Unfortunately, some veterinary medications can also cause kidney damage over time.Your cat’s specific breed may predispose him to kidney disease.Poisons are one of the leading causes of renal failure in cats.Poisoning is easily avoidable by taking care to keep all toxic chemicals out of your kitty’s environment.It’s important to remember that simply removing these toxic substances from your cat’s environment may not be enough.Things like antifreeze or caustic cleaning fluids may be tracked into the house on your shoes or on your clothes.Be vigilant about cleaning up and keeping these substances out of your kitty’s reach.Any trauma to your cat’s body could trigger renal failure.This is especially true for any injuries that involve a broken pelvis or a damaged bladder.Bring your cat to the vet if he suffers any traumatic injuries.Many of them are curable, but if left untreated, kidney infections can quickly lead to renal failure.Some causes of kidney infections include kidney stones, birth defects, and blockages of the urinary tract.Many other common feline diseases can lead to kidney failure.Advanced dental disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues can all be to blame.Kidney stones and blockages can each affect overall kidney health, too.If you are concerned that your cat may be suffering from kidney disease, even if they’re not showing any of the symptoms listed here, it’s worth the peace of mind to visit your veterinarian.She can run a series of tests to either set your mind at ease or diagnose the problem and begin treatment right away.At the vet’s office, your kitty will have a series of quick and painless blood tests done, which includes a chemical blood profile and a complete blood count.Your vet will also perform a urinalysis and complete physical exam.Anemia is common in cats with chronic kidney disease.Your vet will also check electrolyte levels and blood pressure.If your cat is suffering from renal issues, creatine and blood urea nitrogen will be high.Ultrasound and x-rays are often used to measure the size and shape of cats’ kidneys.As you can see above for my Bubs, his left kidney was almost double to size of a normal kidney.Also see, that you really can’t see his right kidney.Below is another view showing the size of his right kidney versus his left:Kitties suffering chronic renal failure often have abnormally small kidneys, which are easy to see on ultrasound and x-rays.This small tissue sample is a reliable way to diagnose kidney problems.Cats with congenital renal issues are already set up for possible kidney failure in the future; nothing you do will prevent that.Proper care and consideration for your cat’s unique needs can help prolong their life and stave off the disease, however.For acute cases, the only way to prevent renal failure would be to prevent all injuries or other damaging outside influences.That’s not always possible, though it doesn’t hurt to try.Keep your cat’s life easy, stress-free, and safe to help avoid injuries or poisoning.Though you can’t 100% prevent kidney problems in cats predisposed to them or those whose kidneys were accidentally compromised in some way, you can make every effort to follow your vet’s advice for slowing down the progression of the disease.There is no known cure for chronic renal failure, but the symptoms can be treated.If caught early, there are a number of treatments that can prolong your kitty’s life and help him live more comfortably.The longer you wait for a diagnosis, however, the fewer options there will be.One of the first treatment your kitty will receive is fluid therapy.Because the kidneys are not functioning properly, your cat may be extremely dehydrated.Fluid therapy helps replace depleted fluid levels. Even if your kitty falls into the “lazy” category, there are probably times where she is playful, affectionate, and social.If your feline friend suddenly shirks social interaction or refuses to play with a favorite toy, it may be a sign of trouble.Beyond play time or social time, a cat that walks with a drooping tail and/or an unsteady stride should be seen by a vet immediately.All cats take great pride in their appearance, so it’s usually obvious when they stop grooming themselves.
These ingredients make it the right choice if you have an older cat.Finally, it is free of any preservatives, artificial flavoring, chicken by-product meals, and grains. Candy goes to the Rainbow, Cancer in her nose.Thank you for your story of Bubs, and I’m so sorry for your loss. Kidney disease used to be known as kidney failure, and you may therefore see references in some of my links to Chronic Renal Failure (CRF), or Acute Renal Failure (ARF). Look for unkempt fur, dirty paws, and a “mucky” rear end.Among the symptoms already listed, keep an eye out for the following signs of kidney disease.There are many types of kidney disease in cats. I now know what I must do. Treatment recommendations for Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease Stage 1 Feline patients: 1. No blockage.He also ate and kept it down after coming home from the vet because of that anti-nausea injection.The next morning, he didn’t show up to feeding time.He ALWAYS was there.
Discontinue all potentially nephrotoxic drugs if possible.