Treatment FAQ

what treatment for cats with early kidney failure?

by Dr. Emmett Zieme DVM Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your cat is diagnosed with kidney disease, treatments can range from intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, to supplements, medications, vitamin injections and potentially surgery to remove any blockages. The goal with treating kidney failure is to slow its progress and manage its symptoms.Apr 8, 2021

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How long can a cat live with Stage 4 kidney disease?

How long can a cat live with stage 4 kidney failure? Cats in stage four kidney disease had a median survival of only 1.16 months (35 days). Overall median survival time was calculated as 2.1 years (771 days) from the time of diagnosis.

How to improve kidney function in cats?

  • Take your cat for regular vet checkups. Kidney health supplements have their place in treating feline kidney disease, but they're not a replacement for conventional veterinary medicine. ...
  • Follow your vet’s directions. ...
  • Check with the vet before giving your cat other supplements. ...
  • Try different formulations. ...

How do you prevent kidney disease in cats?

To prevent kidney disease in cats, feed your cat wet food twice a day since the additional hydration in wet food helps fight kidney disease. Since obesity can increase your cat’s risk of kidney disease, ask your vet about the correct portion size for your cat as well as what food brands they recommend. If you notice any of the signs of kidney ...

What causes severe kidney failure in cats?

As they age, the kidneys begin to struggle to do their work. Kidneys are filters. They filter out toxins from the blood stream and dump them in the urine to be excreted by the body. The little tubules that do the filtering are not replaceable.

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Can early stage kidney disease in cats be cured?

Untreated, kidney disease can lead to a series of health problems. When it's chronic, there's no cure. But with early diagnosis and good care, you can help boost both the quality and length of your pet's life. Older cats aren't the only ones at risk.

How long can a cat live with early stage kidney disease?

Cats diagnosed with early disease have an average survival time of 3 years. Those with moderate disease live an average of 2 years. Those with advanced disease generally succumb to CKD within months. Despite these general rates, the survival time of any individual cat is impossible to predict.

How can I help my cat with kidney failure early?

"Different treatments are available and the majority of cats are effectively managed with diet change including supplementation and one or two other treatments." Special diets - feeding low protein and low phosphorus diets help lower the level of waste products in the bloodstream.

Can you reverse kidney failure in cats?

If diagnosed in time, acute renal failure can often be reversed. It can happen in cats of any age and typically results from poisons, trauma, infection, organ failure, urethral blockages, dehydration and other causes.

Are cats in pain with kidney failure?

If your cat is suffering from acute kidney failure you may also notice an arched back or stiff-legged gait, symptoms that your cat's kidneys are causing pain. Chronic kidney failure gradually progresses over years, and the signs may not be noticeable.

What can you not feed a cat with kidney disease?

High salt (sodium) diets may increase blood pressure and may worsen kidney damage, so diets designed for pets with kidney disease are low in sodium. You should also avoid feeding high salt treats such as cheese, bread, deli meat, and many commercial dog and cat treats.

Is canned tuna good for cats with kidney disease?

Tuna Is An Unbalanced Meal For Cats Tuna is high in phosphorus and while a healthy cat may cope with this, it won't be good for cats with kidney disease.

Does dry food cause kidney failure in cats?

2) Cats eating dry food don't drink enough water, and this increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and lower urinary tract diseases, such as feline interstitial cystitis (FIC) and urolithiasis.

What human food can cats with kidney disease eat?

Consider introducing your cat to low-phosphorus, fresh dietary foods like watermelon, apples, bananas, green beans, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and blueberries. Avoid high dietary portions of cereal grains or animal products known to include a higher ratio of phosphorus, such as rawhides, jerky treats, and real bones.

What is early kidney disease in cats?

Even when they do, the first signals of kidney disease in cats are easy to miss, including subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking more water." Lethargy, or lack of energy, a decrease or loss of appetite or vomiting, are often strong indicators that something is amiss; therefore, monitor your pet ...

What causes sudden kidney failure in cats?

Common causes of acute kidney failure include infection (e.g. leptospirosis, feline infectious peritonitis [FIP]), decreased blood supply (i.e. ischemia), toxins, excessive blood loss, very low blood pressure, burns, liver failure, cancer, kidney infections (i.e. pyelonephritis), bee or snake venom, urinary tract ...

When is it time to put a cat down with kidney failure?

Understanding the final stages of kidney (renal) failure may help you better understand when it's best to let go....Indications your cat is not responding to treatment:Hiding, acting differently, mental confusion.Sudden weight loss and loss of energy.Dull, sunken eyes or blindness.Refusal to eat and very bad breath.

What are the symptoms of end-stage kidney failure in cats?

The symptoms of end-stage kidney failure reflect the kidneys’ inability to compensate for significant damage and loss of function. These symptoms i...

How long does a cat live with kidney failure?

This depends on the stage of kidney failure. A cat may live several years with early-stage kidney failure, but less than that if the kidney failure...

Is kidney failure painful in cats?

That can depend on the underlying cause of kidney failure. For example, antifreeze toxicity can lead to a painful swelling of the kidneys.

Is kidney failure reversible?

The kidneys can withstand a lot of damage before they start to fail. However, once kidney failure sets in, there’s little chance for the kidneys to...

What is the best treatment for stage 1 kidney disease?

Stage 1 CKD treatment: The medication we use for stage 1 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is calcitriol. Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D, and it is made only in the kidneys. Active Vitamin D controls or is necessary for the function of over 2000 different types of protein molecules in the body.

How to prolong cat's life?

In summary, to catch kidney disease early in order to prolong your cat’s life expectancy by several years: 1) Let us do blood testing on your cat every year, beginning at least by age 6. 2) Once the SDMA is above 14, start calcitriol and fish oil.

What is creatinine level?

Creatinine is one of the toxins that the kidneys are supposed to filter from the blood. In the past, the creatinine level has not been considered abnormal until it was above 2.2 - but by the time it reaches that level 75% of kidney function is already damaged. Kidney Disease Slowly Progresses with Age.

What to do for stage 3 CKD?

Stage 3 CKD treatment summary: Add a potassium supplement to the diet. Stage 4 CKD treatment: When the creatinine is about 3.5 or higher, stage 4 of the four kidney disease stages, it’s time to start fluid support at home and to consider changing back from a kidney disease diet to one higher in protein.

What is stage 1 kidney disease?

This is called stage 1 of the four stages of chronic kidney disease. Almost half of cats aged 6-9 years old are already showing signs of kidney deterioration on wellness blood testing, and some reach 40% function loss as early as age 3.

What is the number one killer of cats?

Kidney disease is the number one killer of cats over 14 years of age. Unless they develop another life-threatening disease first, all cats will eventually die from kidney failure. In heart disease in humans, the plaque build-up in the arteries starts many years before a heart attack occurs.

How long do cats live with infected teeth?

Good nutrition, veterinary care and especially timely and appropriate dental care make this scenario more likely. Infected teeth shorten life expectancy by 2-3 years.

How old do cats need to be to get a kidney test?

Most veterinarians will recommend annual bloodwork for cats that are seven years of age and older. There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test, that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease.

What is the best cat diet for seniors?

High-quality senior cat diets tend to contain omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, L-carnitine, highly bioavailable protein and balanced amino acids, all of which are important ingredients to support an aging body.

What percentage of kidney function is lost in SDMA?

The old tests, BUN and creatinine, don't show any changes until 70 to 80 percent of kidney function is lost. SDMA can catch changes when only 25 percent of kidney function is lost, giving cats a better chance to respond to treatment.

What is the new blood test for kidney disease?

There are new blood tests available, like the SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine) test , that are much more sensitive than the old tests for kidney disease. SDMA catches changes in how well the kidneys are filtering the blood much earlier than other tests, mainly BUN and creatinine.

What is the most common disease in cats?

Kidney disease is one of the most common diseases seen in older domestic cats. Fortunately, veterinarians and researchers are hard at work to discover new ways to catch feline kidney disease earlier so they can better treat and manage the condition.

Can cats have kidney disease?

When you think about kidney disease in cats, pain control is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. However, we now know that cats with kidney disease are in pain, not only from their kidney disease, but also from arthritis. Arthritis is really common in older cats, and grossly underreported in the pet feline population because cats hide ...

Do cats have high blood pressure?

Did you know that the kidneys secrete a hormone that regulates blood pressure? Cats that suffer from severe kidney problems tend to have high blood pressure that puts undue stress on internal organs, including the heart, lungs and retinas.

How to treat kidney disease in cats?

He mentions you could change their water several times a day, clean their bowl daily, and consider using running water to increase water interest .

What is the best supplement for cats kidneys?

Antioxidants help reverse any type of cell damage in the kidneys. Antioxidants come from any source of vitamin c or can come from any other high-quality multi-vitamin. Antioxidant support is crucial in your cat’s diet and Robert mentions that you should watch their acid and alkaline balance.

Why is kidney failure so common in cats?

Kidney disease and failure in cats are very common and can be caused by a number of conditions. Healthy kidneys are very useful when it comes to eliminating waste from the blood, regulate calcium and hydration, and manage blood pressure. In chronic kidney failure in cats, nutrition is very important for a steady recovery in their health. Some symptoms of kidney failure are weakness, lack of appetite, depression, bad breath, weight loss, and many more.

What are the symptoms of kidney failure in cats?

Some symptoms of kidney failure are weakness, lack of appetite, depression, bad breath, weight loss, and many more.

Can cats with kidney disease have phosphorus?

Limiting phosphorus in cats with kidney disease appears to really help delay the progression of the disease. Robert recommends a therapeutic diet that is made for kidney disease for your car and that you add probiotics into their diet. It gets rid of wasteful toxins and helps reduce the workload on the kidneys.

What to do if your cat has kidney failure?

If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, this is what you can expect to happen next: Medication: Medications and supplements that lower blood pressure, raise potassium levels, lower phosphorous levels, promote kidney function, treat anemia, treat gastrointestinal ulcers, and reduce vomiting may all be a part of therapy.

What is the best medication for kidney failure in cats?

Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin) Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron) Kidney transplants may be an option for cats who meet specific criteria.

What to give a dog for kidney disease?

Additional recommendations are based on a pet’s individual needs and may include: 1 Medications to lower blood pressure (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, or enalapril) 2 Nutritional supplements that reduce BUN (Azodyl) and phosphorus levels (Epakitin) 3 Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the kidneys 4 Medications to treat or prevent stomach ulcers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, sucralfate) 5 Potassium supplements 6 Medications decrease blood phosphorous levels (e.g., calcium carbonate) 7 Calcitriol to slow the progression of chronic renal failure 8 Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin) 9 Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron)

What to expect at a vet for a cat with kidney failure?

If your veterinarian needs to confirm your cat’s diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, he or she may need to order a blood chemistry panel, complete blood cell count, a urinalysis, and blood pressure testing. Findings typically include some combination of:

How long does a cat live with kidney failure?

Some cats enjoy good quality of life for many months, or even years, while others have to be euthanized soon after diagnosis.

Can a cat be hospitalized for renal failure?

high blood pressure. After a definitive diagnosis of chronic renal failure, your veterinarian will determine whether your cat needs to be hospitalized. Severely affected cats may need to stay at the veterinary clinic to receive intravenous fluids and begin treatment for any other symptoms they might have (see below).

What is the stage 1 kidney disease in cats?

Stage 1 kidney disease in cats is an important health issue to keep an eye on, no matter what your cat's age. With the proper treatment and nutrition, though, you can keep your kitty happy and manage her condition.

How do you know if your cat has kidney disease?

Even when they do, the first signals of kidney disease in cats are easy to miss, including subtle weight loss, urinating/peeing more often and drinking more water." Lethargy, or lack of energy, a decrease or loss of appetite or vomiting, are often strong indicators that something is amiss; therefore, monitor your pet very closely, and if you notice these changes or others, contact your veterinarian right away for an appointment, as the illness can progress quickly if not treated early.

What is the best way to care for an elderly cat?

Nutrition. Nutrition is a key component of your pet's wellness, particularly for senior cats (which cats can start showing signs of aging as early as seven), when issues like kidney disease play a more prominent role. Accommodating the changing nutritional needs of your aging cat, such as choosing the right cat food, ...

What tests do you do when you bring a cat in for a checkup?

When you bring your cat in for a checkup, she will undergo a variety of tests to determine if she has kidney disease. Historically, in cats with chronic kidney disease (usually seniors), the vet specifically will look at the levels of two "biochemical byproducts," explains VCA Animal Hospital: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, ...

How to keep phosphorus down in cats?

The easiest way to keep blood phosphorous down is to restrict the amount that a cat [consumes in the diet].". The desired level of phosphorous intake depends on the level of your cat's kidney disease, which your vet will explain to you. Hill's takes this very seriously when it formulates its cat food to ensure that your cat is receiving ...

Can cats inherit kidney disease?

Researchers cannot say for sure why cats develop it, but other medical issues can lead to kidney disease, such as an infection, a virus, gum disease, and dehydration. Some cats can inherit the disease from their parents. Typically, older cats develop kidney disease, but younger cats can be affected, too.

Is phosphorus in cat food?

The mineral phosphorus, for example , is naturally found in protein-rich foods, like meats and fish, is found in pet food. However, as PetMD emphasizes, phosphorus levels must be monitored in a cat ...

What causes kidney failure in cats?

Acute kidney failure in cats can be caused by: Infection. Trauma. Heart failure. Blockage of part of the urinary system e.g; bladder or kidney stones. Toxins. Certain medications. A sudden drop in blood pressure e.g., due to blood loss, general anaesthesia. Certain types of tumour.

How to tell if a cat has kidney failure?

In acute kidney failure, the cat will show signs in a matter of hours or days. They can include: 1 Sudden anorexia (not eating) 2 Vomiting (sometimes with blood) 3 Diarrhoea 4 Strange smelling breath 5 Seizures 6 Some cats may urinate more than usual, while others may produce no urine at all.

What causes CKD in cats?

Chronic kidney disease in cats is sometimes known to be caused by: Ongoing inflammation of the glomeruli (individual units within the kidney) Damage to the kidneys following a kidney infection. Toxin damage. Excess protein loss through the kidneys.

What is a cat's kidney disease?

If the kidneys are not functioning normally for more than three months, it is referred to as ‘Chronic’ Kidney disease (CKD). CKD is one of the most common conditions to affect older cats (those over 7 years of age). It occurs when there is long term, irreversible damage to the kidneys. It is a progressive condition, ...

Why do cats urinate so much?

Cats with acute renal failure will feel very unwell in a short space of time. They often seem to be in significant pain due to swelling of the kidneys and may collapse or cry constantly.

What is it called when the kidneys are not functioning properly for more than 3 months?

If the kidneys are not functioning normally for more than three months, it is referred to as ‘Chronic’ Kidney disease ( CKD).

How long does it take for a cat to show signs of kidney failure?

In acute kidney failure, the cat will show signs in a matter of hours or days. They can include: Sudden anorexia (not eating)

What Is Kidney Disease In Cats?

Just as with humans, your cat’s kidneys provide a vital role in filtering blood and creating urine. In healthy kidneys, toxins and waste are filtered. However, if your cat’s kidneys start to lose function, blood pressure may increase, and production of red blood cells may also be affected.

Causes Of Kidney Disease In Cats

There are quite a few causes of kidney disease in cats, but toxins, trauma and even medication can occasionally be responsible for acute kidney failure.

Symptoms Of Early Stage Kidney Disease In Cats

As previously mentioned, cats are very good at hiding illness. Your cat can’t tell you what’s wrong, and the only way to find out is by noticing subtle signs.

How Is Kidney Disease In Cats Diagnosed?

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs it’s important to get your cat checked out by a vet as soon as possible. This is because early stage kidney disease can be managed.

Treatment for kidney disease in cats

If your cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease your vet will create a treatment plan. This will depend on the stage your cat is in the disease.

Final Thoughts

CKD can often be managed very well with the right treatment. Modern veterinary medicine is a world away from what it was decades ago.

How to treat kidney disease in cats?

In an ideal world, the cat eats a renal diet, takes an ACE-inhibitor, and has access to plenty of fresh drinking water. If its condition deteriorates and it starts to vomit then sucralfate and an H2 antagonist are added to help its stomach heal. Its appetite may be improved with regular vitamin B injections, and routine screening of urine and blood pressure should be undertaken every 3 months.

What to do if a cat has kidney disease?

Use medications to repair toxin damage to the stomach wall. When a cat has kidney disease, there are raised levels of urea and phosphate in the blood, which are particularly irritating to the stomach lining and the gums.

Why do cats have kidney problems?

If it does occur, it is usually because of a genetic disorder causing premature aging of the kidney, or because the cat has ingested a toxin (such as ethylene glycol in anti-freeze) which damages kidney tissue.

What are the consequences of kidney disease?

Undetected and untreated, this can have catastrophic consequences such as stroke, blindness, or sudden death. Hypertension is detected by measuring a cat’s venous blood pressure in a paw or in the vein under the tail.

What does it mean when a kidney infection is subclinical?

Many cases are "subclinical", which means they are present and sufficient to be a nuisance, but not severe enough to cause obvious symptoms. It is important that the subclinical infections are detected and treated with antibiotics before they cause further kidney damage.

What is the job of a cat's kidneys?

One of the kidney's jobs is to filter blood and remove the waste products of digestion so they can be excreted through urine. A cat with kidney disease has an impaired ability to do this. To keep your cat’s kidneys’ from struggling with food, feed your cat a diet which, when digested, is lower in toxins.

Why do vets do urine and blood tests?

Your veterinarian may run urine and blood tests in order to diagnose renal disease and may run an ultrasound scan of the kidney to rule out cancer. Kidney biopsies are infrequently done unless the scan indicates cancer because reaching a specific diagnosis is unlikely to alter the treatment needed.

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