Chronic Kidney Failure
Overview
Chronic renal (kidney) failure (CRF) is a common problem in cats. The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these waste products, and toxins build up in the blood producing clinical signs of kidney disease.
All breeds of any age can be affected. However, older pets are commonly affected as the prevalence increases with age. The average age of diagnosis in cats is nine years.
Diagnosis and Treatment Notes:
- Chronic kidney failure is generally diagnosed by physical examination, biochemical tests and urinalysis.
- Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, your individual pet, and your veterinarian. Treatment for chronic kidney failure includes fluid therapy to correct dehydration, dietary therapy with protein restriction and medications to help counter potassium and phosphorus imbalances. Some animals may benefit from treatment for anemia. Discuss treatment details when your pet is diagnosed with this condition.
What to Watch for*:
- Increased thirst
- Excessive drinking
- Increased urination
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Bad breath
- Anorexia
- Weakness
- Lack of coordination when walking
- Depression
*Please notify us if you notice any of the above signs or if you have any questions!