What Are the Signs of Kidney Failure in Cats?
You may notice difficulty urinating or drinking water if your cat has kidney failure. Your pet could also become lethargic or depressed, vomit, retch, or stop eating.
Your vet will conduct a series of tests to assess the severity of the disease. One significant way they do this is by checking blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels in your cat's blood.
Your cat's biochemical profile will include a test to measure the protein in its urine. The more protein present, the greater the probability that your cat's kidneys aren't working optimally. This could cause an accumulation of toxins, making your cat feel ill and leading to weight loss.
Understanding the Causes of Kidney Failure in Cats
Kidney failure in cats usually falls into two categories: acute and chronic. Each has its own causes, treatment options, and prognosis.
Acute Renal Failure (ARF) occurs when a cat's kidneys are suddenly damaged, usually by poison or acute infection. If caught early enough, this type of kidney failure can often be reversed.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs when your pet's kidneys fail to function properly for months or years. As a result, toxins accumulate in their bloodstream, and they cannot excrete them through urine, leading to various symptoms.
What Our Emergency Vet Can Do for Your Pet
Our veterinarian will conduct a physical examination and order tests to identify whether your cat has kidney disease. We may also order blood work or urinalysis tests as additional diagnostic measures.
If your cat has end-stage kidney failure, our veterinarian will focus on treating symptoms and limiting organ damage. Treatment may involve fluids, medications, supplements, and diet changes that reduce toxins in the bloodstream.
You can help your cat manage their illness by giving them plenty of water and a specially formulated kidney-healthy diet.
If your cat has chronic kidney disease, our emergency vet will do a physical exam and run tests to diagnose the problem. We'll collect both a blood sample and a urine sample to check for two chemicals excreted by the kidneys: creatinine and urea.
Quality Veterinarian Care in Pinson
Call Clay-Chalkville Animal Clinic in Pinson, AL, by dialing (205) 681-1700 because our emergency vet knows what to do next.