Cats are clever and independent creatures who are hardwired to minimize signs of illness. This can make it difficult for us to know when they are dealing with a health problem. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is an irreversible condition that severely affects a cat’s quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about chronic kidney disease in cats and what you can do to help if your kitty develops it.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats?
This progressive disease decreases the ability of the kidneys to filter toxins and waste from the body. It can be caused by:
- Age: As many as 40 percent of cats over the age of 10 have CKD.
- Infections: Infections can travel through the blood, leading to other health issues like chronic kidney disease.
- An obstruction in the urinary tract: Any disruption to your cat’s normal urinary tract function can lead to harmful side effects.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension puts extra stress on the kidneys, which can eventually lead to CKD.
- Toxins: Toxins in the blood can wreak havoc on your cat’s body.
- Genetics: Some cats are genetically predisposed to dealing with this disease.
The extent of and prognosis for CKD will be dependent on each cat. While irreversible, there are ways to manage the disease to slow its progression and improve your cat’s quality of life.
What Are the Symptoms of CKD in Cats?
Early detection is important for chronic kidney disease in cats, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with its symptoms. These include:
- Significant weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Bad breath
- Mouth ulcers
- Adverse changes to the condition of the coat
- Dehydration
If you notice any of the above symptoms, schedule a wellness visit with your veterinarian to see if CKD could be present. And learn more about CKD.
How Do You Manage Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats?
Your vet will perform tests to determine the severity of your cat’s CKD and determine which supplementary treatments can help slow down the disease. Sometimes, medication for hypertension, anemia, or phosphate levels will have positive results on cats with CKD.
Nutritional changes to lower protein and phosphate consumption can also help. Fluid therapy is another crucial tool to increase a cat’s quality of life. Some supplements can improve kidney function. Your veterinarian will review a detailed plan to give your cat the best opportunity to live a normal life for as long as possible. Vets often change the treatment plan based on a cat’s response, so it’s essential to work closely with them to inform them of your cat’s condition.
At Union Lake Veterinary Hospital, we use a range of diagnostic services to monitor the health of your pets throughout their lives. Our wellness and preventive exams are designed to create a baseline for health that allows us to catch any issues like CKD early. Early detection always gives pets the best chance to find successful treatment options. To learn more about our services or to schedule an exam for your pet, please call (248) 363-1508.