The kidney cat

Chronic kidney disease and cats unfortunately are two words that go hand in hand.

People that have had cats throughout their lives, have probably made the experience of one of their precious pets being afflicted by some degree of kidney failure. 

Cats in general seem to be drastically prone to chronic kidney failure, in fact a staggering 30-40% of cats over 10 years, and 80%over the age of 15 are affected. This encompasses ferals, street cats and highly bred individuals equally. Even wild felines in captivity can be affected. 

Early diagnosis is key to successfully managing the condition and prolonging life. Once kidneys are damaged, regeneration is not possible, thus protecting normal, remaining kidney tissue is vital. Similarly, symptoms must be controlled and managed to maintain quality of life.

Initial symptoms can be very vague. Some weight loss, eating less, the occasional vomit. Not very different to signs of aging, really.

As the condition progresses and kidneys deteriorate, symptoms worsen and quality of life gradually decreases. This is generally a slow progress and unfortunately is mostly picked up at an advanced stage.

Later symptoms include progressive weight and muscle mass loss. Inappetence, vomiting, non grooming, mouth and tongue ulcerations, halitosis (bad smelling breath) . The major hallmark of kidney disease is dehydration, and this is what makes your kitty feel miserable and nauseous, and affects all functions of the body.

An easy way to assess hydration status of your cat is to gently lift some skin from the back of it's neck and letting it go. If hydration is adequate it should go back down almost immediately; if, however, it tents, a state of dehydration is present. 

Another hallmark of kidney damage, or dehydration, is excessive drinking and subsequent increased urination.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, a veterinary examination can make a huge difference in your cats life. Firstly, it will confirm a kidney problem, or make a different diagnosis, as there are a few other conditions that can cause these signs. Secondly, an early diagnosis will allow a management plan to be put into place .

Kidney disease is diagnosed by your vet using a urine and blood test. In some cases ultrasound can be useful to visualize the size and consistency of the organs. If hospitalization is necessary, it revolves around correcting the dehydration which is achieved with a drip. Once this is attained, support at home is crucial for maintaining a status quo.

 

The essence of this management is nutrition. Kidney disease is a condition where food can be used to manipulate symptoms, at least in the early stages.

Hills and Royal Canin have a few specific renal/kidney range for cats, and dogs for that matter. They have put extensive scientific knowledge and research into these foods and clinically they really make a difference.

A kidney diet reduces waste product accumulation in the body. It's this waste that is responsible for the malaise these cats are feeling. This is done by balancing the mineral content. Phosphorus and sodium levels are restricted. The protein levels are reduced but are high quality, allowing better sustenance. Omega-3 and vitamin levels are also increased. Lastly, they are more palatable to encourage cats eating. 

Ideally feed as much wet food as possible as this will help with your cat's hydration. it will also encourage eating, as most cats prefer wet to dry food. 

 HOME TIPS

• Provide as much fresh water as possible. Some cats like the running water of a fountain.
• If water intake is an issue it will help to dilute a little milk or tuna juice in their water
• Astragalus is a herb that has been used traditionally for kidney patients and has shown some great results.
• Rehmannia 6 and Rehmannia 8 are two chinese traditional formulas that have had excellent outcomes, for many years in human cases. It is however important to seek out advice from a TCVM practitioner as to which one would be appropriate for your kitty. 
• Vitamin B is important for cats and can be supplied in the form of a multivitamin powder 
• Omega 3 fatty acids supplements are useful
• Encourage your cat to eat as much as possible. Warming the food up a few seconds in the microwave might increase appetite.
• Lifewave patches that could help are X39 and Energy enhancer 
• If your cat has had all core vaccinations and a few annual boosters, and you life in a safe place, do not over vaccinate your cat.

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the more successful treatment and management is going to be. 

Best of luck

Dr. Sarah