classifications. One of these classifications affects one breed of cat specifically although all three types of feline kidney disease have similar health issues.

One of the main causes of feline kidney disease is a diet of only dry food or food high in phosphorous. Another cause are the many medications such as cancer treatments, anti-inflammatory agents, blood pressure medications, and aspirin. This is the reason you should not give your cat any medication which is not prescribed by a veterinarian. Other causes can include antifreeze (which is near deadly to cats), pesticides, bee stings, snake bites, solvents and cleaners, herbicides and heavy metals.

The first type of feline kidney disease is Polycystic Kidney Disease. This is the only type which is breed specific and is mostly associated with Persian cats. PKD is commonly found by locating the cysts which will develop on the kidneys of your cat. While this variation of feline kidney disease has been reported occasionally since 1967, serious study of PKD did not begin until 1990. PKD is hereditary and can often be traced back through the lineage of the cat. Your vet will confirm PKD with ultrasound and blood work.

The second type of feline kidney disease is called Acute Renal Failure. This form of the disease is the most serious type of kidney disease for a cat and can affect any breed. Acute renal failure can result in death if not treated or improperly treated. Symptoms can include an abrupt loss of GFR from toxins or loss of blood supply to the kidneys.

The third type of feline kidney disease is Chronic Renal Failure and is the most common of the three types. This form of kidney disease usually shows in older cats. Increased urination and drinking of water are common symptoms. This form of the disease develops more slowly than the others so your cat can naturally work corrective measures called homeostasis to compensate. The problem with this corrective action is that it also makes CRF hard to diagnose in the early stages. Because of this fact, treatment is begun later than normally advisable. If you have a cat over eight years old, annual checkups should be a routine. This will help catch any problems early.

Symptoms of this disease, along with frequent urination and thirst, can include other health problems such as vomiting and ulcers in the mouth. This is because ammonia begins to build up in the urine and bloodstream since the kidneys cannot dispose of it properly. As your cat's body notices the kidney failure, it will begin the attempt to pass waste directly without the kidneys. This is what causes the increased urination and thirst. Unfortunately it also causes loss of electrolytes and potassium since the body is trying to pass anything foreign, which causes dehydration and weight loss.

The seriousness of feline kidney disease is in the fact that this illness can kill a cat within months without treatment. While this disease is incurable, it is manageable and can give your cat a few more years with an ongoing treatment program. Dietary regulation and fluid intake are the main treatments for feline kidney disease. Antacids can be prescribed to bind phosphorous so that it does not build up, causing further renal failure.

Sources:

Long Beach Animal Hospital

Dr. Derek Duval DVM

Cat Fanciers Association