Kidney problems in cats are very common disorders, which means that they affect a large number of cats. It is therefore very important that, as caregivers, we have information about these diseases, we know how to recognize the symptoms to go to the vet immediately and we understand what measures we can implement to favor the treatment and maintenance of our cat's quality of life. Medication and diet are going to be basic factors to take into account.
Keep reading this article on our site and learn how to detect the symptoms of kidney problems in cats to act quickly.
The role of the kidneys
The kidneys, in addition to excreting hormones or maintaining blood pressure, perform the important function of filtering the blood to cleanse it of waste substances that the body cannot take advantage of and eliminate them through urine. A failure in this mechanism will cause an accumulation of toxic substances that will end up causing damage to the body Kidney problems in cats can appear suddenly or develop over time. the long of the time. We will see the differences in the following sections.
Acute kidney disease
Sometimes our cat's kidney problem appears acutely. It can be caused by a bacterial infection that attacks the kidney, by intoxication, etc. In these cases we can appreciate clinical symptoms such as the following:
- There will usually be an increase in the amount of urine excreted.
- The cat stops eating and, in terms of water intake, they tend to drink more.
- It will be quiet and off.
- It also becomes dehydrated, which we can notice in the sunken eyes and the fold of the skin, which does not recover quickly.
- There may also be vomiting and diarrhea.
- The cat's breath will have a peculiar smell, like ammonia.
Chronic kidney disease
This kidney problem in cats is very common, especially in older cats, so it is convenient to check them at least once a year when they get older, in order to detect this and other pathologies early. The symptomatology may coincide with what we have seen for the acute presentation, with the difference that, in this case, what we will observe will be a gradual deterioration. We can observe these signs:
- The cat drinks and urinates more, which is known as polydipsia and polyuria.
- Still we will notice that he is losing weight
- Also, his fur will look bad.
- Even if you drink a lot, it is normal for you to be dehydrated, to a greater or lesser degree.
- It is very common for the cat to vomit frequently.
- You may have diarrhea.
- The ammonia smell is also present.
If the cat does not receive veterinary care, it may worsen until presenting a picture like that described for acute illness
Treatment of kidney problems in cats
In both acute and chronic kidney disease we must seek veterinary assistance The acute manifestation is an emergency. If the cat is not treated, its life is in danger. If he recovers, he can become chronically ill, if the damage to the kidney is irreversible.
On the other hand, cats with chronic disease can suddenly worsen, suddenly manifesting the acute picture. Damaged kidney tissue cannot be recovered so, in the case of our cat, we must know that treatment can only help him maintain a good quality of life, but it doesn't cure it. We explain both situations in more detail below.
Caring for a cat with an acute kidney problem
This is a case in which the kidney problem in the cat will require admission to start veterinary care with fluid therapy and intravenous medication. The doctor will determine the cause behind the kidney failure and act accordingly. To do this, they will perform tests such as blood tests, urine tests or ultrasounds. For example, if we are facing an infection, it will prescribe antibiotic
The first 24-48 hours are critical If the cat manages to hydrate and starts to eat, the prognosis is good and it can heal completely. Other times the cat recovers but its kidneys are damaged, becoming chronic kidney disease, with the management that we will detail below.
Living with a cat with chronic kidney disease
If the kidney problem in the cat has caused chronic kidney failure, our veterinarian, based on the results of the tests, will determine the seriousness of his condition and prescribe appropriate medication This is aimed at controlling symptoms, that is, reducing or avoiding vomiting, protecting the stomach, maintaining a proper diet, etc.
The food, which must be special for cats with kidney disease, is a basic pillar in treatment and, in some cases, It will be the only recommended measure, along with maintaining good hydration. We can purchase commercial feed for cats with kidney failure, always of high quality, or bet on homemade diets for kidney failure, whose guidelines must be prescribed by the veterinarian Veterinary follow-up is required and a visit to the clinic should any symptoms appear.
